Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX:LIV), a developer of innovative drugs, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Georgetown University for a patent covering the Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor (PBR) which has led to Cancer drug candidates with the ability to inhibit cancerous tumors; and an imaging technique that could possibly distinguish cancerous tumors for a more targeted and improved chemotherapy.
The patent entitled "Etoposide Conjugates with PBR Ligands" describes PBR as a high affinity drug and cholesterol-binding protein that has become an attractive target for cancer therapies and cancer imaging. Over-expression of PBR has been observed in a variety of cancers, including brain, breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.
money.cnn.com
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Smoking during pregnancy may increase blood pressure in newborn babies
Babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy face the risk of developing high blood pressure during the initial months of their life, according to a study by researchers at the University Medical Center in Utrecht, Netherlands. The details of the study are due to appear in the September issue of Hypertension.
The study called the Wheezing Illnesses Study Leidsche Rijn (WHISTLER) involved 456 women who were pregnant. Researchers found that just six percent or 30 of the women smoked when pregnant. However babies born to these mothers had systolic blood pressure that was 5.4 millimeters of Hg higher than babies born to mothers who never smoked during pregnancy.
Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the upper reading of the blood pressure figure and is the pressure exerted by the blood when the heart is in a contracted state. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the lower of the blood pressure figures and represents the pressure when the heart is in a relaxed state.
“Our findings indicate maternal smoking during pregnancy has a direct substantial impact on systolic blood pressure in early infancy and is another reason for women not to smoke during pregnancy,” said lead author Caroline C. Geerts. “This association appears to occur in utero and doesn't appear to be due to the postnatal environment of the infant.”
But the researchers did not find any association between smoking during pregnancy and the diastolic blood pressure of newborn babies. Smoke exposure also did not have any significant effect on the heart rate of newborn babies. However the researchers were not sure if their findings would have an impact on the blood pressure of the babies when they grew up.
“It is unknown if our findings will have an impact on blood pressure later in life," Geerts said. "From a prevention point of view, it is important to determine these early life risk factors, to know at what age they exert vascular damage, and ultimately whether childhood interventions lead to actual cardiovascular risk reduction.”
source : www.earthtimes.org
The study called the Wheezing Illnesses Study Leidsche Rijn (WHISTLER) involved 456 women who were pregnant. Researchers found that just six percent or 30 of the women smoked when pregnant. However babies born to these mothers had systolic blood pressure that was 5.4 millimeters of Hg higher than babies born to mothers who never smoked during pregnancy.
Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the upper reading of the blood pressure figure and is the pressure exerted by the blood when the heart is in a contracted state. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the lower of the blood pressure figures and represents the pressure when the heart is in a relaxed state.
“Our findings indicate maternal smoking during pregnancy has a direct substantial impact on systolic blood pressure in early infancy and is another reason for women not to smoke during pregnancy,” said lead author Caroline C. Geerts. “This association appears to occur in utero and doesn't appear to be due to the postnatal environment of the infant.”
But the researchers did not find any association between smoking during pregnancy and the diastolic blood pressure of newborn babies. Smoke exposure also did not have any significant effect on the heart rate of newborn babies. However the researchers were not sure if their findings would have an impact on the blood pressure of the babies when they grew up.
“It is unknown if our findings will have an impact on blood pressure later in life," Geerts said. "From a prevention point of view, it is important to determine these early life risk factors, to know at what age they exert vascular damage, and ultimately whether childhood interventions lead to actual cardiovascular risk reduction.”
source : www.earthtimes.org
Overweight women at risk of pregnancy complications
NEW YORK - The heavier a woman is before pregnancy, the greater her risk of a range of pregnancy complications, a large study suggests.
Using data from more than 24,000 UK women who gave birth between 1976 and 2005, researchers found that the risk of problems, such as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and premature delivery climbed in tandem with a woman's pre-pregnancy weight.
The findings, published in the online journal BMC Public Health, add to evidence that obesity is a risk for mothers and newborns.
They also support the belief that all pregnancies in obese women should be considered "high risk," and managed accordingly, conclude the study authors, led by Dr. Sohinee Bhattacharya of Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.
The researchers found that compared with normal-weight women, obese women were 50 percent more likely to have post-delivery bleeding and twice as likely to deliver prematurely. They were also more likely to need an emergency C-section or to have labor induced.
Morbidly obese women had the highest risk of suffering pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication marked by a sudden rise in blood pressure and kidney abnormalities.
In contrast, the study found that women who were underweight before pregnancy tended to have the lowest risk of all these complications. They were, however, more likely than normal-weight women to have an underweight newborn.
The results add to growing evidence of the importance of a mother's weight in pregnancy outcomes, according to Bhattacharya's team.
"The evidence for obesity as an important complication in pregnancy is mounting," the researchers write, it is time for physicians to be aware of these findings and start using them in their practice.
Besides good prenatal care, they note, this means counseling overweight women to lose weight before they become pregnant.
source : www.chinadaily.com.cn
Using data from more than 24,000 UK women who gave birth between 1976 and 2005, researchers found that the risk of problems, such as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and premature delivery climbed in tandem with a woman's pre-pregnancy weight.
The findings, published in the online journal BMC Public Health, add to evidence that obesity is a risk for mothers and newborns.
They also support the belief that all pregnancies in obese women should be considered "high risk," and managed accordingly, conclude the study authors, led by Dr. Sohinee Bhattacharya of Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.
The researchers found that compared with normal-weight women, obese women were 50 percent more likely to have post-delivery bleeding and twice as likely to deliver prematurely. They were also more likely to need an emergency C-section or to have labor induced.
Morbidly obese women had the highest risk of suffering pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication marked by a sudden rise in blood pressure and kidney abnormalities.
In contrast, the study found that women who were underweight before pregnancy tended to have the lowest risk of all these complications. They were, however, more likely than normal-weight women to have an underweight newborn.
The results add to growing evidence of the importance of a mother's weight in pregnancy outcomes, according to Bhattacharya's team.
"The evidence for obesity as an important complication in pregnancy is mounting," the researchers write, it is time for physicians to be aware of these findings and start using them in their practice.
Besides good prenatal care, they note, this means counseling overweight women to lose weight before they become pregnant.
source : www.chinadaily.com.cn
Return From Operational Service Due To Pregnancy
Media reports during the last week have discussed the repatriation of a female Army officer from Afghanistan in October 2006, and more recently, the actions of the member's Commanding Officer.
The female officer involved has expressed her concern through the Defence chain of command at the public exposure of traumatic and very personal issues.
The circumstances of the member's return to Australia and miscarriage, including her Commanding Officer's involvement, were investigated at the time of the incident by the Australian Deputy Commander in Afghanistan.
It was found that the member's return to Australia was consistent with policy and that the actions of the Commanding Officer were appropriate.
In light of this recent speculation, however, Defence is reviewing the advice provided to the Commanding Officer that assisted his decision-making.
Defence has no further comment on this matter at this stage.
Defence understands that some anonymous comments are circulating in relation to command of the first Australian deployment to Oruzgan Province in 2006.
Defence is aware of these comments and will not respond to anonymous allegations. Defence will treat seriously any formal representations made by named persons.
Defence can confirm that allegations against the Commanding Officer by a single individual under his command were investigated in November 2006. This included interviews with key personnel from the Reconstruction Force Headquarters, as well as the female officer who was repatriated as a result of her pregnancy. All stated that they had no issues with the Commanding Officer and the review subsequently concluded there was no substance to the allegations.
Among the achievements of the Commanding Officer who led the first Reconstruction Task Force in Oruzgan Province, was the establishment of an effective and very well regarded ADF presence in a demanding and complex operational environment.
Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston said that he had "the highest regard for the reconstruction and security achievements of the Commanding Officer in a challenging and dangerous operational tour, from which all personnel deployed home safely."
source : www.scoop.co.nz
The female officer involved has expressed her concern through the Defence chain of command at the public exposure of traumatic and very personal issues.
The circumstances of the member's return to Australia and miscarriage, including her Commanding Officer's involvement, were investigated at the time of the incident by the Australian Deputy Commander in Afghanistan.
It was found that the member's return to Australia was consistent with policy and that the actions of the Commanding Officer were appropriate.
In light of this recent speculation, however, Defence is reviewing the advice provided to the Commanding Officer that assisted his decision-making.
Defence has no further comment on this matter at this stage.
Defence understands that some anonymous comments are circulating in relation to command of the first Australian deployment to Oruzgan Province in 2006.
Defence is aware of these comments and will not respond to anonymous allegations. Defence will treat seriously any formal representations made by named persons.
Defence can confirm that allegations against the Commanding Officer by a single individual under his command were investigated in November 2006. This included interviews with key personnel from the Reconstruction Force Headquarters, as well as the female officer who was repatriated as a result of her pregnancy. All stated that they had no issues with the Commanding Officer and the review subsequently concluded there was no substance to the allegations.
Among the achievements of the Commanding Officer who led the first Reconstruction Task Force in Oruzgan Province, was the establishment of an effective and very well regarded ADF presence in a demanding and complex operational environment.
Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston said that he had "the highest regard for the reconstruction and security achievements of the Commanding Officer in a challenging and dangerous operational tour, from which all personnel deployed home safely."
source : www.scoop.co.nz
HealthSmarts: Preparing for pregnancy
We are all familiar with the increased infertility rates facing many American couples today. With approximately one in 10 couples struggling to get pregnant, it is impossible not to know someone having difficulty conceiving. As our friends describe the injections, medications and timed intercourse, most of us are confronted with the uncomfortable realization that getting pregnant may not be that easy.
For many women today, pregnancy is something we delay as we attempt to build our careers or solidify our marriages. Often, the ability to conceive is taken for granted, and many women do not even think actively about pregnancy until getting pregnant becomes difficult.
While much has been written on how to get pregnant or what specialists to see, I believe that we can have more success getting pregnant if more time and energy is spent on preparing for pregnancy rather than focusing only on getting pregnant. In healing traditions around the world, pregnancy and the ability to conceive are an overall reflection of a woman's total health.
As women prepare for pregnancy, it is important to acknowledge some of the more established causes of infertility. These include:
1. Age: Unfortunately, age is a critical fertility predictor. The older the male or female partner, the higher the risk for infertility. Fertility rates in women begin to fall at the age of 34 or 35, and then drop sharply again at 40 and 43. In men, fertility appears to decline after age 40.
2. BMI: The body mass index or BMI is also critical in women. BMI is a calculation used to assess weight in men or women. A BMI greater than 30 (or less than 20 in women) is associated with decreased fertility in both men and women.
3. Cigarette smoke exposure: Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke has been shown to decrease fertility in both men and women.
Education on common infertility risk factors can help couples plan for children and make health changes before hitting the infertility roller coaster. For example, a couple in their late 30s that may have recently married would be better off getting pregnant early in the marriage rather than waiting to approach their 40s. A young woman who smokes or has a partner who smokes may be better off directing her energy toward quitting smoking rather than trying to get pregnant. Finally, a woman (or man) with a BMI greater than 30 may have more fertility success if she works to lose weight rather than trying to get pregnant.
While understanding the infertility risk factors are an important first step in pregnancy preparation, most couples can benefit from additional pregnancy planning at least one year before attempting to become pregnant. I recommend that couples develop a "Pre-Pregnancy Plan," in which they develop strategies to create an environment conducive to fertility. A Pre-Pregnancy Plan would include:
1. Stress and Lifestyle Assessment
Stress is known to alter hormonal profiles in women, which in turn affects fertility. Couples should take some time to evaluate the stressors in their lives. For some women, the stress may be financial, while for others, stress is related to work or relationship demands. Confronting these stressors with your partner and then finding ways to minimize the stress ultimately improves overall health and hormonal profiles in women.
2. Nutrition Assessment
Many integrative physicians believe that creating an optimal nutritional environment aids fertility and weight management. Following a diet high in essential fatty acids and B vitamins, while low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, may aid fertility. Couples may benefit from keeping a food diary for 1-2 days, and then reviewing that information with a nutritionist or an integrative physician for suggested changes. While over-supplementation with vitamins is never recommended, a nutritional supplement called Fertility Blend for Women has been shown to improve fertility rates in some women.
3. Self Care
Finally, all women should develop routine self-care strategies that help minimize stress and conserve energy. Self care can take the form of relaxation therapies like massage and meditation. Some women may benefit more from moderate exercise programs like yoga or swimming that are mentally relaxing while being physically active. Maintaining friendships is another way to feel connected and less stressed. I recommend that all women engage in at least one self-care technique daily. These routines help in battling unexpected stressors and improving fertility.
In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, pregnancy is the culmination of a woman's creative energy, and must be honored and respected. Our present culture forces many women to ignore their creative energy, only understanding its value after much heartache. By learning to prepare for pregnancy rather than compete for the outcome, integrative physicians believe that many women can avoid the tumultuous path of infertility treatments and constant anxiety. I encourage all women to develop their own pre-pregnancy plan through which they honor their energy and achieve their best health.
--
(Dr. Bhatia is a physician and fellow at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. She has practiced pediatric emergency medicine for seven years and is certified in holistic medicine, nutrition and acupuncture. She is a recurring medical guest on CNN/Headline News. Please feel free to contact her with questions at tasneembhatia8@yahoo.com.)
--
(The medical information provided in this column is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health provider.)
www.earthtimes.org
For many women today, pregnancy is something we delay as we attempt to build our careers or solidify our marriages. Often, the ability to conceive is taken for granted, and many women do not even think actively about pregnancy until getting pregnant becomes difficult.
While much has been written on how to get pregnant or what specialists to see, I believe that we can have more success getting pregnant if more time and energy is spent on preparing for pregnancy rather than focusing only on getting pregnant. In healing traditions around the world, pregnancy and the ability to conceive are an overall reflection of a woman's total health.
As women prepare for pregnancy, it is important to acknowledge some of the more established causes of infertility. These include:
1. Age: Unfortunately, age is a critical fertility predictor. The older the male or female partner, the higher the risk for infertility. Fertility rates in women begin to fall at the age of 34 or 35, and then drop sharply again at 40 and 43. In men, fertility appears to decline after age 40.
2. BMI: The body mass index or BMI is also critical in women. BMI is a calculation used to assess weight in men or women. A BMI greater than 30 (or less than 20 in women) is associated with decreased fertility in both men and women.
3. Cigarette smoke exposure: Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke has been shown to decrease fertility in both men and women.
Education on common infertility risk factors can help couples plan for children and make health changes before hitting the infertility roller coaster. For example, a couple in their late 30s that may have recently married would be better off getting pregnant early in the marriage rather than waiting to approach their 40s. A young woman who smokes or has a partner who smokes may be better off directing her energy toward quitting smoking rather than trying to get pregnant. Finally, a woman (or man) with a BMI greater than 30 may have more fertility success if she works to lose weight rather than trying to get pregnant.
While understanding the infertility risk factors are an important first step in pregnancy preparation, most couples can benefit from additional pregnancy planning at least one year before attempting to become pregnant. I recommend that couples develop a "Pre-Pregnancy Plan," in which they develop strategies to create an environment conducive to fertility. A Pre-Pregnancy Plan would include:
1. Stress and Lifestyle Assessment
Stress is known to alter hormonal profiles in women, which in turn affects fertility. Couples should take some time to evaluate the stressors in their lives. For some women, the stress may be financial, while for others, stress is related to work or relationship demands. Confronting these stressors with your partner and then finding ways to minimize the stress ultimately improves overall health and hormonal profiles in women.
2. Nutrition Assessment
Many integrative physicians believe that creating an optimal nutritional environment aids fertility and weight management. Following a diet high in essential fatty acids and B vitamins, while low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, may aid fertility. Couples may benefit from keeping a food diary for 1-2 days, and then reviewing that information with a nutritionist or an integrative physician for suggested changes. While over-supplementation with vitamins is never recommended, a nutritional supplement called Fertility Blend for Women has been shown to improve fertility rates in some women.
3. Self Care
Finally, all women should develop routine self-care strategies that help minimize stress and conserve energy. Self care can take the form of relaxation therapies like massage and meditation. Some women may benefit more from moderate exercise programs like yoga or swimming that are mentally relaxing while being physically active. Maintaining friendships is another way to feel connected and less stressed. I recommend that all women engage in at least one self-care technique daily. These routines help in battling unexpected stressors and improving fertility.
In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, pregnancy is the culmination of a woman's creative energy, and must be honored and respected. Our present culture forces many women to ignore their creative energy, only understanding its value after much heartache. By learning to prepare for pregnancy rather than compete for the outcome, integrative physicians believe that many women can avoid the tumultuous path of infertility treatments and constant anxiety. I encourage all women to develop their own pre-pregnancy plan through which they honor their energy and achieve their best health.
--
(Dr. Bhatia is a physician and fellow at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. She has practiced pediatric emergency medicine for seven years and is certified in holistic medicine, nutrition and acupuncture. She is a recurring medical guest on CNN/Headline News. Please feel free to contact her with questions at tasneembhatia8@yahoo.com.)
--
(The medical information provided in this column is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health provider.)
www.earthtimes.org
Woman faked pregnancy for gifts
Police in Jacksonville, Fla., say a 27-year-old woman pretended to be pregnant with quadruplets to receive gifts, donations and discounts.
Authorities said Clarissa Robbie Linnabary received special treatment from U.S. Navy and Marine Corps families, local businesses and friends after she claimed to be carrying four unborn children, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, reported Tuesday.
The Camden County Sheriff's Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service discovered the woman was never actually pregnant after two witnesses came forward and said they believed Linnabary was lying.
www.upi.com
Authorities said Clarissa Robbie Linnabary received special treatment from U.S. Navy and Marine Corps families, local businesses and friends after she claimed to be carrying four unborn children, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, reported Tuesday.
The Camden County Sheriff's Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service discovered the woman was never actually pregnant after two witnesses came forward and said they believed Linnabary was lying.
www.upi.com
Pregnancy program's message - Just Say 'Know'
HAGERSTOWN - The government hasn't been able to lower teen pregnancy rates. Nor have the schools, as Washington County continues to rank high - sometimes even first - in the state in this problem area.
So now the religious community is getting ready to launch its faith-based program called Just Say "Know" in hopes of finding favor with parents and young people alike.
"I discovered this program in 2006 while at a conference for Christian educators in Oklahoma," said Cindy Reeder, Christian educator/program facilitator at First Christian Church in Hagerstown.
An eye-opening experience for Reeder, the conference prompted her to bring the concept back to Washington County in hopes of having a similar training activity for parents, grandparents, clergy and anyone else who wants to know how to talk about sex with teenagers and younger children.
The conference's keynote speaker, the Rev. Linda Adam Goddard, is coming to Hagerstown to present the Just Say "Know" Christian Sexuality Training Sept. 28 and 29, Reeder said.
Held at First Christian Church, the Sept. 28 workshop will be from 7 to 10 p.m., while the Sept. 29 session will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $25.
So far, 26 people are signed up, Reeder said, noting there is room for several hundred at First Christian. Lutheran, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Brethren and Catholic are among the denominations expressing interest in the program.
Reeder said parents are the first educators of children and equipping them to talk with their children is the goal of the program.
"We will be talking about everything from A to Z, not just abstinence," Reeder said.
Carrol Lourie, coordinator of the Washington County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition, said Washington County has the fourth-highest teen pregnancy rate in Maryland.
"We're first with teenage white girls," she said.
Because of these startling figures, Reeder pushed hard to get the program going in Washington County, with the Teen Pregnancy Coalition as a sponsor, along with the faith community.
"I went to Charlotte Walsh of Faith Community Nursing Council at First Christian Church and said I believed the council should do this," Reeder said.
Walsh said the council represents 42 churches with Faith Community Nursing groups, formerly known as parish nurses. The members are enthusiastic, she said.
The reality is that youth get messages about sex everywhere, including television, movies, magazines, friends and school, and faith communities have got to join the conversation.
"One of the values of the coalition is that everyone has a place at the table," Lourie said. "Some who are for abstinence only will come and learn there has to be more than one approach."
Teams trained in September will be equipped to offer the curriculum to adults and youth in their own churches, Walsh said. The curriculum includes modules for adults and children in elementary through high school.
Every module includes information and support for parents in talking with their children about sex.
"You cannot teach what you have not been taught," Walsh pointed out in describing the course. "Youth need to make good spiritual decisions about sex and intimacy."
source : www.herald-mail.com
So now the religious community is getting ready to launch its faith-based program called Just Say "Know" in hopes of finding favor with parents and young people alike.
"I discovered this program in 2006 while at a conference for Christian educators in Oklahoma," said Cindy Reeder, Christian educator/program facilitator at First Christian Church in Hagerstown.
An eye-opening experience for Reeder, the conference prompted her to bring the concept back to Washington County in hopes of having a similar training activity for parents, grandparents, clergy and anyone else who wants to know how to talk about sex with teenagers and younger children.
The conference's keynote speaker, the Rev. Linda Adam Goddard, is coming to Hagerstown to present the Just Say "Know" Christian Sexuality Training Sept. 28 and 29, Reeder said.
Held at First Christian Church, the Sept. 28 workshop will be from 7 to 10 p.m., while the Sept. 29 session will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $25.
So far, 26 people are signed up, Reeder said, noting there is room for several hundred at First Christian. Lutheran, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Brethren and Catholic are among the denominations expressing interest in the program.
Reeder said parents are the first educators of children and equipping them to talk with their children is the goal of the program.
"We will be talking about everything from A to Z, not just abstinence," Reeder said.
Carrol Lourie, coordinator of the Washington County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition, said Washington County has the fourth-highest teen pregnancy rate in Maryland.
"We're first with teenage white girls," she said.
Because of these startling figures, Reeder pushed hard to get the program going in Washington County, with the Teen Pregnancy Coalition as a sponsor, along with the faith community.
"I went to Charlotte Walsh of Faith Community Nursing Council at First Christian Church and said I believed the council should do this," Reeder said.
Walsh said the council represents 42 churches with Faith Community Nursing groups, formerly known as parish nurses. The members are enthusiastic, she said.
The reality is that youth get messages about sex everywhere, including television, movies, magazines, friends and school, and faith communities have got to join the conversation.
"One of the values of the coalition is that everyone has a place at the table," Lourie said. "Some who are for abstinence only will come and learn there has to be more than one approach."
Teams trained in September will be equipped to offer the curriculum to adults and youth in their own churches, Walsh said. The curriculum includes modules for adults and children in elementary through high school.
Every module includes information and support for parents in talking with their children about sex.
"You cannot teach what you have not been taught," Walsh pointed out in describing the course. "Youth need to make good spiritual decisions about sex and intimacy."
source : www.herald-mail.com
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