Researchers have identified the first gene mutation associated with a chronic and often fatal form of neuroblastoma that typically strikes adolescents and young adults. The finding provides the first clue about the genetic basis of the long-recognized but poorly understood link between treatment outcome and age at diagnosis.
The study involved 104 infants, children and young adults with advanced neuroblastoma, a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Investigators discovered the ATRX gene was mutated only in patients age 5 and older. The alterations occurred most often in patients age 12 and older. These older patients were also more likely than their younger counterparts to have a chronic form of neuroblastoma and die years after their disease is diagnosed.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52992-st-jude-pediatric-cancer-genome-project-neuroblastoma-research
The View’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck hosted the ninth-annual More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half-Marathon in Central Park on Sunday, April 15. More than 7,200 women participated in the race—the largest women’s-only half-marathon in the country—established by More and Fitness magazines, in partnership with New York Road Runners. Hasselbeck participated in the race for the second straight year, besting her 2011 time by more than four minutes and finishing in 1:40:05. She ran in support of Team NoGii to raise money for Celiac Disease research, as well as Team Red, White and Blue, to support America’s war veterans.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55061-more-fitness-magazine-womens-half-marathon-ny-elisabeth-hasselbeck
Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet nearly one million children are affected. To coincide with National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 21 -27), the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Ad Council are encouraging all families to get their children (ages 0-6) and homes (built before 1978) tested for lead poisoning. To extend this critical health message to caregivers, parents and pregnant women, they redistributed their national Lead Poisoning Prevention public service advertising (PSAs) nationwide.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58497-epa-hud-and-coalition-educates-families-about-childhood-lead-testing
The American Lung Association has released an edgy public service advertising (PSA) campaign featuring provocative television, online and out-of-home components to encourage people to download the charity’s new State of the Air® smartphone application, a valuable resource for people living with lung disease like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), people with heart disease or diabetes, as well as older adults and children. This is the first time that a charity has included an app download as the call to action in a nationally distributed PSA.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55128-american-lung-association-breathe-smarter-psa-air-quality-smartphone-app
Under the leadership of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the primary organization in the U.S. representing people with rare diseases, millions of Americans will gather tomorrow to observe the 5th annual Rare Disease Day. This international observance unites people around the globe to focus attention on the estimated 300 to 350 million patients worldwide afflicted with rare diseases and to recognize that their needs are a global public health concern. In the U.S., a rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60507-nord-rare-disease-day
If you think that fall signals the end of heartworm season, think again. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) cautions the pet-owning public that heartworm disease is not solely a summer threat.
To help pet owners spread the word that heartworm is a year-round problem, as well as one of the most common diseases in pets, AHS created a video message that pet owners can forward to their friends. The “Is Your Pet Protected?” video emphasizes that this deadly disease is easy to prevent—but knowledge is needed to help all pet owners understand the importance of year-round protection and the importance of prevention.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52009-american-heartworm-society-urges-year-round-pet-protection
Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) today announced that data from two Phase 2 trials with SAR236553/REGN727, an investigational, high-affinity, subcutaneously administered, fully-human antibody targeting PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) 61st Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago.
The data showed that treatment with SAR236553/REGN727 over 8 to 12 weeks significantly reduced mean low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C, or “bad” cholesterol) by 40% to 72% in patients with elevated LDL-C on stable dose of statins.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55299-sanofi-regeneron-pharmaceuticals-lipid-lowering-medications-pcsk9-antibody
In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and the holiday season, Sunrise Senior Living (NYSE: SRZ) is offering tips and support groups to help families as they care for the growing number of seniors with memory loss.
“The holidays can be a stressful time for any family and celebrating with a loved one with memory loss adds unique challenges,” said Rita Altman, vice president of Memory Care and Program Services at Sunrise. “The holidays are meant for celebrating together, so it is important to help those with memory loss feel that they are a part of your celebration. By following these simple tips, you can include your loved ones in more meaningful ways.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58277-sunrise-senior-living-memory-loss-alzheimer-s-awareness-month
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. today announced the nationwide launch of Provella™, a unique probiotic dietary supplement specifically designed for women to promote digestive, feminine, and immune health.* Provella™ helps restore and maintain balance of good bacteria to support digestive and vaginal health.* Taken once-daily by mouth, Provella™ tablets contain a proprietary blend of six bacteria strains that include: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
Provella™ is available without a prescription behind the pharmacy counter at retail pharmacies nationwide and online at www.drugstore.com. Consumers can also ask any local pharmacist to order Provella™ using List Number 0245-1060-30.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/56871-upsher-smith-provella-probiotic-supports-digestive-feminine-immune-health
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
To speed progress against cancer and other diseases, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project today announced the largest-ever release of comprehensive human cancer genome data for free access by the global scientific community. The amount of information released more than doubles the volume of high-coverage, whole genome data currently available from all human genome sources combined. This information is valuable not just to cancer researchers, but also to scientists studying almost any disease.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52993-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-comprehensive-human-cancer-genome-data
Each December, smokers across America decide to quit as one of their New Year’s resolutions. Out of the more than 45 million smokers in the United States, nearly 69 percent want to quit. Tobacco-related disease is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States; smokers, therefore, need to be armed with all of the available information to make the best, most informed choices about the smoking cessation medications and resources available. Successful quitters, like Cindy, spend the season supporting smokers who are ready to take a step towards quitting in the New Year.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58843-legacy-quit-smoking-cigarettes-ex-free-online-program-new-years-resolution
According to a survey released by the Ad Council today less than half (44%) of parents in the U.S. report that their child brushes their teeth twice a day or more. In time for back-to-school season, the Ad Council is joining The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, a coalition of more than 35 leading dental health organizations, to debut Kids’ Healthy Mouths, their first joint national multimedia public service campaign designed to teach parents and caregivers, as well as children, about the importance of oral health and the simple ways in which they can help prevent oral disease. The English and Spanish-language public service ads are being distributed to media outlets nationwide today.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57426-ad-council-kids-healthy-mouths-2min2x-oral-health
