AIDS/LifeCycle 8 to Raise $10.5 Million to Fight AIDS

2,150 cyclists to start San Francisco-to-Los Angeles ride May 31

SAN FRANCISCO and LOS ANGELES, May 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 2,150 bicyclists from 41 states and 14 nations will stream out of San Francisco on May 31 en route to Los Angeles as participants in the colorful and emotional AIDS/LifeCycle, the world's largest annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser.

The 545-mile trek is expected to raise $10.5 million to support vital HIV/AIDS-related services at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The event also raises awareness about the disease, particularly significant this year following a recent survey* revealing a dramatic drop in the sense of urgency about HIV/AIDS and persistent misconceptions about HIV transmission and treatment among Americans.

Participants on the weeklong ride include cyclists and a volunteer support crew of hundreds of "roadies" who range in age from 18 to 78. Whether gay or straight, HIV-positive or HIV-negative, expert cyclists or novices, they share a commitment to reducing new infections and the suffering caused by AIDS.

"People come to AIDS/LifeCycle to fight a disease," said Mark Cloutier, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and one of the cyclists. "But the event is also a celebration of health. Participants have the physical strength to complete a challenging course, and the emotional connectedness to help others succeed on an exhausting, yet exhilarating journey."

Riders train for months to prepare for the rigorous ride, and raise a minimum of $3,000 each to support the work of the two sponsoring organizations. The event has raised approximately $50 million to fight AIDS since it began in 2002.

"The economic recession has deeply impacted HIV/AIDS service providers on all fronts. Charitable giving and government funding of HIV/AIDS support services are dropping while the number of people who need free or low-cost services is going up," said Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. "Our participants and their supporters recognize the urgent need for HIV prevention. I'm proud of the AIDS/LifeCycle community, and I'm deeply grateful."

This year's ride is the first since federal health officials reported that new HIV infections are much higher than previously thought.** During the seven days of AIDS/LifeCycle, an estimated 1,080 Americans will become infected with HIV. There are 1.1 million Americans living with HIV--the highest number in the history of the epidemic--1 in 6 of whom are Californians. Gay and bisexual men bear the brunt of the disease, representing 73 percent of all HIV/AIDS cases in California and 53 percent nationally. Communities of color are also disproportionately affected; although African Americans comprise 6 percent of the state's population, they account for nearly 19 percent of those living with HIV/AIDS.

AIDS/LifeCycle's presenting sponsors are Shopoff Properties Trust, FedEx Corporation, and Gilead Sciences.

* In April 2009, the Kaiser Family Foundation released survey findings that showed that only 6 percent of Americans call HIV/AIDS the most urgent health problem facing the nation, down from 44 percent in 1995; see: http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/posr042809nr.cfm

** In July 2008, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that the annual HIV infection rate in the U.S. is 40 percent higher than previously estimated. See: http://cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/resources/factsheets/incidence.htm

FACTS AND VISUALS:

As they make their way through eight California counties, the cyclists collectively consume 420 gallons of coffee, 6,200 pounds of vegetables and 5,400 Pop Tarts. But they likely end up somewhat lighter, according to event organizers, because a 170-pound cyclist burns an average of 3,410 calories a day during AIDS/LifeCycle.

Each day of the ride, 500 roadies set up and break down tents, kitchens, and mobile bathroom and shower facilities. They provide riders with directional signage, first aid and bicycle repair services. They serve snacks to weary riders at rest stops and ensure a steady stream of entertainment by flamboyantly costumed performers. And they drive "sag wagons" that scoop up riders whose energy runs out before the road does.

Many riders stop at hills to cheer on other cyclists. They're often joined by locals, who turn out at many points along the route to applaud, offer refreshments, and hold signs bearing the names of loved ones lost to AIDS.

Beginning June 1, event photos and journals can be viewed at http://experience.aidslifecycle.org. Additional information about the history of the event, a list of sponsoring organizations and profiles of several participants can be found in AIDS/LifeCycle's online pressroom at www.aidslifecycle.org/press-room/.

DETAILS OF THE RIDE:

The route of the ride and the location of overnight campsites are as follows:

Sunday, May 31: Opening Ceremony at the Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. Ride 79.4 miles to Santa Cruz and camp at Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen Street.

Monday, June 1: Ride 107.6 miles to King City and camp at San Lorenzo County Park, 1160 Broadway.

Tuesday, June 2: Ride 63.4 miles to Paso Robles and camp at the Mid-State Fairgrounds, 2198 Riverside Avenue.

Wednesday, June 3: Ride 94.1 miles to Santa Maria and camp at Preisker Park, 2301 Preisker Lane.

Thursday, June 4: Ride 67.7 miles to Lompoc and camp at River Park, Sweeney Road & Highway 246.

Friday, June 5: Ride 85.5 miles to Ventura and camp at San Buenaventura State Beach, 901 San Pedro Street.

Saturday, June 6: Ride 61.5 miles to Los Angeles. Closing Ceremony at the VA Center, 11301 Wilshire Boulevard.


SOURCE AIDS/LifeCycle

Pain-Free, Hair-Free System Set to Transform Hair Removal

Near Infra Red technology (NIR) delivers revolutionary pain free hair removal. Glasgow clinic is one of the first in UK to offer genuine groundbreaking hair removal laser technology - the innovative Pain-Free, Hair-Free system.

MANCHESTER, England, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Transform, the UK's largest group of plastic surgery clinics, announces that its Glasgow clinic is one of the first in the UK to install the ground-breaking system that uses NIR (near infra red) technology to deliver super fast, pain-free hair removal. This step-forward in cosmetic treatments means Scottish women and men will be amongst the first to trial the gentlest hair removal treatment available to the UK.

Intense Pulsed Light to Near Infra Red hair Removal

Unlike traditional laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technologies on the market, NIR does not cause any of the stinging or discomfort associated with laser treatments and electrolysis and removes the need for daily shaving, painful plucking and expensive waxing to provide silky smooth hair free skin.

Fastest hair removal treatment in UK

The Pain-Free, Hair-Free treatment visibly reduces hair re-growth within the first two sessions, making it the fastest acting hair removal treatment on the market. A typical NIR hair removal course can produce hair-free skin within seven sessions meaning the next generation laser system can half treatment times normally associated with IPL.

Pain-Free, Hair-Free's effective treatment offers the ideal solution to modern day time-precious lifestyles by removing unwanted hair on the face, legs, back, bikini line and any other body area.

Revitalises Dull Skin and Reduces Wrinkles

The NIR system can also be used to rejuvenate and revitalize dull skin, remove uneven colour and pigments and stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, the perfect way to brighten skin during the long Scottish winter. This new addition to Transform's Glasgow premises promises to refine, pamper and rejuvenate skin of any age.

Other non surgical treatments available at Transform include the popular CACI Non-surgical face lift, Microdermabrasion, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, breast reduction and Botox. Transform is the UK's leading plastic surgery provider. All types of cosmetic surgical treatments are undertaken from breast augmentation to gastric band surgery.

For further information or to arrange sample treatment for press purposes please contact:
Laura Duncan on 0141 222 2266 or email laura.duncan@dada.co.uk
Julie MacSporran on 0141 222 2266 or email julie.macsporran@dada.co.uk
http://www.transform.co.uk

Notes to the editor

Transform Cosmetic Surgery Group is Britain's largest and most popular cosmetic surgery group network with over 30 years experience and 24 clinics across the UK
http://www.transform.co.uk / http://www.transforminglives.co.uk/hair/hair_removal.aspx
Transform offers a comprehensive and extensive post-operative care programme, which is included in the cost of the treatments. The programme serves to ensure that recovery is as swift and problem free as possible.
Transform works with highly qualified and specialist cosmetic surgeons and nursing staff.
Transform is a member of the Covenant Healthcare Group

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.


SOURCE Transform Cosmetic Surgery Group

Zeus to Present at Digestive Disease Week in Chicago

Zeus Research & Development will be one of the presenters at Digestive Disease Week, addressing the topic of invention of new devices in interventional gastroenterology

ORANGEBURG, S.C., May 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeus, Inc., a leader in polymer extrusions and material science, announces it has been invited to present at Digestive Disease Week in Chicago on June 1, 2009. Zeus presenters Dr. Bruce Anneaux, Ph.D. and GI Endoscopy Specialist Aubrey Sanders will address possible polymer selection for building new and innovative medical devices for interventional procedures in gastrointestinal endoscopy and Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES).

Digestive Disease Week is the world's largest meeting of researchers, physicians, and other professionals in the fields of gastroenterology, endoscopy, gastrointestinal surgery, and hepatology.

When Dr. Naomi Nakao, a prolific inventor of 20 years extended her invitation to Zeus to speak at the conference, she prefaced her invitation as follows: "Being an inventor can be a lonely journey, but Zeus has faithfully stood by me for these many years. Zeus engineers have generously helped me during my research and development of the many prototypes of my inventions. I was gently brought down to earth by Zeus engineers, learning what is, and is not, possible in building my devices. Sharing their company's varied capabilities, I learned from Zeus' engineers that things I did not think possible could be built because of the enormous imagination that Zeus puts into its colossal ensemble of shapes, forms, colors, and sizes of the catheters and other sub-components that it has to offer."

The Zeus presentation will focus primarily on developing industry advancements in polymer science with an emphasis on gastroenterology and endoscopy of the present and future. At the conclusion of the presentation, Dr. Anneaux and Ms. Sanders will participate in an open panel discussion.

Commenting on his presentation Dr. Bruce Anneaux, Corporate Manager, Research & Development for Zeus, said, "We are excited about the opportunity to present at a gathering of this scope and significance. Both the Zeus presentation and open panel discussion seek to enhance attendees' understanding of polymer selection and create an open dialogue among the innovators in gastroenterology/endoscopy medical device industry."

Bob Jennings, Vice President for Medical Sales and Marketing, said, "Zeus has an evolving history of exploring and advancing innovative concepts and processes in the medical device industry. It is this commitment that allows us to serve as a resource for inventors, physicians, and other professionals who strive to enhance medical applications and ultimately, improve patient care."

About Zeus, Inc.:

Zeus, Inc. is headquartered in Orangeburg, SC, USA. Zeus is a world leader in material science and the development of high-performance polymer tubing used in demanding applications, operating multiple facilities in North America and internationally. Zeus products and services are preferred by companies in medical, automotive, electrical, fluid handling, and mechanical markets. For more information, visit http://www.zeusinc.com.

Press Contact:

Samantha D. Farlow
Zeus, Inc.
Communications Coordinator
publicrelations@zeusinc.com
(803) 268-9505

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.


SOURCE Zeus, Inc.

New Preliminary Data from Two Studies Show Clinical Activity of Neratinib in Combination with Trastuzumab and in Combination with Paclitaxel in Advanc

COLLEGEVILLE, Pa., May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), today announced preliminary data from two ongoing studies, one evaluating neratinib (HKI-272) in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin(R), Roche) in HER-2 positive (ErbB-2 positive) breast cancer, and a separate study investigating neratinib safety and efficacy when given with paclitaxel (Taxol(R), Bristol-Myers Squibb) in patients with HER-2 dependent solid tumors. The data gathered from both trials are scheduled to be presented at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, from May 29 to June 2, 2009. Neratinib is an investigational orally administered irreversible inhibitor of the HER-2 and EGFR kinases.

"The data gathered from these studies provide additional evidence suggesting that neratinib, when combined with these therapies, is an active agent in HER-2 positive breast cancer," says Ramona Swaby, M.D., Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. "While improvements have been made in treating HER-2 positive breast cancer, there remains an unmet medical need for more therapies for patients with metastatic breast cancer. These data warrant ongoing and future investigations to further understand and evaluate the utility of neratinib against this aggressive disease."

Neratinib (HKI-272) in Combination with Trastuzumab for the Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer

This ongoing phase 1/2 study of neratinib in combination with trastuzumab evaluated patients with advanced ErbB-2 positive breast cancer that progressed following therapy with trastuzumab, the standard of care in this disease setting. The primary endpoint of the two-part study is 16-week progression-free survival (PFS). The first part of the study includes patients being administered neratinib (160 mg or 240 mg) daily plus weekly trastuzumab (4 mg/kg IV loading dose then 2 mg/kg). In the second part of the study, patients receive a weekly dose of trastuzumab with daily neratinib (240 mg).

To date, 45 patients have been enrolled and 28 patients were evaluable for efficacy. The 16-week PFS rate (for part 2) was 45 percent (95 percent CI, 26 percent to 62 percent); median PFS was 16 weeks (95 percent CI, 15 to 31 weeks). The complete response rate was 7 percent, while 21 percent of evaluable patients showed partial response. The objective response rate was 29 percent (95 percent CI, 13 percent to 49 percent).

In this study, adverse events of any grade were diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, asthenia, rash and fatigue. In the 45 patients enrolled in this study, diarrhea was the most common adverse event, observed in 91 percent of patients, and was the most significant grade 3 or 4 adverse event, occurring in 16 percent of patients. Two patients receiving neratinib 240 mg reported adverse events leading to discontinuation of therapy.

Safety and Efficacy of Neratinib (HKI-272) in Combination with Paclitaxel in Patients with Solid Tumors

In a separate phase 1/2, open-label, 2-part study, ascending multiple daily oral doses of neratinib (160 mg, 240 mg) were administered in combination with IV paclitaxel 80 mg/m2, if tolerable, or 70 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15. Patients with solid tumors (endometrial, cervical, colorectal and esophageal cancers) were entered in the phase 1 portion (part 1), and only patients with metastatic ErbB-2 positive breast cancer were enrolled in part 2. Safety and efficacy were investigated in patients with ErbB-2 positive metastatic breast cancer.

A total of 102 patients were enrolled in part 2 of the study and 97 patients were evaluable for efficacy. The overall response rate at 16-weeks (for part 2) was 63 percent (80 percent CI, 55.9 percent to 69.4).

In this preliminary analysis, the adverse event profile of the combination of neratinib (240 mg) plus paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) was similar to that reported with both agents as monotherapy. Adverse events of any grade were diarrhea, alopecia, infection, peripheral neuropathy, leucopenia, anemia, nausea, rash, fatigue and vomiting. The most common adverse event was diarrhea, observed in 89 percent of the 102 patients enrolled in part 2 and was the most significant grade 3 or 4 adverse event, occurring in 25 percent of patients. Fourteen patients had dose reductions and one patient withdrew from the study due to an adverse event.

"Emerging clinical data continue to suggest that neratinib, in combination with these therapies is tolerable and active in treating HER-2 positive disease, even in those women who have progressed while on other targeted therapies," says Gary L. Stiles, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. "These additional data build upon results presented at the 2008 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, and Wyeth is committed to evaluating further the potential of this investigational therapy."

In 2008, the American Cancer Society estimated that more than 182,000 women in the United States would be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 would die from the disease. The HER-2 receptor is over-expressed in 25 percent to 30 percent of patients with breast cancer.

About Wyeth

Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products, nutritionals and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. In particular, clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations, and the views of regulatory agencies, medical and scientific experts and others may differ from ours. There can be no assurance that neratinib will ever receive regulatory approval or be successfully developed and commercialized. Other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among others, risks related to our proposed merger with Pfizer, including satisfaction of the conditions of the proposed merger on the proposed timeframe or at all, contractual restrictions on the conduct of our business included in the merger agreement, and the potential for loss of key personnel, disruption in key business activities or any impact on our relationships with third parties as a result of the announcement of the proposed merger; the inherent uncertainty of the timing and success of, and expense associated with, research, development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our products and pipeline products; government cost-containment initiatives; restrictions on third-party payments for our products; substantial competition in our industry, including from branded and generic products; emerging data on our products and pipeline products; the importance of strong performance from our principal products and our anticipated new product introductions; the highly regulated nature of our business; product liability, intellectual property and other litigation risks and environmental liabilities; the outcome of government investigations; uncertainty regarding our intellectual property rights and those of others; difficulties associated with, and regulatory compliance with respect to, manufacturing of our products; risks associated with our strategic relationships; global economic conditions; interest and currency exchange rate fluctuations and volatility in the credit and financial markets; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; trade buying patterns; the impact of legislation and regulatory compliance; risks and uncertainties associated with global operations and sales; and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our current reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K, particularly the discussion under the caption "Item 1A, Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2009. The forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these risk factors. We assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.


SOURCE Wyeth Pharmaceuticals

Association Wants One Million People to Commit to CPR Training

DALLAS, May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senior offensive tackle Matt Nader felt like his chest exploded when he collapsed on the sidelines at his high school football game. Quick action by his parents who knew cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the availability of an onsite automated external defibrillator (AED) saved his life.

The American Heart Association wants a million people to learn CPR as part of National CPR & AED Awareness Week, June 1-7, to help save cardiac arrest victims like Matt. The week encourages the public to get CPR training and learn how to use an AED. It also encourages them to log their training on the association's Web site. The site will feature a live map that will update in real time when people submit their information.

It could happen on the football field, during a bike ride or while dropping off the kids for an after-school activity. Every year, EMS treats about 300,000 victims of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. More than 92 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital will die from it. Without immediate CPR, the chance of surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest drops 7 percent to 10 percent for each minute that passes without defibrillation. Unfortunately, less than one third of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR.

There is a great need for more CPR and AED training. Seventy percent of bystanders who respond to a cardiac emergency have either never received CPR and AED training or their training was more than five years ago, according to a 2008 American Heart Association survey. To keep skills current, training should occur at least every two years, the association says.

"By learning CPR, you are taking care of yourself and your family with just a small time commitment," said Michael Sayre, M.D., chair-elect of the American Heart Association's Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee. "The more you practice, the more confident your skills will be in a real emergency. We want people to keep their CPR skills current and see learning and practicing CPR as critical health maintenance."

There are two ways to become CPR trained: take a traditional classroom-based course, or get a self-paced CPR Anytime kit, which includes an inflatable manikin and instructional DVD.

People can also learn the steps for Hands-Only CPR by viewing free videos online. Hands-Only CPR is for people who are unsure of their CPR skills and who witness an adult suddenly collapse. The steps are simple: Call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.

Since 1995, the American Heart Association has recommended the development of lay rescuer AED programs to improve outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. To maximize the effectiveness of these programs, the AHA emphasizes the importance of organization, planning, training, linking with the EMS system, and establishing a process of continuous quality improvement.

For more information about National CPR & AED Awareness Week and to find out more about training, visit www.cprweek.org or call 1-877-AHA-4CPR.

About the American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases--America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers--we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.


SOURCE American Heart Association

Join Men's Health Network in Celebration of Men's Health Month

WASHINGTON, May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- June is Men's Health Month and groups across the country and around the globe are joining Men's Health Network (MHN) in celebration of this awareness period. The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

The month is anchored by National Men's Health Week, June 15-21, the week ending on Father's Day, a special awareness period recognized by Congress each year, and signed into law by President Clinton in 1994. Additional support comes from the more than 45 governors who declare Men's Health Week in their states.

Men's Health Month is celebrated with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. These events help ensure a healthier future for men and their families. For a partial listing of events, visit: http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/calendar.htm.

"While men continue to live sicker and die younger," Scott Williams, Vice President for MHN explained, "awareness and outreach efforts like those conducted in June reach men and their families where they live, work, play, and pray."

Mark Pitts, President of Urban Music for Zomba Label Group (ZLG) said, "I'm blessed to be able to give back and be a part of the men's health initiative. Since being diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, my life has definitely changed but I am now stronger than before and am giving back to help inspire not only those around me but others on a global level. Men's Health Network is important because they are helping men understand how important it is to be proactive about keeping up on our healthcare and not just for ourselves but for our families and communities; I hope I can be an example to many young men through my support of MHN."

Additionally, Men's Health Network has developed a new program called Wear BLUE, designed to raise awareness and educate men, women, and their families of the need to end the silent crisis in men's health. Workplaces, community groups, places of worship, and others are encouraged to host a Wear BLUE event in their community. Information, tools, and resources can be found at www.wearblueformen.com.

Health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals can use Men's Health Month and the Wear BLUE program to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease. In celebration of Men's Health Month, MHN is launching a number of larger awareness campaigns including ones focused on fibromyalgia, incontinence, fertility, bladder cancer, uninsured issues, public service announcements, and prostate health.

"With prostate, cardiovascular, mental, and other health issues adversely impacting the lives of our men, awareness periods like this help end the silence surrounding men's health and make it OK for men and boys to talk and take action about their health," shared Theresa Morrow, Program Director for Women Against Prostate Cancer (www.womenagainstprostatecancer.org).

"This Father's Day we all should try to help the men we love take charge of their health. MHN has resources and programs that can help them do that," added Dr. S. J. Giorgianni, Asst. Professor Pharmacy, Belmont University School of Pharmacy, Nashville.

For interviews or to learn more about Men's Health Month contact info@menshealthweek.org or 202-543-6461x101 or visit us online at www.menshealthmonth.com.

Men's Health Network (www.menshealthnetwork.org) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation.


SOURCE Men's Health Network

Family Health International Receives $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations Grant for Innovative Global Health Research Project Led by David Sokal, M.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., MAY 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Health International announced today that it has received a US$100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will support an innovative global health research project led by David C. Sokal, M.D., studying a novel approach to inactivate HIV with minimal interference during breastfeeding.

Dr. Sokal's project is one of 81 grants announced by the Gates Foundation in the second funding round of Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative to help scientists around the world explore bold and largely unproven ways to improve health in developing countries. The grants were provided to scientists in 17 countries on six continents.

To receive funding, Dr. Sokal and his team showed in a two-page application how their idea falls outside current scientific paradigms and might lead to significant advances in global health. The initiative is highly competitive, receiving more than 3,000 proposals in this round.

The idea for the "Just Milk" project was born in the summer of 2008 when Dr. Sokal and a team of young engineers at an MIT workshop explored various alternatives for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV during breastfeeding. The team focused on modifying an existing nipple shield by putting a porous felt-like material in its tip and saturating the material with a commonly used compound that can inactivate HIV without harming the child. The researchers for the project are also looking into other potential applications of the device including delivery of nutritional supplements and pediatric medicine. Carol Joanis and Mary Lynn Baniecki, Ph.D. of Family Health International have joined the initial team to work on acceptability and laboratory aspects of the project, respectively. External partners on the grant include Sandra Urdaneta Hartmann, M.D., Ph.D. at Drexel University College of Medicine and Renaissance Scientific, LLC, and Stephen Gerrard, a graduate student in chemical engineering at Cambridge University, UK. Additional background information is at the team's web site, www.justmilk.org.

In leading the Just Milk team, Dr. Sokal, a scientist in Family Health International's Health and Development Sciences group, is building on past successes in developing new reproductive health technologies. Dr. Sokal has invented a device for delivery of vaginal microbicides using low-cost non-woven materials, and has obtained two patents for this novel vaginal device. He also has a patent for a new method of nonsurgical fallopian tube occlusion, and a patent pending on an innovative vasectomy device. He is also currently working on several research projects within Family Health International and with teams at the University of North Carolina on various forms of male contraception.

Al Siemens, Chief Executive Officer, Family Health International, stated, "Every year, approximately 50,000 babies are infected with HIV AIDS while trying to obtain from their mothers the natural nutrition they to need to live and thrive. With the Just Milk project, Dr. David Sokal and his team are beginning development of a device that could potentially prevent thousands of these cases of mother-to-child transmission with a simple device that is low-cost, accessible and easy to use. This research is yet another example of how Family Health International is extending its scientific leadership to offer hope for vulnerable people around the world."

"The winners of these grants are doing truly exciting and innovative work," said Dr. Tachi Yamada, president of the Gates Foundation's Global Health Program. "I'm optimistic that some of these exploratory projects will lead to life-saving breakthroughs for people in the world's poorest countries."

About Grand Challenges Explorations

Grand Challenges Explorations is a five-year, $100 million initiative of the Gates Foundation to promote innovation in global health. The program uses an agile, streamlined grant process - applications are limited to two pages, and preliminary data are not required. Proposals are reviewed and selected by a committee of foundation staff and external experts, and grant decisions are made within approximately three months of the close of the funding round.

Applications for the next round of Grand Challenges Explorations are being accepted through May 28, 2009. Grant application instructions, including the list of topic areas in which proposals are currently being accepted, are available at the Grand Challenges Explorations website.


About Family Health International
Family Health International (FHI), a leading global health and development organization, improves the lives of the world's most vulnerable families through its unique approach of delivering sustainable programs based on scientific research. Since 1971, FHI continues to lead the global response to HIV/AIDS and is making major contributions to address reproductive health, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious and chronic diseases. Beyond immediate care and treatment programs, FHI engages staff scientists in research, testing, and developing new treatments to advance public health and development. FHI's community-building and service delivery model responds to the most pressing and anticipated needs in developing countries. With more than 2,300 employees working in over 55 countries, FHI is a partner of choice for funders, local governments, nongovernmental agencies, research institutions, and community-based groups. For more information, visit www.fhi.org

CONTACT:
Matthew Matassa
Family Health International
703-647-1909
mmatassa@fhi.org


SOURCE Family Health International

Raptiva Withdrawal Offers Upside for Enbrel and Humira According to Latest BioTrends Survey of U.S. Dermatologists

EXTON, Pa., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- BioTrends Research Group today released its syndicated report TreatmentTrends(R): Psoriasis, the fourth annual survey of U.S. Dermatologists (n=150). The report, based on results of an on-line survey fielded in April, highlights shifting trends in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This comprehensive report covers treatment approaches for mild, moderate, and severe patients with an emphasis on the evolving use of biologic agents.

The vast majority of psoriasis patients across all disease severity categories are prescribed topical agents. The most important attributes for topical agents, according to the respondents, are "Safe when used long term", "Efficacy", and "Covered by insurance plans". Galderma's Vectical, which was approved in February, is the only vitamin D3 ointment indicated for psoriasis and already has a perceived advantage on one of the most important attributes. 61% of the Dermatologists surveyed had prescribed Vectical, but market share is less than 3%. Taclonex and Clobex are the market share leaders for topical agents.

Use of oral agents to treat moderate and severe psoriasis declined for the second year in a row. Use of oral agents is divided primarily between methotrexate and Steifel's (now owned by GSK) Soriatane. Almost half of the surveyed Dermatologists identify methotrexate as the first line oral choice whereas 43% choose Soriatane.

On April 8th, 2009, Genentech and Roche announced the voluntary withdrawal of Raptiva from the U.S. market. Among the Dermatologists surveyed, 41% had patients on Raptiva at the time of the announcement, but only 11% had prescribed the product for a new patient in the past year. While 15% of the patients being treated with Raptiva are expected to be discontinued from biologic therapy, it appears that Enbrel (Amgen/Wyeth) and Humira (Abbott) stand to gain the most for patients being switched to other agents. Roughly 20% of the respondents feel that the withdrawal of Raptiva will result in an overall decline in biologic use in their practices, but a majority do not anticipate a negative impact.

On the horizon? Only 27% of the respondents reported being satisfied with current treatment options for psoriasis. Dermatologists report that the most desired attributes in new products for psoriasis include "Safe when used long term" and "Improved efficacy". Familiarity with new products in development is not particularly high. The highest interest levels are associated with Centocor's STELARA which could be approved later this year. With 39% of the respondents agreeing with the statement "The withdrawal of Raptiva will make me more hesitant to use new biologics in the future," increased use of these agents and rapid adoption of newly approved brands may be tempered.

About BioTrends Research Group, Inc.

BioTrends Research Group, Inc. (www.bio-trends.com) provides syndicated and custom market research to pharmaceutical manufacturers competing in clinically evolving, specialty pharmaceutical markets. For information on BioTrends publications and research capabilities, please contact us at (610) 363-3872 or www.bio-trends.com.

All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks of their respective holders.


SOURCE BioTrends Research Group, Inc.

New Therapy Enlists Immune System to Boost Cure Rate in a Childhood Cancer

--In a First, Immunotherapy Works Against Neuroblastoma--

PHILADELPHIA, May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A multicenter research team has announced encouraging results for an experimental therapy using elements of the body's immune system to improve cure rates for children with neuroblastoma, a challenging cancer of the nervous system.

John M. Maris, M.D., chief of Oncology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, co-authored the phase 3 clinical trial, which was led by Alice Yu, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of California, San Diego. Maris chairs the committee supervising the trial for the Children's Oncology Group, a cooperative organization that pools resources from leading medical centers to study and devise new treatments for pediatric cancers.

Neuroblastoma, a cancer of the peripheral nervous system, usually appears as a solid tumor in the chest or abdomen. Neuroblastoma accounts for 7 percent of all childhood cancers, but due to its often aggressive nature, causes 15 percent of all childhood cancer deaths.

Yu will present the neuroblastoma study results on June 2 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando, Fla. In advance of the meeting, ASCO published the findings online on May 14.

Maris explained that immunotherapy for cancer involves triggering the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies are molecules customized to target particular cancers, while cytokines are naturally occurring signaling proteins that regulate the body's immune responses.

In the current study, Children's Oncology Group researchers studied 226 children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Half received the immunotherapy, while half received standard therapy (chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation). The patients who received the immunotherapy were 20 percent more likely than those in the standard therapy group to live disease-free two years after treatment. "This 20 percent improvement in preventing relapse led to a greater cure rate -- the first substantial increase in cure rate for neuroblastoma for more than a decade," said Maris.

The researchers halted the trial earlier than expected after early results showed the benefits of immunotherapy. "This experimental immunotherapy is poised to become part of the new standard of care for children with the aggressive form of neuroblastoma," said Maris.

Maris added that the supply of the antibodies and cytokines used in the trial was limited, and that pediatric oncologists were seeking biotechnology companies to move the biological agents into commercial production to make the treatment readily available to children with neuroblastoma.

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has one of the nation's largest clinical and research programs in neuroblastoma. In 2008, Maris led a study that was the first to identify the gene location at which neuroblastoma originates. His laboratory continues to investigate how genes contribute to the disease, using that knowledge to devise new treatments.

Maris served as an oncologist for Alex Scott, the child with neuroblastoma who started a lemonade stand in 2000 to raise money for programs in childhood cancer. Now operated through the Scott family, the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation supports ongoing research by members of the Children's Oncology Group.

About The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country, ranking second in National Institutes of Health funding. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 430-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.

Contact: Rachel Salis-Silverman
Phone: (267) 426-6063
Salis@email.chop.edu

SOURCE The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction Are Subjects of Free Men's Health Seminar

TUCSON, Ariz., May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Peter Burrows from the Arizona Center-Vasectomy/Urology, a specialist in men's health issues, will be leading a free Men's Health Seminar on Saturday June 6th. The program, to be held at 8:30 AM at El Dorado Hospital, will explain the latest treatment options for two of the most common conditions affecting men today: Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (also known as Enlarged Prostate) and Erectile Dysfunction. A question and answer period will follow the program.

At the June 6th presentation, Dr. Burrows will bring clarity to two topics that together affect well over half of all men above the age of 60 in the United States. Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a natural, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, weak flow, and interrupted sleep--factors that can significantly impact a man's quality of life.

Many men are commonly offered two treatment options for BPH: prescription medication, or a surgical procedure known as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, or TURP. Both options can be effective, yet both have potential side effects. Dr. Burrows will explain a new procedure involving a minimally invasive laser surgery, from American Medical Systems, that equals the benefits of TURP with fewer potential complications; it can also be performed on an outpatient basis.

Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Diabetes, heart disease, prostate surgery and medications for other conditions are among the most common physical causes. The good news is that nearly every case is treatable today. Options range from lifestyle changes to medications, as well as more permanent solutions such as penile implants, from American Medical Systems.

Spouses or partners are invited to accompany attendees. The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will last approximately one hour. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited and reservations are strongly advised.

All surgical treatments have inherent and associated risks. The most common risks associated with GreenLight are hematuria, short term dysuria and urinary track infections.

Implanting a penile prosthesis is likely to damage or destroy any remaining natural ability to have an erection. This product is contraindicated for patient with the following conditions:

Active urinary infections or active skin infections in the region of surgery.
A known sensitivity to silicone or the antibiotic rifampin or tetracyclines.
Lupus erythematosus.
Taking warfarin, thionamides, isoniazid and halothane
Renal disease.

You should talk with your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option.

To reserve a space, call 866-432-5274 toll-free. (Men's health seminar will be held at El Dorado Hospital in the ground floor cafeteria. Hospital is located at 1400 North Wilmot Rd. Tucson, AZ 85712).


SOURCE American Medical Systems

Access Pharmaceuticals Provides Update on Global Launch of MuGard(TM)

NEW FDA-APPROVED TREATMENT FOR ORAL MUCOSITIS

DALLAS, May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (OTC Bulletin Board: ACCP), (http://www.accesspharma.com) announced today that MuGard(TM), its proprietary oral mucositis product has been launched in Germany, Italy, UK, Greece and the Nordic countries by its European commercial partner, SpePharm, a pan-European specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the provision of high medical value medicines in supportive and critical care. The Company has previously announced commercialization agreements in North America, China and eight Southeast Asian countries and Korea, and is actively seeking additional marketing partners in other regions; MuGard expects commercial launches in these regions throughout the remainder of 2009 as manufacturing and reimbursement gets established regionally.

MuGard is a ready-to-use mucoadhesive oral wound rinse for the management of oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of many anticancer treatments. Up to 40% of all patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy develop moderate to severe mucositis, and almost all patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and those undergoing stem cell transplantation develop mucositis. Updated clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mucositis recommend the use of a preventive oral care regimen as part of routine supportive care along with a therapeutic oral care regimen if mucositis develops. The market for the treatment of oral mucositis is estimated to be in excess of $1 billion world-wide.

"Access is pleased with the commercial launch of MuGard in Europe, and the progress made by our partners in other regions of the world," said Phillip Wise, Vice President of Business Development at Access. "Access is also working with its partners outside of Europe to establish GMP manufacturing and secure necessary approvals and/or reimbursement from the individual governmental regulators, which we believe will greatly enhance initial product adoption and ongoing marketing efforts to reach and penetrate the target population of patients requiring this important treatment option," he continued.

MuGard forms a protective coating over the oral mucosa when swirled gently around the mouth. In a comparison of cancer patients receiving standard mucositis care with those patients receiving MuGard, the incidence and severity of mucositis was significantly lower in the MuGard treated group using a validated scale for the assessment of oral mucositis.

About Access:

Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an emerging biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes propriety products for the treatment and supportive care of cancer patients. Access' products include ProLindac(TM), currently in Phase 2 clinical testing of patients with ovarian cancer, and MuGard(TM) for the management of patients with mucositis. The company also has other advanced drug delivery technologies including Cobalamin(TM)-mediated targeted delivery and oral drug delivery, its proprietary nanopolymer delivery technology based on the natural vitamin B12 uptake mechanism; and Angiolix(R), a humanized monoclonal antibody which acts as an anti-angiogenesis factor and is targeted to breast cancer. Access recently announced completed the acquisition of MacroChem Corporation. This acquisition provides Access with Thiarabine, a new generation nucleoside analog which has demonstrated both pre-clinical and clinical activity in certain cancers. For additional information on Access Pharmaceuticals, please visit our website at www.accesspharma.com.

This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include those relating to: clinical trial plans and timelines and clinical results for ProLindac and other product candidates, our ability to execute licensing agreements in the future, Access' plans to continue and initiate clinical trials, the value of its products in the market (including MuGard and the size of the overall market for mucositis products), its ability to achieve clinical and commercial success and its ability to successfully develop marketed products. These statements are subject to numerous risks, including but not limited Access' need to obtain additional financing in order to continue the clinical trial and operations and to the risks detailed in Access' Annual Reports on Form 10-K and other reports filed by Access with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


SOURCE Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Feeding America and Abbott Partner For Hurricane Relief

Abbott Donates Relief Supplies to Expedite Immediate Hurricane Response

CHICAGO, May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Feeding America today announced that it is working with the global health care company, Abbott, to pre-position nutritional products in 20 food banks throughout the Southeast United States and Puerto Rico in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season, which officially arrives on June 1. Feeding America is the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

Food banks will receive pre-packaged disaster relief packs containing both adult and pediatric nutritionals that are designed specifically for families of different sizes. These disaster relief packs will serve more than 20,000 people in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Food banks were selected based on vulnerability to hurricanes, their capacity to assist in disaster response and recovery, and on population coverage.

Volunteers within organizations such as The East Texas Food Bank in Tyler, Texas and America's Second Harvest of South Georgia in Valdosta, Georgia, have agreed to create 5,200 disaster relief packs containing 232,000 pounds of Abbott-donated nutritionals for distribution across U.S. food banks by the start of hurricane season.

"Our goal, in partnering with Feeding America, is to empower communities to ensure that critical products are immediately available to those who need them when a disaster strikes. Pre-positioned products can be distributed quickly and reliably by working through Feeding America's established network of food banks," said Kathy Pickus, divisional vice president, Global Citizenship and Policy, Abbott.

"We are extremely grateful to Abbott for donating to us and helping us pre-position relief supplies at our food banks in strategically important locations," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "We certainly hope that there aren't any hurricanes this season, but we can now take some small comfort in the fact that should a hurricane hit, we will be ready to immediately provide food, water and other supplies to people in need. These supplies are intended to help bridge the gap until the rest of our Network can aid the food banks serving affected communities."

"If the donated supplies are not needed for disaster use this season," said Escarra, "they will be rolled into the food bank's regular inventory, providing extra assistance to those in need on an everyday basis."

The Abbott/Feeding America disaster relief packs will be pre-staged at the following food banks:

Texas

Beaumont-Southeast Texas Foodbank
Food Bank of Corpus Christi
Houston Food Bank
McAllen-Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.
Tyler-East TX Foodbank
Victoria--Food Bank of the Golden Crescent

Louisiana

Alexandria-Food Bank of Central Louisiana
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
Monroe-Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana
Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana
Shreveport-Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana

Alabama/Mississippi

Theodore, AL--Bay Area Food Bank

Florida

Ft Myers--Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
Miami--Daily Bread Food Bank
Sarasota-All Faiths Food Bank
Tallahassee--America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Inc.

Georgia

Savannah--America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Inc.
Valdosta--America's Second Harvest of South Georgia, Inc.

South Carolina

Charleston-Lowcountry Food Bank

North Carolina

Elizabeth City-Food Bank of the Albemarle

Puerto Rico

Bayamon-Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico

Feeding America provided more than 25.6 million pounds of food and grocery products to food banks throughout Louisiana, Texas and other Gulf Coast states in 2008, following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Feeding America is now in its 20th year of providing disaster relief services. The network of 206 food banks has worked in recent years to improve its disaster response capability with enhanced disaster planning, by developing and training national support teams, and with the staging supplies in advance of disaster.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org.


SOURCE Feeding America

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition Showcases Its Traveling Photo Exhibit in McKean County at Kane Area Community Center

EPHRATA, Pa., May 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) is pleased to work with the McKean County Exhibit Committee and the Kane Area Community Center to bring its traveling photo exhibit "67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania," to McKean County from May 28 - June 8. The photo exhibit will be displayed in the Kane Area Community Center.

An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. To RSVP for the opening reception, please call 1-800-377-8828 x304.

This work of art features women from each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, along with a message about how breast cancer has touched their lives. The women reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania, and their stories reflect the impact of breast cancer on themselves, their families and their communities. The exhibit encourages women to learn about early detection and celebrates life, courage, hope and dignity of women and families who have battled breast cancer. "67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania" is sponsored by the PBCC and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Pat Halpin-Murphy, President and Founder of the PBCC, encourages everyone to visit the exhibit. "Breast cancer is not a rare event separate from the fabrics of our everyday lives. It impacts our mothers, daughters and friends. We must educate ourselves about this disease and fight to find a cure now...so our daughters won't have to."

Susan Coulter, committee chair said, "In October I organized Kane Pink Power Day through Adagio Health to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. This exhibit is a continuation of the cause. I am very excited to work with the women of our community to bring the traveling photo exhibit "67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania" to McKean County."

The PBCC, founded in 1993, is a non-profit organization and the only statewide grassroots organization that speaks to and for breast cancer survivors. The PA Breast Cancer Coalition represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy and breast cancer research grants.

For more information please call 1-800-377-8828 x101 or visit the website at www.pabreastcancer.org.


SOURCE Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition

International Cooperation to Save Drug-Addicted Kids

TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Over an eight-day period, during the first week of May, the Executive Director of Narconon Nepal was able to deliver nine drug education lectures to over three-thousand Nepali children living in the United Kingdom. "Our kids brought their drug problem along with them and found new ones here," comments Basanta Raj Kunwar, executive director, Narconon Nepal.

In 1997, a UK court finalized a decision allowing former Gurkha soldiers to seek citizenship for themselves and their families within the United Kingdom. After that decision was made, more then 100,000 Gurkha people immigrated to the UK. Unfortunately, like any culture immigrating to different countries, drug problems do tend to follow. Originally from Nepal, Gurkhas take their name from an eighth-century Hindu warrior named Guru Gorakhnath. Throughout history, Gurkhas are best known for their bravery and strength within the British Army's Brigade and the Indian Army.

Mr. Kunwar was invited to the United Kingdom by the UK Nepali Association and gave drug education lectures across the greater London area. Basanta was a 23-year veteran of the Nepali police force and was also the former superintendent of the Nepal police force. He came all the way from Kathmandu, Nepal to deliver his drug education lectures, and was also able to reach 525,000 people through Nepali radio, TV, and newspapers. "Drug abuse and addiction miseries migrate with populations," says Mr. Kunwar, "and with our growing Narconon network, we have workable solutions; I should know."

Mr. Kunwar has been dedicated to the cause of eradicating drug addiction for quite some time; in fact, prior to him opening a Narconon center, he was researching solutions for better drug rehabs in Kathmandu. When he retired from the police force, he was able to provide a drug rehab to Nepali youth through his own charitable foundation, Pratigya; however, it struggled to see any real results. Basanta then discovered the Narconon program and took the time to learn about what it had to offer. He was so amazed by the workable solutions, he opened a 100-bed program in Kathmandu, and is continuing his dedication to save lives and terminate the drug problem in Nepal.

Photo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2009-Narconon.jpg

If you or someone you know is battling a drug or alcohol addiction, call our toll-free line at 1-877-782-7409, or visit our website at http://www.narcononrehab.com.

NARCONON is a trademark and service mark owned by Association for Better Living and Education and is used with its permission.

Press Contact:

Clark Carr
Narconon International
1-323-962-2404

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.


SOURCE Narconon International

Schools and Cities Send 9.7 Million Messages During Swine Flu Outbreak with Blackboard Connect(TM) Platform

Notification technology helps schools communicate more quickly and consistently

WASHINGTON, May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As the world waited for news about the swine flu outbreak, many U.S. school and government leaders used notification technology to proactively reach parents and residents with important updates and information - the latest example of the way that time-sensitive communication has advanced far beyond the days when it might have taken officials days to reach all of their constituents with little or no way to confirm that important messages were received.

In just eight days, from April 27 to May 4, Blackboard Connect(TM) sent some 9.79 million messages direct to users in support of school and government outreach efforts, according to Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB), a global leader in education technology.

Approximately 40 percent of the messages dealt with the flu outbreak and helped officials quickly reach parents, staff and residents. Officials communicated a wide range of information through email, voicemail and text messages, including updates on potential cases and precautionary measures being taken to help control the spread of disease and eliminate undue panic in communities. Experts cite the importance of rapid and consistent communication of accurate information in minimizing the impact of a public threat.

For the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the Blackboard Connect platform plays a key role in their emergency preparedness plan. On Monday, April 27, within the first hours of public concern over the flu, Dr. Kimberly Uyeda, LAUSD's Director of Student Medical Services recorded and sent the following message to 713,000 unique recipients, in both English and Spanish (to hear the actual recorded messages, see the links at the end of this release):

"We want to inform you, at this time, there are no known cases of the Swine Flu in our schools. The school district is working closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to protect the health of students and staff. More than 600 school nurses are monitoring student absences and custodians are washing down common areas at school sites more frequently, on an as needed basis. Schools are currently open and we are urging everyone to follow these simple steps: cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently, if you are sick stay home, if your child is sick please do not send him or her to school."

"Because California borders Mexico and so many of our students have family ties to cities in Mexico where the outbreak first hit, it was imperative that we quickly and effectively addressed the issue," Dr. Uyeda said. "On the morning of April 27, our phone lines were swamped by concerned parents who wanted to know if schools were closed, and most importantly, if their children would be safe. From my office phone, we were able to record and send an assuring message, in English and Spanish, to parents, students and staff. The incoming calls quickly subsided and we were able to focus on keeping our students safe."

In addition to outreach surrounding the Swine Flu outbreak, LAUSD officials regularly use the Blackboard Connect platform to communicate information on student attendance, activities and testing schedules and volunteer programs. The outreach has helped to increase student achievement, parental involvement and overall enrollment.

A number of other school and government leaders used the Blackboard Connect platform to report suspected flu cases and quickly communicate campus closures. Among the first to respond was Dr. Max Riley, Superintendent of Port Jefferson Union Free School District in New York.

"After the Governor issued a state of awareness, it was crucial that we communicate with parents quickly and directly to inform them of the health and safety precautions our school district was actively taking," Riley said. "With the Blackboard Connect platform, we were able to effectively convey those important messages directly to parents in a matter of minutes."

Drawing on the experience gained in delivering hundreds of millions of messages for nearly 2,500 K-12 organizations, college campuses and cities nationwide, as well as government and military organizations, the Blackboard Connect platform enables officials to quickly reach their organizations and communities through voice, text and email messages to a variety of communication platforms and devices. The Blackboard Connect platform allows officials to send an unlimited number of messages, requires no additional hardware, and can be used from any computer with Internet access or telephone. This ensures that administrators can send vital messages from wherever they are located--even if they are evacuated.

To listen to Blackboard Connect messages sent by LAUSD, please visit: http://www.blackboardconnect.com/samples/SwineFluMessageLAUSD.wav (English) and http://www.blackboardconnect.com/samples/SwineFluMessageSpanishMessageLAUSD.wav (Spanish). For more information about Blackboard Connect solutions, please visit http://www.blackboard.com/Alert-Notification/Connect-Platform.aspx.

About Blackboard Inc.

Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBB) is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2009 with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of May 26, 2009. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to May 26, 2009.


SOURCE Blackboard Inc.

Two-Year Data Reinforce Effect of ACTEMRA(R) (tocilizumab) in Inhibiting Progression of Joint Damage and Improving Physical Function in Rheumatoid Art

- Fifth International Phase III ACTEMRA Study Meets its Primary Endpoints -

NUTLEY, N.J., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche today announced that two-year data from the LITHE (TociLIzumab Safety and THE Prevention of Structural Joint Damage) study demonstrated that ACTEMRA(R) (tocilizumab) continued to inhibit the progression of structural damage to joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study also showed that patients receiving ACTEMRA experienced improved physical function, as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) scores(1). The LITHE study is the fifth international Phase III study in the extensive ACTEMRA clinical development program to successfully meet its primary endpoints in patients with moderately to severely active RA.

"The one-year LITHE results demonstrated that ACTEMRA significantly inhibited the progression of structural joint damage, which is a major cause of disability and loss of physical function for RA patients," said Kenneth Bahrt, M.D., Global Medical Director, Autoimmunity, Roche. "We are extremely pleased by these two-year LITHE data as they confirm the previous study findings, and also suggest that the effect of ACTEMRA actually improves over time."

The two-year data from the LITHE study showed that patients treated with ACTEMRA maintained consistently high disease remission rates according to DAS28 criteria, which measures disease activity in RA patients(2). The study also showed that a greater proportion of patients treated with ACTEMRA (8 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg) plus methotrexate achieved a significant reduction in the progression of structural joint damage during 24 months of treatment compared with patients receiving placebo plus methotrexate. The outcome was determined by X-ray evidence of the progression of bone erosion and narrowing of joint spaces, as measured by the Genant-modified Sharp score(3).

In the study, ACTEMRA was generally well-tolerated and the overall safety profile after two years of treatment with ACTEMRA was consistent with previously reported data. Full data from this two-year study will be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and for presentation at a future international scientific meeting.

One-year LITHE data have been accepted for presentation at the 10th Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), which will take place June 10-13, 2009, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

About the LITHE Study

The LITHE study was a three-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ACTEMRA (8 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg) plus methotrexate compared with placebo plus methotrexate in RA patients. Patients in the LITHE study received either ACTEMRA intravenously every four weeks plus methotrexate weekly or placebo infusions every four weeks plus methotrexate weekly. The LITHE study included nearly 1,200 patients from 137 sites in 15 countries, including the United States. The study aimed to show the inhibition of structural damage at the joints, as demonstrated by changes in validated radiographic parameters. The study also examined the improvement in physical function and disease signs and symptoms.

One-year data from the study showed the mean change in the combined Genant-modified Sharp score(3), which assesses progression of both joint erosion and joint space narrowing, was lower among ACTEMRA (8 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg) plus methotrexate-treated patients versus methotrexate plus placebo-treated patients (0.3, 0.3 versus 1.1, respectively; p<0.001). In addition, the one-year study results showed that 85 percent and 81 percent of patients treated with ACTEMRA (8 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg, respectively) experienced no progression of either joint erosion or joint space narrowing, as measured by the Genant-modified Sharp score, compared with 67 percent of patients treated with placebo plus methotrexate.

ACTEMRA was generally well tolerated; the most common adverse events reported most frequently in the ACTEMRA arms of the LITHE study were serious infections.

About ACTEMRA(R) (tocilizumab)

ACTEMRA is the first humanized interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody being studied for the treatment of RA. Studies demonstrate that reducing the activity of IL-6, one of several key cytokines involved in the inflammatory process, relieves both inflammation of the joints and certain systemic effects of RA. The extensive clinical development program conducted by Roche includes five Phase III clinical studies and has enrolled more than 4,000 patients in 41 countries, including the United States. The five Phase III studies are completed and have reported meeting their primary endpoints. ACTEMRA is currently under review by the FDA in the United States.

ACTEMRA is part of a co-development agreement between Roche and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. In June 2005, ACTEMRA was launched by Chugai in Japan as a therapy for Castleman's disease; in April 2008, additional indications for rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis were also approved in Japan. ACTEMRA (known as RoACTEMRA in Europe), was also recently approved in the European Union, Switzerland and India.

The serious adverse events reported in ACTEMRA clinical studies include serious infections, gastrointestinal perforations and hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. The most common adverse events reported in clinical studies were upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension and increased ALT. Increases in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) were seen in patients; these increases were generally mild and reversible, with no evidence of hepatic injuries. Laboratory changes, including increases in lipids (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and decreases in neutrophils and platelets, were seen in patients without association with clinical outcomes. Treatments that suppress the immune system, such as ACTEMRA, may cause an increase in the risk of malignancies.

About IL-6

IL-6 is a common protein found in all joints in the body and is a natural substance that can raise inflammation. Everyone has IL-6 in their body, but people with RA may have too much. When approved, ACTEMRA will be the first and only medication to specifically target IL-6 in patients with RA.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is a progressive, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the membrane lining in the joints. This inflammation causes a loss of joint shape and function, resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling, ultimately leading to irreversible joint destruction and disability. Characteristics of RA include redness, swelling, pain and movement limitation around joints of the hands, feet, elbows, knees and neck that leads to loss of function. In addition, the systemic symptoms of RA include fatigue, decreased hemoglobin, osteoporosis and may contribute to shortening life expectancy by affecting major organ systems. After 10 years, less than 50 percent of patients can continue to work or function normally on a daily basis. RA affects more than 21 million people worldwide with approximately 1.3 million adults affected in the United States.

About Roche

Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche), based in Nutley, N.J., is the U.S. pharmaceuticals headquarters of the Roche Group, one of the world's leading research-oriented healthcare groups with core businesses in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. For more than 100 years in the U.S., Roche has been committed to developing innovative products and services that address prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, thus enhancing people's health and quality of life. For additional information about the U.S. pharmaceuticals business, visit our website http://www.rocheusa.com. Product and treatment information for U.S. healthcare professionals is available at www.RocheExchange.com.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

(1) The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) is a 20-item questionnaire that asks about physical functioning within eight categories (dressing and grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip and daily activities). The ability to perform each category is measured on a scale 0 to 3 (0 = no difficulty, 1 = some difficulty, 2 = much difficulty or with assistance, and 3 = unable).

(2) The Disease Activity Score (DAS)28 is a combined index that measures disease activity in patients with RA. It combines information from 28 tender and swollen joints (range: 0-28), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a general health assessment on a visual analog scale. The level of disease activity is interpreted as low (DAS28 less than or equal to 3.2), moderate (3.25.1). DAS28<2.6 corresponds to being in remission according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology.

(3) The Genant-modified Sharp score focuses on 14 specific sites for evidence of bone erosion and 13 sites for narrowing of the joint space, both key measures of ongoing structural damage to the joints. Erosion scores are assigned to each of the specified sites, with 0 representing "no erosion" and 3.5 representing "destruction of the joint." Joint space narrowing scores are assigned to each of the specified sites, with 0 representing "no narrowing" and 4 representing "total loss of the joint space." Increases in the scores indicate the extent of additional erosion, joint space narrowing or overall structural damage (both scores combined) that have occurred since treatment began.


SOURCE Roche

National Federation of the Blind Congratulates NASA on Successful Mission

Two Louis Braille Coins Return with Atlantis

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, May 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When the space shuttle Atlantis landed today, it also returned from space two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars. This unique coin commemorates the birth of the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind and is the first United States coin to contain tactile, readable Braille. Sales of the coin will be used to support the National Federation of the Blind "Braille Readers are Leaders" campaign. The campaign is a national initiative created to double the number of blind children learning Braille by 2015.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind wishes to congratulate NASA on a successful mission to enhance our capability to explore the far reaches of space. We are also pleased that this mission promoted Braille literacy by carrying two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars into orbit. Blind children in America are facing a crisis--only 10 percent of them are learning Braille, leaving 90 percent illiterate. By dramatically publicizing this coin, whose own mission is to raise critically needed funds to support Braille literacy, NASA has helped to reverse this devastating trend."

To purchase the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, please visit www.usmint.gov or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). The proof silver dollar is available for $41.95 and the uncirculated silver dollar sells for $33.95. For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit www.braille.org.


SOURCE National Federation of the Blind

Swine Flu (H1N1) Infectivity to Increase Markedly and Lethality to Remain Low According to Latest Replikin* Peptide Genomic Data

BOSTON, May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid all the speculation over what course the Swine Flu epidemic will take, Boston-based biotech firm Replikins Ltd. (www.replikins.com) last week analyzed the most recent peptide genomic sequence data available and determined that the infectivity of the H1N1 virus will increase markedly, while its lethality will remain relatively low for the immediate future.

The company's quantitative analysis of the most recent sequence data available on PubMed, a standard scientific repository for published papers, showed an increase of 46% in the Replikin Count* over the past five months. This points to a marked increase in infectivity in humans. At the same time, while the total number of replikins has gone up significantly, their composition appears to have changed in a way that makes them more closely resemble their counterparts in earlier pandemics.

The firm, which had predicted a year ago the likelihood of the current H1N1 outbreak, used its proprietary FluForecast(TM) software program to make these determinations. "The dual differentiation of these properties may provide advance warning of the future course of H1N1," noted Samuel Bogoch MD PhD, chairman and founder of Replikins Ltd. "Our understanding of the protein chemistry of rapid replication enables us to develop synthetic vaccines specifically tailored to destroy or restrict replication of the targeted virus strains prior to an outbreak."

Earlier this month, Replikins announced that it had succeeded in synthesizing the first H1N1 influenza vaccine, which is now ready for testing. It used the same approach to produce a peptide H5N1 (avian flu) vaccine that successfully blocked low path H5N1. It has not previously been possible to correlate virus structures with a virus outbreak or cessation of outbreak, let alone to predict six to 12 months ahead of the outbreak or its cessation. In 2001, Drs. Samuel and Elenore Bogoch first demonstrated this correlation retrospectively for whole-organism replikin counts in outbreaks and pandemics of the common influenza strains over the past century.

About Replikins Ltd.

Replikins, Ltd. (www.replikins.com), a Boston-based biotech company, develops and markets novel forecasting tools and synthetic vaccines to fight virulent rapidly replicating diseases including bird flu, malaria, and HIV. The company's predictive products and vaccines in development are based upon the company's discovery of replikins, a new group of peptides related to the rapid replication function in viral and other diseases. The company has designed unique products to predict the emergence of virulent strains of particular diseases (FluForecast(TM)) and is designing synthetic vaccines specifically tailored to combat a given strain and against shared properties of several strains (Syntope(TM) vaccines). The company is partnering with governments and the private sector in providing predictive tools and vaccines in furtherance of the public health initiative to prevent and combat epidemics.

* The company's vaccines and predictive tools are based on the company's discovery of a new group of peptides related to rapid replication called Replikins, whose increase in concentration in virus or other organism proteins (Replikin Count(TM) = number of replikins per 100 amino acids) is associated with rapid replication.

Contact:
John McKenney
Replikins, Ltd.
38 the Fenway
Boston, MA 02215
jmckenney@replikins.com
www.replikins.com
617-536-0220


SOURCE Replikins, Ltd.

USCCB Submits Comments to NIH on Proposed Guidelines for Stem Cell Research

USCCB General Secretary urges respect for human life at all stages

Says science and ethics have been ignored in proposed policy

Cites advances in stem cell research that do not destroy human embryos

WASHINGTON, May 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) missed "an enormous opportunity to show how sound science and responsible ethics can not only co-exist but support and enrich each other," said Msgr. David Malloy, General Secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in comments on draft guidelines to authorize federally funded human embryonic stem cell research. The comments were submitted during the official public comment period on the proposed guidelines, which ends May 26. The Conference has also provided a convenient way for other concerned citizens to submit comments to the NIH on this issue, by visiting the Web site www.usccb.org/stemcellcampaign.

Msgr. Malloy cited the dignity of human life at every stage and the innate human right not to be subjected to harmful experimentation without one's express and informed consent. He said laws that fail to recognize this right "do not succeed in nullifying the right in question, but only call into question their own moral legitimacy."

Msgr. Malloy highlighted the "central fact of science" relevant to the issue of embryonic stem cell research, that the embryo that will be destroyed to obtain embryonic stem cells "is a human being at a very early stage of his or her development."

This is not a matter of religious belief, he said, but a fact acknowledged by federal advisory groups on this issue, including the National Bioethics Advisory Commission appointed by President Clinton. This group concluded that because human embryos deserve "respect" as a form of human life, destroying them for stem cells is "justifiable only if no less morally problematic alternatives are available for advancing the research."

Msgr. Malloy added that alternative methods of stem cell research, such as reprogramming ordinary adult cells into "induced pluripotent stem cells" (iPS cells) without harming human life, have made great advances under a federal policy preventing researchers from destroying live human embryos for federally funded research.

"Yet President Obama's executive order of March 9 not only rescinded that policy, but also rescinded the executive order of 2007 instructing the NIH to thoroughly explore new avenues for obtaining pluripotent stem cells without destroying human embryos," Msgr. Malloy said. "Both science and ethics have been ignored in this decision."

Msgr. Malloy said the President's executive order and the draft guidelines fail the Bioethics Commission's test, "by failing to require that morally unproblematic avenues for exploring important medical research goals be thoroughly investigated before the NIH considers any avenues that require destroying embryonic human life."

"Avenues of stem cell research which pose no moral problem are now showing great promise. In fact, human patients suffering from all the conditions cited by President Obama when he signed his executive order -- cancer, juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, heart disease -- have been shown in peer-reviewed studies to benefit from clinical trials using human stem cells," he said. "And in every case, the benefit has come not from embryonic stem cells, but from the adult and cord blood stem cells that this organization and others have said should receive priority attention."

Msgr. Malloy expressed relief the proposed guidelines do not seek to fund research in which embryos are created for the purpose of research, but explained how "in key respects the guidelines are nonetheless broader or more permissive than any policy approved in the past by any branch of the federal government.." He also asked the Obama Administration to "make a clear and authoritative statement, as the Clinton Administration did, that it will never fund research that relies on the creation of human embryos for research purposes."

"As the President noted," Msgr. Malloy said, "we must not make 'a false choice between sound science and moral values.' In fact, these sources of guidance both point in the same direction, away from destructive embryonic stem cell research. His executive order and these guidelines nonetheless insist on a course of action that is both morally objectionable and, increasingly, scientifically obsolete."

Noting that prominent stem cell researchers have recently expressed their own moral misgivings about destroying human embryos for research, Msgr. Malloy concluded, "This is not merely a political or ideological problem, or a problem of religious dogma, but a deeply human problem: We are testing the limits of our obligation to treat all fellow human beings, of every age and condition, with basic respect."

The full text of the comments to NIH regarding the draft guidelines can be found online at www.usccb.org/prolife/NIHcomments.pdf.


SOURCE U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities

Thousands Gather in Downtown Los Angeles to Protest Drastic Cuts to State's Homecare Program

Crowd sends a clear message to the Governor and Legislators that these cuts must be stopped as they will put lives at risk!

LOS ANGELES, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 5,000 homecare providers, care recipients, disability and senior advocates joined other concerned Californians today in a rally in front of the California State building in Downtown Los Angeles to speak out against the Governor's proposed cuts to the state's homecare program as laid out in his May Revise budget.

Closing down streets, rally participants sent a clear message to Governor Schwarzenegger and Sacramento legislators that cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, which delivers care to more than 400,000 seniors and people with disabilities, will not be tolerated.

"Shame on the governor for turning his back on hundreds of thousands of Californians--including the hardworking caregivers who care for our state's most vulnerable people," stated Eliseo Medina, Executive Vice President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU). "The governor's proposed cuts to homecare are cruel and inhumane, forcing workers into poverty and seniors and people with disabilities out of their homes and communities. The governor is wrong and we won't stand for it."

Under Governor Schwarzenegger's recent May Revise budget, homecare worker wages would be slashed to minimum wage ($8.00), essential hours of care would be eliminated, and limitations would be placed on access to the homecare program. Such cuts would place the lives of our parents, grandparents and children with disabilities at risk.

"Cutting a program that saves taxpayers money and brings millions of Federal dollars into the state's economy simply doesn't make 'cents'," said John Ronches, Trustee of SEIU Local 6434. "The Governor says he wants to save $200 million dollars by cutting IHSS, yet by doing so he is saying NO THANK YOU to nearly $700 million in Federal funds that will be left on the table."

The IHSS program delivers quality care to those in need while saving California taxpayers millions of dollars annually as the program is approximately eight times less expensive than institutional care. Additionally, the program draws down Federal funding that covers a majority of program costs.

"Cutting the IHSS program doesn't help California's financial problems, it only makes things worse," stated Rob Robbins, a Los Angeles County Homecare Provider. "These cuts not only place hundreds of thousands of lives at risk, they're fiscally irresponsible and work against the goal of solving our state's budget problems."

Today's rally is the first of many events to take place over the next several weeks to raise awareness of these dangerous cuts and their impact on our most vulnerable residents and those who care for them.

SEIU Local 6434 represent over 174,000 homecare and nursing home workers throughout California.

SOURCE Service Employees International Union Local 6434

H1N1: What You Should Know

DALLAS, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Gonzalo Venegas, M.D., has issued the following press release:

As a Dallas-based physician, there has been a recent flurry of panic about the H1N1 (swine influenza). School districts closed down. Intramural sports statewide were cancelled. Some even suggested closing the border with Mexico, where approximately three quarters of a million people routinely cross back and forth every day. The panic certainly was fueled by the media reports. Likewise, the media can serve to educate the public about health issues.

For that reason, I have created this column to respond to frequently asked questions about H1N1 and reassure the public that pork is safe and will continue to be safe to consume.

What is H1N1 (swine flu)?

H1N1 (previously referred to as "swine flu") is a respiratory illness. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Why was the H1N1 virus originally called "swine flu"?

This virus was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that some of the genes in this new virus were similar to influenza viruses that have occurred in pigs. But further study has shown that this H1N1 virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. In fact, this strain is unique and was not previously recognized in either people or pigs.

How is H1N1 spread?

Flu viruses generally spread from person to person, often through the moisture in coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of another individual. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own or another's mouth or nose. You cannot get H1N1 from handling raw pork or eating cooked pork.

Is the H1N1 virus spread through animals?

It appears that the virus is spreading from humans to humans. No evidence indicates that any of the human illnesses resulted from contact with pigs or other animals.

Isn't it better to be cautious?

According to the most reputable health organizations, including the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Departments of Agriculture and U.S. Health and Human Services, the H1N1 flu strain cannot be transmitted by eating pork; it is not a food safety issue. To be cautious, you need to take measures to avoid coming into contact with the virus, such as frequent hand washing. Visit elcerdoesbueno.com for more information.

It doesn't seem clear to me.

The facts are clear. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has not found any evidence to indicate that any of the illnesses resulted from contact with pigs. The CDC web site states, "Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe."

When should I seek medical care?

Signs that you should seek immediate attention include: difficulty in breathing or chest pain, discoloration of the lips, vomiting and inability to keep liquids down, dizziness, absence of urination or seizures.

Can pork be part of a healthy diet?

Absolutely. Lean cuts such as tenderloin and pork chops rival chicken as an ideal protein source. Pork provides many under-consumed nutrients such as potassium, phosphorous and vitamin B12, a vitamin found only in animal foods.

Editor's Note: Dr. Venegas has been practicing medicine since 1984. He is president of The Venegas Medical Foundation and is active in community organizations including LULAC, The Mexico Institute, Casa Guanajuato and Emmanuel Medical Mission.


SOURCE National Pork Board

What You Need to Know in Your 40s to Have a Healthy Menopause -- Without Hormone Replacement Therapy

BOULDER, Colo., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- A woman may share genetics with her mother, but she's not necessarily destined to have the same unpleasant menopause filled with hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings. The June issue of Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living magazine outlines simple steps women can take during their 40s to lessen the side effects of "the change"--without resorting to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which increases risk of breast cancer, strokes, and heart disease.

The "Embracing Menopause" issue helps women redefine this rite of passage as an opportunity for self-discovery and renewal. The key to a positive transition: Eat well, exercise regularly, and practice de-stressing in your 40s so you won't be depleted as you move into perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, when hormones, especially estrogen, fluctuate wildly.

"You're doing yourself a big favor if you're healthy going into menopause," says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, professor of ob-gyn at Yale University. "That isn't to say you're not going to have challenges. But I tell my patients it's best to hit the ground running."

A healthy diet and lifestyle--along with some non-drug alternatives--can reduce menopausal symptoms:

1. Strengthen bones. Dropping estrogen levels means weaker bones. Take calcium supplements and do weight-bearing exercises.

2. Eat more soy. Tofu, soy milk, soy beans and tempeh contain estrogen-mimicking isoflavones. (If you're at risk for breast cancer, eat lentils or chickpeas instead.)

3. Take herbs. Plant-based phytoestrogens--found in black cohosh, red clover, dong quai and chasteberry (vitex)--curb hot flashes and other menopausal complaints.

Surprisingly, women aren't the only ones with hormone swings. Another June Natural Solutions article on male menopause offers alternatives for men with age-related testosterone loss--including taking saw palmetto, pumpkinseed extract, and DHEA to combat libido loss, fatigue, depression, and urinary and erectile dysfunction.

Want more tips on graceful aging in good health? Visit www.naturalsolutionsmag.com.

About Natural Solutions

Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living, formerly Alternative Medicine magazine, has been the trusted voice in the natural health arena for 15 years. Natural Solutions guides and inspires its readers to make informed decisions about their health and well-being in all aspects of their lives. Visit naturalsolutionsmag.com to view a free digital edition of the magazine.


SOURCE Natural Solutions Magazine

National Medical Interpreter Certification Testing Enters Pilot Phase

BOSTON, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters will begin the pilot phase of the performance exam that will be part of the testing for National Medical Interpreter Certification. Over the next few weeks, 300 interpreters will "test the test" designed to verify the ability of interpreters to apply their knowledge and skills in real-life medical interpreting scenarios. This process will provide additional input to the assessment tool's design, allowing test developers to make final adjustments before its national implementation.

The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters program, founded by Language Line(R) University and the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA), is a single certification entity that will award individuals with the credential "Certified Medical Interpreter" (CMI) in a specific language. To qualify for the CMI credential, a medical interpreter will have to pass the prerequisites, the National Board Written Exam, and the National Board Performance Exam.

"This new National Board is committed to bringing to fruition a national certification that recognizes the professional achievements necessary to provide quality language assistance in healthcare settings," said Louis Provenzano, President and COO of Language Line Services. "Accurately assessing an interpreter's knowledge and skills is essential and every measure has been taken to ensure that the National Board's written and performance exams accomplish that goal."

A call for subject matter experts and pilot participants was sounded at the Third Annual National Medical Interpreter Certification Forum, May 1, 2009, in Denver, Colorado, where interpreter organizations were also invited to participate in the pilot. Medical interpreters interested in volunteering to take the exams should email info@certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org.

"I would certainly encourage interpreters to become part of this process," advised Orlin Marquez, President of the Medical Interpreter Network of Georgia. "Certification has been a long time coming. We are thrilled that this effort is finally making significant progress, and we eagerly await a recognized national certification for the valuable services provided by medical interpreters on a daily basis."

The National Board Written and Performance Exams were developed under the guidance of PSI Services, an industry-leading provider of professional testing services. Interpreter focus groups, a national job analysis survey, and input from subject-matter experts helped define the test content in this complex statistical and scientific process. Test scoring guidelines were also established. A report on the test development and validation process will be provided following the analysis of the pilot results on the National Board website at http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org.

"This pilot phase is critical to the test certification process as a key component in ensuring the reliability and validity of the test instruments," said John Weiner, Chief Science Officer with PSI Services.

The test design team included medical interpreters who hold medical degrees, professionals with medical interpreter test design experience, those involved in establishing national interpreter standards, medical interpreting trainers, and testers with experience administering interpreter testing.

About the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters

The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters will be a non-profit organization, formed from an independent group of industry professionals that represent all stakeholder groups including professional medical interpreters, trainers, employers, and regulators. The Board will be the certifying entity and will be given independent authority over all essential certification decisions. It will not be responsible for accreditation of educational or training programs or courses of study leading to the certification. The formation and structure of the National Board of Certification will adhere to the standards and requirements for certification program governance mandated by the National Organization for Competency Assurance.

Contact:

The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters
info@certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org

Press contact:

Abbott Thayer
617-636-1798

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.


SOURCE International Medical Interpreters Association