In a new article from eProbiotics.com, the author discusses how probiotics and probiotic supplments are effective in reducting anxiety. Scientists have recently discovered that the bacteria in our gut somehow communicates with the brain, resulting in the potential cause and/or treatment of certain mental health issues; including using probiotics for treatment of anxiety.
Recent studies have found that supplementing with the probiotics Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactococcus lactis, and Streptococcus thermophilus for four weeks, subjects demonstrated improved processing activity in the area of the brain responsible for controlling emotion, sensation and anxiety.
The article also describes a clear connection between the enteric nervous system, located around the digestive system, and the central nervous system; this finding opens new possibilities to the connection between how probiotics may be effective in treating anxiety. Supplementing with the Lactobacillus strain of probiotics also supports the production of the neurotransmitter GABA, the primary neurotransmitter responsible for controlling behavior and mood.
Probiotic supplements may even reduce the production of stress hormones in the body, thus further reducing risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive issues, depression and anxiety.
The full article on probiotics for anxiety is available at http://eprobiotics.com/probiotics-for-anxiety/.
About: eProbiotics.com is a new website that was launched in March of 2013 in order to educate the community in the importance of digestive and intestinal health and how maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria can combat many illnesses. Recent topics have included probiotics for sugar cravings, probiotic supplements, probiotics as a treatment for colitis, probiotics for gut and colon health, understanding the benefits of probiotics, probiotics and stress induced IBS, the diabetes and probiotics connection, as well as several other highly informative articles are available to help people understand the connection between intestinal health and overall health.
A free guide on cleansing foods and intestinal health is available at http://eprobiotics.com/free-report. The free guide has been made available to show people which natural foods they can begin to eat to increase healthy bacteria and improve overall intestinal and gut health.
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Germ-fighting vaccine system makes great strides in deliveryPublic release date: 20-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Kimberly Brown BrownK@aaps.org 703-248-4772 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
Research to be presented at 3-day AAPS National Biotechnology Conference
SAN DIEGO (May 20, 2013) - A novel vaccine study from South Dakota State University (SDSU) will headline the groundbreaking research that will be unveiled at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists' (AAPS) National Biotechnology Conference (NBC). The meeting takes place Monday, May 20 - Wednesday, May 22 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina.
"The main goal of a vaccine is to stimulate the immune system to fight against a pathogen that causes the disease", explained Dr. Hemachand Tummala, assistant professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at SDSU. "We want to make a delivery system that mimics pathogens in stimulating the immune system but not cause infection."
Tummala and his doctoral student, Sunny Kumar, used inulin acetate taken from a fiber derived from tubers, such as dahlias or chicory. "The fiber is natural, inexpensive and easily accessible", Tummala stated. "Most importantly, it acts as a PAMP [pathogen-associated molecular pattern]. We made pathogen-like nanoparticles with inulin acetate and incorporated pathogen-related antigens inside them." Tummala explained, "Once the antigen presenting cells sense these particles as pathogens, they eat them and process them as PAMPs." This then aggravates the immune system.
The researchers then tested the technology in preventing a viral disease. Tummala collaborated with Dr. Victor Huber, assistant professor and infectious disease specialist at the Sanford School of Medicine, whose research focuses on influenza.
The researchers then tested the efficiency of the vaccine delivery system in mice against a lethal challenge of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 flu virus. One group of mice was not immunized, while the others received a vaccine containing one or two antigens. Within eight days, 90 percent of the unvaccinated mice died. Those who received one antigen contracted the flu, and all but one recuperated. None of those who received the vaccine with two antigens acquired the flu.
"The low cost of the technology, estimated at one or two dollars per dose, also makes it suitable for animal vaccines," Tummala explained. He is working with other SDSU researchers to apply the delivery to sheep and swine vaccines.
Dr. Tummala and his team will also receive the 2013 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Innovation in Biotechnology Award for their research on Tuesday, May 21.
###
About AAPS: The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists is a professional, scientific society of approximately 11,000 members employed in academia, industry, government and other research institutes worldwide. Founded in 1986, AAPS provides a dynamic international forum for the exchange of knowledge among scientists to serve the public and enhance their contributions to health. Visit http://www.aaps.org today. Follow us on Twitter @AAPSComms; official Twitter hashtag for the meeting is #NBC2013.
About the AAPS National Biotechnology Conference: The 2013 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference (NBC) will gather 1,500 scientists from industry, government, and academia for three days of educational offerings specifically geared toward the biotechnology sector of the pharmaceutical sciences. Visit http://www.aaps.org/nationalbiotech/ for more information.
Editor's Note: Registration is complimentary for members of the media. All abstracts presented are available upon request. To register for the meeting or set up an interview with an expert, please contact Stacey May on-site at 703-459-7677.
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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Germ-fighting vaccine system makes great strides in deliveryPublic release date: 20-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Kimberly Brown BrownK@aaps.org 703-248-4772 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
Research to be presented at 3-day AAPS National Biotechnology Conference
SAN DIEGO (May 20, 2013) - A novel vaccine study from South Dakota State University (SDSU) will headline the groundbreaking research that will be unveiled at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists' (AAPS) National Biotechnology Conference (NBC). The meeting takes place Monday, May 20 - Wednesday, May 22 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina.
"The main goal of a vaccine is to stimulate the immune system to fight against a pathogen that causes the disease", explained Dr. Hemachand Tummala, assistant professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at SDSU. "We want to make a delivery system that mimics pathogens in stimulating the immune system but not cause infection."
Tummala and his doctoral student, Sunny Kumar, used inulin acetate taken from a fiber derived from tubers, such as dahlias or chicory. "The fiber is natural, inexpensive and easily accessible", Tummala stated. "Most importantly, it acts as a PAMP [pathogen-associated molecular pattern]. We made pathogen-like nanoparticles with inulin acetate and incorporated pathogen-related antigens inside them." Tummala explained, "Once the antigen presenting cells sense these particles as pathogens, they eat them and process them as PAMPs." This then aggravates the immune system.
The researchers then tested the technology in preventing a viral disease. Tummala collaborated with Dr. Victor Huber, assistant professor and infectious disease specialist at the Sanford School of Medicine, whose research focuses on influenza.
The researchers then tested the efficiency of the vaccine delivery system in mice against a lethal challenge of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 flu virus. One group of mice was not immunized, while the others received a vaccine containing one or two antigens. Within eight days, 90 percent of the unvaccinated mice died. Those who received one antigen contracted the flu, and all but one recuperated. None of those who received the vaccine with two antigens acquired the flu.
"The low cost of the technology, estimated at one or two dollars per dose, also makes it suitable for animal vaccines," Tummala explained. He is working with other SDSU researchers to apply the delivery to sheep and swine vaccines.
Dr. Tummala and his team will also receive the 2013 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Innovation in Biotechnology Award for their research on Tuesday, May 21.
###
About AAPS: The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists is a professional, scientific society of approximately 11,000 members employed in academia, industry, government and other research institutes worldwide. Founded in 1986, AAPS provides a dynamic international forum for the exchange of knowledge among scientists to serve the public and enhance their contributions to health. Visit http://www.aaps.org today. Follow us on Twitter @AAPSComms; official Twitter hashtag for the meeting is #NBC2013.
About the AAPS National Biotechnology Conference: The 2013 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference (NBC) will gather 1,500 scientists from industry, government, and academia for three days of educational offerings specifically geared toward the biotechnology sector of the pharmaceutical sciences. Visit http://www.aaps.org/nationalbiotech/ for more information.
Editor's Note: Registration is complimentary for members of the media. All abstracts presented are available upon request. To register for the meeting or set up an interview with an expert, please contact Stacey May on-site at 703-459-7677.
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
As a 100-year-old organization, the American Cancer Society has seen a great deal of change.
When it first began, almost all cancer patients didn?t survive. Now, two out of three people diagnosed with cancer survive for at least five years, says regional spokeswoman Jill Sittenauer.
The great strides being made against the disease are attributable at least in part to the funding for cancer research breakthroughs raised by the American Cancer Society and its many dedicated volunteers.
Two local volunteers, Andrea Slagle and Priscilla Brunell, spoke Friday afternoon at the cancer society?s offices about their own experiences with cancer and reasons for volunteering. Although their stories were different, their passion was the same.
Slagle?s father has lived with cancer since she was 6 years old. His type of cancer doesn?t go into remission, she said. Her father has always been involved in the cancer society?s Relay for Life events, so it seemed a natural fit for her to do the same. She has served as a team captain for several years.
At a national Relay for Life summit in Dallas, Slagle heard a researcher funded by the American Cancer Society speak about his studies of Alzheimer?s disease that had led to drugs that could treat the rare cancer her father has. She said she was amazed.
?The research is being funded by the money I?m helping raise, and it?s going to help my dad in the future,? she said. ?I feel like this is how I can fight back.?
Brunell was a caregiver for both her husband and sister, each of whom lost their battles with lung cancer. She and her husband had been involved with Trail for a Cure, but the event was discontinued and she moved to Relay for Life. Now, she also serves as an office volunteer, helping with everything from preparing mailings, stuffing Relay for Life packets, folding T-shirts, and making follow-up phone calls.
Brunell said volunteering helps her cope with her loss. Other people, she said, have cancer worse than her husband and sister did.
?Some people have more than one kind, and it makes you wonder how they do it,? she said.
She has also seen first-hand how cancer treatments have improved over time. Her husband?s chemotherapy and radiation treatments made him very sick all the time, she said, and doctors couldn?t find a way to make him feel better. By the time her sister was undergoing treatment, it had improved so that she never really felt sick.
?Medicine has come a long way,? Brunell said.
Slagle also volunteers as a driver for the Road to Recovery program, which provides cancer patients rides to their treatment appointments. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often don?t feel well, and some are told by their doctors not to drive themselves to their treatment, Sittenauer said. Road to Recovery volunteers fill in the gaps between patients? family members and friends to get them there.
After passing background checks, drivers receive basic training on situations including what to do if a cancer patient becomes ill. Other volunteer programs also include some training, Sittenauer said. Reach for Recovery, a program that pairs breast cancer survivors with newly diagnosed patients as mentors, includes a half-day of training on how to provide support to women who are newly diagnosed.
More than 30 Shawnee County volunteers are trained Road to Recovery drivers, Sittenauer said. And at certain times of the year, they are in high demand. In January and February, the cancer society received about 100 requests for rides each month.
?It?s a really easy thing to do,? Slagle said. ?It?s just really nice to be able to help somebody like that that might not have a way to get to their treatments.?
As a way to celebrate the organization?s 100th birthday, the cancer society aims to gain 100 new volunteers statewide during May. Sittenauer said there are 27 new volunteers so far. Youth can be kept busy during the summer months, Sittenauer said, and licensed cosmetologists are needed for the Look Good Feel Better program, which helps women learn to deal with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
Those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities are encouraged to attend an open house and volunteer fair Wednesday, the cancer society?s 100th birthday.
According to a nationwide estimate, there are more than 400 volunteers for each single American Cancer Society staff member, Sittenauer said.
?We really couldn?t do what we do as an organization without our volunteers,? she said.
Teams also still have time to sign up for the Relay for Life event May 31. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/topekaks or call the American Cancer Society?s office at (785) 273-4462.
May 18, 2013 ? By day, insects provide the white noise of the South, but the night belongs to the amphibians. In a typical year, the Southern air hangs heavy from the humidity and the sounds of wildlife. The Southeast, home to more than 140 species of frogs, toads and salamanders, is the center of amphibian biodiversity in our nation. If the ponds and swamps are the auditorium for their symphonic choruses, the scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey's Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative, or ARMI, have front-row seats.
Amphibians, which rely on water for part or all of their life cycle, must adjust to often atypical weather. Some years bring heavy deluges, such as the region's notorious hurricanes, and others bring the transformations that come with drought. Amphibians around the world seem to be experiencing the worst declines documented among vertebrates. While habitat loss is the number one reason for population declines, research suggests that disease, invasive species, contaminants and perhaps other factors contribute to declines in protected areas.
And then there's climate change, another stressor for amphibians to contend with. Climate change projections indicate that rainfall will increasingly come in pulses, with greater deluges and longer periods of drought. Scientists have long suspected that climate change is an important factor in amphibian declines, and resource managers are asking whether conservation measures might help species persist or adapt in a changing climate. Three recent U.S. Geological Survey studies offer some insight into the issue.
Why amphibians?
Amphibians, which are declining throughout the world, play an important role in ecological systems. They eat small creatures, including mosquitos, and they are food themselves for larger creatures, such as birds and snakes. Because amphibians are the middle of the food chain -- and sensitive to environmental disruption because of their aquatic or semi-aquatic lives -- their existence is often used as an indication of ecosystem health.
Scientists in ARMI, a program started by Congress in 2000 in response to concerns about amphibian declines, have been working to unravel the ups and downs of amphibian populations to support effective conservation and resource management decisions. To do this, ARMI scientists and field crews monitor the status of amphibians, research the causes of declines, and scientifically evaluate projects undertaken to sustain these species and their habitats across the country.
Pond life -- it's not easy being green!
ARMI scientists looked at a range of amphibian species found in the Southeast and posed the question, "What will happen to their populations under a scenario of changes in rainfall patterns -- more deluges alternating with droughts -- which is being predicted by current climate models?"
It turns out that understanding how climate affects amphibians requires "thinking like the ponds" in which they live. Amphibians have unique life cycles -- most alternate between living in water as juveniles, to maturing and dispersing on land, then returning to water again as adults to mate and lay eggs.
When USGS scientists reviewed what was known about amphibian responses to rainfall, it turned out that both extremes in rainfall -- drought and heavy rainfall events -- can decrease the number of amphibians. The amphibians' response depends on a balance between these two key factors. If ponds dry up while aquatic juveniles are developing, survival of the next generation is lowered. However, if a deluge occurs at that time, nearby pools that often contain fish will be physically connected with the pools containing juvenile amphibians, and the fish will eat the juveniles.
In essence, the study showed that extreme rainfall events are key to predicting amphibian responses to climate, because such events affect the amount and timing of water in ponds that they depend on. The full review of species' responses was published in March 2013 edition of the journal Biology.
Drought and declining salamanders
Knowing that each species responds to droughts and deluges based on the particulars of their biology, scientists set out to test just how these dynamics played out in the southeastern U.S. by looking at larval mole salamanders in small isolated ponds in St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.
Larval mole salamanders have a similar life cycle to the flatwoods salamander, a federally threatened species found on the refuge. Because it is difficult to study the flatwoods salamander directly, and mole salamanders are ecologically similar, scientists study the mole salamander instead, knowing that whatever affects them will likely impact the flatwoods salamander as well.
In the four years of the study, drought consistently decreased salamander occupancy in ponds. To support young salamanders, rain has to fill a pond during the breeding season and then the pond has to stay filled long enough for larvae to transform into the next life stage. Therefore, scientists confirmed that drought did indeed cause short-term declines in mole salamanders -- suggesting that the listed flatwoods salamander may face a similar fate under climate change.
The results of the mole salamander study are published in the April 2013 edition of the journal Wetlands.
Can habitat conservation make a difference for frogs and toads?
To answer this question, USGS scientists examined whether the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service Wetlands Reserve Program was helping address the problem. The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary USDA program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. To assess the potential benefit of WRP restoration to amphibians, in this case, frogs and toads, USGS scientists surveyed 30 randomly selected WRP sites and 20 nearby agricultural sites in the Mississippi Delta in northwest Mississippi.
The scientists found that WRP sites had more kinds of species and was home to more numbers of amphibians than the agricultural sites studied. The restoration of wetland hydrology appeared to provide the most immediate benefit to the animals.
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In a new article from eProbiotics.com, the author discusses how probiotics and probiotic supplments are effective in reducting anxiety. Scientists have recently discovered that the bacteria in our gut somehow communicates with the brain, resulting in the potential cause and/or treatment of certain mental health issues; including using probiotics for treatment of anxiety.
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Public release date: 20-May-2013
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