The same type of change that has come to Washington is now needed in health care, according to U.S. Preventive Medicine, the leader in prevention.

“As the new administration brings new faces and policies to our capital, the time is ripe to bring a fresh new outlook to our approach to health care,” said Christopher Fey, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Preventive Medicine. “We all know that our health care system is broken, so let us now broaden our conversation and move from talking about it to actually fixing it.”

“President-elect Obama made an historic and symbolic train ride from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. We should now consider a change that would symbolize our leaders’ commitment to building a truly modern health care system for the a 21st century,” said Fey. “Our nation needs to consider changing the name of CDC from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.”

“With former Senator Tom Daschle and Senator Tom Harkin leading the charge toward much greater government support for preventive health strategies and the continued success of the CDC’s ‘Alliance for a Healthiest Nation’ program, this agency name change is wholly appropriate,” said Fey.

“As we embrace health care change in the 21st century, we need to consciously break with ‘health care’ norms of the last century and establish a new preventive health care paradigm. The federal government’s focus on disease control is long-standing and is driven by our seemingly endless fight against infectious diseases like polio, tuberculosis and malaria in the last century,” said Fey. “Having won these 20th century public health care battles for the most part, preventable conditions like diabetes and chronic heart disease are replacing infectious diseases as our largest threats. And so it is now time to place prevention at the forefront and explain to the nation why this makes sense.”

“While it may seem an unusual suggestion, I think it will effectively symbolize the shift in health care priorities that President Obama has said we must make,” said Fey. “The projection of health care spending at 4.3 trillion dollars in 2017, or 20 percent of our GDP, is not a joke. We must now face the fact that our own health, or lack thereof, could be the downfall of our great nation in a competitive global economy.”

“U.S. Preventive Medicine agrees that prevention is the solution and is ready to join with our new leaders to build preventive health opportunities into everyday life,” concluded Fey.

Source: U.S. Preventive Medicine


Agency will also support the LIVESTRONG(TM) Global Cancer Summit to take place Summer 2009 in Europe

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), a leading nonprofit organization providing resources and support for people affected by cancer, announced today that it has selected Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR) as its global communications partner in the fight against cancer. Ogilvy PR will work with the LAF to support the expansion of the LIVESTRONG campaign around the world, as unveiled at the opening session of the Clinton Global Initiative in September 2008.

The LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign will be focused on supporting the 28 million people living with cancer worldwide, dispelling the misconceptions surrounding the disease and urging world leaders to make cancer control a greater priority. Ogilvy PR will provide a range of communications services in support of the campaign, including strategic planning, materials development, grassroots campaign development, influencer outreach, digital influence, government affairs and special events.

“We have an ambitious, yet achievable goal in making cancer a global health priority. In Ogilvy Public Relations we selected a partner with a strong worldwide network presence in key markets and a legacy in raising awareness and driving action on public health issues,” said Morgan Binswanger, LAF chief of staff. “Ogilvy PR also brings a passion for the cause that is critical to the success of this campaign.”

Cancer is projected to be the leading cause of death worldwide by 2010, and claim 12 million lives by 2030. But 60 percent of all cancer is preventable and one-third can be cured if detected early and treated effectively. Following 18 months of research on perceptions of cancer around the world, the LAF discovered there are widespread misconceptions, stigma and lack of awareness associated with cancer. In many countries, cancer is considered a death sentence, causing people to avoid seeking prevention, detection and treatment. The LAF created the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign in response to these barriers to survivorship, with Lance Armstrong leading the way by getting back on the bike to put a spotlight on cancer.

The LAF is the catalyst that will bring together survivors, world leaders and policy makers who must commit to cancer control before it becomes a public health catastrophe. This global movement will include an anti-stigma campaign, a global awareness campaign and support of Lance Armstrong’s tour appearances in 2009. The work commences at the kick-off of the campaign during the Tour Down Under in Adelaide, Australia in mid-January. A focus of the efforts will be the first LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit this summer, which will bring together world leaders and the cancer community to pledge their commitments to cancer control in their countries.

“This is an incredibly significant and exhilarating new commitment for us,” said Jamie Moeller, managing director of Ogilvy PR’s global Public Affairs Practice. “Lance Armstrong and the entire LAF team have made incredible strides in raising the priority of cancer awareness. This work with the LAF builds upon our global experience in ally development, grassroots advocacy and promoting cancer prevention and early detection and we are honored to be their partner in taking the issue to the global stage.”

Moeller will lead the integrated account pulling from the agency’s expertise across its global Public Affairs, Social Marketing and 360 Degree Digital Influence Practices. Based in Ogilvy PR’s Washington, DC office, the account will also be supported by team members located in the firm’s London, Paris, Mexico City, Sydney, Milan, Johannesburg and Brussels offices, in addition to others around the network as needed.

Lance Armstrong Foundation

At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we fight for the more than 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. There can be — and should be — life after cancer for more people. That’s why we kick in at the moment of diagnosis, giving people the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. We find innovative ways to raise awareness, fund research and end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face. We connect people and communities to drive social change, and we call for state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. Anyone, anywhere can join our fight against cancer. Join us at LIVESTRONG.org.

Source: Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide


Scientists Unmask Genetic Markers Associated With Psoriasis

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Jan 26,2009

University of Michigan scientists reveal DNA ‘hotspots’ linked to psoriasis

Scientists at the University of Michigan Department of Dermatology, the U-M School of Public Health and their collaborators have found DNA “hotspots” that may reveal how genetic differences among individuals result in psoriasis, an autoimmune disease of the skin. Published in Nature Genetics, the findings could lead to new drug targets and tailored treatments for the disease.

“This discovery highlights the role of several genes in mediating the immune responses that result in psoriasis,” says Goncalo Abecasis, Ph.D., co-principal investigator on the project, and associate professor of biostatistics in the School of Public Health. “Some of the highlighted genes, like those in the IL-23 pathway are already targeted by effective psoriasis therapies. Others, like TNFAIP3 and TNIP1, may become targets for the psoriasis treatments of the future.”

Psoriasis affects some 7.5 million people in the United States, causing sore, itchy patches of red, scaly skin. In many cases psoriasis is not only disfiguring; between 10 and 30 percent of patients develop psoriatic arthritis, a painful inflammation of the joints. Current treatments, including different types of immunosuppressive agents, aren’t always effective, and they can cause serious side effects.

Psoriasis has a strong genetic component; a child with two affected parents has a 50 percent chance of developing it; siblings have a three- to six-fold risk. But the genes responsible for psoriasis haven’t yet been completely understood.

In this large, multi-center study, researchers used cutting-edge genomic technology to identify subtle genetic signals influencing the risk of psoriasis. They scanned millions of DNA variations in the genome to find those that occur significantly more often in psoriasis patients than unaffected people.

The study was led by James Elder, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Dermatology, and Abecasis. Among the first authors were Rajan Nair, Ph.D., assistant research professor of dermatology, and Jun Ding of the Biostatistics Department in the School of Public Health.

Within the past 18 months, researchers have increased the number of independent genetic “hotspots,” or loci, confidently associated with psoriasis from one — HLA-Cw6, previously identified by Elder, et al., in 2006 — to 10. Four of these have been identified for the first time by this study, and two more have since been confirmed by these researchers.

Research details

The team looked for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or DNA changes, at 438,670 sites in 1,359 psoriasis cases and 1,400 healthy controls. Initial scans signaled differences in at least three previously identified DNA sites, with HLA-Cw6 producing the strongest genetic signal. They then expanded the study to look at 18 of the most interesting loci in an additional 5,048 cases and 5,051 controls.

In all, seven of the 18 loci showed consistently strong association with psoriasis. As a result, four proteins produced from the altered DNA code now can be targeted for further study.

This study is the first to identify changes in the IL23A gene in psoriasis patients. Notably, two of the previously identified psoriasis genes (IL12B and IL23R) encode proteins that bind to IL23A protein. Variations in the structure any of these three genes may predispose people to chronic immune responses that ultimately result in psoriasis.

The team also found that genetic signals for proteins activated by TNF-alpha, a key signaling molecule involved in inflammation, are distinct from the patterns in healthy controls. Two genes activated by TNF-alpha — TNFAIP3 and TNIP1 — show strong association with psoriasis. Together, these genes limit immune responses. Genetic alterations in this “brake” may allow the immune system to work overtime within the skin. Variants of TNFAIP3 also have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, two other autoimmune conditions.

The fourth novel hotspot implicates two “next-door neighbor” genes, IL4 and IL13. These genes support development of Th2 cells, a type of immune system T cell. Any condition that leads to too few or too many Th2 cells in relation to other types of T cells may result in disease, including psoriasis.

This new research, together with recent immunology work by Elder and colleagues, links four psoriasis loci (IL12B, IL23A, IL23R and IL4/IL13) together in a common functional pathway.

Implications

The large library of genetic data increases the number of proteins and pathways that can be targeted by emerging therapies to fight psoriasis.

Once the full catalog of psoriasis genes has been identified, it may be possible to generate a “psoriasis gene profile” that can accurately predict one’s risk of developing the disease. Such work may one day help assess risk of heart attack and stroke, since psoriasis carries an increased risk of coronary artery disease, and TNFAIP3 has also been shown to influence risk of coronary artery disease in mice.

The number of disease genes that can be identified more than triples if the study size can be increased two to three fold. “We invite participation of psoriasis patients from across the country,” says Elder.

Patients can enroll for this study by mail without a trip to Ann Arbor. Elder has information at his Psoriasis Genetics Laboratory Web site, www.psoriasis.umich.edu. Interested patients can also call 800-356-2840.

Funding for this study was provided by the National Institutes of Health and by the Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN).

Citation: Nature Genetics, volume 41, no. 2, p. 199-204.

Source: University of Michigan Health System


Peer-Reviewed Data Support Unique Focused Ultrasound Technology for Non-Invasive Fat Reduction and Body Contouring

UltraShape, a global leader in non-invasive fat reduction and body contouring, today announced the publication of extensive scientific and pre-clinical research data on its patented focused ultrasound technology in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R). The publication by S. Brown, PhD et al entitled “Characterization of Non-thermal Focused Ultrasound for Non-invasive Selective Fat Cell Disruption (lysis): Technical and Pre-clinical Assessment” is currently available on PRS Advance Online at http://www.plasreconsurg.com, the Website for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R), the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

“This extensive research confirms that the UltraShape(R) Contour I(TM) system is the first non-invasive technology to produce a non-thermal focused acoustic field at a controlled subcutaneous target resulting in stable cavitation,” said Spencer Brown, PhD, Director of Research, Plastic Surgery Department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and member of the UltraShape Medical Advisory Board. “Histopathologist reviewed specimens of dermal and sub-dermal tissue, including subcutaneous fat, demonstrated selective fat cell destruction with preservation of surrounding critical structures such as skin, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. No epidermal or dermal changes were observed clinically or histologically.”

“UltraShape has always taken the high road and based their claims on science and sound research. This published research demonstrates a well-understood mechanism of action with proven tissue effects,” said Jeffery M. Kenkel, M.D., F.A.C.S., Vice Chairman and Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Chairman, UltraShape Medical Advisory Board. “UltraShape is the first non-invasive aesthetic technology to be scientifically validated by such comprehensive pre-clinical research.”

“The publication of our extensive scientific and pre-clinical research in plastic surgery’s premier peer-reviewed journal is yet another significant milestone for our company. This research further validates our non-thermal focused ultrasound technology and its unique ability to target and selectively destroy fat cells for non-invasive fat reduction and body contouring,” said Assaf Eyal, President and Chief Executive Office of UltraShape Ltd. “The combination of this new peer-reviewed published scientific research, our previously published clinical results and over three and a half years clinical experience outside the U.S., clearly places the UltraShape technology in a class by itself.”

UltraShape(R) Contour I(TM)

The UltraShape Contour I system, which is authorized for marketing outside the U.S., incorporates patented non-thermal selective focused ultrasound technology. Contour I, is the first scientifically and clinically proven non-invasive fat reduction and body contouring device for both men and women. The device is designed to produce mechanical, non-thermal, acoustic effects which target and selectively disrupt fat cells, leaving surrounding critical structures such as skin, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue intact.

The UltraShape procedure is available in 57 countries and over 100,000 patient treatments have been performed worldwide with high patient satisfaction. The UltraShape procedure is guided by proprietary real-time tracking and guidance technology designed to deliver smooth, uniform body contouring results. The software provides a pre-determined treatment algorithm designed to minimize risk of contour irregularities, a common side effect of liposuction. The UltraShape procedure is performed during a convenient, “walk-in, walk-out” session carried out in an office-based environment; it requires no anesthesia or sedation. After treatment, patients immediately resume their daily routines with no need for maintenance treatments.

The UltraShape Contour I received the CE Mark in 2005 and a medical device license from Health Canada in 2007. The Contour I system is not available for sale in the U.S. and the Contour Plus system is an investigational product limited by U.S. law to investigational use only.

UltraShape

UltraShape is redefining aesthetic medicine by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative non-invasive technologies for body contouring. The UltraShape proprietary non-invasive body contouring technology is based on focused ultrasound that targets and selectively disrupts fat cells without affecting surrounding structures. Founded in 2000, UltraShape is a privately held and venture backed company. The UltraShape system is not approved by the FDA for marketing in the United States. For more information visit http://www.ultrashape.com.


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