FDA Approves New Formulation of Coagulation Therapy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new formulation of the genetically engineered version of Factor VIIa, a plasma protein essential for the clotting of blood. The new formulation allows the product to be stored at room temperature (up to 81 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to two years.

"Approval of this product for room temperature storage creates greater flexibility in disease management for both patients and physicians," said Jesse L. Goodman, M.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "As with all FDA-approved products, the agency will monitor NovoSeven RT throughout its life cycle."

NovoSeven RT—the new formulation of NovoSeven Coagulation Factor VIIa (Recombinant)—contains sucrose and L-Methionine, which allow for storage at room temperature. This is helpful for health-care facilities with limited refrigerated space. The original formula could be stored for three years at temperatures between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

NovoSeven RT shares the same uses as the earlier NovoSeven product. These uses include the treatment of bleeding and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or B, who have antibodies that neutralize the action of clotting Factors VIII or IX; the treatment of bleeding and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with congenital Factor VII deficiency; and the prevention of surgical bleeding in patients with acquired hemophilia.

Coagulation factors are proteins found in plasma, which help blood clot. When one or more of these proteins are missing or inactive, bleeding can occur.

The most commonly observed adverse reactions with NovoSeven RT are fever, bleeding, injection site reaction, joint discomfort, headache, elevations or falls in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, pain, swelling, and rash. Some elderly patients experienced an increased risk of arterial clotting when they were treated with NovoSeven RT outside of its approved indications.

NovoSeven RT and NovoSeven Coagulation Factor VIIa (Recombinant) are manufactured by Novo Nordisk A/S, located in Denmark.

FDA Approves First Generic Ropinirole

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic versions of Requip (ropinirole hydrochloride) tablets for the treatment of moderate to severe Restless Legs Syndrome.

Ropinirole hydrochloride tablets have been approved in the following dosages: 0.25 milligram, 0.5 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligram, 3 milligram, and 4 milligram.

"This generic drug approval is an example of the FDA's efforts to increase access to safe and effective generic drugs as soon as the law permits," said Gary J. Buehler, director of the FDA's Office of Generic Drugs.

The following companies have received approval to market ropinirole hydrochloride tablets: Roxane Laboratories Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Par Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The labeling of the generic versions of ropinirole hydrochloride may differ from that of Requip because some uses of the drug are protected by patents. In addition to treating Restless Legs Syndrome, Requip is also FDA-approved to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The generic products are not approved for treatment of Parkinson's disease because this indication is protected by patent. Manufacturers of the generic drugs may seek approval for that use once the patent for the Parkinson's disease indication expires later this month.

The generic ropinirole hydrochloride tablets will have the same safety warnings as Requip, cautioning about patient reports of falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including while driving. Although many of these patients reported sleepiness while on the drug, some patients perceived that they had no warning signs and believed that they were alert immediately prior to falling asleep. Some of these events have been reported as late as one year after the start of treatment.

Knee Specialist Dr. Patrick Barry Performing New Non-Surgical Procedure That Eliminates Knee Pain, Helps Patients Avoid Knee-Replacement Surgery

BUSINESS WIRE--Patrick Barry, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist, today (May 7, 2008) announced he has developed an effective alternative to surgery that helps eliminate knee pain and helps patients avoid knee-replacement surgery, which is the traditional treatment for chronic knee pain. The new procedure helps patients enjoy increased mobility and return to normal activities.

The “manipulation-mobilization” procedure, which Dr. Barry pioneered and perfected during the past three years on hundreds of cases in the US and abroad, takes a few minutes to perform in the office. It enables many patients, some of whom entered the doctor’s office by limping or using crutches or walkers, to immediately stand, walk freely without assistance and climb stairs without pain. Some of these patients already had surgery at other facilities but still suffered from knee pain.

“This new procedure is an effective alternative for those who have been told surgery is their only option to relieve knee pain, and it also has value for those who have not had surgery and would like to avoid it, as well as those who have been undiagnosed and told there is nothing wrong,” says Dr. Barry, who has performed more than 10,000 knee surgeries during his extensive medical career. “Many patients find their knee pain persists even after surgery and they spend years on pain medications and in physical therapy, only to later be told by their doctors that they need additional surgeries. Since I began offering this treatment, I am performing far fewer surgeries. Patient satisfaction has risen dramatically, as this treatment helps restore patients’ quality of life and dignity.”

Dr. Barry says the procedure is beneficial for patients of all ages and body weights. Almost all patients show significant improvements and pain reduction within seconds after undergoing the procedure.

Military Works to Eliminate Perceived Mental Health Treatment Stigma

Why, when there's no stigma attached to getting treatment for any other combat injury, do troops hesitate to step forward to get the mental health care they need?

That's the challenge facing military leaders as they encourage their troops suffering from combat stress to seek mental health services, said Marine Lt. Gen. John Sattler, who's heading the new Joint Staff Wounded Warrior Integration Team.

Sattler, director of strategic plans and policy for the Joint Staff, said the military's uncomplaining, can-do spirit can make some troops resist seeking treatment for what Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates calls "the unseen scars of war."

"Sometimes our toughness can be our biggest obstacle in getting those injuries healed," Sattler said.

"If you ... have been hit in battle and have an external wound, you go forward and you receive medical treatment, and you are not ashamed in any way, shape or form to go get that treatment," he said. "But for some reason, [there's a] stigma associated with a nonphysical battle injury such as traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

"We have to make sure that our men and women know there is no stigma associated with seeking the same high degree of medical care to make sure those injures are also taken care of," he said.

The Joint Staff Wounded Warrior Integration Team is focusing much of its work on better understanding PTSD and TBI and their effects, and getting people with symptoms to step forward, Sattler said.

"As the research continues and the care becomes better, it is our responsibility to make sure we alleviate the stigma and ensure our men and women looking for that type of help are unashamed about it," he said.

Getting treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness, and improves a servicemember's duty performance, he said. "They are going to perform better, they will be better warriors – soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines – if they are completely healed inside as well as outside," he said.

Gates urged senior noncommissioned officers attending the Sergeants Major Academy for their help in getting troops who need it to seek combat-related mental-health care.

"All of you have a special role in encouraging troops to seek help for the unseen scars of war -- to let them know that doing so is a sign of strength and maturity," he said during his May 1 visit to Fort Bliss, Texas. "I urge you all to talk with those below you to find out where we can continue to improve.

"Those who have sacrificed for our nation deserve the best care they can get," he continued. "As I have said before, there is no higher priority for the Department of Defense, after the war itself, than caring for our wounded warriors."

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
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Governor Perdue Signs Healthcare Reform Bills

Today Governor Sonny Perdue signed Senate Bill 383 and House Bill 977 making High Deductable Health Plans paired (HDHP) with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) more affordable and available in the Georgia insurance market. Governor Perdue signed the legislation at Atlanta Medical Center alongside former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich and bill sponsors Senator Judson Hill and Representative Tom Knox.

“This legislation encourages more consumer choice by making quality, affordable healthcare coverage more available,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “More insured citizens means lower costs for all taxpayers, and preventative care means a healthier population. It will also allow small business owners to provide low cost health insurance to employees and their families.”
A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a health insurance plan that offers consumers lower premiums and higher deductibles than a traditional health plan. A Health Savings Account (HSA) allows consumers to set aside funds for future qualified medical health expenses on a tax-free basis. The health insurance reform legislation signed today has several provisions to make HDHPs paired with HSAs more affordable and available in the Georgia insurance market. The legislation incentivizes small businesses to provide HDHPs paired with HSAs.

“This is an extraordinary new law that will make Georgia the national leader in new and innovative solutions to expand health coverage,” said Newt Gingrich, founder of the Center for Health Transformation. “Georgians will soon have access to the kind of products and services other Americans will wish they had.”

House Bill 977 exempts insurers from state premium taxes for the sale of high deductible health plans with a Health Savings Account while allowing persons to deduct from state income taxes an amount equal to premiums paid to a HSA plan. HB 977 will affect mostly the self-employed and small business employees by providing a $250 annual tax credit for small business employers that spend at least $250 annually to enroll their employers in an HSA plan. The legislation will allow the Commissioner of Insurance to fast track the approval of HSA plans, exempt HSA plans from the ban on rebates and allow insurers to reward their members who enroll in an HSA plan for healthy lifestyle changes.

“This legislation is a comprehensive, market-based solution focused on empowering individuals and rewarding them for making healthy choices,” said Rep. Knox. “By harnessing the power of the free market, we’ll see more Georgians able to purchase and maintain their own healthcare coverage.”

Senate Bill 383 compliments House Bill 977, adding two provisions. First, Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) are accounts that employers may set up for employees that allows the employee to use pre-tax dollars to pay for health expenses, including health insurance. The bill states that HRA only plans that are not sold with or packaged with individual health insurance policies are not insurance. Second, HSA plans must comply with the consumer choice option under current law. This means that the insured will be able to choose any willing provider so long as the insured pays any increase in premiums and cost.

“Georgians suffer from sky-rocketing healthcare and insurance costs,” said Sen. Judson Hill. “Governor Perdue's signature makes Georgia the first state to deliver a patient centered, prevention focused, free market solution providing greater financial security to thousands of our working families through more affordable health insurance.”

Governor Perdue was also joined at the event today by Rep. Rich Golick, Rep. Jan Jones, Rep. Mickey Channell and Sen. Ralph Hudgens.

Governor Perdue further recognized the efforts of Sen. Hill and Rep. Channell to bring together the Georgia Hospital Association, Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Health Underwriters Association and the Center for Health Transformation to put together a comprehensive reform package on these plans.

A Potential Sugar Fix for Tumors

Researchers at the Duke School of Medicine apparently have solved the riddle of why cancer cells like sugar so much, and it may be a mechanism that could lead to better cancer treatments.

Jonathan Coloff, a graduate student in Assistant Professor Jeffrey Rathmell's laboratory in the Duke Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, has found that the tumor cells use glucose sugar as a way to avoid programmed cell death. They make use of a protein called Akt, which promotes glucose metabolism, which in turn regulates a family of proteins critical for cell survival, the researchers shared during an April 15 presentation at the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting in San Diego.

In normal cells, growth factors regulate metabolism and cell survival. Removing these factors leads to loss of glucose uptake and metabolism and cell death. Cancer cells, however, maintain glucose metabolism and resist cell death, even when deprived of growth factors.

To study how Akt might affect these processes, Coloff and colleagues introduced a cancer-causing form of Akt called myrAkt, into cells that depend on growth factor to survive. The mutant form of Akt allowed cells to maintain glucose usage and survive even when no growth factors were present, allowing them to bypass a normal safeguard used by cells to prevent cancer development.

The death of normal cells after growth factors are removed is partly accomplished by two proteins called Mcl-1 and Puma. But the cancer-causing version of Akt prevents these two proteins from accomplishing their tasks, allowing the cell to survive when it shouldn't.

Once glucose was withdrawn from the environment, however, Akt was no longer able to maintain regulation of the key targeted proteins Mcl-1 and Puma, and the cells died.

"Akt's dependence on glucose to provide an anti-cell-death signal could be a sign of metabolic addiction to glucose in cancer cells, and could give us a new avenue for a metabolic treatment of cancer," said Dr. Rathmell.

Protect Yourself During Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Beyond

ARA – Nearly every hour, someone in the United States dies of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and more than one million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. Women aged 20-29 are particularly vulnerable, with melanoma ranking as the second most common form of cancer in the age group.

These statistics are particularly alarming for a disease that, when detected and treated early, is nearly 100 percent curable. Skin cancer is also one of the few cancers for which the cause of most cases is known: excessive sun exposure. Adopting a comprehensive sun protection program that includes daily UV protection, monthly self-examinations and yearly screenings by a dermatologic surgeon can substantially lower skin cancer risk, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, Olay and the ASDS have joined forces for the fourth year for “Skin Cancer Takes Friends,” a nationwide free skin-cancer screening program that encourages Americans to take a friend to a participating dermatologic surgeon’s office for a free skin cancer screening. Screenings are quick, easy and painless. They are noninvasive visual inspections of the entire body and only take a few minutes. A complete list of volunteering dermatologic surgeons is available at SkinCancerTakesFriends.org and asds.net. In 2007, more than 300 volunteer doctors conducted over 9,000 free screenings in 45 states.

“Desperate Housewives” star Marcia Cross joins in the effort for the second year to raise awareness about the risks of skin cancer based on her personal experience with the disease. She is dedicated to helping spread the word about this worthwhile program, and about the importance of sun protection and regular screenings in the fight against skin cancer.

“Having had two family members stricken by melanoma, I’ve become very passionate about helping to educate the public about skin cancer prevention,” explains the Emmy-nominated actress. “Thanks to early detection, both my grandfather and cousin survived the disease, but too many others aren’t as fortunate. I urge everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones by scheduling a free screening together. Those few minutes could save lives.”

“When skin cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent. That means that an annual skin cancer screening is essential because a dermatologic surgeon can recognize even the earliest stages of skin cancer,” says Dr. Darrell S. Rigel, president of the ASDS.

Melanoma is particularly difficult to treat and cure once it has spread to other parts of the body. However, it can be readily treated if detected in its earliest stages.

How can you stay safe?

Dermatologic surgeons overwhelmingly agree that the most important step in skin cancer prevention is applying a daily moisturizer with broad spectrum sun protection every day before going outside, like Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 for the face and Olay Body Age Transform Intensive UV Defense Serum for the body. Additionally, be sure to follow these steps:

1. Examine skin at least once a month to search for any spots that seem to have changed size, color or shape. Focus on your neck, chest and torso, and use a bright light, full-length mirror, hand-mirror and blow-dryer to inspect hard-to-see areas such as the scalp and back of the neck. For more information on self-screening, visit SkinCancerTakesFriends.org.

2. Learn the “ABCDE’s of moles and melanoma” and alert your dermatologist immediately to any of the following key warning signs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variability, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser and/or Evolving moles that change size, shape or color.

3. Schedule a screening appointment once a year in order to increase your chances of detecting and treating melanoma.

For more information, visit SkinCancerTakesFriends.org and asds.net.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Give the Gift of Heart Health this Mother’s Day

ARA - Are you unsure of what to give your mom for Mother’s Day this year? She probably doesn’t need another sweater, and chocolates won’t do her waistline any good. Why not give her the invaluable gifts of heart health and empowerment?

Heart disease is the number one killer of women, claiming the life of one in four women. That is more than all types of cancers combined. Surprisingly, studies show that only one third of women realize they are at risk for heart disease. Chances are your mother may be one of these women who is unaware.

The Sister to Sister Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing heart disease in women, expects to screen a record 15,000 women for heart disease this year. Since 2001, they have screened 77,000 and have found that 80 percent of women who have been screened by the organization did not know about their increased risk for heart disease before attending a screening event. More than 50 percent learned that they have two or more risk factors and over 70 percent report seeing their doctor as a follow up to their screening.

“Don’t let your mother be blindsided by heart disease like many women are,” says Irene Pollin, founder and president of the Sister to Sister Foundation. “Make sure she gets screened, and empower her to know the right questions to ask her doctor. Mothers are the hearts of our families; we need to keep them strong and healthy!”

It is a common misconception among women that heart disease only affects men so they often ignore it and don’t recognize it as a serious health threat. However, more women die from heart disease each year than men. Risk factors for heart disease in women include unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking and being overweight. To further gauge your risk of heart disease it is important to know all of your numbers, including HDL “good” cholesterol (greater than 50 mg/dL for women), LDL “bad” cholesterol (less than 100 mg/dL), as well as triglycerides (less than 150 mg/dL), blood pressure and glucose. These risk factors are all measured during routine heart disease screenings.

Here are some other ways to support your mom this Mother’s Day:

1. Help her schedule doctor’s appointments and accompany her to appointments if she feels anxious.

2. Pick up her prescriptions from the pharmacy.

3. Search the Web and send her reputable information on heart health.

4. Choose heart-healthy gifts, such as a cookbook of recipes for healthful dishes.

5. Commit to exercise with her. Walk, work out, swim or dance with her –whatever activity you both enjoy. It will be good for both your hearts and give you more time to enjoy each other’s company.

For valuable information on heart disease screenings and how to lower your risk visit http://www.SisterToSister.org

Courtesy of ARAcontent

SRS Medical Launches personalmed.com, Patient Website for Female Pelvic Health

BUSINESS WIRE--SRS Medical today announced the launch of a new patient website, www.personalmed.com, devoted to female pelvic health. The launch announcement was timed to coincide with the ACOG conference (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) in New Orleans, where SRS Medical is conducting a physician survey to help in “fine tuning” the site.

SRS Medical is a leading manufacturer of equipment for urodynamics, the diagnostic procedures that are the standard of care for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Kevin M. Connolly, CEO, states, “Working in the medical technology space, we are very aware that we are reaching only a small percentage of the women with pelvic problems, even though physicians now have very effective interventions. Personalmed is an outreach initiative to draw more women with pelvic problems into the healthcare system. It is intended to assist physicians by providing their patients with a single source for authoritative information and clinically proven products for first-line therapy, as well as a forum for sharing related experiences.”

Although reliable numbers for most pelvic problems are limited, urinary incontinence alone is known to affect over 13,000,000 adult women in the U.S., with similar prevalence in most developed countries. As common as this and other pelvic problems are, patients are still reluctant to discuss them. According to National Association for Continence (www.nafc.org), a leading patient advocacy group, many women with incontinence never seek help from a physician and those who do wait an average of seven years.

Personalmed’s goal is to increase patient comfort with their pelvic problems via basic education and peer discussion. Personalmed will provide information concerning incontinence, sexual problems, post-natal pelvic care, pelvic pain, chronic constipation, etc., as well as a blog refereed by nurse specialists. In addition, personalmed will sell selected OTC products, such as the StepFree™ vaginal weights. Since personalmed is “Dedicated to restoring dignity and quality of life to all women,” it will also donate a portion of its revenues to support worthy related causes. In 2008, personalmed will donate 3% of all net sales to: The West Africa Fistula Foundation.

SRS Medical Systems, Inc. is a privately held Delaware corporation with facilities in Redmond, WA and Billerica, MA. To learn more about SRS Medical and its products, please visit http://www.srsmedical.com.

ParagonDx Receives FDA 510(k) Marketing Clearance for Warfarin Sensitivity Genotyping Kit

BUSINESS WIRE--ParagonDx, a leader in genetic testing diagnostics, has received 510(k) marketing clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its in vitro diagnostic test. The Rapid Genotyping Assay is to be used to detect the presence of variations in the genes CYP2C9 and VKORC1. Information about the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes may be used as an aid in the identification of patients at greater risk for warfarin sensitivity. Warfarin, also known as Coumadin®, is a blood thinner that prevents and treats blood clots. ParagonDx’s genotyping assay is the first cleared product to deliver results in less than one hour and incorporate human genomic quality controls.

In the US there are over 30 million patients being treated on a regular basis with warfarin. Two million of those are new patients just beginning warfarin treatment. In August 2007, the FDA relabeled warfarin to recommend that genetic testing be performed before initiating warfarin therapy. The ParagonDx test can be used to help prevent some of the most serious adverse events for warfarin patients including excessive bleeding which occurs in 10% to 16% of all patients.

This is the first test that can easily be done within a one-hour turnaround time, bringing a significant advantage to patients because their treatment can be customized quickly, when time is of the essence.

“Our genetic kit represents a significant advancement towards dealing with a potentially life threatening situation,” said Michael Murphy, president and CEO of ParagonDx. “An individual’s genetic make-up clearly affects his or her response to warfarin. Getting this information to physicians quickly will decrease the chance that patients will have excessive bleeding or another heart attack or stroke. The inclusion of quality controls in the kit will provide the kind of assurance that laboratories need to ensure accuracy and reliability.”

ParagonDx’s Rapid Genotyping Assay - CYP2C9 & VKORC1 was cleared by the FDA using the Cepheid’s SmartCycler® Dx platform.

World Asthma Day Raises Awareness of Pest-Related Health Issue

BUSINESS WIRE--World Asthma Day, observed May 6^th during Asthma Awareness Month, highlights a significant health issue facing many American families. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 22 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, suffer from asthma. This respiratory disease not only results in over 2 million ER visits each year but, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, accounts for $16 billion in healthcare expenditures and lost productivity.

Although there are various disease triggers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) concur that the presence of pests, notably cockroaches and rodents, is a leading trigger, especially in children.

“With the EPA’s estimation that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, it is imperative for homeowners to recognize the health threats associated with pests in prompting asthma attacks,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “We fully support the EPA in its effort to raise awareness of asthma triggers, particularly the presence of pests.”

Cockroaches spread nearly 33 different kinds of bacteria and six kinds of parasitic worms. As cockroaches crawl through sewage, they can pick up and spread germs on the spines of their legs and bodies. Mice are capable of dropping up to 25,000 fecal pellets each year, an estimated 70 times each day, which can trigger allergies and spread disease, including Hantavirus.

NPMA experts offer these tips to help homeowners prevent pest infestations:

• Vacuum often to eliminate pest allergens.
• Dispose of garbage regularly.
• Keep food in sealed containers to prevent contamination.
• Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to eliminate harborage points.
• Seal cracks, holes and space around utility pipes that lead into the home.
• If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.

For more information on cockroaches and rodents or to find a pest professional in your area, visit: www.pestworld.org.

NPMA, a non-profit organization with over 5,000 members, was established in 1933 and in 2008 celebrates its 75^th anniversary of supporting the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health and property.

Preference for Alcohol in Adolescence May Lead to Heavy Drinking

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have shown a connection between early drinking patterns and a tendency to be a heavy drinker in adulthood, in a study of adolescent rats.

"Drinking patterns in adolescents may be set after only a few exposures to alcohol," said Nicole L. Schramm-Sapyta, research associate in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University School of Medicine. "Rats that demonstrated a 'taste' for alcohol after only three nights of drinking were very likely to be the biggest drinkers after longer-term exposure."

During the first three nights of the study, the rats were given only alcohol to consume. After that, for 10 days, they had a choice of water or alcohol. Their drinking was measured right after they had traveled through an elevated maze, a way to raise anxiety levels and measure stress-related hormone levels. They also were tested for drinking after scientists observed their preference for new objects and for exploring a new place.

"We decided to examine stress and novelty seeking because these are two characteristics we see among people who develop problem drinking," said Schramm-Sapyta, first author of the study published in the May issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. The study was funded by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The scientists found that the rats that drank the most on the third day of the study also consumed the most alcohol in the later days of the study. The rodents sobered up for two days without any alcohol and again were given a choice. When the alcohol was returned, those that drank heavily at the beginning of the experiment returned to their habit.

However, the scientists learned that stress and novelty seeking were not related to drinking outcomes. "This suggests that there are other traits that scientists should be looking for, that are related to the early experiences of drinking," said Schramm-Sapyta.

Based on the fact that rats are mammals with a genome similar to that of humans, Schramm-Sapyta said, "We can cautiously extrapolate from rodents to humans. The findings suggest that early 'big drinkers' are the people who should be targeted for alcoholism-prevention efforts."

"The studies that we have done in rats have not yet been done in humans to our knowledge," she added. "One reason that rats are particularly useful in studies like these is that we can control the opportunity for exposure to alcohol, which we can't do with human adolescents."

Controlling for environment and opportunities to drink is impossible and unethical to do in studies with teenagers, she explained. "We can't take a group of teenagers and experimentally dictate who drinks and who doesn't, because of the risk of long-term health consequences."

Future studies for this research team will focus on causes for those early drinking behaviors – be it the sedative effect of alcohol, avoidance of after-effects or different types of metabolism.

Other contributing authors include Megan A. Kingsley, Kiayia Propst, and Cynthia Kuhn of the Duke Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology; Amir H. Rezvani and H. Scott Swartzwelder of the Duke Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and the Durham VA Medical Center (Dr. Swartzwelder).

Emory Nursing School Holds Book Launch of "Nurse: A World of Care" -May 6 Photo Exhibit, Book Signing

Emory University will launch the book "NURSE: A World of Care" with a photography exhibit and book signing at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing on Tuesday, May 6, to coincide with National Nurses Week. In compelling photographs and words, the book celebrates the vital and often invisible work of nurses around the world.

With introductions by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and international nursing leader Dr. Marla Salmon, the book offers a rich and moving portrait of the profession, captured in stunning detail by photographer Karen Kasmauski and writer Peter Jaret, frequent contributors to National Geographic. The book also reports how the growing crisis in nursing parallels and is part of the larger crisis in health care around the world -- a crisis that increasingly threatens to reverse many of the advances that medicine and public health have achieved in recent years. The spectacular photography exhibit is based on the book. It features more than 50 images by photographer Karen Kasmauski.

Featuring spokespersons:

Dr. Marla Salmon -- Dean of Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and professor of nursing and public health and director.

Karen Kasmauski -- Contributing photographer-in-residence for National Geographic, her book, "Impact: From the Frontlines of Global Health," co-authored with Peter Jaret, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2003.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
7-9 p.m.
Exhibit will be open to the public from May 15-July 15.

Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Emory University
1520 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, Ga., 30322-4207

Monastra Foundation Raises $100,000 for Pancreatic Cancer Research

The Joseph C. Monastra Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research raised $100,000 for the fight against pancreatic cancer in its first golf tournament last fall. Now the organization is gearing up for another round against the silent killer when supporters tee off at the Golf Club of Georgia on October 27, 2008.

“We’re thrilled about the participation and the results of our first tournament,” said Pamela Monastra, a board member on the JCM Foundation. The Foundation was founded after Monastra’s father died of the disease in 2002 and the family could not locate an organization dedicated to its cure.

“Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, yet the fight against it has really just begun,” Monastra said.

Since 2002, the JCM Foundation has raised more than a half million dollars. All funds go directly to research at Johns Hopkins, with a current tri-fold focus on learning how pancreatic cancer spreads, identifying and studying the genes that cause pancreatic cancer, and studying a novel drug for treatment of the disease.

“Many families in our community have been touched by this terrifying disease, which can’t be detected early and leaves no time for surgeries or chemotherapy,” said Monastra. “We want to prevent others from going through the same experiences my family endured when we lost my father.”

Monastra, who has a successful career in real estate marketing, is not the only member of Atlanta’s home building industry who is interested in advancing pancreatic cancer research. Tom Sharp, President of Sharp Residential and current member of the Board of Directors for the JCM Foundation, has also lost friends and relatives to the disease. In addition to lending support through his time and resources, Sharp has encouraged others in the industry to become involved.

“Watching a loved one suffer and ultimately pass because of a deadly disease there is no cure or medicine for is devastating,” said Sharp. “Through the efforts of the Monastra family, not only are more people becoming aware of this deadly disease, but there are actually efforts being made to find a cure so others will not have to endure such a heartbreaking situation. I lost my father-in-law, a great friend to pancreatic cancer – I hate for anyone to have to go through that.”

The Joseph C. Monastra Foundation is currently seeking sponsorships for the 2008 golf tournament. For more information on the JCM Foundation, the tournament, donations or volunteering, please visit www.jcmfoundation.com or contact Pamela Monastra at 404-391-2169 or info@jcmfoundation.com.

Pregnancyplanet.net launched by Webpartners LLC for parents to get pregnancy related information and connect to the community on internet.

PREGNANCYPLANET.NET is one of the most comprehensive websites over the internet that provides its users with all the information they need related to pregnancy. This recently launched website provides free pregnancy information to anyone who visits this website. When a couple hears the news that they are going to have a baby they find themselves both excited as well as getting worried about many factors like what will happen during the pregnancy, how the baby will be born, how much will a hospital cost and many other such questions. PREGNANCYPLANET.NET provides information related to all these and many other issues that a couple will face during and after pregnancy.

There are many other useful feature offered by PREGNANCYPLANET.NET. One worth mentioning is the pregnancy calculator. This tool is ideal for those who want to know the expected date of delivery of the baby. Using this tool is also quite easy as the expecting mother will only need to enter the last date of which she had the period. Using a predetermined formula the pregnancy calculator will give the expected date of delivery.

Advices and tips are always welcomed by everyone during pregnancy. Whether you are pregnant for the first time or the third your experience will prove to you that each time is different them before and thus you will need to take care of yourself differently. PREGNANCYPLANET.NET provides you healthy pregnancy tips, online pregnancy guides, pregnancy advices etc. Tips and advices are also published on this website related to parenting. Everyone knows that parenting is much difficult then pregnancy and thus special care needs to be taken when raising a child. PREGNANCYPLANET.NET also has a Parenting Community which allows parents to communicate with each other, discuss problems, swap tricks and much more. Based on information gather from this community and other such resources PREGNANCYPLANET.NET provides its users with lots of parenting tips.

A member of the administration of PREGNANCYPLANET.NET said "Our aim is to provide the parents and parents-to-be with a platform where they can communicate with others out there, talk with those who are in a similar condition as them and share their own experience".

Books and magazines have long proved to be an important part of any household. PREGNANCYPLANET.NET has a wide collection of parenting books, pregnancy books, fertility books and many other such topics. PREGNANCYPLANET.NET also issues a weekly Parenting Magazine online. It contains useful information regarding pregnancy diseases, problems related to children, expert's reviews and much more. Maternity shopping, Parenting shopping, parenting supplies, Pregnancy supplies are some of the other facilities that are provided by PREGNANCYPLANET.NET.

Whether you are looking for advice, tips, books, or trying to find the place to shop for your maternity cloths you will find it all at PREGNANCYPLANET.NET. It has proven to be one of those websites that contain everything you can think of.