Saturday 31 December 2011

Happy New Year 2012


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... ... ... -♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫-♫
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"New Year 2012 will be here. With the advent of new year, a new era begins and with it comes new hopes and new possibilities. Every year teaches us some of life's most important lessons, and with that learning we put our step forward into the new year".


New year is an wonderful occasion, when we welcome something new in our lives and at the same time, forget about all the bad memories, which the passing year gave us. Happy new year quotes is one of those means, with which you can celebrate the new year with elan. All these beautiful new year quotes are written by famous personalities.

If you want to make your own new year quotations ,you can take inspiration from the below mentioned new year sayings. 

Do something quotable this new year. And, inspire others to do such deeds in the years to come. And make it a point to consider your everyday as first day of the year. And welcome the daily sun as you welcomed it on the first day of the year. 

Tell your partner that you would abide with him/her no matter in what condition life puts you in. Live life king size and do behave like a king, as a king thinks for his people and puts their needs first before thinking about his own. Become proactive and do things which makes you happy. Cheers. Happy New Year.

Do something quotable this new year. And, inspire others to do such deeds in the years to come. And make it a point to consider your everyday as first day of the year. And welcome the daily sun as you welcomed it on the first day of the year.

Tell your partner that youd abide with him/her no matter in what condition life puts you in. Live life king size and do behave like a king, as a king thinks for his people and puts their needs first before thinking about his own. 

Become proactive and do things which makes you happy. There is a famous quote from a celebrated personality Tom Bergeron, “May all of your resolutions (except the ridiculous ones borne of misplaced guilt) be realized. That should take care of most of them…” cheers to the spirit of this quote and a new life. Cheers. Happy New Year.  


 So, get ready and welcome the year 2012 with a bang.



REGARDS


(PHARMA CRUSADERS TEAM)





Pfizer’s Pneumonia Vaccine Receives FDA Approval


Pfizer has announced that its pneumonia vaccine, Prevnar has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to be used in treating pneumonia and meningitis in adults over the age of 50 years.

 
Prevnar 13 is one of Pfizer’s most successful products and has already approved to be used in treating diseases caused by pneumococcus bacteria in children. The vaccine fights 13 different strains of pneumococcus bacteria and generates more than $1.5 billion in annual revenues for the company. 


Stating that a large section of the population over 50 years of age are suffering from diseases caused by pneumococcus bacteria, the FDA revealed that the latest approval will provide an alternative option for physicians to prevent such diseases. 

“Pneumococcal disease is a substantial cause of illness and death. Today's approval provides an additional vaccine for preventing pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive disease in this age group”, the director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Dr Karen Midthun said. 

Source-Medindia

 

TB Drug Resistance Linked to Speedy Drug Metabolism


Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (TB) is more likely caused in patients by speedy drug metabolism rather than inconsistent doses, as is widely believed, scientists have revealed. 

The finding may lead to better ways to treat one of the world's major infectious diseases.
The team from the UT Southwestern Medical Center included Drs. Shashikant Srivastava, Tawanda Gumbo and Jotam G. Pasipanodya. 

In this study, UT Southwestern researchers created a sophisticated system of high-tech test tubes, which they called a "glass mouse," that mimicked standard therapy being given daily for 28 to 56 days, with dosing adherence varying between 0 percent and 100 percent. 

The threshold for defined non-adherence (failure to take a required dose of medication) was reached at 60 percent of the time or more. 

"The first main finding in our laboratory model was that in fact non-adherence did not lead to multidrug resistance or emergence of any drug resistance in repeated studies, even when therapy failed. In fact, even when we started with a bacterial population that had been spiked with drug-resistant bacteria, non-adherence still did not lead to drug resistance," said Dr. Tawanda Gumbo, associate professor of internal medicine and senior author of the study. 

In fact, using computer simulations based on 10,000 TB patients in Cape Town, South Africa, the researchers discovered that approximately 1 percent of all TB patients with perfect adherence still developed drug resistance because they cleared the drugs from their bodies more quickly. 

The body sees drugs as foreign chemicals and tries to rid itself of them, Dr. Gumbo said. A population of individuals with a genetic trait that speeds the process has been found in one area of South Africa that has a high rate of multidrug-resistant TB. 

In that population, patients who receive standard doses of drugs end up with concentrations in their bodies that are too low to kill the TB bacillus and drug resistance develops, he said. 

"These data, based on our preclinical model, show that non-adherence alone is insufficient for the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB," Dr. Gumbo said. 

"It might be more cost-effective to measure patients' drug concentrations during treatment and intervene with dosage increases in those who quickly clear the drugs from their systems," he added. 

The finding has been published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Source-ANI

 

Revised International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury


The International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) have been revised in 2011 and published in the November 2011 issue of the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. The accompanying reference article by Steven Kirshblum et al clarifies the modifications to this newest revision. Both are available for free download via http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/scm (#6, Nov 2011).

 
ISNCSCI are the recommended guidelines for the consistent classification of the neurological level and extent of injury to achieve reliable data for clinical care and research studies in spinal cord injury. 


Classification is based on systematic sensory and motor examination of dermatomes and myotomes to determine the spinal cord segments that are injured. Following ISNCSCI guidelines yields the sensory and motor levels of injury (right and left), the neurological level of injury (NLI), sensory scores (pin prick & light touch), motor scores (upper and lower limbs) and the zone of partial preservation (ZPP). The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) classifies the severity, or completeness, of injury. 

ISNCSCI is used to assess prognosis and measure recovery and results of rehabilitation interventions and experimental therapies. This 2011 revision was generated by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) in collaboration with the International Spinal Cord Society. Because of the importance of global dissemination of ISNCSCI to professionals in spinal cord injury care and research, the 2011 revised ISNSCI and reference article are freely available via ingentaconnect.com. 

First developed by ASIA in 1982, the widespread and consistent use of ISNCSCI's precisely defined classifications has facilitated clinical care as well as research in spinal cord medicine. ISNSCI is revised periodically to reflect advances in understanding of the neurological effects of spinal cord injury, and to ensure reliability and validity of the guidelines. 


Source-Eurekalert

 

Friday 30 December 2011

FDA ALERT Consumer Alert for cheese and milk products due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination


Contact:
Consumer:
617-983-6712

Media:
Jen Manly
617-624-5006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 29, 2011 - The MA Department of Public Health (MDPH) is issuing a warning to consumers to avoid consumption of certain cheese and milk products because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). The presence of L. monocytogenes in foods such as cheese and milk products represents a significant danger to public health.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued an 11/24/11 health alert notifying residents of Canada of a voluntary recall initiated by the dairy plant, 3903052 Canada Inc., Boisbriand, in Québec. This large recall followed two previous alerts, fairly extensive product testing and a clinical match to a case of listeriosis.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified MDPH on 12/28/11 that product was distributed to Cedar Market located in Norwood, MA.  Cedar Market is a retail establishment, which also sold the following products to Bahnan’s located in Worcester, MA.

The recalled products distributed in Massachusetts have the brand name “Fromagerie Marie Kade”.  All cheese products involved bear establishment number 1874. Any Best Before dates up to and including those listed, are affected by the alert. The cheese products that are the subject of the consumer alert in Massachusetts include:
  • Akawi Cheese Best Before 08 MAR 2012
  • Baladi Cheese Best Before 08 FEB 2012.
  • Shinglish Cheese Best Before 07 NOV 2012
  • Tresse Cheese Best Before 10 NOV 2012
  • Vachekaval Cheese Best Before 10 MAR 2012
  • Halloom Best Before 01 MAY 2012
  • Moujadale Best Before 04 MAY 2012      
L. monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women.
To date, no illnesses have been reported in MA.  MDPH has worked with the US FDA and local officials to embargo and destroy these products and to review inventory records for distribution.
Since the recalled products have not expired, it is possible that consumers may have products in their home. For that reason, MDPH is advising consumers who have purchased products listed to discard them. Consumers with questions may call MDPH Food Protection Program at 617-983-6712.
Canadian notice:  http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2011/20111124be.shtml
The Canadian website may periodically list expanded products involved in this recall.

source: FDA

Healthy vs. Diseased Nails




Introduction:
At the extremity of each finger point, nails are present on the dorsal side. The chief role of nails is to shield and it in addition assists in a good grasp for gripping things. It comprises a hardwearing fairly supple keratinous nail plate that begins from the nail matrix. The nail bed is a tender tissue beneath the nail plate. The nail fold or the cuticle divides the skin and the nail plate. Natural healthy nails are pale pink in hue and they have a convex surface from one side to the other. While in three months fingernails grow 1 cm, toenails take 2 years to reach the same length.
Significance Of Nails In Diagnosing Disease:
The hue, look, shape and quality of nails provide some information regarding the overall well being and cleanliness of an individual. All physicians to gain some indications regarding the possible cause of diseases routinely inspect nails. By simply glancing at nails it is possible to discern an individual’s sense of hygiene. An irregular nail may be present from birth or on account of some disorders. The causative factors for nail changes may range from straightforward explanations to serious ailments. Therefore, it is imperative for a doctor to examine them to identify the cause of the disease. Some atypical results with likely causes are addressed here for broad awareness.
1. Hygiene:
It is very simple to recognize an unhealthy nail. Dirt deposition beneath the nail plate’s distal end can lead to a possibility of pathogen intake while eating. In case nails are not properly trimmed, it could lead to worm problems in kids. When worms creep in the anal opening, kids will scratch, and this causes the worms’ ova to lodge beneath the nails, which will be ingested while eating. Conspicuous nails could also make skin disease problems worse by regular itching. Sharp nails in little children cause small injuries when they kick their feet or wave their hands.
2. Nail Color:
a. When anemic, nails turn pale.
b. In Nephrotic syndrome and unrelieved kidney failure, dense white discoloration (leuconychia) is observed.
c. In hypoalbuminaemia like in cirrhosis and renal disorders, whitening is also observed.
d. Drugs such as anti malarial, sulpha group, antibiotics, and so on can lead to nail discoloration.
e. A black discoloration of the nails is brought about by fungal infection.
f. Nails turn green or black in pseudomonas infection.
g. In vasculitis, particularly in SLE & polyarteritis, infarction of the nail bed happens.
h. Red spots are observed in nails because of splinter hemorrhages in rheumatoid arthritis, sub acute bacterial endo carditis, collagen vascular diseases, trauma, etc.
i. A blunt wound causes hemorrhage, leading to black/blue discoloration of nails.
j. Nails turn brown in renal diseases and in reduced adrenal functioning.
k. In Wilson’s disease, the nail takes on a bluish semicircular tinge.
l. Due to reduction in blood flow, nails turn yellow. Nails also turn yellowish in psoriasis and jaundice.
m. All the nails turn yellow in color with pleural effusion in case of yellow nail syndrome.
3. Nail Shape:
a. Clubbing: In this case, tissues at the bottom of the nails become thick and the incline between the skin and the nail base is destroyed. The nail turns more convex, with the tip of the finger becoming swollen and appearing similar to a drumstick tip. When the condition worsens, the nail appears like the beak of a parrot.
Causes of Clubbing:
Acute chronic cyanosis
Congenital Wounds
Lung diseases such as bronchiactesis, empyema, pulmonary tuberculosis, and carcinoma of bronchus
Abdominal diseases such as polyposis of colon, crohn’s disease, liver cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis and so on
Heart diseases such as sub acute bacterial endocarditis, fallot’s tetralogy, etc.
b. Koilonychia:
In this case the nails turn concave, almost spoon-like. This condition is observed in anemia caused by iron deficiency. The nails, in this condition, turn fragile, soft and emaciated. The usual convex nails become concave.
c. In raynaud’s disease, lengthwise ridging is observed.
d. In dermatomyositis, cuticles become frayed.
e. An indication of systemic sclerosis, SLE, and dermatomyositis is Nail fold telangiectasia.
4. Structure & Consistency:
a. When nails develop fungal infection, they tend to be discolored, misshapen, hypertrophy and atypically fragile.
b. In psoriasis, alopecia aereata and severe eczema, there is thimble pitting of nails.
c. Paronychia refers to cuticle or the nail fold inflammation.
d. Onycholysis refers to the nail bed severance as observed in infection, psoriasis, and after having tetracyclines.
e. The nail is destroyed in cases of epidermolysis bullosa, lichen planus.
f. Nail patella syndrome is a genetic disorder where the nail itself is not present.
g. Nails become easily broken in gangrene and raynauds disease.
h. Nail fall is observed in psoriasis, thyroid diseases, and fungal infection.
5. Growth:
When the blood flow is diminished, the nail growth is affected. Moreover, in case of acute sickness, growth of nails is impacted. Once the symptoms recede, the growth commences once more leading to development of crosswise crinkles. These lines are known as Beau’s lines and facilitate detecting the date when the illness started.

source: MedicalNeeds

The missing link to lose weight



New studies find obesity to be one of the most costly conditions on the planet.
Hundreds of billions of dollars are now spent annually on weight loss products, services and other weight-related health conditions.


Weight loss centres and gyms are now targeting this growing epidemic.


However, it has been quoted that 70% or more do not enrol in programmes and try to lose weight on their own.


The vast majority of people attempting to lose weight fail to do so. There are a multitude of reasons why people fail.


To best prepare for success, we must understand the mistakes that others commonly make. It’s not where you stand right now that matters; it’s where you are going.


Let’s not buy into the myth that you can’t lose weight or that it has to be hard.


A Harvard University weight loss study states: “It is clear that health is significantly affected by mindset.” Weight loss plans require dedication and consistency not only physically, but also mentally. Social obligations and temptations are two of the most common causes of inconsistency.


Our social gatherings commonly include food and we usually over-indulge ourselves during the holiday season. It is very important to get friends and family members involved in a healthy living programme as well. If you do it together, you will succeed.


Many times people expect miracles within days of starting a weight loss programme. When you do not see a significant change it is common to get disappointed, lose hope and fall off track.


The goal of any programme is continuous daily improvements. The added weight did not appear overnight and will require time to improve. You can do it though!


You can get into the best shape of your life, regardless of your age. The secret to success is a proper mindset and a plan.


Failure only happens if your desire to indulge in unhealthy habits exceeds your desire to lose weight and get in great shape.


Rome is not built in a single day. We need to set realistic goals and a great plan of action to achieve success. It is very important to write it down and record the progress.


“Everyone has inside himself a piece of good news! The good news is that you really don’t know how great you can be, how much you can love, what you can accomplish, and what your potential is!”— Anne Frank


In 2012, the only thing that stands between a person and the results they want is the will to try it and the faith to believe it possible. This belief fuels enthusiasm and this enthusiasm explodes into passion.


Have the perseverance to succeed.


Perseverance is not a long race; it’s many short races, one after another. Have simple, clearly defined goals that will capture your imagination and inspire passion. We can never help another without first helping ourselves.


Our goal in 2012 as an organisation is to provide you with the very best resources for success.


Success is not limited to weight loss, but also other life and health management techniques.


This is your year of success. A New Year, a New You! If you email us, we will send you weight loss tools that will help ensure your success.


We have tips on recipes, nutritional advice and exercise techniques proven to help you lose weight, stay healthy and eliminate disease.


We would like to thank you for your continued questions. This is a reader- directed column that focuses on difficult topics.


Every email will receive a response. This information is not to replace your doctor’s recommendation, it is an educational tool.

source: News Day

BURGER'S MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY E-BOOK

Vitamins and good fats may help our brain


“Get rid of all trans fats in your diet!” is the main takeaway message from a December 28 study on vitamins and the brain in the journal "Neurology."
According to lead author Gene Bowman ND MPH, an assistant professor of neurology at the NIA-Layton Center for Aging & Alzheimer Research at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, the study, entitled “Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging,” looked at the relationship between nutrient status, cognitive function and brain health in 104 elderly participants, 62 percent of whom were women.
Utilizing eight distinct nutrient biomarker patterns (NBPs) out of 30 that were originally developed, the authors were able to see, by using psychological and cognitive tests, blood tests and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which participants had less brain shrinkage, or atrophy, and what these nutrient profiles suggest as to what dietary practices may be associated with better cognitive health as we age.
The nutrient biomarker pattern (NBP) was first tested and validated against food frequency questionnaire studies by Bowman and his colleagues in an earlier 2011 study which appeared in the journal, "Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders."
“What we’re doing is picking up on the plasma signatures of different nutrient combinations, which will help us come up with better nutritional and public health recommendations,” said Bowman, in a December 29 phone interview.
The results indicated that those who had the highest blood (plasma) levels of vitamins B, C, D and E and omega-3 fats (good fats) did the best on cognitive tests and had the healthiest brains; those who had the most bad fat, specifically trans fat, in their blood did the worst on cognitive tests and had the least healthy brains – meaning their brains showed some initial signs of volume loss, or shrinkage, an early warning for potential dementia or Alzheimer’s disease down the road.
According to Jeffrey Blumberg PhD, director of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, the results of “the Bowman study are consistent with several of the studies completed by Martha Clare Morris (and her colleague, Christy Tangney).
“They are also consistent with those showing a beneficial relationship of B vitamins (especially B12) and brain volume published a couple years ago (from a British group). Similarly, observational studies have shown an inverse correlation between folate [folic acid] intake/status and risk for age-related dementias. The Physicians Health Study found beta-carotene is associated with less cognitive decline in aging. And some (but not all) studies have found a benefit of vitamin E supplementation on cognitive performance and/or rate of decline in Alzheimer’s disease.”
It is known that trans fats, which are found in deep-fried foods and as partially hydrogenated oils found in packaged snack and other processed foods, are bad. This study, however, is “the first study to look at trans fats in the context of brain health and functioning,’ added Bowman.
This study, said Bowman, was funded by the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). A future study, one that is in the works, will look at the impact of diet in people over many years or even decades, which is called a longitudinal study.
“Is all that frozen pizza really worth it?,” asked Bowman, who suggests, on the positive side, that people should consider eating more “fish, beans, citrus fruits [and] dark green leafy vegetables.”


 source: Digital Journal