Archive for September, 2019

Seven breeders from the Northern Ireland Dorset Club travelled to Carlisle, Cumbria on Friday 30th August for the annual show and sale held in Harrison and Hetherington Mart.

There was a strong representation of sheep brought forward between the breeders with upwards of 60 sheep making the journey across the water.

Also travelling over for the sale were a number of Northern Irish breeders either to purchase or view the fine spectacle of Dorset sheep on offer at the sale.

It was a day to remember for Graham and Mary Cubitt, Kildowney Flock, Ballymena. Taking the male and supreme championship was their December born ram lamb, Kildowney Ben a young lamb showing tremendous potential sired by Mainevalley Zorro out of a home bred ewe. He later went on to achieve the top price of the day of 1000gns selling to society president, Mr Les French, Cornwall. To add to their success, the Kildowney flock also came out on top in the female section, taking female and reserve overall champion with their ewe lamb, lot 282 sold for 380gns to Messrs Buckle, Cumbria.

The success of Northern Irish breeders continued through the show and sale. In the male section, N.I breeders achieved the top five prices. Closely following the top price of 1000gns from Graham Cubitt was Ben lamb, Richill flock selling lot 329 for 880gns to Joe Larder, Sandford and lot 328 for 850gns to Sam Reid, Talgaiarn.

Ballymoney breeder, Thomas Wright, Ballytaggart flock sold his 2nd prize ram lamb, a full brother to the 2019 Mayfair supreme champion for 800gns to Messrs Walker, Wigtownshire. Gary Hanna, Mae Flock, Newtownards achieved 700gns for his 1st prize shearling and reserve male champion, heading to Aaron Byrnes, Aberdeenshire. Michael and Catherine Maybin realised 650gns for their ram lamb Galgorm Busby finding his new home with Sean Smith, Wingerworth.

The strong trade was carried through into the female section. Topping the females was English breeder, Sam Driver, Sandylane flock with a price of 750gns for his reserve female champion, a homebred shearling ewe by Ballytaggart Nijinsky going to Messrs Gray, West Yorkshire.

Ben lamb, Richill had the second highest price with his ewe lamb, lot 255 selling for 500gns to fellow Northern Irish breeder Ellen McClure, Dundrod. Thomas Wright, Ballytaggart flock also enjoyed a good sale for females selling first in the ring lot 201, an in lamb shearling ewe for 480gns to Northern Irish breeders James and Craig Robson, Doagh. In the same pen lot 204 also made 480gns selling to Messrs Buckle, Cumbria whilst his ewe lambs topped at 400gns for lot 251 going to Messrs Horsfall, Aberdeenshire.

Overall it was a very successful show and sale with excellent quality of stock on display. In particular the standard of sheep brought forward from Northern Ireland was exceptional, reflected by their success in both the show and in the sale ring.

Sale averages

Shearling Rams 413.70Shearling Gimmers 348.14

Ram Lambs 543.25

Ewe Lambs 254.00

Pens of Females 199.50

The next NI Club Sale will be the annual Autumn show and sale, held on Monday 7th October 2019 at McClellands Livestock Mart, Ballymena. The show will take place at 5pm with the sale at 6.30pm and will mark the final sale of 2019, giving prospective purchasers a final chance to invest in top quality genetics before the new year.

Read the rest here:
NI Dorset breeders clean up at Carlisle - Farming Life

ISLE ROYALE, MI - A multi-year project designed to bring new wolves to Michigans remote Isle Royale wilderness has ended its fall segment, with three new arrivals from the Upper Peninsula roaming the island.

This brings the islands wolf population to 17, nine males and eight females.

In addition to the three new U.P. wolves, this number includes the original island-born pair that is not able to have viable pups, and the 12 wolves relocated from Minnesota and Canada last fall and winter.

The new wolves arriving this fall were flown in by a seaplane. Isle Royale, which is also a national park, sits in Lake Superior, about 60 miles northwest of the U.P. mainland.

The relocation is part of a three-to-five year plan by the National Park Service to bring up to 30 new wolves onto the island, where more than 2,000 moose are chewing their way through its forests. Years ago, there were up to 50 wolves in different packs on Isle Royale. But a combination of inbreeding, accidents and disease caused their numbers to dwindle to just two.

This months relocation effort is the first time the NPS has taken wolves from Michigans mainland. It came with another loss, though.

A wolf moved to the island on Sept. 13 was found dead, the National Park Service said. Its tracking collar began sending out a mortality signal shortly after it was released on the island. Within a couple days, researchers found the wolfs body, which is being sent to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis., for a necropsy to see if a cause of death can be determined.

While each wolf captured for transfer to the island is vet-checked and has to meet certain physical standards, sometimes there is no way to know how their bodies will handle it, park staff said.

Capture, anesthesia, and translocation are stressful events for wolves and the impact of that stress on each individual wolf is unknown, Isle Royale Park Superintendent Phyllis Green said.

There is a field examination, however underlying health conditions of wolves prior to their capture are difficult to determine. The analysis of the samples collected during the examination and the necropsy may reveal more information about the cause of death, which will inform future transfers.

This is the fourth wolf to die during this effort to bring predator packs back to Isle Royale.

A female wolf from Minnesota died in captivity before she could be brought to the island last fall. In that case, the wolf was sedated for the trip to a holding facility where it was to be examined by veterinary staff who were assisting with the project. Once she arrived at the facility, NPS officials said the wolfs condition deteriorated and she died, despite the best efforts of the medical team.

Necropsy results revealed no direct cause of death, but scientists think it was likely due to anesthesia-related stress," NPS staff said.

Because of this belief, the wolf transfer team immediately reviewed its protocols for how the wolves were being handled, park staff said after the wolfs death last fall. They made adjustments in the length of time captured wolves were kept in the field before they were transported, and re-evaluated how they were sedating the wolves.

The other deaths were two male wolves found dead at different times after they were released on the island. In one of those cases, its GPS tracking collar was found still attached to its body in a swamp. No cause of death could be determined for that one.

In the other wolfs case, the post-mortem exam revealed the male wolf died of pneumonia, ... though how the wolf developed this condition is unknown, park staff said.

The goal of creating strong, healthy wolf packs on this remote island means the NPS is trying to establish a good genetic stew, demonstrated by how they are trapping wolves from various points around the Great Lakes and bringing them together on Isle Royale. The hope is that with these new arrivals, the genetic problems that doomed the islands past wolves wont be replayed.

Adding genetics from Michigan wolves was a key piece of the puzzle to provide the best opportunity for genetic diversity that supports the sustainability of the introduced population," Green said. Our focus now will be on broad population goals and the opportunity these Michigan wolves represent. We will continue to learn what we can and track how the wolves integrate into the island landscape.

As fall continues and the island shuts down for the winter, the park service and its research partners will continue to monitor the new wolves to see how they are forming packs, killing moose and possibly pairing up to bring the island its first wolf pups in years.

See the original post here:
4 U.P. wolves taken to Michigans Isle Royale, 1 found dead days later - MLive.com

I was distressed to learn that Netflix cancelled Designated Survivor, after rescuing the show from ABC for a third season. Finally, the characters in the West Wing could speak realistically. But it didnt help.

I was thrilled at the bioterror-catalyzed plot, which borrowed Isaac Asimovs law of science fiction: change only one thing. But stronger science in the story could have built a compelling, biology-based case against white supremacy, because the weapon was to somehow seek the dark-skinned. Short-shrifting the science was a missed opportunity.

The first episode of Designated Survivor aired September 21, 2016. With ten million viewers, many following star Kiefer Sutherland from his Jack Bauer/24 days, DS was quickly extended to a full season.

The plot is simple and original: a massive explosion at the Capitol during the State-of-the-Union address leaves alive and functioning only Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Thomas Kirkman (executive producer Sutherland) in the line of succession. Casualties are massive.

Kirkman is sequestered safely somewhere secret as the designated survivor should disaster smite the president, vice-president, speaker of the house, president pro tempore of the Senate, etc. During that first season, the kind and calm Kirkman struggles to lead, while investigating the disaster that led to his presidency. We get to know his staff.

The show evokes The West Wing, with its snappy banter and distinctive characters (one of whom, Bradley Whitfords Josh Lyman, resurfaced recently on Handmaids Tale as a Commander with a heart), with a touch of Homeland for the FBI/CIA intrigue, and House of Cards, minus the Kevin Spacey drama.

For some of us, tuning in to Designated Survivor on Wednesday nights for the first two seasons was a welcome diversion from the bizarroworld reality of the Trump administration, especially in the early days. Im not the only one whod awaken every Thursday distressed to realize that Kiefer Sutherland wasnt actually the president.

In season three, the targeted bioweapon becomes the backdrop to Kirkmans re-election as an independent candidate.

First, a few other bio-tinged plotlines reverberate behind the main story. I omit the crisis-of-the-week ones.

Much of the action, from the first episode of season 1, centers on Hannah Wells (Maggie Q), who staggers from the rubble of the Capitol and then is always running from something, vacillating between working for the CIA or the FBI, all the while with enviably perfect hair and make-up and killer jeans. She goofs at the end of season 2, and is assigned desk duty. She hates it.

Season 3, episode 2 opens inside a lab disguised as a bread factory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A redheaded nerd has been locked in a freezer, and hes banging on the window watching a bad guy stealing something in a vat that looks like red Kool-Aid. We know it is a biolab because a computer screen displays what look like Salmonella bacteria.

Switch to bored Hannah. At her desk job, she actually reads something intriguing, and before you can say deoxyribonucleic acid, she suddenly spouts what she thinks is biotechspeak, babbling about genetic biology, which normally bores the tits off me, she professionally declares to her superior.

Hannahs discovered that a rogue biogeneticist has sequenced the genome of the poppy. He can edit a gene to wipe out opium!

After getting the go-ahead to follow up, Hannah visits the handsome and eloquent Dr. Eli Mays (Chukwudi Iwuji), a DIY biohacker and geneticist whose lab is crammed with plants, presumably including poppies. We know hes qualified because his computer screen shows a gyrating double helix.

Dr. Mays suddenly orates to Hannah about the government not doing enough to prevent bioterrorism. Soon, he declares, well be able to edit genes on our smart phones!

What worries you most? asks Hannah.

Dr. Mays walks regally over to a freezer festooned with biohazard stickers, slowly opens the door, and removes and holds up a zip-loc bag. Its a virus Ive not seen before, he solemnly declares, but the bag holds a brilliant red and very dead cardinal.

Birds are falling from the skies over Florida. An avian flu!

Next, Hannah and Dr. Mays visit the lab in Cambridge, seeking a South African mad scientist out to rejuvenate apartheid. The labs been scrubbed clean, but the ginger-haired scientist-on-ice, now missing, has scratched three concentric circles into the wall before he was dragged outside, where we see his body anointed with gooey, glistening smallpox lesions.

What can the mysterious circles-within-circles be? Aliens? The structure of the smallpox virus, of course, says Dr. Mays. He and Hannah are vaccinated and survive.

Meanwhile, in Toronto, a strange flu strikes an ob/gyn clinic. Pregnant women sneeze for two weeks and then have miscarriages.

Dr. Mays helpfully guides us through whats happened: A bad gene from smallpox virus has been CRISPRed into a bird flu virus that also has a gene from somewhere that interrupts human pregnancies, a few candidates mentioned here. Its an induced miscarriage cluster camouflaged to mimic something that might occur naturally, he deduces.

At first, when the weapon was just bird flu and smallpox, it was deemed just deadly. But eventually the politicos realize that a targeted weapon that causes what they term infertility (which technically miscarriage isnt) is genetic genocide.

By episode 4, we learn that the multi-virus bioweapon will only harm people of color.

Biologically speaking, the only people who do not have skin color have albinism, and I didnt see any of them walking around Kirkmans White House. Here are some facts:

So what, exactly, would the bioweapon target to harm the overwhelming majority of human beings, all those who do not have albinism?

Perhaps Im being too literal. When I investigated white supremacy in the wake of Charlottesville two years ago, I learned that white, to them, means only people with fair skin from the UK, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. It does not include Jewish people, ethnic Poles, Slavs, Roma, and many others. It does not include me.

How would the weapon work? Hannah and the crew in the White House just accept that the builders of the bioweapon targeting the dark-skinned can simply make it so.

Are the politicians terrified of big words or crisp acronyms? Their paralysis inspires Dr. Mays, when all is well at the end, to suggest that perhaps President Kirkman consider hiring a few scientists. Good idea.

The CRISPR-this CRISPR-that dialog flies fast as Hannah seemingly gets over her boredom with things genetic. Theres a lot of hand-waving among the White House staff, running around and promising to do things right away, but still the shenanigans remain nonsensical.

And then it seems the bioweapon is more than bird flu and smallpox. It also contains a dash of norovirus! Had the target changed to make people on cruise ships throw up? Dr. Mays reveals that norovirus was chosen for its speed. Makes sense. I had it once.

Still later, the weapon suddenly becomes water-borne! In Texas! Did someone sneak in a snippet of Vibrio cholera, adding a bacterial component?

Then Hannah, the self-taught bioterror expert with boring breasts, wanders into the Cambridge facility without any sort of protection, not even a hoodie. Running about as usual, she gulps in nerve gas as the South African maniac lurks, masked, in the background.

Oops.

As Hannah gasps and staggers, the South African emerges, removes his protective gear, gloats, and informs her that her diaphragm will stop moving within 3 minutes. It does. She expires.

As the presidential campaign intensifies, concern over the details of the weapon diminish, as its now variously called a virus, a chemical, a weapon that could kill everyone, and its development now attributed to neo-Nazis.

Finally a young black female technician, a friend of Dr. Mays, plants a bot of some sort onto the main bad guy, a miniature something-or-other that tracks him. When caught he reverts to an old tool, popping cyanide. And just like that, the bioterror attack is foiled.

In contrast to the convoluted and vague scenes involving science, a stolen video that Kirkman and crew view, showing a roomful of older, white, males led by Republican presidential candidate Moss, is a little too real. The men are discussing shifting demographics favoring a future of fewer white people. Are they directly behind the invention of the racially-targeted bioweapon? Youll have to watch to find out.

It wasnt the flawed bioterror plot that doomed Designated Survivor after all. Kiefer Sutherland has said that Netflixs restricting actor contracts to one year drove several major players to seek work elsewhere.

I think the bioterror plot succeeded, in tone if not in detail, by illuminating the idiocy of white supremacy. The writers envisioned knitting a bunch of pathogens into a deadly quilt of hate, stitched with CRISPR, and thats really the main point. The hate is real.

See the original post here:
Did a 'flawed' bioterror plot doom Netflix's 'Designated Survivor'? - Genetic Literacy Project

Joan Gabel was officially installed as the University of Minnesota's 17th president Friday with the traditional handing of a ceremonial mace and medallion but also with a modern twist involving a livestream of the event, vegan chili and therapy dogs.

Gabel opted for an inauguration ceremony designed to herald a presidency that would honor the university's history while at the same time embracing innovation and more fiscal restraint. Gabel is the first female president since the U was founded 168 years ago.

Before presenting her with a mace symbolizing authority, Gov. Tim Walz said he has heard Gabel described again and again as "dynamic," "transformational" and "collaborative." He touched on the high stakes as she takes the helm of the five-campus system with a $4 billion budget especially at this time of unprecedented pressure on the U to arrest costs and redouble its efforts as a state economic driver.

"The beating heart of Minnesota and the success of it is the University of Minnesota," said Walz, whose daughter is a U freshman.

In December, the U's governing board voted unanimously to hire Gabel, the sole finalist in a national search the university conducted after former President Eric Kaler announced he would step down following eight years at the helm. At that point, Gabel, who started her career as a lawyer, had already marked firsts for women on two campuses, as the first female provost at the University of South Carolina and the first female University of Missouri business school dean.

She signed a five-year contract with a $640,000 salary, a $150,000 initial retirement contribution and the possibility of a performance bonus.

Over the summer, the Board of Regents approved up to $250,000 for the inauguration festivities, an amount in line with what the university has budgeted for previous inaugurations. Critics of university spending such as former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson seized on that number, urging Gabel to cancel or scale back the ceremony.

In July, Gabel told regents she did want to overhaul the event into a more informal, modern celebration. She said she bypassed a formal wedding in favor of eloping with her husband, Gary, and planned to take a similar, more relaxed approach to marking the official launch of her presidency.

Some regents seemed taken aback, pointing out the inauguration is not just for Gabel, but also for campus communities, donors and others. But, said board Chairman Ken Powell, Gabel convinced the board the university could have a joyful event that honored tradition without the pomp of previous festivities.

The university estimated the cost of the re-imagined event at about $150,000.

Gabel did away with the gowned faculty procession and the formal dinner reception that had increased the tab for past inaugurations. Instead, she opted for a celebratory walk across campus and a livestreamed speech on the steps of Northrop auditorium. The food was vegan chili, corn and food truck offerings.

The Friday ceremony was the culmination of a week of events in which Gabel set out to highlight university research, outreach and more. She stopped by the university's Bee Lab to see students and faculty making honey, flew a drone over one of the university's agricultural fields and attended a career fair at the College of Science and Engineering.

On Wednesday, Gabel hosted a panel discussion on student mental health, an issue she has elevated to a priority for her presidency.

The Friday inauguration started with a traditional installation ceremony in the regent boardroom at the McNamara Alumni Center, with the flags of Minnesota's 11 tribal nations lined up in the background. Gabel's husband, three children, parents and close friends attended.

Law professor Carol Chomsky, the mace-bearer, said she knew Gabel was the right fit for the U when she spoke of a "Bat-phone" to faculty leadership during her campus interviews. "President Gabel has said and demonstrated that she is collaborative to her core," Chomsky said.

Gabel, her guests, regents, employees and others then headed down Scholars Walk, with the U's marching band, cheer squad and mascots leading the way. Students, faculty and staff along the route cheered and took photos and video of the procession, which included three campus therapy dogs.

Members of the university's Teamsters and AFSCME unions protested in support of more concessions in ongoing contract negotiations. Cherrene Horazuk, president of AFSCME on campus, said the U has not delivered on a decade-old promise to simplify a 27-step salary system for its clerical workers and contract talks so far have not been promising.

AFSCME, which also interrupted last week's board meeting, says Gabel has declined to meet with its representatives even as she has spoken with a slew of campus groups a step the U has said would deviate from the contract negotiation process.

"We do the invisible work behind the scenes, and we feel we have been made invisible," Horazuk said.

At Northrop, Gabel gave an inaugural address in which she acknowledged the pressures facing higher education nationally. But she said the moment also carries "palpable energy" and a sense of opportunity.

"Our university is prepared to meet these challenges at this important moment," she said. "That's because the University of Minnesota is first-class."

She highlighted the importance of keeping the U affordable and inclusive and pursuing "paradigm-shifting ideas."

"Our best days lie ahead," she said. "Now let's get started."

Medha Kaul, a sophomore genetics major who attended the event, said Gabel's focus on student mental health and an inclusive environment has resonated. Students are hopeful Gabel can bring in fresh ideas to rein in tuition increases. As for the symbolism of the day, Kaul said she felt some ambivalence.

"It's exciting to see the first female president," she said. At the same time, "It's, 'Wow! How has it taken so long?'"

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated which of Gov. Tim Walzs children attends the University of Minnesota.

Read more:
With vegan chili and less pomp, U installs Joan Gabel as its 17th president - Star Tribune

In the world of heart health, there is some good news: As a country, medical statistics suggest, fewer Americans are suffering heart attacks. The bad news is: National rates of heart attacks among people under 40 years old are increasing.

Cleveland Clinic, a global leader in cardiovascular health and medical research, reports that while aging has previously been attributed as a leading factor establishing risk of heart attack, people in their 20s, 30s and 40s are now more often falling victim to myocardial infarctions. Heart attacks can happen to anyone, young or old, male or female.

Knowing how much you are at risk could save your life.

Your diet, especially when consisting of large amounts of processed and ultra-processed food, is a factor; as is your overall weight; a sedentary lifestyle with little to no physical activity; add on family history with heart disease and you have, what Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Dr. Luke Laffin says are, the reasons why there is a rise in the statistics around heart attacks in young people.

In combination to these environmental and lifestyle circumstances , Dr. Laffin also correlates a relationship between heart attack and personal health in regard to a specific disease that is also on the rise nationally, One of the biggest risk factors of heart attack is the increasing incident of type 2 diabetes. Were now seeing heart attacks occurring in young men who are only 25 or 35. Putting that into perspective, Dr. Laffin says, Twenty years ago this wasnt the case and was rarely discussed in medical school. While the causes for Type 2 Diabetes are largely unknown, it is clinically thought that genetics and environmental factors, such as poor diet, being overweight and inactive seem to be contributing aspects, just like cardiovascular disease.

Cultural and societal shifts in the past two decades might signal a correlative reasoning as to why these two medical conditions are becoming more prolific: increased cell phone use, deteriorating food quality, less emphasis on physical education in schools, or a generation of people raised during the opioid epidemic. It is easy to find a reason to point at rather than admit we are a part of a lazy and overweight population doing little to stay prepared in regards to our own health and longevity.

Preparation for a heart attack comes down to actively trying to prevent the heart attack by eliminating as many risk factors as possible. Dr. Laffin suggests it includes trying to change the social and environmental conditions that could develop and increase your risk of a myocardial event. The things we have control over such as exercising, eating nutritious foods, choosing to avoid smoking, avoiding stimulant drugs like cocaine or amphetamines, managing stress and blood pressure, and educating yourself about your risk level, can all improve your long-term heart health.

In order to best avoid heart disease or Type 2 diabetes you need to change your environment, exercise habits, and make better dietary choices, especially if heart disease runs in the family. Hereditary risk of cardiovascular disease is defined as having a close relative, such as a father or mother, brother or sister, son or daughter, under the age of 55 for men and 65 for women, with a heart attack or stroke history.

You cannot change your familys history of cardiovascular disease, but you can control what you do with the information. If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or have life factors that place you more at risk, consult your doctor regularly and monitor your health.

It comes down to being aware of your health and taking your health seriously.

Being aware of the symptoms of a heart attack or myocardial event can save your life or the life of a loved one. According to the Mayo Clinic Common heart attack signs and symptoms include: Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain. Shortness of breath. Cold sweat. Fatigue. Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness.

Not all people will experience the same symptoms or have the same severity of symptoms. Some may develop mild pain; others might suffer more severe pain. Some people have no symptoms; for others, the first sign may be sudden cardiac arrest. However, the more signs and symptoms you have, the greater the likelihood you are having a heart attack.

Act immediately. Some people wait too long because they dont recognize the important signs and symptoms. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience any of the symptoms indicating a myocardial infarction.

Engaging in regular physical activity and exercising, keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check and monitoring your sugar and fat intake, avoiding packaged and processed foods and sugary beverages, eating a diet balanced by more fruits and vegetables and less meat, and cutting out smoking, all will keep you and your heart healthy. Someone loves you with all their heart so, take care of yours.

See the article here:
Heart attacks on the rise for young people - Ely Daily Times

The decline of resistance in old age

Infection, immunity, and demography are rarely measured simultaneously, despite being intertwined. Froy et al. measured an immune marker of resistance to infection by worm parasites (helminths) in Soay sheep off the remote Atlantic island of St. Kilda (see the Perspective by Gaillard and Lematre). They used a library of 2000 blood samples from 800 known individuals that have been left to run wild and unmanaged. Resistance declines as the sheep age, which reduces a sheep's chances of surviving the winter. Helminths are an important component of many natural systems, including humans, and may thus become an increasing burden on health with age.

Science, this issue p. 1296; see also p. 1244

Our understanding of the deterioration in immune function in old ageimmunosenescencederives principally from studies of modern human populations and laboratory animals. The generality and significance of this process for systems experiencing complex, natural infections and environmental challenges are unknown. Here, we show that late-life declines in an important immune marker of resistance to helminth parasites in wild Soay sheep predict overwinter mortality. We found senescence in circulating antibody levels against a highly prevalent nematode worm, which was associated with reduced adult survival probability, independent of changes in body weight. These findings establish a role for immunosenescence in the ecology and evolution of natural populations.

Originally posted here:
Senescence in immunity against helminth parasites predicts adult mortality in a wild mammal - Science Magazine

PETALING JAYA: IF one were to ask Chef Darren Teoh, founder of the award-winning restaurant Dewakan, on what is the secret to success, he would say there is none.

However, Dewakans listing in the 2019 Asias 50 Best Restaurants list was no accident. He attributed it to a whole ecosystem, from the cooking, preparation, ingredients, all the way down to the farmers.

If you want to know how we prepare the dishes, we would tell you the recipe. If you want to know where we get the ingredients, we'll gladly tell you where to get them.

We dont measure success in terms of awards, but instead, a sustainable business and how we do things, as well as our narrative and purpose.

Our success is dependent on the entire ecology of things, not only how well we cook the ingredients, but also the people who strive to better the local food scene, such as farmers, fishermen and the Orang Asli, who are proud to share their knowledge.

We credit them (suppliers) for the products we source from them; the meat, the rice and even the chocolates, he told the New Straits Times.

Teoh, however, admitted that it could be exceptionally difficult to source meat of good quality.

He said the ruminant sector in Malaysia had been industrialised to cater to the masses, and that the quality and prices paid by consumers were two different things.

Teoh wasnt alone in his assessment of the state of the local ruminant industry. Malaysias poor output in terms of ruminant production, as well as quality, had been a bone of contention among industry players for years.

Malaysia produces only 29 per cent of its ruminant needs, with imports making up the rest. The country, for example, imports beef worth about RM1.14 billion annually to meet the local demand of about 191,000 tonnes.

Datuk Zainal Abd Ghani, founder of Boden Edufarm, is an authority on the subject of the ruminant industry.

His farm supplies high-quality goat meat to the countrys top restaurants, including Dewakan.

Zainal said Boden Edufarm underwent a strict vetting process by Dewakan.

Its team came to Negri Sembilan to inspect our farm in Serting, Jempol, and the kids before agreeing to source the meat from us, he said.

Transporting the meat is also crucial in ensuring its quality. The meat is chilled instead of frozen.

Zainal said Boden Edufarm strived for quality, above all else. In a move to optimise land usage and produce healthier goats, he embarked on a project to open a free range farm on a 40.4ha land.

Boden Edufarm owners Datuk Zainal Abd Ghani and Datin Fatimah Abdullah at their farm in Serting Hilir, Jempol, in June.

He said the key to any business was first understanding what one aimed to achieve.

At Boden, we aim for production and returns (revenue), so we learnt everything that is to know about improving production.

There are two factors to determine this, namely, doe to kid ratio (the average rate of how many offspring a female ruminant could birth) and the growth rate or average daily gain (ADG).

In Malaysia, the ADG of a goat is 70g per day. The authorities should look into this to find the root cause, be it poor genetics or diet, or that the ecosystem is not good. In Australia, the ADG is 200g per day, while in Africa it is 250g.

On the production rate, he said in Africa, a single goat could achieve the market weight of between 30kg and 40kg after three and four months.

However, in Malaysia, Zainal said the cycle from birth to market takes about eight to 10 months.

He said, as a result, Malaysians chose not to venture into the industry because of low returns.

He said the governments approach to help farmers, although well intentioned, could end up killing the industry altogether.

The government spent millions of ringgit to bring in livestock with the purpose of helping farmers improve their revenue through breeding.

Unfortunately, the goats were of poor quality. This is compounded by the fact that many farmers who received the goats were not ready as there is a lack of infrastructure.

They ended up selling the goats back to the suppliers for RM300 each, which the suppliers in turn sold for RM2,000.

He said most of the government initiatives to improve the ruminant industry and increase production of livestock were programme-oriented instead of result-oriented.

Zainal, whose experience included serving as chief executive officer of a public transport operator, said help such as loans and grants would not help the industry in the long term.

The industry, he said, could be killed by the very gestures meant to improve it.

When you provide more loans without proper technical assistance to the farmers, you are not helping them in the long run.

There have been many cases of goat farmers funded by the government closing down as they lacked the knowledge and expertise. In the meantime, our industry suffers due to a lack of supply, which then leads to the import of meat, which in turn kills the business of local producers.

Zainal said the relevant agencies should pay more attention to ways to boost local production and reduce dependency on imported livestock.

The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry has been focusing on Wagyu meat and Musang King durian, while here, we are talking about basic food.

The government must talk to industry players to find out the issues. Dont talk about land, labour or capital. Once we know what we want, the rest will come afterwards.

See more here:
'Focus on boosting ruminant production' - New Straits Times

The above map shows variations in average IQs in Europe, an arbitrarily selected area. Why not do it (discriminate) on Geography?

Or, if people with lower socio-economic standing have lower IQs (some say the pressures can lower IQ by 13 points) or thatit affects IQ more in the US than elsewhere, then surely we should just do away with the poor. They are lowering our average IQs!

All this kind of position does is advocate elitism along whatever arbitrary line the claimant desires.

Lets look again at the biological sex category, but this time in terms of violence and safety. This, in my opinion, utterly destroys Rob Smiths and OTGs argument.

There is a subset of humanity that is 882% more likely to violent crime. It would be wise to restrict their participation in society, or their migration, or to vilify them in some other way, etc etc.

Of course, they are men. You are one, Mr. Smith/OTG. I would say that being a man isFAR, FAR, FARmore problematic in comparison to blacks vs. white violence. Just reading books likeThe Anatomy of Violenceby Adrian Raine orIncognitoby David Eaglemanshould cause Rob Smith to pause and reflect on his very dubious position. He should be far more vehemently protesting againstmenif safety and violence is important to him, if hereallyfeels strongly about it. Men are 882% more likely to commit violent behaviour. This is a huge difference and dwarfs that claimed between blacks and whites. Women iun the UK account for only 5% of the prison population, but are 50% of teh population.

We men should be more like women, no?

I mean, that is what OTG is saying: blacks should be more like whites?

I said this to OTG:I can ignore your statistics there because you seem to ignore the statistics on men against women. We know the statistics for men committing violent crime and gun crime far outstrips that committed by women. However, you seem to ignore these statistics in your hellbent desire to persecute blacks. Your double standards are quite incredible because you never seem to campaign so vociferously against men. However, the statistics of men versus women compared to blacks versus whites is considerably different.

His reply?

Its not a double standard, and observing facts is not persecution. No one denies the fact men are more violent and criminal than women, but liberals like you deny the fact blacks are much more violent and criminal than whites. Blacks are 12% of the population and commit more total homicides than whites and Hispanics combined.

Tumbleweed.

And eventually:

And black men commit crimes at a much higher rate than white men.

This is his modus operandi.When presented with a difficult corner to fight out of, he simply repeats his original claim. In this case, both, myself and another commenter (Anri) asked him several times what he wanted to do with his claimed information, even ignoring my points:

Okay, so if I agreed to your narrative about blacks (I dont), then what? What is your point that you want to raise whenever you raise this narrative? Because whatever you suggest should happen with blacks should happen to massively far greater extent with men. And herein lies your double standards, no doubt.

His reply?

Why do you insist on denying the fact blacks commit crimes at a higher rate than whites? You present yourself as a rational, truth seeker, but thats clearly not the case.

One of the reasons it needs to be raised is because people like you attribute American crime to guns.

And thats the closest, after many times of asking, that he has got to answering the oft-asked question.

But it need not just be IQ that is used. We could divide people up on any number of abilities or skill sets. Coordination, cultural heritage, art, use of logic, survival skills, musicality The list goes on.

And, to me, that is what makes him racist. He is being arbitrarily (non-rationally) phobic or discriminatory of a race. He could choose any number of elitist categorisations to attack others, but he chooses race.

It is also worth noting that if iQ is his thing, then he needs to accept that lower IQ is also linked to higher religiosity:

In a 2013 meta-analysis of 63 studies, led by Professor Miron Zuckerman, a correlation of -.20 to -.25 between religiosity and IQ was particularly strong when assessing beliefs (which in their view reflects intrinsic religiosity)

Naturally, it is worth really unpicking the data for a number of confounding causal variables, but we know OTG doesnt like to do that, so we can assume that he will accept that the negativity of violence and crime as caused by lower IQ in blacks (his claim) also causes another negativity or religiosity. Unless he wants to mess around with religiosity being a good thing and undermining his argument such that a low IQ can cause bad things, but this is balanced by good things.

But that would be far too nuanced for him

I could go on, but I will stop here. I will ask again: why do these people botherwith this crusade at all? I could vilify autistic people, or quadriplegics, as not offering something or another to society. But I dont because I am a compassionate human. Where is Rob Smiths and Ottos humanity? Are they simply advocating for eugenics based on the colour of someones skin? Commenter Thanks4AllTheFish made a couple of comments that, for me, nailed it (on Duvals piece):

Sub-Saharan Africa is very fertile and has an abundance of animal life. If you understood evolution at all, you would know that environment plays a critical part in evolutionary change. With all this abundance, the indigenous people had no need for huge cities and castles to defend their realm. Hunting and gathering satisfied their needs whereas in Europe, the climate was much harsher and necessitated evolutionary change. Does this make European peoples better than sub-Saharan Africans? Absolutely not. It only makes them different. This is what you fail to understand.

Journals from early European explorers write about how they were amazed at the variety and richness of African culture that had developed outside of white influence. Discoveries of the Monomotapa Kingdom, Zagwe Dynasty, the Axumite, Ghana, Mali, Sonhai, Kanem, Nri, and Bornull Empires showed a richness of culture unknown to Europeans prior to the 1200s. You dismiss all of this because it doesnt fit into your superiority narrative and I understand that. What you need to understand is that a written language, IQ, or intelligence is not what really bothers YOU about Blacks,et al.

What bothers you about Blacks is that they exist and they apparently threaten your sense of superiority. The rest of us dont see black people we just see people. That is the primary difference between a racist and an actual Human Being.

and:

So what? None of this matters to anyone but white supremists. All of us used to wriggle around in the primeval slime. You paint with a broad brush but the fact is some blacks are smarter than some whites and many Asians are smarter than many whites. My post indicates that those who worry about such matters are in need of a mental health professional.

Black people in America have demonstrated one overwhelming superiority to white people enormous restraint. If I had been treated the way Blacks and Native Americans have been treated, I would have slaughtered you all in your sleep.

Is the point of this discussion to show that white people are somehow superior to others because they have a greater IQ? If one were to accept this premise (as if it even mattered), is the end goal to round up all the Black, Asian, Hispanic, etc. folks and put them to work picking cotton or something? Why should anyone care what race is the smartest? That seems like a fools errand unless some sinister eugenics plot or cross burning is in the offing. If your whole life revolves around trying to justify how smart and superior you are because your skin happens to be white, frankly you are a racist jackass and you need to get over yourself. One thing pretty much everyone agrees on is that being a racist or bigot is not a sign of superiority, higher IQ or intelligence. It is a sign of mental illness, however.

Treating people as fellow human beings. Thats what it is to be a humanist, and of that Im proud.

Although I said I would grant them their claims for sake of argument, I cant resist a bit of a dig. I will refer to Explaining the Gaps in White,Black, and Hispanic Violencesince 1990: Accounting forImmigration, Incarceration,and Inequality byMichael T. Lightand Jeffery T. Ulmer. It is a recent meta-analytical paper that is well worth a read. Here are some relevant snippets:

Across all three comparisonswhite-black, white-Hispanic, and blackHispanicwefind considerable convergence in homicide rates over the past two decades.Consistent with expectations, structural disadvantage is one of the strongest predictors oflevels and changes in racial/ethnic violence disparities. In contrast to predictions based on strain theory, racial/ethnic wealth inequality has not increased disparities in homicide.Immigration, on the other hand, appears to be associated with declining white-black homicidedifferences. Consistent with an incapacitation/deterrence perspective, greater racial/ethnicincarceration disparities are associated with smaller racial/ethnic gaps in homicide.

Combined with theincarceration findings, our research suggeststhat rather than policies focused solely on criminal elements within communities (e.g.,incarceration and more police), policies aimedat improving overall community conditions inminority areas through economic investment,housing equality, and spending on education,drug treatment, and work training programs,would go a long way toward reducing racial/ethnic differences in violence without worseningracial inequality in other social domains.

Taken together, our results have importantimplications for understanding the future ofracial/ethnic disparities in violent crime. Onthe one hand, disparities in homicide betweenwhites, blacks, and Hispanics decreased overthe past two decades, to the point where thereis now near parity between whites and Hispanics.

Ulmer et al also recently found strong causal drivers in disadvantage, family structure and poverty in racial differences in violent crime.

As Wiki states:

While there is a correlation between blacks and Hispanics and crime, the data imply a much stronger tie between poverty and crime than crime and any racial group, when gender is taken into consideration.[63]The direct correlation between crime and class, when factoring for race alone, is relatively weak. When gender, and familial history are factored, class correlates more strongly with crime than race or ethnicity.[64][65]Studies indicate that areas with low socioeconomic status may have the greatest correlation of crime with young and adult males, regardless of racial composition, though its effect on females is negligible.[64][65]A 1996 study looking at data fromColumbus, Ohiofound that differences in disadvantage in city neighborhoods explained the vast majority of the difference in crime rates between blacks and whites,[66]and two 2003 studies looking at violent offending among juveniles reached similar conclusions.[67][68]

The evidence is mixed on the causality for racial disparity, and at least part of this (as Duval pointed out) is the difficulty in finding comparable data between ethnic groups in terms of SES (and this tells another story!). Simply put, we cant seem to find the same sort of deprivation amongst a comparable white US population.

Controlling for variables does certainly lead to, at best, aweak correlation. When it comes to men vs women, that correlation stands strong. So a controlled statistic that starts getting toward parity versus a difference of almost 9 times (theres movement either way on this depending on how you define it).

If there was still to be a difference in black and white IQ and/or violence, then this would be far, far smaller than the difference in, say, male-female statistics, after controlling. And yet Otto chooses race over sex because, you know, racism.

This is my challenge, as succinctly as possible:

If Otto is attacking blacks on account of being more violent (due to some kind of genetic determinant), such that when controlling for all other variables, then whatever action he wants taken on account of this must be taken to a much greater degree against men. If he wants to disallow immigration from/lock them up/shoot them/generally pour scorn on them, then he must start doing this to all men. From now. Thats, you know, logical.

In other words, since he will not do this, or since it will lead to ridiculous and no doubt sexist conclusions, he doesnt have a leg to stand on.

Either he deals with this point by destroying the data on male violence, or he accepts it and changes his tack to not only include men in his consistent comments and attacks but to start seeing them as the far greater problem. Every comment would now need to state something like:

High crime in the US correlates to blacks men, because they commit crimes at a much higher rate than other races biological sexes.

Perhaps we can make a feminist of Otto?

If he does not deal with at least this point in substantial robustness, I will simply delete all further invocations of his agenda.

I also want to repeat the question directly to him:Anyway, what doyouwant to do with the information (even if we accepted your claims)?

He has started peddling these claims again, hence the reposting here. You can see the original comment thread here. He has to the end of the week to rebut the challenge or his latest comments will be deleted.

Read the original post:
A Challenge to Race Realists Race vs Biological Sex - Patheos

With over two days of engaging conversations, fiery debates and inspiring keynotes, the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019 played host to an idea exchange that covered varied topics. From the Indian economy and the situation in Kashmir to the politics of Maharashtra and the world of showbiz, the two-day Conclave had it all. And, a big-bang announcement by the government on reducing corporate tax rates made the session on economy even more interesting.

In case you missed out on the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019, here's everything that happened over the last two days.

DAY 1

FULL WELCOME SPEECH OF AROON PURIE AT INDIA TODAY CONCLAVE 2019

A very warm welcome to you all. It is great to be back in Mumbai with another edition of the India Today Conclave. This March, we had shifted our national conclave to Delhi as it was going to be a year defined by elections and politics and power equations at the Centre.

But Mumbai has tugged us back. Yours is a city of enterprise and dynamism, of resilience and reinvention -- qualities our country needs across the board. As it turns out, this is also a year dominated by conversations around the economy, so it is doubly apt for us to be hosting this edition of the conclave in the financial capital of the country...

RBI SENSED SLOWDOWN AS EARLY AS FEBRUARY: SHAKTIKANTA DAS AT INDIA TODAY CONCLAVE

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das Friday said that the central bank had sensed a slowdown in the Indian economy in February this year itself. "RBI had noticed the signs of slowdown as early as February this year," Das said while speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019.

Das also pointed out that a slowdown in the global economy was among the factors affecting India's economy, which has shown signs of slow growth. Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019, Das said he was not being defensive but pointed out that global and external must be considered when talking about the slowdown in the Indian economy.

TOP ECONOMISTS DISCUSS ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN, GDP, JOBS AT INDIA TODAY CONCLAVE

Renowned economists Shamika Ravi, a member of PM's Economic Advisory Council, Roopa Purushottam, chief economist and head of policy advocacy at Tata Sons Limited and Ritu Dewan, vice-president of Indian Society of Labour Economics, agreed that the Indian economy has been facing a slowdown.

While some sectors were more adversely impacted due to their own underlying issues, global economic slowdown and trade wars have come together to pull down the growth rate. The rural economy, which was doing better until a few quarters back, has also taken a hit.

ARMY FIGHTS DAILY BATTLES, IAF FOUGHT WHEN IT WAS CALLED TO: AIR CHIEF BS DHANOA AT INDIA TODAY CONCLAVE

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa lauded the Indian Army for "fighting daily battles" and said that the force still remains in the limelight. Dhanoa said this when asked about whether the Indian Air Force had stolen the limelight away from the Indian Army following the Balakot airstrike from earlier this year that targeted a terrorist hideout in Pakistan.

"The Indian Army is fighting a daily battle... they are in the limelight. We were called to fight. So we fought," BS Dhanoa said while speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019.

INDIA ON RIGHT TRACK, ALL ECONOMIES FACE UPS AND DOWNS: NITIN GADKARI

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said Indian will soon become a $5 trillion economy because the government is taking right decisions. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2019 in Mumbai, Nitin Gadkari said, "I believe the kind of measures we are taking will help us achieve the goal of making India a $5 trillion economy. This will lead to employment generation, will boost India's GDP growth and will make the economy powerful."

Nitin Gadkari's comment comes in the wake of India registering a 5 per cent GDP growth in the first quarter of this financial year. This has been the lowest in many years.

VICKY KAUSHAL: MY SECURITY GUARD SEES NETFLIX ON PHONE. UNLESS WE MATCH, WHO WILL PAY RS 500 FOR A MOVIE?

Vicky Kaushal has been high on josh ever since his last release Uri: The Surgical Strike struck gold at the box office. Aditya Dhar's directorial debut not only made Vicky an overnight star, but also helped him bag his first National Film Award.

And ever since, there has been no looking back for this 31-year-old actor.

On Day 1 of the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019, Vicky Kaushal opened up on his Bollywood journey, his first National Award and his love life in a session titled The Art and The Man: What gives me josh in Bollywood.

HUMAN LIFE MORE IMPORTANT THAN INTERNET CONNECTIVITY: JITENDRA SINGH ON KASHMIR LOCKDOWN

Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh has claimed that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is normal after the abrogation of Article 370. He insisted that human life is more important than internet connectivity.

While speaking at India Today Conclave 2019 on Friday, Jitendra Singh called the Opposition hypocrites who did not want democracy to be more open. Jitendra Singh claimed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will come forward in support of the Union government's decision on Article 370 within six months.

HERE'S HOW VIRUSES ARE LINKED TO CANCER, AUTISM AND OTHER SYNDROMES: TAKE NOTES FROM DR W. IAN LIPKIN

India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019: Mumbai is capturing the excitement of human potential by presenting thought leaders triggering positive change around the world: people redefining human health, physical and mental wellness, artificial intelligence and much more.

This time, we had Dr W. Ian Lipkin, Virologist with us at the India Today Conclave 2019, Mumbai and he shared his own experiences about how he encountered with HIV/AIDS and identified AIDS-associated immunological abnormalities and inflammatory neuropathy, which he showed could be treated with plasmapheresis, and demonstrated that early life exposure to viral infections affects neurotransmitter function.

SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATIONS CARRYMINATI AND PRAJAKTA KOLI: JIO CHANGED INDIA

CarryMinati aka Ajey Nagar is one person who is doing it all. The 20-year-old who started out as a YouTuber, became an online sensation instantly with his quirky videos. The social media star posts rants, commentaries and reactions to anything that trends on social media, on his YouTube channel. The man, who has a view about everything, is also a rapper and has some songs out like Byepewdiepie and Trigger.

Prajakta Kohli, who is famous by her online name, Mostly Sane, is another popular YouTuber known for her hilarious and relatable videos as they are based on everyday observations.

INDIA LEADS THE WORLD IN TEENAGE DEPRESSION: BRAVE YOUNGSTERS SHARE THEIR TRIGGER MOMENTS

Over the last five years, more than 40,000 students committed suicide in India. Last year itself, 8492 students committed suicide. One student commits suicide every hour in India, and yet, we keep pretending like today's teenagers are anything from fragile to obsessed about their looks -- each of these blame-games make diagnosis and treatment of teenage depression even more difficult.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019, moderator Soma Chowdhury gives the audience a few shocking numbers and mentions how Deepika Padukone's opening up about her depression opened up a very important discussion that goes beyond caste, class, language, or age.

AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE CAN TACKLE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS: NEERJA BIRLA

Even in today's modern society, mental illness is not considered as serious as physical ailments. In many cases, it is frowned upon and neglected.

The main problems plaguing mental ill-health are a lack of awareness, stigma and a lack of infrastructure, said Neerja Birla, Founder, and Chairperson of MPower, an endeavour that is working in the area of mental health on Friday.

KARAN JOHAR: EVERY TIME YOU SAY SUPERSTARDOM, YOU THINK SHAH RUKH. NO ONE CAN TAKE IT AWAY FROM HIM

Over the course of two decades in Bollywood, Karan Johar has carved a name for himself in the industry. He is considered one of the most popular filmmakers in B-Town, owing to his big-budget blockbusters, and new stars are eager to work with him. On Day 1 of the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019, Karan Johar opened up about ruling Bollywood, the infamous drug row, box-office clashes, his kids Yash and Roohi, and more. Karan was speaking on a session titled Cinema Czar: The Final Word - The Dream Maker: Karan Johar on ruling Bollywood.

PERFECT BODY, QUIET MIND: WHY HOLLYWOOD SWEARS BY YOGI CODE

Shunning the high life to attain inner peace is really a cakewalk for the first male supermodel, Yogi Cameron, who left the enticing fashion industry right after meeting Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa. When asked about his name, he said, "I used to be called Cameron in the fashion world and once I entered in the world of inner beauty, I added Yogi just to remind myself that I am on this journey."

He started practising yoga in Paris at the Shivananda center in 1987. Further, he extended his knowledge on the subject by reading natural medicine until 1999 and becoming certified in yoga at the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City as well as the Sri Satchidananda Ashram.

IS THIS INDIA OF GANDHI OR INDIA OF GODSE: ILTIJA MUFTI TAKES ON MODI GOVT OVER KASHMIR

Iltija Mufti, the daughter of the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehooba Mufti, hit out at the Narendra Modi government over its move to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and statehood.

When asked what the way forward in Kashmir was, Iltija said the government must roll back its decisions regarding Kashmir. "Is this Gandhi's India or Godse's India," Iltija said while speaking about the clampdown on communications and restrictions on movement imposed in Kashmir.

"How would you feel if in Mumbai you would need a curfew pass to move around in your own country?" Iltija asked, while speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019.

GOVT OPEN TO HEARING, OFFERING SOLUTIONS TO SPUR GROWTH, SAYS PIYUSH GOYAL

Panelists headed by Railways Minister Piyush Goyal feel, in the backdrop of the Union government's decision to reduce corporate tax, the investment climate in India would reverse in the coming days to spur economic growth, though there is no single 'steroid' to spur that growth.

The government is open to hear, learn and offer required solutions from time to time to spur that growth, Piyush Goyal said.

However, the economists feel the issues like adequate liquidity in the system, reforms in land and labour, and attracting investments into India are necessary to spur growth.

SHASHI THAROOR, SWAPAN DASGUPTA SPAR OVER HINDUTVA, NATIONALISM, STRONG INDIA

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta shared their ideas of Hindutva, nationalism authoritarianism and dynasty. While Tharoor insists that the idea of Hindutva is against the freedom struggle Dasgupta emphasised that Hindutva is about civilisation and culture not religion or territory. Tharoor pointed that the feeling of insecurity among certain people is scaring. Dasgupta said the country is rolling back on the corruption which is decreasing every year.

GURU DUTT TO VICKY KAUSHAL: ARJUN KAPOOR DECONSTRUCTS THE INDIAN HERO AT CONCLAVE MUMBAI 2019

On Day 1 of the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019, Arjun Kapoor took the audience through decades of Indian cinema and what the Indian hero has been like all these years. The evolution from Guru Dutt to a hero who is anyone and everyone is what Arjun spoke on during his session, titled Top Guns: Deconstructing the modern Indian hero.

DAY 2

STONES HURLED BY FRIENDS LIKE FLOWERS: DEVENDRA FADNAVIS ON ALLY SHIV SENA

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that he is not deterred by ally Shiv Sena's criticism of his government or his party. "Aisa hai ki dost agar pathar bhi pfainke toh to usse phool samjahna chahiye [Stones hurled by friends are like flowers]," Fadnavis said.

Devendra Fadnavis was speaking at the India Today Conclave 2019 Mumbai on the day the Election Commission was set to announce poll dates for his state.

AAREY FOREST ROW: SHED TO JAAYEGA, SAYS AADITYA THACKERAY; SHED WAHIN BANAYENGE, SAYS FADNAVIS

Shiv Sena youth president Aaditya Thackeray defended his stand on the controversial Mumbai Metro project that has sparked a huge row over the need to fell trees for a carshed. Thackeray has openly opposed the carshed that is supposed to come up in a part of Mumbai's Aarey Forest.

Activists have strongly opposed the felling of trees and the issue has divided Mumbai.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2019 Mumbai, Aaditya Thackeray, whose party is a part of the very government constructing the Metro, said the issue was not about "Shiv Sena vs BJP" but about "Mumbai vs environmental damage".

GDP TO GROW 7-7.5 PER CENT IN 2ND HALF, DISINVESTMENT TO BRING REVENUE: NITI AAYOG VC RAJIV KUMAR

The GDP will grow between 7 and 7.5 per cent in the second half of this financial year, Niti Aayog VC Rajiv Kumar said while speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019.

Kumar added that the government will find additional revenues from disinvestments--- it has a plan to divest stakes in 24 companies to raise Rs 1.3 lakh crore --- and raise the fund to bridge the budget deficit that arose out of corporate tax cut.

IDEA THAT THERE IS INFINITE SUPPLY OF WATER IS DUMB: P SAINATH AT INDIA TODAY CONCLAVE

P Sainath, Founder-editor, People's Archive of Rural India called for a rethinking on water crisis, not restricting it to just irrigation or drinking water problem. Water is a social, cultural, political, economic and environmental issue and has to be addressed from all these angles.

Water should also be declared a basic right as the planet is shared by humans as well as flora and fauna. He called for prioritisation of water uses and restrict the transfer of the infinite resource from agriculture to industry, from food to cash crop, from rural to urban areas, from the poor to the rich and from livelihood to lifestyle uses. Since water wars have been fought over the last 2000 years, it was important to discuss the issue as it cannot be evaded now.

WATER CONSERVATION SHOULD BE PRIORITY: PARAMESWARAN IYER

Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, talked about how Indian villages lack clean water and what could be done to provide clean drinking water to the villagers.

He also pointed out that technology could be used to create awareness on water conservation. The focus should be on creating local water storages.

THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE LEARNABILITY WILL BE LEFT BEHIND: WIPRO CHAIRMAN ON THE FUTURE OF JOBS IN INDIA

Technology is changing the landscape of industries around the world. Many jobs that existed in the past are slowly phasing out and data says that over the next five years, 9% of India's 600 million workforce will hold jobs that do not exist yet. In such a time, the only thing that can save us is re-skilling and learnability.

Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji, the son of business tycoon and philanthropist Azim Premji conversed with Rahul Kanwal at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019 on how re-skilling and learnability are the top skills for tomorrow's workforce.

AUTOMOBILE, PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES ARE RAPIDLY GROWING IN UTTARAKHAND: CM TRIVENDRA SINGH

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat pitched for investment in the Devbhoomi saying it is a land of many opportunities.

He pointed towards the clean environment and better connectivity to make Uttarakhand an investment destination. Comparing with Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh, which were created in 2000 at the same time of Uttarakhand, Rawat claimed that his state has done better compared to the rest of two.

TECHNOLOGY SHOULD MAKE US BETTER HUMAN BEINGS, SAYS DIGISEXUALITY EXPERT NEIL MCARTHUR

Sexbots or sex robots are increasingly making their way into our society catering to various needs and and sexual desires of people. While on one hand they are being embraced by tech enthusiasts and other people in the society who prescribe to their services, on the other hand, people have also raised their concerns about their impact on people and society at large. The presence of an array of sensors that helps these sex robots read, interpret and even replicate humans has raised another question - if machines become more like humans, do they have rights?

Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai two digisexuality experts -- Allysson Silva, Lawyer, Co-Founder of NextOs, AI and Tech-intimacies expert and Neil McArthur, Author, Robot Sex: Social and Ethical Implications - tried to answer concerns and challenges around digital sexuality. They were accompanied by Harmony, which is a female sex robot created by Silva's company, who shared her views on some of the questions being raised in the society.

DICTATORS WHO CONDUCT RIGGED ELECTIONS LAST LONGER THAN THOSE WHO DON'T: BRIAN KLAAS

Acclaimed journalist Brian Klaas on Saturday spoke on how alarmingly the world is becoming less democratic.

Klaas has authored two authoritative books on how elections are rigged across the globe The Despot's Accomplice: How the West is Aiding and Abetting the Decline of Democracy and The Despot's Apprentice: Donald Trump's Attack on Democracy and coauthored another book How to rig an election.

CONCLAVE 2019: GENETICS LOADS THE GUN LIFESTYLE PULLS THE TRIGGER, SAYS MURALI DORAISWAMY

On the second day of India Today Conclave 2019 Mumbai, Dr Murali Doraiswamy, who is a Physician and Futurist at the Duke University School of Medicine discussed the discoveries of the human brain and also gave a brief discussion about the genome and why it is the new gold.

"There is an old saying about genetics. Genetics loads the gun lifestyle pulls the trigger all of us are different because of our different genes. We have 23 pairs of Chromosomes and between then we have 3 to 6 billions of bits of coded information in our genes, said Doraiswamy.

OUR LEADER OF OPPOSITION IN MAHARASHTRA WAS 'MANAGED': PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN HITS OUT AT RADHAKRISHNA VIKHE PATIL

Congress leader and former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan strongly hit out at Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who was the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra assembly for the last five years. Earlier this year, in a huge embarrassment to Congress, Patil quit the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019, former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan said it was a huge mistake to appoint Patil as the leader of the opposition and to let him continue in that post for five years. Chavan did not name Patil directly.

SHAHID KAPOOR: KABIR SINGH IS 16 YEARS OF MY HARD WORK

Shahid Kapoor has had a rollercoaster of a journey in Bollywood. In his career spanning almost fifteen years, he has had his fair share of hits and misses. However, 2019 was a lucky one for him, as his film Kabir Singh crossed over Rs 270 crore at the box office and emerged as one of the highest-grossers in Bollywood.

At India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019, at his session, Heroes and Anti-Heroes: The craft and the heart of telling all stories, Shahid Kapoor opened up about the success of Kabir Singh, the constant debate around it, as well as his relationship with his family.

EKTA KAPOOR: I RESPECT THE WOMAN IN THE SAREE AS MUCH AS THE WOMAN IN THE SWIMSUIT

Ekta Kapoor spoke on Day 2 of the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019 on how to interpret love, desire and ambition in India. The TV czarina didn't shy away from speaking her mind and wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Speaking on Day 2 of the Conclave, during a session titled, #Alt-Imagination: The Radical and the Regressive. Interpreting love, desire and ambition in India', moderated by Koel Purie, Ekta Kapoor spoke on everything from her TV shows being called regressive to ALTBalaji shows being termed soft porn. She also said how everyone had now given up on asking her to get married.

KATRINA KAIF: ZERO AND BHARAT REVIEWS MADE ME REALISE IF YOU GIVE YOUR ALL, IT SHOWS

Katrina Kaif joined the industry as an outsider. And from there, she's gone on to carve a niche for herself. She's learned on her own, she learned a language to fit in, learned how to dance a typical Bollywood number, and today boasts of an unparallel fan base.

In some ways what we see of Katrina Kaif today is a 2.0 version - and Katrina admitted the same, speaking at the India Today Conclave, Mumbai 2019, during a session titled Interstellar: My journey into Bollywood from a different planet.

KRITI SANON: RIGHT NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO BE A WOMAN IN BOLLYWOOD

She made her Bollywood debut with the 2014 film Heropanti. But it took her three years to make people sit and take notice of her talent. The 29-year-old actress surprised everyone with her small-town girl act in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's Bareilly Ki Barfi. And since then, there has been no looking back for the actress who entered Bollywood without a Godfather.

Read more:
Economy to water, Maharashtra politics to movies: Full coverage of India Today Conclave Mumbai 2019 - India Today

A Bangor clinic that has long provided abortions and other health services for women will soon offer its first birth control procedure for men.

In October, a nurse practitioner at the Mabel Wadsworth Center will begin performing vasectomies on men and transgender women as part of its growing mission to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of all genders and identities, according to Executive Director Andrea Irwin.

Weve seen a lot of folks come in with an unintended pregnancy and their partner is waiting to get a vasectomy, Irwin said. Weve heard its hard to get into places [for the procedure], so it made sense to look into offering it. And as a provider that serves a lot of trans clients, we want to serve trans women in a place thats open and affirming.

Irwin said that the new offering will advance the clinics bedrock feminist mission by forcing sexual partners to bear more of the responsibility for preventing pregnancy.

By offering vasectomies, the group also hopes to bring in a new funding stream to support its core mission of offering abortions, as it has been doing since 1994, and other services such as birth control and pregnancy and STD testing.

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that blocks sperm from leaving the bodies of men and transgender women by snipping and sealing the tubes connecting their testicles to their urethral opening, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Although vasectomies can be reversed, health professionals generally urge patients to view it as a permanent procedure that they should only pursue if they want to give up the ability to induce a pregnancy.

At the Mabel Wadsworth Center, the operation will generally require three appointments: an initial consultation, the procedure itself and a followup visit. The nonprofit organization will accept MaineCare or private health insurance for the service, and patients who are paying out of pocket may qualify for discounts depending on their income level.

Patients whose annual income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level that level works out to $18,735 for an individual in 2019, according to HealthCare.gov will be able to pay $525 for the vasectomy. Thats the same price the center charges anyone for an abortion.

The out-of-pocket cost for other patients seeking a vasectomy would be $750 if their income is at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level $31,225 for an individual and $1,000 for everyone else.

Those numbers could change as the center begins to see how much reimbursement it collects from patients with insurance, Irwin said.

We want to send the message that everyone deserves access to reproductive health care, regardless of gender identity, where they live, their income level, she said.

Maines two other abortion providers, Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood, do not currently offer vasectomies at their locations in the Pine Tree State, according to their websites.

While vasectomies will be the first birth control service available to men at the Mabel Wadsworth Center, the clinic has begun offering STD testing and treatment to men in recent years. As it branches out, it has also begun offering hormone therapy for transgender people, prenatal care and mental health counseling.

It recently hired a nurse practitioner to serve as the centers clinical director, according to Irwin. It also now employs an advocate who can help connect patients to resources such as MaineCare, the states version of Medicaid.

Irwin said that a combination of grant funding and the states expansion of Medicaid under Gov. Janet Mills has helped the Mabel Wadsworth Center afford to start its new programs.

This story appears through a media sharing agreement with Bangor Daily News.

See the rest here:
Bangor's Longstanding Abortion Provider Will Soon Offer Vasectomies - Maine Public

A transgender man desperate to have his breasts removed says he "can't wait two and a half years" for an NHS spot.

Jesse Churchill, 24, came out as non-binary transmasculine - a person who was assigned female at birth, but who identifies with masculinity to a greater extent than with femininity - in 2017.

His GP referred him to a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) and the process of his transition began.

But Jesse is still waiting for gender reassignment surgery and says the lengthy NHS waiting list for trans people is "long, harrowing, exhausting and is costing lives", Birmingham Live reports.

Research undertaken by Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ rights charity, shows suicide and self-harm is common for members of the transgender community and almost half of young trans people have attempted to take their own life.

According to research, the longer they have to wait for the surgery to correct their gender, the longer they are forced to suffer with gender dysphoria.

Jess, from Great Barr, Birmingham, came out as bisexual when he was 15 but did not reveal his true gender identity until he was 22.

Despite getting himself on the list to correct his gender back in 2017, when the waiting time was estimated to be two years, he has suffered multiple delays.

The 24-year-old is now attempting to crowdfund 6,300 and pay for the surgery privately.

He said: "It wasnt until I met people within the community that I was able to access the proper language and education that I could comfortably figure out my gender expression and identity.

"I never had any queer friends growing up, despite being out as bi since I was 15. I then fully came out as non-binary trans masc in 2017.

"My family and friends were fantastic about it all, although my mum didnt quite understand at first, shes really taken it on board and is beyond supportive.

"Ive been incredibly lucky to be loved and supported by such wonderful people in my life. As soon as I came out I went to my GP to get referred to a GIC as I knew the waiting time was very long.

"I still decided to seek private health care to get testosterone, which Ive been on for over a year now. My plan was to get hormones privately and then wait for the NHS to get top surgery."

He continues: "Id heard stories of people not having their referral ever received so out of fear I decided to contact my GIC, bear in mind their minimum waiting time was 2 years and I was coming up to that when I contacted them.

"They confirmed they have my referral but regretted to inform me that the minimum time has now increased so Id be waiting even longer.

"The wait time for my GIC has been extended to two and a half years, and again this is only the minimum wait time, anyone could be waiting much longer than that.

"Even then when you do get an appointment, it's not just the one you have, and I've known people wait up to 12 months in between appointments, then you've got to get a surgery referral and be put on a surgeon's long waiting list.

"The NHS wait for trans people is long, harrowing, exhausting and is costing lives."

Mental health problems are effecting the trans community worldwide and according to the 2016 study by the National Centre for Transgender Equality, of the 17,715 trans people they surveyed, 40% had attempted suicide in the US.

It also found that 14% were sent to therapy by their families in an attempt to 'cure' them, 10% reported violence from a family member and 8% revealed that they were kicked out of their family home.

The UK statistics from the year prior showed that that 34.4% of trans adults had attemptedsuicideat least once and almost 14% of trans adults had attemptedsuicidemore than twice.

Just like other trans men in the wait for surgery, Jesse uses a binder to reduce the appearance of his chest.

"I bind every time I leave the house to completely pass as male," he says.

"As a tall, heavily tattooed man with a beard I pass anyway but binding not only helps with my dysphoria of my chest but also helps me pass safely.

"Its still very dangerous to be obviously trans today and I try my best to avoid any more abuse than I already do.

"As a queer looking man, it doesnt stop people from shouting homophobic slurs at me so I try to minimise any more abuse through binding.

"I bind for long periods of time especially with traveling around the country for my job.

"Its painful and Ive had to cancel seeing family and friends, miss out on events because I know Ill be too exhausted.

"Im 24 and I just want to be able to live how Im supposed to.

"Recommended binding is eight hours a day, and for someone who works full time this is completely unrealistic.

"Long term use can result in pain, damage to breast tissue, discomfort and physical restrictions."

The Nottinghamshire Health NHS Foundation Trust said: "There is currently an exceptional demand for appointments in our service.

"This is due to a large and increasing number of referrals, and the continuing care of our existing service users.

"As a result, unfortunately the waiting time for first appointments continues to rise. It is currently in excess of two and a half years from when we received the referral. This is an estimate and is liable to change depending on the needs of our current service users.

"We sincerely apologise to all our service users who are waiting for a first appointment with us. We appreciate how challenging this can be and we are doing all we can to see people as soon as possible."

Jesse has been campaigning on social media for donations to his GoFundMe page which has now reached 740.

Top surgery is usually the first surgery involved in gender reassignment treatment after extensive hormone replacement therapy.

This procedure involves the removal of the breasts in cases of a female to male transition.

The minimum waiting time for this procedure at NHS Gender clinics is two years but it is more often longer than that.

As patients wait to go under the knife, they wear binders which restrict the breasts and reduce the appearance of them. It is recommended that they are not worn for longer than eight hours at a time as they can become uncomfortable and painful.

Wearing them for long periods can also cause damage to the breast tissue but for some trans men, they have no choice but to wear them for long hours of the day.

Some trans men from lower income families are unable to afford their own binder and resort to making their own which can also cause health problems.

Original post:
'I desperately need 6,000 to have my breasts removed - I can't wait any longer' - Mirror Online

THE mum of one of Britain's youngest transgender kids has blasted critics who said her son was too young to become a girl from the age of just three.

Luna Schofield has identified as a girl since the age of three and her mum Jeneen has hit back at critics who say her daughter was allowed to make the life-changing decision too young.

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Jeneen revealed how her child wished to be female every Christmas from the age of just three.

She has now officially changed her name by deed poll to Luna and is thought to be the UK's youngest transgender child after being given a new passport and permission to wear a skirt to school.

NHS worker Jeneen, 37, told The Sunday Mirror that she initially "brushed" off her toddler's "silly" pleas to become a girl - believing it was a "phase".

But Luna's repeated appeals - which first started "soon after her third birthday" - led her mum to reconsider her approach.

On her fifth birthday she spent the day at Disneyland Paris in a dress. She couldnt have been happier

Jeneen, of Liverpool, said: "My family felt she was too young to make the decision to be a girl.

"But I didnt want to tell her how she felt and knew this wasnt going away.

Jeneen then phased out the "football stuff" that her toddler always seemed to shun - preferring to play with dolls and dressing up.

And at five, Luna was allowed to "socially transition - growing her hair and dressing in traditionally female clothing in public.

Jeneen added: "Before then shed worn princess dresses to the local shop with me, or at home.

"On her fifth birthday she spent the day at Disneyland Paris in a dress. She couldnt have been happier.

At the top of every Christmas and birthday wishlist was to be a girl."

But Jeneen still found it "hard to accept" what she was seeing - and at times felt like she was "grieving" for her lost son.

She added: "Suddenly I was so scared about how it might cause problems for her.

"I sat in my car and cried my heart out. I didnt really know what trans meant.

"For weeks I was petrified Luna would have a loveless life full of people hating her.

But Jeneen reached out for support online and was aided by the Mermaids trans-support charity.

She added: The more research, the more I realised transitioning didnt mean the end.

"Luna could have a happy life and find love as a girl.

And single mum Jeneen also believes it would be wrong to force her daughter to "live a lie" - despite the latest NHS warnings.

This month psychologists said children are being allowed to live as the opposite sex too soon - a decision that could do long-term harm.

Figures show the number of gender dysphoria children in Britain doubled in the past year.

And last year 2,590 children were referred to the Leeds-based Gender Identity Development Service, where Luna visits.

That accounts for a rise of nearly 100 per cent in just four years.

Social psychologist Dr David Canter said: No one should be assigned the label transgender before puberty.

"If the child is unhappy then the reasons should be explored without assigning labels.

And consultant psychiatrist and TV doc Raj Persaud added: A careful medical assessment is needed to understand what is going on.

"Only then can decisions be reached.

But Jeneen insisted it would be wrong to force her child not to live as she pleases - because she "never encouraged Luna to be a girl."

Now, Luna's classmates are "accepting" of her choices, Jeneen said - giving her an "overwhelming" sense of relief.

But Jeneen still needs to handle "horrific online comments about the parents of trans children - including some that said they "should be killed."

Jeneen added:I know she will encounter comments as she grows up, hated for something she didnt choose, but I can either have a dead son or a happy, confident daughter.

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Luna now attends gender clinic appointments where she is encouraged to explore her identity.

And once she hits puberty she will be able to chose if she wants to take hormone blockers and medication to change her body.

Jeneen added: "It will be her decision, and hers only.

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Mum of one of Britains youngest transgender kids, 8, blasts critics who say son was too young to become a g - The Sun

Unexpected weight loss can be associated with cancer, but also with a range of other conditions

Weight loss codes in primary care typically represent 5% loss within a 6 month period, but there is a lack of evidence on how much weight loss and over what time period increase the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis in primary care

Urgently refer people over the age of 60 years with unexpected weight loss for investigations to exclude cancer

The optimal diagnostic strategy to detect cancer in patients with weight loss remains unclear

Unexpected weight loss presents a diagnostic challenge in primary care. It is associated with a wide range of benign and serious conditions (box 1).1

CardiovascularEnd stage heart failure (cardiac cachexia)

EndocrineAdrenal insufficiency, diabetes, hyperthyroidism

GastrointestinalDiarrhoea, colitis, malabsorption, mesenteric ischaemia

InfectionChronic infection (such as HIV, tuberculosis)

MalignancySolid tumours more likely than haematological malignancies

MedicationAntidepressants, antiepileptics, anxiolytics, diuretics, laxatives, stimulants

NeurologicalDementia, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disease, Parkinsons disease, stroke

PsychiatricAnorexia nervosa, anxiety, bulimia, depression

RenalEnd stage renal failure (uraemic cachexia)

RespiratoryChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, vasculitis

RheumatologicRheumatoid arthritis

SocialExcess alcohol consumption, neglect, use of opiates, poor oral health, poverty, smoking

Weight loss may be missed or misattributed because of several factors (see box 2). Once it is detected, the uncertainty for clinicians is not about whether unexpected weight loss is a symptom of concern, it is about who should be investigated further and who can be spared unnecessary investigation. Specifically, how much weight loss, over how much time, in combination with what other clinical features makes cancer sufficiently likely to warrant urgent investigation?

Read this article:
When should unexpected weight loss warrant further investigation to exclude cancer? - The BMJ

From the age of three, Jeneen Schofields only child made the same Christmas and birthday wish: I want to be a girl.

While family snaps show the tot in a Liverpool football kit, Jeneen says her toddler, born a boy, soon sensed he should be living life as a girl.

And last year, at the age of seven, her wish came true when her name was officially changed by deed poll to Luna.

She started wearing a skirt to school and got a new passport too as one of Britains youngest transgender children.

Today her proud mum opens her heart on the life-changing events and defies critics who believe her decision to let Luna choose her gender was premature.

NHS worker Jeneen, 37, tells of the moment Luna, now eight, was set free and talks of her grieving process as she let her little boy go.

The mum says: Luna was asking when she could be a girl soon after her third birthday. I brushed it off as a phase and told her to stop being silly.

But she kept asking. My family felt she was too young to make the decision to be a girl, but I didnt want to tell her how she felt and knew this wasnt going away.

Lunas story comes as figures show the number of gender dysphoria children in Britain doubled in the past year.

Referrals to Englands only specialist clinic for transgender children have risen nearly 100 per cent in four years.

Last year 2,590 children were referred to the Leeds-based Gender Identity Development Service, where Luna visits.

Jeneen tells how Luna always shunned football stuff, preferring to play with dolls and dress-up. At five she was allowed to socially transition.

Jeneen adds: Before then shed worn princess dresses to the local shop with me, or at home. On her fifth birthday she spent the day at Disneyland Paris in a dress. She couldnt have been happier.

At the top of every Christmas and birthday wishlist was to be a girl. It was hard to accept what I was seeing.

Luna had only been at school a few weeks when Jeneen asked to speak to her teacher.

She explains: It was World Book Day. I explained Luna wanted to go as Alice in Wonderland and I asked if she thought there might be more to this. The teacher agreed, saying she noticed Luna always being the mum or sister when kids played dressing-up.

Suddenly I was so scared about how it might cause problems for her. I sat in my car and cried my heart out. I didnt really know what trans meant. For weeks I was petrified Luna would have a loveless life full of people hating her.

But Jeneen says YouTube videos of parents of trans kids talking about their situation plus resources downloaded from Mermaids, the trans-support charity helped her realise Luna could find happiness.

She adds: The more research, the more I realised transitioning didnt mean the end. Luna could have a happy life and find love as a girl.

But this month NHS psychologists said children are allowed to live as the opposite sex too soon. They say letting kids as young as six socially transition could do long-term harm by forcing them to choose too early.

Two top doctors also advised caution.

Social psychologist Dr David Canter said: No one should be assigned the label transgender before puberty. If the child is unhappy then the reasons should be explored without assigning labels.

Consultant psychiatrist and TV doc Raj Persaud added: A careful medical assessment is needed to understand what is going on. Only then can decisions be reached.

But single mum Jeneen insists it would have been wrong to let Luna live a lie. And she stresses: One thing I was sure of was how Id certainly never encouraged Luna to be a girl.

In 2016 Jeneen took Luna to Liverpool Pride, where Mermaids had a stall. They met a family with a trans child a year older than Luna.

Jeneen recalls: She had started to wear girls clothes and seemed so happy. I asked Luna if she wanted some normal girls clothes, rather than princess dresses, and she was so excited.

So she took Luna to Primark where they bought three dresses, a pair of pink jeans and some bobbles.

Seeing her spinning around in the changing rooms in her new clothes was heart-melting, like shed been set free, Jeneen says.

The moment we got home Luna emptied her wardrobe of all the boys clothes, put them into bin bags and put her new clothes up with pride.

Days later Jeneen told her mum that Luna would be wearing girls clothes.

She says: We had an explosive argument, Mum telling me, I cant take her out in girls clothes! I screamed back saying she had to be more understanding and supportive.

Mum called back later saying how sorry she was, how she loved us, but she was so scared. I explained I was more scared than anyone, but I couldnt help Luna on my own.

And with the heads blessing at the start of Lunas second year at school, she proudly wore a girls uniform.

Everyone was so accepting. Other kids would ask why she was in a dress, and shed reply, Because it makes me happy, and that was it.

The sense of relief when she came home that first day with a smile on her face was overwhelming.

Then came the issue of a name.

After trying Alice for a week, she switched to Luna a nod to the fact she and Jeneen look for the moon at night to make a wish before bedtime.

The process hasnt been easy though and Jeneen admits grieving as Facebook time hop photos would pop up of Luna as a baby making me feel like Id lost my old child.

But she stresses: I explained how I felt to friends not in the trans community. They told me I should be grateful to have a child.

Its a complex emotion as a parent of a trans child. Last thing I wanted was to cause offence to any parent who has lost a child because of an accident or illness.

After being a nurse for 11 years, Jeneen started a course in therapy and it helped her come to terms with their new life.

This, plus being part of an invaluable Mermaids network in Liverpool, gave her the confidence and strength to handle horrific online comments.

She adds: I stopped reading comments saying how the parents should be killed or needed sectioning. This was about Lunas happiness.

I know she will encounter comments as she grows up, hated for something she didnt choose, but I can either have a dead son or a happy, confident daughter.

At times, Jeneen has turned to the trans and LGBT communities, hate crime officers and even her MP for support.

A touching symbol came when Luna was re-baptised last year.

Jeneen says: The vicar couldnt have been more supportive, even wearing a rainbow silk scarf.

When I see and hear how Luna has accepted her authentic self, how happy, intelligent and hilariously funny she is, it makes me very proud. Kids need to be themselves to flourish, not what someone else wants them to be.

Luna has had five gender clinic appointments and can ask questions and explore ideas about her own identity.

Jeneen says: The next change wont be for a few years when Luna starts puberty and she can choose for herself if she wants hormone blockers and medication, and whatever else she chooses. But it will be her decision, and hers only.

Original post:
'My girl became the youngest trans toddler at just three years of age' - Mirror Online

he Global report entails the overall and all-encompassing study of the "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market" with all its relevant factors that might have an influence on the growth of the market. This report is rooted in the methodical quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market.

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Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market Data Analysis, Growth, Demand & Forecast 2019-2024: Teva Active Pharmaceutical Industries...

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This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments

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Global Bone Marrow Transplant Rejection Treatment Market Data Analysis, Growth, Demand & Forecast 2019-2024: Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - PR...

Aiming to deliver thorough analysis for Global Endometriosis Market, MRD has gathered and analysed market information based on Segment1 and Segment2. It has also covered regional analysis to better understand the country wise trends and market scenario. The Global Endometriosis Market not only comprises of Key Market players and their competitive landscape, but also include the some latest trends in the healthcare sectors that are crucial for the Global Endometriosis Market, through thorough primary and secondary analysis. The list of key players includes:

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The list of key players includes:

AbbVieAstraZenecaBayer HealthCarePfizerAddex TherapeuticsAstellas PharmaDebiopharmElexoPharmEndoCeuticsEuroscreenForendo PharmaKissei PharmaceuticalNeurocrine BiosciencesNippon ShinyakuTakedaBayer AGNeurocrine Biosciences

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The latest updates of the Global Endometriosis Market depict that the market is rapidly growing at a CAGR of xx% over the forecast period. In 2018, the Global Endometriosis Market size was close to US$ XX Million. The report also covers several chronological events such as mergers, acquisitions, product launches and new strategies adopted by companies.

Several market impact factors are affecting the Global Endometriosis Market over the forecasted period. MRD deeply analyses such factors and the direct and indirect impact triggered by such factors on the ongoing trends and future trends. The Global Endometriosis Market report encompasses all the regional trends, market drivers, challenges in the market growth, and opportunities for expansion and growth in the Global Endometriosis Market. This helps in construing the forecast figures of the Global Endometriosis Market. Additionally, the Global Endometriosis Market report is thoroughly analysed across various segments such as by product type, by application type, and by region.

Global Market Splits/Segmentation by Product Type

Gonadotropins Releasing Hormone AgonistsNon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory DrugsProgestinOral Contraceptive Pills

Global Market Splits/Segmentation by Applications

Hospital UseClinic UseOther

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Global Market Splits/Segmentation by Region/Country North Americao U.S.o Canada Latin Americao Brazilo Argentinao Rest Europeo U.K.o Germanyo Spaino Franceo Italyo Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Chinao Japano Indiao Australia & New Zealando ASEAN Countrieso Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africao GCC Countrieso North Africao Rest of Middle East & Africa

Global Endometriosis Market USPs Market Dynamics Company Wise market Share Region wise Market Share Sales Analysis Competitor Strategy Analysis Impact Factor Analysis Adoption Rate

Table of Content

1. Executive Summary

2. Global Endometriosis Market Introduction2.1. Global Endometriosis Market Taxonomy2.2. Global Endometriosis Market Definitions2.2.1. Segment12.2.2. Segment22.2.3. Region

3. Global Endometriosis Market Dynamics3.1. Drivers3.2. Restraints3.3. Opportunities/Unmet Needs of the Market3.4. Trends3.5. New Product Launches3.6. Collaborations, Acquisitions and Mergers3.7. Growth Rates of Endometriosis Regionwise3.8. Global Endometriosis Market Competition Landscape3.9. Global Endometriosis Market Dynamic Factors Impact Analysis

4. Global Endometriosis Market Analysis, 2014 2018 and Forecast, 2019 20254.1. Market Analysis, 2014 2018 and Forecast, 2019 2025 (Revenue, USD Mn)4.2. Year-over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%)4.3. Market Opportunity AnalysisContinued

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Glucagon therapy is primarily used in the management of hypoglycemia in adults, children, and pregnant women. Glucagon secreted by pancreas which is released in form of glucose that raise blood glucose levels by liver to convert glycogen to glucose. Glucagon is a medication for the treatment of severe low blood sugar level (Hypoglycemia). Glucagon therapy comprises of injectable and nasal form for the treatment of hypoglycemia.

Glucagon Therapy Market: Drivers & Restraints

Glucagon therapy market is growing attributable to use as a cardiovascular stimulant after beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker overdose also glucagon therapy is utilized to restrain gastrointestinal motility to aid radiologic examinations. It may also be used to help make a detection of insulin. Increase in the number of mortality cases due to hypoglycemia, increase in the predominance of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients are the factors which contribute in the growth of glucagon therapy market. Increment in prevalence rate of hypoglycemia due to other diseases such as severe falciparum malaria have are other factors which can be responsible for the growth of glucagon therapy market. Glucagon therapy market is growing because of increment being used of beta blocker lethality as glucagon is generally accepted as an antidote, especially as first-line treatment in -blocker overdose as Cardiovascular medication overdose was the fourth driving reason of death. Increase in glucagon therapy market due to the growing prevalence of cardiovascular disease globally, trailed by an expected increase in the use of beta-blockers. Glucagon therapy is safe in pregnancy which has been approved by FDA is other factor for the growth in glucagon therapy market.

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Glucagon Therapy Market: Segmentation

Glucagon therapy market has been segmented on basis of product type, application, end user and regions.

Glucagon Therapy Market can Segmentation on basis of product type

Glucagon Therapy Market can Segmentation on basis of application type

Glucagon Therapy Market can Segmentation on basis of end user

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Glucagon Therapy Market: Overview

Glucagon is a hormone created in the pancreas. Glucagon is utilized to raise exceptionally low blood glucose level. Glucagon is also utilized in diagnostic testing of the stomach and other digestive organs. With the predominance of diabetes increasing worldwide at remarkable rates in late decades, the improvement of significant medication treatments have extended too. Medication for controlling blood glucose levels are accessible in various stages, and advancements in medication measurement and delivery methods appear frequently. Among the pharmaceutical formulations, injectable utilized in diabetes management is insulin, which brings down glucose levels. Glucagon, then again, increase glucose levels and is frequently utilized for the treatment of hypoglycemia. Based on product type, inject glucagon segment is expected to take largest market share of Glucagon therapy market for the forecasted period. Based on application, emergency kit segment is expected to dominate for the forecasted period. Based on end user, hospital segment is expected to dominate for the forecasted period

Glucagon Therapy Market: Regional Outlook

North America account for the largest share in the global Glucagon therapy market owing to the increase in the prevalence of hypoglycemia in diabetes patients, increase in patient inflow for hypoglycemia in an emergency department, increase in incidence rate in neonates and children, increase in patients suffering from hypoglycemia due to other diseases and launch of nasal glucagon with better clinical benefits. In addition, increasing awareness among population and regulatory approvals for the products have fueled the market development. Europe is the second largest market and holds a remarkable share in the global glucagon therapy market. The Europe glucagon treatment market is relied upon to develop fundamentally during the estimated time period owing to accessibility of cutting edge treatment facilities, skilled technical professionals, and the government support for research and advancement. Asia Pacific Image Glucagon therapy market records for the quickest developing business sector attributable to increasing prevalence of hypoglycemia with diabetes and development of new hospitals and clinic institute.

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Glucagon Therapy Market: Key Players

The key players operating in the Glucagon therapy market are Eli Lilly, Taj Pharmaceuticals, Torrent Labs, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Fresenius Kabi, among others.

The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.

The report covers exhaust analysis on:

Regional analysis includes:

The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.

Report Highlights:

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Glucagon Therapy Market Industry Trends and Developments 2019 2029 - SocioHerald

The proof-of-concept experiment showed data can be encoded in DNA and retrieved using automated systems, a development that may have positive significance for clinical laboratories

It may seem far-fetched, but computer scientists and research groups have worked for years to discover if it is possible to store data on Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Now, Microsoft Research (MR) and the University of Washington (UW) have achieved just that, and the implications of their success could be far-reaching.

Clinical pathologists are increasingly performing genetic DNA sequencing in their medical laboratories to identify biomarkers for disease, help clinicians understand their patients risk for a specific disease, and track the progression of a disease. The ability to store data in DNA would take that to another level and could have an impact on diagnostic pathology. Pathologist familiar with DNA sequencing may find a whole new area of medical service open to them.

The MR/UW researchers recently demonstrated a fully automated system that encoded data into DNA and then recovered the information as digital data. In a simple proof-of-concept test, the team successfully encoded the word hello in snippets of fabricated DNA and converted it back to digital data using a fully automated end-to-end system, Microsoft stated in a news release.

The MR/UW team published their findings in Nature Scientific Reports.

DNAs Potential Storage Capacity and Why We Need It

Thus far, the challenge of using DNA for data storage hasbeen that there wasnt a way to easily code and retrieve the information. That,however, seems to be changing quite rapidly. Several major companies haveinvested heavily in research, with consumer offerings expected soon.

At Microsoft Research, consumer interest in genetic testing has driven the research into using DNA for data storage. As People get better access to their own DNA, why not also give them the ability to read any kind of data written in DNA? asked Doug Carmean, an Architect at Microsoft, during an interview with Wired.

Scientists are interested in using DNA for data storage becausehumanity is creating more data than ever before, and the pace is accelerating.Currently, most of that data is stored on tape, which is inexpensive, but hasdrawbacks. Tape degrades and has to be replaced every 10 years or so. But DNA,on the other hand, lasts for thousands of years!

DNA wont degrade over time like cassette tapes and CDs, and it wont become obsolete, Yaniv Erlich, PhD, Chief Science Officer at MyHeritage, an online genealogy platform located in Israel, and Associate Professor, Columbia University, told Science Mag.

Tape also takes up an enormous amount of physical space compared to DNA. One single gram of DNA can hold 215 petabytes (roughly one zettabyte) of data. Wired puts the storage capacity of DNA into perspective: Imagine formatting every movie ever made into DNA; it would be smaller than the size of a sugar cube. And it would last for 10,000 years.

Victor Zhirnov, Chief Scientist at Semiconductor Research Corporation says the worries over storage space arent simply theoretical. Todays technology is already close to the physical limits of scaling, he told Wired, which stated, Five years ago humans had produced 4.4 zettabytes of data; thats set to explode to 160 zettabytes (each year!) by 2025. Current infrastructure can handle only a fraction of the coming data deluge, which is expected to consume all the worlds microchip-grade silicon by 2040.

MIT Technology Review agrees, stating, Humanity is creating information at an unprecedented ratesome 16 zettabytes every year. And this rate is increasing. Last year, the research group IDC calculated that well be producing over 160 zettabytes every year by 2025.

Heavy Investment by Major Players

The whole concept may seem like something out of a sciencefiction story, but the fact that businesses are investing real dollars into itis evidence that DNA for data storage will likely be a reality in the nearfuture. Currently, there are a couple of barriers, but work is commencing toovercome them.

First, the cost of synthesizing DNA in a medical laboratoryfor the specific purpose of data storage must be cheaper for the solution tobecome viable. Second, the sequencing process to read the information must alsobecome less expensive. And third is the problem of how to extract the datastored in the DNA.

In a paper published in ASPLOS 16, the MR/UW scientists wrote: Today, neither the performance nor the cost of DNA synthesis and sequencing is viable for data storage purposes. However, they have historically seen exponential improvements. Their cost reductions and throughput improvements have been compared to Moores Law in Carlsons Curves Important biotechnology applications such as genomics and the development of smart drugs are expected to continue driving these improvements, eventually making data storage a viable application.

Automation appears to be the final piece of the puzzle. Currently,too much human labor is necessary for DNA to be used efficiently as datastorage.

It may take some time before DNA becomes a viable medium fordata storage. However, savvy pathology laboratory managers should be aware of,and possibly prepared for, this coming opportunity.

While its unlikely the average consumer will see muchdifference in how they save and retrieve data, medical laboratories with theability to sequence DNA may find themselves very much in demand because oftheir expertise in sequencing DNA and interpreting gene sequences.

Dava Stewart

Related Information:

With a Hello, Microsoft and UW Demonstrate First Fully Automated DNA Data Storage

Demonstration of End-to-End Automation of DNA Data Storage

UW Team Stores Digital Images in DNAand Retrieves Them Perfectly

Microsoft and UW Demonstrate First Fully Automated DNA Data Storage

Storing Data in DNA Is A Lot Easier than Getting It Back Out

DNA Could Store All of the Worlds Data in One Room

The Rise of DNA Data Storage

Forget SiliconSQL On DNA Is the Next Frontier for Databases

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Microsoft Research Develops DNA Storage - DARKDaily.com - Laboratory News

Prostate cancer grows so slowly in some men that doctors often recommend active surveillance or watchful waiting instead of more aggressive treatment. In fact, one study from the Johns Hopkins Active Surveillance Program found that less than 1% of men with low-risk prostate cancer developed metastatic disease after 15 years of active surveillance.

But if prostate cancer grows slowly, the same cant be said for research into the disease.

In fiscal year 2017 alone, the National Cancer Institute (part of the National Institutes of Health) funded 876 studies into prostate cancer, while the Prostate Cancer Foundation reports that nearly 1,000 clinical trials are exploring treatments and treatment strategies in the U.S. Some of that research will lead to improvements in prevention, detection and treatment. In fact, prostate cancer deaths have been cut in half since 1993, when the Prostate Cancer Foundation was founded. The five-year survival rate now stands at 99%.

Yet prostate cancer is still the second-deadliest cancer among American men (after lung cancer). Theres a misperception that this is a disease of old men that no one dies of, says Dr. Jonathan W. Simons, president and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Thats wrong; a man still dies every twenty-one minutes around the clock from prostate cancer.

Since September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, this is a great time to review recent developments in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate, a small gland below the bladder involved in the production of sperm, begin to grow abnormally.

The first sign of the disease is often an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) count in a blood test. Diagnosis and staging are confirmed through a digital rectal exam (DRE) and tissue biopsies, while genetic testing can help determine the cancers aggressiveness, an important factor in weighing treatment options.

A man still dies every twenty-one minutes around the clock from prostate cancer.

Those options include active surveillance, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy, each of which comes with its own set of risks and benefits. For example, surgery and radiation can affect urinary, bowel and sexual function, which is one reason active surveillance is preferable for slow-growing, localized prostate cancer.

Until recently, doctors assumed that the key risk factors for prostate cancer were age, a family history of prostate cancer and being of African-American ancestry. Today, however, researchers like Dr. Heather Cheng are looking at family history more broadly.

An associate professor of medical oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cheng says there are proven genetic links between prostate cancer in men and breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer in their female relatives.

If there is an inherited cancer risk, that risk may manifest itself in female relatives differently than in male relatives, Cheng says.

The genetic links work both ways. When sharing their family history with their doctors, men should include information about female relatives on both sides of the family who have had cancer. And men who are diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer should undergo genetic testing, as should their siblings and children if a mutation is discovered.

That doesnt mean a person will definitely get cancer, but it may increase their risk, Cheng says. It also provides information for them to use that risk knowledge to be proactive.

Family history can also help inform a patients decision about whether to have a PSA test. That test is no longer routinely recommended due to the potential for overtreatment, but Cheng says it becomes more important if a man has a known mutation or if theres a family history of early breast and ovarian cancer.

The most inherited cancer of a hundred and eighty seven human cancers is, in fact, prostate cancer; thats been discovered in the last two years, says Jonathan Simons of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Whats kind of radical is that every urologist should be a genetic counselor.

While an apple a day wont necessarily keep the doctor away, eating tomatoes, guava, watermelon, pink grapefruit, tree nuts, eggplant, spinach and beets may well keep prostate cancer at bay, according to Dr. William W. Li., author of Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself.

Numerous studies have shown that certain foods contain natural chemicals that inhibit tumor angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels), Li explains. This means eating those foods can starve the cancer by cutting off the tumor blood supply. For example, a National Cancer Institute study of nearly 50,000 men found that those who ate more cooked tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, had a 28% lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

In fact, Prostate cancer is the most sensitive cancer to a change in diet in terms of surviving longer, says Simons.

Exercise even brisk walking plays a role as well. Exercise improves immunity, which is important for preventing cancer, Li says. It also helps the body fight tumor angiogenesis, which can prevent or slow cancer growth. Exercise also improves the cardiovascular system, brain function and muscle strength all important factors for healthy aging.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation estimates that 175,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Fortunately, recent advances are making it easier to detect and treat the disease, according to Dr. Sven Wenske, who practices urology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.

One important advance is the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion technology, in which MRI and ultrasound images are combined to give physicians a better picture of the prostate.

Instead of just taking random (biopsy) samples under ultrasound guidance only from the left and the right lobe (parts of the prostate), we basically target specific areas that the MRI shows us to be abnormal, Wenske says. This is a much more specific and much more accurate way to diagnose prostate cancer. Whats more, the technology can also be used during active surveillance to determine the need for additional biopsies.

In cases of metastatic prostate cancer, doctors now have more tools in their toolboxes, thanks to second-generation anti-androgens. Androgens are male hormones including testosterone, which helps cancer grow. The new anti-androgens include apalutamide, enzalutamide and darolutamide, the latter of which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2019.

These drugs really help to keep the cancer under control, Wenske says.

More drug approvals are on the horizon. In fact, Simons recommends patients keep up with the latest news on the Prostate Cancer Foundations website because some clinicians may not be aware of the latest developments.

Also on the horizon are increasingly targeted therapies that are no undergoing clinical trials. For example, researchers are testing radioactive molecules that can move through the bloodstream, searching for and destroying prostate cancer cells. These agents target prostate membrane-specific antigen, or PSMA, a protein on the surface of the cells.

Genetics may play a role here as well; a study from The Institute of Cancer Research has shown that genetic testing could help identify patients who would respond well to this therapy.

Although much of the recent news about treatments for prostate cancer has been positive, a study published in July 2019 offered a stark reminder that standard treatments can have serious side effects.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvanias Perelman School of Medicine did a retrospective study of 154,000 prostate cancer patients and found that androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT; also called hormone therapy) was associated with a heightened risk of developing dementia and Alzheimers disease. Specifically, 13% of patients who received ADT developed Alzheimers disease, compared with 9% of patients who didnt receive the therapy, while 22% of ADT patients developed some form of dementia, versus 16% of non-ADT patients.

Those results didnt surprise Wenske, who has seen anecdotal evidence among his own patients. Unfortunately, he says, thats the only way at this time to really suppress the cancer. If they dont do that treatment, they have a risk for progression. Theres not a lot of wiggle room between choices.

Thats why its reassuring that the National Cancer Institute, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and other groups continue pouring money into research and clinical trials. Perhaps one day, negative side effects and prostate cancer itself will become distant memories.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation offers several free resources on its website, including the Prostate Cancer Patient Guide (updated for 2019) and The Science of Living Well, Beyond Cancer (published in August 2019), which explores the relationship between lifestyle choices and cancer.

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The Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Introduction

Preimplantation genetic testing is the process which is used prior to implantation to help identify genetic defects within embryos. This process helps to prevent certain genetic disorders that can transfer from parents to child. It involves screening single cells from embryos and performed during the process of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) prior to embryo transfer. Two main procedures are done for preimplantation genetic testing: preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). The main application of PGD is to identify the presence of chromosomal translocations and single-gene disorders so that these embryos are not transferred and a healthy, disease free babys birth can take place. This process is also done to determine the sex of the embryo prior to the transfer into the uterus. Different techniques are used in preimplantation genetic testing such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) for detection of disorders.

Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is applied technology from PGD and generally done for those people with recurrent pregnancy loss or infertility. Embryos are screened to determine the cause of miscarriage and implantation failure. Through this screening, abnormal embryos are identified so they are not transferred to the IVF cycle, to achieve successful pregnancy. PGS is done to screen an embryo for normal chromosome number or to identify loss or gain of chromosomal material.

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Competitive Landscape

The global preimplantation genetic testing market is fragmented due to presence of major players. Key players operating in the global preimplantation genetic testing market include Agilent Technologies, Inc., Illumina, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, CooperSurgical, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., PerkinElmer Inc., Natera, Inc., Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, Genea Limited, and Vitrolife.

New product launch, partnerships, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions are some of the key strategies adopted by these major players in developed as well as emerging economies. For instance, in January 2017, Agilent Technologies, Inc. and the Centre for Human Genetics, University of Leuven, and University Hospitals Leuven collaborated to investigate new solutions of preimplantation genetic testing.

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, U.S. and operates in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemicals markets. The company was founded in 1999 and offers instruments, services, consumables, applications, and expertise to address the full range of scientific and laboratory management needs. Agilent Technologies, Inc. provides OnePGT Solution for research purposes which uses NGS technology.

Illumina, Inc.

Founded in 1998, Illumina, Inc.is based in San Diego, California, U.S. The company develops, manufactures, and markets life science tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function. It has a global presence with over 7,300 employees globally. Illumina, Inc. offers various karyomapping products and solutions for PGD such as Infinium HumanKaryomap-12 DNA Analysis Kit and NextSeq 550 System.

The company has adopted a distribution partnership, collaboration, and alliances strategy for its PGD products. For instance, in October 2018, Illumina, Inc. and Vitrolife signed a distribution agreement. This agreement provided exclusive development, distribution, and commercialization rights to Vitrolife for Illumina, Incs. Preimplantation genetic testing business for IVF in the Americas and EMEA.

Abbott Laboratories

Established in 1888, Abbott Laboratories is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Abbott Laboratories is a major healthcare company which offers healthcare products and solutions such as diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines. The company serves more than 160 countries. Its PGD products and solutions comes under the genetics and genomics product division.

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CooperSurgical, Inc.

Founded in 1990, CooperSurgical, Inc. is based in Trumbull, Connecticut, U.S. The company has a diversified product portfolio of more than 600 products. It operates through two business segments: CooperSurgical medical devices and CooperSurgical Fertility & genomic solutions. The company offers PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR, which are major test solutions for PGD and PGS.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market- Dynamics

Rise in number of cases of child birth with genetic disorders and declining fertility rate globally to drive the global preimplantation genetic testing market

Increasing incidence of child birth with genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, Huntingtons disease, Down syndrome, and Turner syndrome due to chromosomal abnormalities, single gene defects, and other reasons is being seen. Rise in conditions of genetic disorders & abnormalities is attributed to growth of global preimplantation genetic testing market. For instance, as per CDC, around 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the U.S. every year. According to the same report, between1979 to 2003, and the number of babies born with Down syndrome increased by about 30% in the U.S. Moreover, fertility rate among the current population is declining in recent years due to lifestyle changes which is propelling the need for PGS and hence the preimplantation genetic testing market is slated to grow globally.

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Higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities associated with advancing maternal age and more IVF procedures coupled with rise in number of fertility clinics, major growth drivers of the market

The risk of chromosomal abnormality increases with maternal age. A baby born to an older woman has higher risk of being born with some type of chromosomal abnormality & defect. According to an article published by Stanford Children's Health, U.S., the chance of having a child affected by Down syndrome rises from around 1 in 1,250 for a woman who conceives at the age of 25 years, to about 1 in 100 for a woman who conceives at the age of 40 years. Also, rise in number of fertility clinics and IVF procedures worldwide is propelling the growth of the global preimplantation genetic testing market.

Higher procedural cost and certain regulatory norms restraining the market growth

Factors such as higher cost associated with PGD & PGS and certain strict regulatory norms are likely to hamper the growth of the global preimplantation genetic testing market. Preimplantation genetic testing is a complex procedure that entails a lot of laboratory work; hence, the cost can be significant and high for the entire procedure. Also, non-medical use of PGD and PGS raises the government regulatory norms in certain countries. These strict rules are likely to hamper the growth of the global preimplantation genetic testing market.

North America preimplantation genetic testing Market Major Market

North America dominated the global preimplantation genetic testing market in 2018. It is projected to maintain its position during the forecast period. Higher infertility rate, more number of IVF cycles, presence of major players in the region, and adoption of highly advanced technologies for genomics are some of the major factors responsible for the dominance of this region in the global market. For instance, according to CDC data, between 2011 to 2015, 6.7% of married women aged 15-44 years were facing infertility problems in the U.S.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Segmentation

The global market can be segmented on the basis of: Procedure Type Product & services Technology Application End-user Region

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Segmentation By Procedure Type

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Based on procedure type, the market can be segmented into: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Preimplantation Genetic Screening

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Segmentation By Product & Services

In terms of product & services, the market can be divided into: Reagents & Consumables Instruments Softwares & Services

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Segmentation By Technology

On the basis of technology, the market can be classified into: Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) Next-Generation Sequencing(NGS) Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization(FISH) Others

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Segmentation By Application

Depending on application, the market can be segmented into: Aneuploidy Single Gene Disorders Structural Chromosomal Abnormalities Gender Identification HLA Typing Others

Structural Chromosomal Abnormalities segment is further sub segmented into- Inversions Translocations Deletions Duplications

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Segmentation By End-user

Based on end-user, the market can be divided into: Hospitals, Diagnostic Labs & Service Providers Maternity & Fertility Centers Research Laboratories & Academic Institutes

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.

The study is a source of reliable data on: Market segments and sub-segments Market trends and dynamics Supply and demand Market size Current trends/opportunities/challenges Competitive landscape Technological breakthroughs Value chain and stakeholder analysis

The regional analysis covers: North America (U.S. and Canada) Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others) Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg) Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia) Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand) Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)

The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.

A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.

Highlights of the report: A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent market Important changes in market dynamics Market segmentation up to the second or third level Historical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volume Reporting and evaluation of recent industry developments Market shares and strategies of key players Emerging niche segments and regional markets An objective assessment of the trajectory of the market Recommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the market

Note:Although care has been taken to maintain the highest levels of accuracy in TMRs reports, recent market/vendor-specific changes may take time to reflect in the analysis.

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast up to 2027 - Rapid News Network

A recent Peer Exchange series from The American Journal of Managed Care brought together a panel of experts to discuss spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), including its clinical presentation, diagnosis of its various types, and the potential of new disease-modifying treatments. The panel was moderated by Peter L. Salgo, MD.

SMA is not a common disease, and Salgo admitted he was unaware of it until he began preparing to moderate the series, but it is actually the most common genetic cause of infant death, according to John Brandsema, MD.1 This neurodegenerative disorder most commonly presents in infants with symptoms of limb weakness. In the most severe form of the disease, SMA type 1, which has the earliest onset, symptoms include impaired respiratory function.

The most common thing would be in an infant, hypotonia and a little bit of floppiness, which can be part of normal spectrum of development in some kids. Most primary specialists might think of something like instituting some physical therapy for a couple of months and seeing whether that helps the patient, Brandsema explained. But in SMA type 1, that is an eternity because theyre going to get worse during that time and start to show problems with their breathing and their feeding.1

To confirm suspected SMA, clinicians perform genetic testing to search for double deletion of the SMN1 gene, which causes the SMN protein deficiency that leads to the symptoms of motor neuron loss and weakness.2

The type of diagnostic scale used to assess the severity of SMA depends on a patients age, Brandsema said.2 Young infants with type 1 SMA will often undergo the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Exam, whereas slightly older patients with type 2 or type 3 disease would be measured with the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale.

Youre really trying to find the right test thats going to measure the patients function in the moment and also how theyre changingwhich, in the natural history, would be loss over time on these scales of points or function, Brandsema said. But with these new disease-modifying therapies, it may in fact be improvement.2

The new targeted gene therapies that Brandsema referenced have produced significant therapeutic impact and changed the landscape of SMA treatment, but insurance coverage can determine patients access. Payers are not sure how long the benefits of treatment will last, which makes it difficult for them to determine the value of these treatments, according to Surya Singh, MD.

People usually think about longevity in terms of the patient, Singh explained. But here, as were just about on the cusp of sort of viral delivered gene therapythe question becomes, does this method for producing the protein that we want continue to work? Or does the body find some way to be able to decrease those levels? And what happens then? Does it require a boost?3

Although these questions have yet to be answered, the panelists agreed that the therapeutic developments have given hope to families who previously had none.

Im excited, and I am proud to be in a profession that has done this for people and is continuing to do this for peopleand that includes insurance, Salgo concluded. Everybody has got a piece of this, and its all going the right way.4

References

1. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and types of SMA. The American Journal of Managed Care website. ajmc.com/peer-exchange/rare-neurological-diseases/spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma-and-types-of-sma. Published July 8, 2019. Accessed August 20, 2019.

2. Diagnostic tests and scales of SMA. The American Journal of Managed Care website. ajmc.com/peer-exchange/rare-neurological-diseases/diagnostic-tests-and-scales-of-sma. Published July 22, 2019. Accessed August 20, 2019.

3. Payer perspective and value of treatment of SMA. The American Journal of Managed Care website. ajmc.com/peer-exchange/rare-neurological-diseases/segment-title-payer-perspective-and-value-of-treatment-of-sma. Published August 12, 2019. Accessed August 20, 2019.

4. Risdiplam and final thoughts. The American Journal of Managed Care website. ajmc.com/peer-exchange/rare-neurological-diseases/risdiplam-and-final-thoughts. Published August 19, 2019. Accessed August 20, 2019.

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Experts Discuss Symptoms, Types, and Treatments of SMA - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network

The latest research report byvertexmarketinsights.comAnd Consulting on Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing gives complete guidance which provides the most recent Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing industry patterns like marketdevelopment openings, growth, size, and share. Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market report includes an introduction to new trends that can guide the organizations performing in theindustry to comprehend the market and increase the procedures for their business development individually.

This report additionally introduces item particular, fabricating procedure, and item cost structure and so forth. Creation is separated by locales, technology and applications. Other important aspects that have been meticulously studied in the Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market report is: Request and supply elements, import and export situation, industry procedures and cost structures. At the end, the report includes Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return examination, and advancement pattern investigation.

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Top Key players of Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market:

RocheThermo Fisher ScientificPerkinElmerQuest DiagnosticsMyriad GeneticsIverson GeneticsCancer GeneticsOncoCyte CorporationNeoGenomicsInvitae

Scope Of the report:

Based on different characteristics of Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing , the market is divided into the segment. This division will assist advertisers with personalizing your market campaigns and furthermore decreases the danger of unbeneficial market campaigns. Through this division, you can without much of a stretch recognize your intended interest group.

Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing report offers:

* Strategic recommendations for the new entrants.

* Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments.

* Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends.

* Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements.

* Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations.

* Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments.

* Market Trends (Drivers, Challenges, Constraints, Threats, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations).

Below Table contains Types & Applications of Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Report

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There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Systems market

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Chapter 2, Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;

Chapter 3, Technical Data and Production Plants Analysis of Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Systems , Capacity and Commercial Manufacturing Date, Production Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;

Chapter 4, Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);

Chapter 5 and 6, Local Market Analysis that involved United States, China, Europe, Japan, Korea & Taiwan, Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Systems Segment Market Analysis (by Type);

Chapter 7 and 8, The Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Systems Segment Market Analysis (by Application) Major Manufacturers Analysis of Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Systems ;

Chapter 9, Market Trend by Product Type Hybrid System, Electric Power Propulsion Systems, Steam Turbines Propulsion Systems, Diesel Propulsion Systems, Market Trend by Application Ocean-going Ships, Commercial Vessels, Pleasure Craft, Military Vessels;

Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;

Chapter 11, The Consumers Analysis of Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Systems ;

Chapter 12, Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Systems Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;

Chapter 13, 14 and 15, Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Systems sales channel, distributors, traders, sellers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and information source.

Explore Detailed Report @: https://www.vertexmarketinsights.com/report/13489/global-breast-cancer-predictive-genetic-testing-market-research-report-2019-by-manufacturers-regions-types-and-applications/#table-of-contents

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Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market Size and CAGR Forecast by Type, Application, Region (2019-2024) - SocioHerald

By George Lorenzo, Next Avenue Contributor

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The progression and symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, typically identified in patients in their 40s or 50s, can vary dramatically depending on the individual. According to the Alzheimers Association, getting an accurate diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's can be a long and frustrating process. Symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to stress or there may be conflicting diagnoses from different health care professionals.

The Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) is working to eliminate such conflicts through its $50 million Diagnostics Accelerator program. It's aimed at supporting the development of novel biomarkers" for the early detection of Alzheimer's and related dementias.

We want to accelerate the science, says Dr. Howard Fillit, founding executive director and chief science officer of ADDF. That means providing funding to support innovative research to quicken the process of developing and implementing clinical trials required for regulatory approval of Alzheimer's diagnostic tools and programs.

The onset of Alzheimer's, in general, is currently diagnosed through: mental and neuropsychological tests performed by primary care doctors and/or neurologists, along with a review of a patients medical history; genetic testing that identifies the APOE e4 gene associated with early-onset Alzheimer's; a PET scan or invasive spinal tap that may reveal the presence of amyloid plaques and/or tau tangles in the brain and a CT or MRI that can identify vascular dementia.

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All of these solutions are relatively expensive (excluding mental testing), time-consuming, challenging to take advantage of, and, in some cases, not administered properly nor proven to yield 100% valid results in diagnosing Alzheimer's.

We must now develop inexpensive and noninvasive biomarkers, preferably blood tests, that will help diagnose Alzheimers disease and track the effectiveness of treatments, wrote Fillit in a recent article published in Scientific American.

DDFs first round of award recipients, announced on May 30, 2019, allocated approximately $3.5 million to two Alzheimer's diagnosis blood tests and two retinal imaging R & D programs. The four Saliha Mussaoui, Amoneta Diagnostics, based in France; Kaj Blennow, University of Gothenberg, Sweden; Tom MacGillivray, University of Edinburgh, Scotland andPeter van Wijngaarden, the Centre for Eye Research in Australia were chosen out of 300 applicants from 30 countries.

Creating a Blood Test to Identify Early-Onset Alzheimer's

Amoneta is an affiliate of Firalis, a life sciences biotechnology company created by Dr. Huseyin Firat. Since 2014, Amoneta has conducted research and development for ultimately creating a valid blood test that can identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-onset Alzheimer's.

The test, called MemoryLINC, is based on finding difficult-to-monitor and characterize lncRNAs (long noncoding ribonucleic acids) in blood panels. These lncRNAs regulate gene expression and diverse biological functions. It is increasingly recognized that lncRNAs is tightly related to the pathogenesis and prevention and cure of AD (Alzheimer's Disease), notes a January 2019 study published in Pathology - Research & Practice.

Fillit says Amoneta has data indicating that certain RNAs are elevated in blood samples of people with Alzheimer's that are relevant to learning and memory and the disease itself.

The MemoryLINC Project has reached its final clinical validation phase comprised of 800 subjects at 13 European clinical sites in France, Switzerland, Belgium and Turkey. Firat says the MemoryLINC study is the most important clinical study ever done in this domain.

Tau-related Research

The ADDF funding for Blennows project intends to develop brain-specific, tau-related blood tests to identify and monitor neurodegeneration. Tau is a protein contained in nerve cells. It resides in cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord and can be gauged through an invasive and highly uncomfortable spinal tap.The aggregation and collapse of tau into tangles that elevate and spread throughout the brain is symptomatic of Alzheimer's.

Measuring tau in blood can be very useful, Fillit explains. But the problem is that tau is present in the blood in such low quantities as it relates to [Alzheimer's] that, so far, we havent been able to measure it effectively. Blennow, however, has discovered how to measure brain-specific tau fragments in blood.

Over the next two years, Blennows team will evaluate the presence of different levels of tau in blood samples. Many of these samples will be identified from a Swedish BioFINDER cohort at Lund University, which includes 600 cognitively healthy individuals, 500 patients with subjective cognitive dysfunction or mild cognitive impairment, and 100 patients with Alzheimer's.

This is an exploratory project aiming to develop a novel analytical method to establish robust blood biomarkers for tau, Blennow explains.

The other two ADDF-funded awardees are conducting research on imaging techniques and processes that can identify the possible unhealthy accumulation of amyloid plaques behind the retina, which is another symptom of Alzheimer's. The Alzheimers Associations 2019 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures report noted that recent research has shown that the accumulation of amyloid in the brain were significantly increased starting 22 years before symptoms were expected to develop.

In addition to focusing on amyloid buildup, MacGillivrays project is looking closely at vascular changes in the small blood vessels in the back of the retina, both of which can be seen with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machines that are commonly utilized by ophthalmologists.

MacGillivray says the health of small blood vessels is an increasingly recognized component of dementia and Alzheimer's. We think we see differences in how wide or how narrow these blood vessels are, and also the number of blood vessels that fill the tissue space," he notes.

We are seeing potentially a dying lack of blood vessels or a less optimum range of blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients to vascular tissue, and this is then replicated in the brain," says MacGillivray. "We have a quick and non-invasive way to see if blood vessels are changing [by utilizing relatively inexpensive OCT imagery scans] and degrading in a detrimental way inside the brain without having to go through expensive techniques such as MRIs and PETS.

Imagine a world where people who may have memory problems are referred by their primary care doctor to the ophthalmologist around the corner, Fillit says. The ophthalmologist uses the OCT machine to see if there is an amyloid plaque buildup in the back of the eye. It could tell you whether a person is "cooking" Alzheimer's or not, notes Fillit.

These same principles apply to Wijngaardens project, but with different mechanisms and equipment. This one also deals with looking behind the retina for amyloid plaques, but utilizes a sophisticated camera technology, called hyperspectral imaging. That technology can capture images behind the retina revealing different colors of light that correlate to early-onset Alzheimer's based on amyloid plaque buildup.

We can get a wealth of information about the structure of the back of the eye, Wijngaarden says.

To support his research and ultimately incorporate it into everyday clinical practice, Wijngaarden has developed a low-cost portable camera for hyperspectral imaging of the retina. It's being tested for use in routine eye exams where the camera will identify amyloid plaque buildup years before a patient might show signs of cognitive decline.

The Future

What we want to do with the digital accelerator is advance these technologies, measuring things like function, cognition and a whole variety of other variables, Fillit says.

How long will it take for such innovative technologies to possibly get government approval through clinical trials and validation and ultimately reach patients at their next doctor visit? Amoneta estimates that its blood test could be launched for use in clinics in the U.S. and Europe by 2021. The three other awardees all agree that it should take three to five years for their technologies to possibly become common practice in clinics.

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Detecting Early Onset Alzheimers Disease In Innovative Ways - Forbes

Sep 21, 2019 10:17 AM EDT

In the body's cells, some proteins are of vital importance as to which genes are active or turned off. Now, researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have discovered which proteins are necessary in order to maintain the proper genetic regulation.

All of the more than 200 different cell types in our body contain the same DNA. Which of those genes that are expressed determine each cell type. Therefore, it is essential that the activity of the genes is controlled with great precision.

Thus, a stem cell may develop into anything from skin to a bone cell, depending on which parts of the genome that are expressed.

The researchers in Professor Kristian Helin's research group have for several years worked to understand the mechanisms that control whether a gene is active or inactive. This research is crucial to the understanding of how cells become specialized and maintain their identity, the normal embryonic development, and how various diseases may develop.

In a new study, researchers working at the Biotech Research & Innovation Center (BRIC) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem) at the University of Copenhagen as well as the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York have achieved crucial new results.

The results were recently published in the scientific journal Molecular Cell and provide insight into the ways in which epigenetic mechanisms control the activity of genes.

'In addition, the results may have an impact on the future treatment of certain cancers related to the studied protein complex, including lymphoma, leukemia and a special type of brain cancer that is often seen in children', says Kristian Helin, Professor at BRIC and Director of Research at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Turning On and Off

One of the key protein complexes that regulate whether genes are turned on or off is called PRC2. To ensure that the complex binds to the right places in the genome, a number of other proteins are associated with PRC2.

In the recently published article, the research group has studied the importance of six different proteins associated with PRC2, and the group has shown that all six proteins help direct PRC2 to the right places in the genome.

In 15 different combinations, the researchers removed the associated proteins from embryonic stem cells one by one. In this way, the researchers were able to study the contribution of each protein to the activity and binding of the PRC2 complex to specific areas. It was found that the ability to find the way to the right places in the genome remained intact until all six associated proteins were removed from the stem cells.

That finding surprised the researchers, says the study's lead author, Postdoc Jonas Hjfeldt:

'We assumed that each of the associated proteins was responsible for its own area to where the PRC2 complex should be guided. Instead, we saw that they all contributed to the places where the complex binds. As long as just one of the associated proteins were left, the ability remained intact', he says.

2018 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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New Insight as to How Cells Maintain Their Identity - Nature World News