Halifax police investigating after child’s mouth allegedly taped at school

A child-care worker is on paid leave after allegedly duct-taping the mouths of some students.

The incident is believed to have happened Thursday afternoon at Bedford South School in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

Officials say a group of elementary aged students were participating in the Excel after school program on May 16.

The Halifax Regional School Board says an investigation has been launched, and Police are also involved.

“What’s happening right now, is that the person has been asked to stay at home, they’re on paid leave,” explains Doug Hadley of the Halifax Regional School Board. “The matter is under investigation. We’re trying to speak to all of the students, we’re speaking with other staff members, and we’re speaking with the person against whom the allegation was made. We’re trying to gather as much information as we can right now.”

Nova Scotia’s Education Minister Ramona Jennex says she is upset and expects the school board to get answers.

“As the minister of education, a former teacher and a grandparent, I am very upset about this alleged incident,” said Jennex in a statement. “I want to reassure parents that this behaviour is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated. I have asked the board to keep me informed as to the progress of the investigation and its outcome.”

The Halifax Regional School Board notified the Department of Education about the incident on Tuesday.

“Our schools need to be safe havens for children in this province,” said Jennex. “I expect the school board to have answers about this alleged incident shortly and we will work with the board to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

Article source: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/halifax-police-investigating-after-child-s-mouth-allegedly-taped-at-school-1.1291023

Halifax police investigating after child’s mouth allegedly taped at school

A child-care worker is on paid leave after allegedly duct-taping the mouths of some students.

The incident is believed to have happened Thursday afternoon at Bedford South School in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

Officials say a group of elementary aged students were participating in the Excel after school program on May 16.

The Halifax Regional School Board says an investigation has been launched, and Police are also involved.

“What’s happening right now, is that the person has been asked to stay at home, they’re on paid leave,” explains Doug Hadley of the Halifax Regional School Board. “The matter is under investigation. We’re trying to speak to all of the students, we’re speaking with other staff members, and we’re speaking with the person against whom the allegation was made. We’re trying to gather as much information as we can right now.”

Nova Scotia’s Education Minister Ramona Jennex says she is upset and expects the school board to get answers.

“As the minister of education, a former teacher and a grandparent, I am very upset about this alleged incident,” said Jennex in a statement. “I want to reassure parents that this behaviour is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated. I have asked the board to keep me informed as to the progress of the investigation and its outcome.”

The Halifax Regional School Board notified the Department of Education about the incident on Tuesday.

“Our schools need to be safe havens for children in this province,” said Jennex. “I expect the school board to have answers about this alleged incident shortly and we will work with the board to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

Article source: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/halifax-police-investigating-after-child-s-mouth-allegedly-taped-at-school-1.1291023

Halifax police investigating after child’s mouth allegedly taped at school

A child-care worker is on paid leave after allegedly duct-taping the mouths of some students.

The incident is believed to have happened Thursday afternoon at Bedford South School in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

Officials say a group of elementary aged students were participating in the Excel after school program on May 16.

The Halifax Regional School Board says an investigation has been launched, and Police are also involved.

“What’s happening right now, is that the person has been asked to stay at home, they’re on paid leave,” explains Doug Hadley of the Halifax Regional School Board. “The matter is under investigation. We’re trying to speak to all of the students, we’re speaking with other staff members, and we’re speaking with the person against whom the allegation was made. We’re trying to gather as much information as we can right now.”

Nova Scotia’s Education Minister Ramona Jennex says she is upset and expects the school board to get answers.

“As the minister of education, a former teacher and a grandparent, I am very upset about this alleged incident,” said Jennex in a statement. “I want to reassure parents that this behaviour is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated. I have asked the board to keep me informed as to the progress of the investigation and its outcome.”

The Halifax Regional School Board notified the Department of Education about the incident on Tuesday.

“Our schools need to be safe havens for children in this province,” said Jennex. “I expect the school board to have answers about this alleged incident shortly and we will work with the board to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

Article source: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/halifax-police-investigating-after-child-s-mouth-allegedly-taped-at-school-1.1291023

/REPEAT — Recession Lingers as Demand Increases for Salvation Army Youth …

Report Finds 55 Percent of Salvation Army Programs Saw Increased Need
since 2008

TORONTO, May 21, 2013 /CNW/ – A new report from The Salvation Army,
released as part of Dignity Month, reveals that despite a rebounding
economy, many Canadian families and young people are still struggling
to make ends meet. “Youth in Need: The Economic Challenges,” revealed that since the recession began in 2008, 55 percent of
Salvation Army youth programs in Canada saw an increase in demand for
low-fee or free extracurricular programs and meals during those
difficult times. Despite an increase in volunteerism and donations at
some centres, other Salvation Army programs were forced to cut back, or
discontinue services.

Salvation Army facilities, including community centres, meal programs,
camps, preschools, daycare, after-school programs, and other youth
ministries have witnessed the growing need since 2008. More than 180
respondents from cities across the country, including Vancouver,
Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Windsor, London, Ottawa, Toronto and St.
John’s, provided input for the report on how services were impacted.

“Children were affected just as much as adults during the recession.
Jobs were lost and people struggled with their finances. This changed
what activities they could afford and affected their ability to feed
their families,” said Major Keith Pike, Territorial Youth Secretary for
The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “We have seen families look
to cut costs by visiting our services. By providing a sense of dignity
and a safe space where kids can be kids, positive choices are made that
often keep those kids out of harm’s way.”

From music lessons to athletics and food programs, The Salvation Army
has a wide range of programs for children and their families. According
to The Salvation Army’s most recent annual report, The Salvation Army
assisted more than 1.8 million people in 2011, up from 1.7 in 2010. The
Salvation Army continues to provide care and assistance to as many
people as possible, despite increasing demand.

The Salvation Army saw increases in support to meet the recession’s
challenges. Generous support from donors and volunteers has allowed 53
percent of Salvation Army youth facilities to expand services and meet
the growing needs head on.

Key findings from “Youth in Need” include:

Demand:

  • Fifty-five percent of youth programs reported seeing an increase in demand since 2008.
  • One-third of programs reported to be full or at capacity.

Donations and Volunteerism:

  • Thirty-six percent of Salvation Army youth services reported seeing an increase in donations to their programs since 2008.
  • At one-third of programs, donation levels remained unchanged last year, allowing
    demand to be met.
  • Forty-seven percent of programs saw volunteerism rates increase in the last year.
  • Notably, only 13 percent of programs saw decreases in volunteerism in 2012.
  • Due to generous support, 53 percent of programs expanded capacity and services since 2008.
  • Since 2008, 30 percent of programs were cut back or discontinued, mainly due to a lack of resources (financial
    or volunteers).

“As we honour Dignity Month throughout May, it’s important to understand
the vital role that Salvation Army youth programs play in the lives of
children in need,” said Burditt. “The Salvation Army will work with all
available resources to ensure that these programs, dedicated to serving
our youth, continue to not only exist, but to thrive, for as long as
there is a need for such services.”

“Youth in Need: The Economic Challenges“ is based on data collected during an internal review of Salvation Army youth programs between March 11th and March 29th, 2013. The review examined the recession’s impact on youth services and
programs provided by Salvation Army staff members and administrators.
Salvation Army youth programs and services include meal/food services,
arts/theatre/music, athletics, health/nutrition and tutoring/education
programs.

Donors and volunteers can financially support, or learn more about The
Salvation Army and its youth services by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by
visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca.  The Salvation Army is the nation’s largest non-governmental direct
provider of social services, providing approximately 2.8 million meals
to Canadians last year. The detailed findings from “Youth in Need:
Repercussions of the Recession on Canadian Youth” are available online
at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began
its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest
non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The
Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and
everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries
around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for
children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life,
providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who
have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The
Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and
overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

About The Dignity Project
The Dignity Project was launched in 2011 and May of every year has now
been designated as Dignity Month. The Dignity Project is designed to
inspire and educate the public about what it means to live in poverty -
and what they can do to help. Through online events, on-the-street
outreach, traditional advertising, social networking and other
communications tactics, The Salvation Army continues to engage
Canadians about the reality of poverty in the 21st century. Additional
information is available at www.salvationarmy.ca/dignity

SOURCE: THE SALVATION ARMY

For further information:

Andrew Burditt
National Director of Marketing and Communications
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca

Article source: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1168819/-r-e-p-e-a-t-recession-lingers-as-demand-increases-for-salvation-army-youth-programs

/REPEAT — Recession Lingers as Demand Increases for Salvation Army Youth …

Report Finds 55 Percent of Salvation Army Programs Saw Increased Need
since 2008

TORONTO, May 21, 2013 /CNW/ – A new report from The Salvation Army,
released as part of Dignity Month, reveals that despite a rebounding
economy, many Canadian families and young people are still struggling
to make ends meet. “Youth in Need: The Economic Challenges,” revealed that since the recession began in 2008, 55 percent of
Salvation Army youth programs in Canada saw an increase in demand for
low-fee or free extracurricular programs and meals during those
difficult times. Despite an increase in volunteerism and donations at
some centres, other Salvation Army programs were forced to cut back, or
discontinue services.

Salvation Army facilities, including community centres, meal programs,
camps, preschools, daycare, after-school programs, and other youth
ministries have witnessed the growing need since 2008. More than 180
respondents from cities across the country, including Vancouver,
Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Windsor, London, Ottawa, Toronto and St.
John’s, provided input for the report on how services were impacted.

“Children were affected just as much as adults during the recession.
Jobs were lost and people struggled with their finances. This changed
what activities they could afford and affected their ability to feed
their families,” said Major Keith Pike, Territorial Youth Secretary for
The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “We have seen families look
to cut costs by visiting our services. By providing a sense of dignity
and a safe space where kids can be kids, positive choices are made that
often keep those kids out of harm’s way.”

From music lessons to athletics and food programs, The Salvation Army
has a wide range of programs for children and their families. According
to The Salvation Army’s most recent annual report, The Salvation Army
assisted more than 1.8 million people in 2011, up from 1.7 in 2010. The
Salvation Army continues to provide care and assistance to as many
people as possible, despite increasing demand.

The Salvation Army saw increases in support to meet the recession’s
challenges. Generous support from donors and volunteers has allowed 53
percent of Salvation Army youth facilities to expand services and meet
the growing needs head on.

Key findings from “Youth in Need” include:

Demand:

  • Fifty-five percent of youth programs reported seeing an increase in demand since 2008.
  • One-third of programs reported to be full or at capacity.

Donations and Volunteerism:

  • Thirty-six percent of Salvation Army youth services reported seeing an increase in donations to their programs since 2008.
  • At one-third of programs, donation levels remained unchanged last year, allowing
    demand to be met.
  • Forty-seven percent of programs saw volunteerism rates increase in the last year.
  • Notably, only 13 percent of programs saw decreases in volunteerism in 2012.
  • Due to generous support, 53 percent of programs expanded capacity and services since 2008.
  • Since 2008, 30 percent of programs were cut back or discontinued, mainly due to a lack of resources (financial
    or volunteers).

“As we honour Dignity Month throughout May, it’s important to understand
the vital role that Salvation Army youth programs play in the lives of
children in need,” said Burditt. “The Salvation Army will work with all
available resources to ensure that these programs, dedicated to serving
our youth, continue to not only exist, but to thrive, for as long as
there is a need for such services.”

“Youth in Need: The Economic Challenges“ is based on data collected during an internal review of Salvation Army youth programs between March 11th and March 29th, 2013. The review examined the recession’s impact on youth services and
programs provided by Salvation Army staff members and administrators.
Salvation Army youth programs and services include meal/food services,
arts/theatre/music, athletics, health/nutrition and tutoring/education
programs.

Donors and volunteers can financially support, or learn more about The
Salvation Army and its youth services by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by
visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca.  The Salvation Army is the nation’s largest non-governmental direct
provider of social services, providing approximately 2.8 million meals
to Canadians last year. The detailed findings from “Youth in Need:
Repercussions of the Recession on Canadian Youth” are available online
at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began
its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest
non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The
Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and
everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries
around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for
children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life,
providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who
have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The
Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and
overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

About The Dignity Project
The Dignity Project was launched in 2011 and May of every year has now
been designated as Dignity Month. The Dignity Project is designed to
inspire and educate the public about what it means to live in poverty -
and what they can do to help. Through online events, on-the-street
outreach, traditional advertising, social networking and other
communications tactics, The Salvation Army continues to engage
Canadians about the reality of poverty in the 21st century. Additional
information is available at www.salvationarmy.ca/dignity

SOURCE: THE SALVATION ARMY

For further information:

Andrew Burditt
National Director of Marketing and Communications
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca

Article source: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1168819/-r-e-p-e-a-t-recession-lingers-as-demand-increases-for-salvation-army-youth-programs

/REPEAT — Recession Lingers as Demand Increases for Salvation Army Youth …

Report Finds 55 Percent of Salvation Army Programs Saw Increased Need
since 2008

TORONTO, May 21, 2013 /CNW/ – A new report from The Salvation Army,
released as part of Dignity Month, reveals that despite a rebounding
economy, many Canadian families and young people are still struggling
to make ends meet. “Youth in Need: The Economic Challenges,” revealed that since the recession began in 2008, 55 percent of
Salvation Army youth programs in Canada saw an increase in demand for
low-fee or free extracurricular programs and meals during those
difficult times. Despite an increase in volunteerism and donations at
some centres, other Salvation Army programs were forced to cut back, or
discontinue services.

Salvation Army facilities, including community centres, meal programs,
camps, preschools, daycare, after-school programs, and other youth
ministries have witnessed the growing need since 2008. More than 180
respondents from cities across the country, including Vancouver,
Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Windsor, London, Ottawa, Toronto and St.
John’s, provided input for the report on how services were impacted.

“Children were affected just as much as adults during the recession.
Jobs were lost and people struggled with their finances. This changed
what activities they could afford and affected their ability to feed
their families,” said Major Keith Pike, Territorial Youth Secretary for
The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “We have seen families look
to cut costs by visiting our services. By providing a sense of dignity
and a safe space where kids can be kids, positive choices are made that
often keep those kids out of harm’s way.”

From music lessons to athletics and food programs, The Salvation Army
has a wide range of programs for children and their families. According
to The Salvation Army’s most recent annual report, The Salvation Army
assisted more than 1.8 million people in 2011, up from 1.7 in 2010. The
Salvation Army continues to provide care and assistance to as many
people as possible, despite increasing demand.

The Salvation Army saw increases in support to meet the recession’s
challenges. Generous support from donors and volunteers has allowed 53
percent of Salvation Army youth facilities to expand services and meet
the growing needs head on.

Key findings from “Youth in Need” include:

Demand:

  • Fifty-five percent of youth programs reported seeing an increase in demand since 2008.
  • One-third of programs reported to be full or at capacity.

Donations and Volunteerism:

  • Thirty-six percent of Salvation Army youth services reported seeing an increase in donations to their programs since 2008.
  • At one-third of programs, donation levels remained unchanged last year, allowing
    demand to be met.
  • Forty-seven percent of programs saw volunteerism rates increase in the last year.
  • Notably, only 13 percent of programs saw decreases in volunteerism in 2012.
  • Due to generous support, 53 percent of programs expanded capacity and services since 2008.
  • Since 2008, 30 percent of programs were cut back or discontinued, mainly due to a lack of resources (financial
    or volunteers).

“As we honour Dignity Month throughout May, it’s important to understand
the vital role that Salvation Army youth programs play in the lives of
children in need,” said Burditt. “The Salvation Army will work with all
available resources to ensure that these programs, dedicated to serving
our youth, continue to not only exist, but to thrive, for as long as
there is a need for such services.”

“Youth in Need: The Economic Challenges“ is based on data collected during an internal review of Salvation Army youth programs between March 11th and March 29th, 2013. The review examined the recession’s impact on youth services and
programs provided by Salvation Army staff members and administrators.
Salvation Army youth programs and services include meal/food services,
arts/theatre/music, athletics, health/nutrition and tutoring/education
programs.

Donors and volunteers can financially support, or learn more about The
Salvation Army and its youth services by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by
visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca.  The Salvation Army is the nation’s largest non-governmental direct
provider of social services, providing approximately 2.8 million meals
to Canadians last year. The detailed findings from “Youth in Need:
Repercussions of the Recession on Canadian Youth” are available online
at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began
its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest
non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The
Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and
everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries
around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for
children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life,
providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who
have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The
Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and
overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

About The Dignity Project
The Dignity Project was launched in 2011 and May of every year has now
been designated as Dignity Month. The Dignity Project is designed to
inspire and educate the public about what it means to live in poverty -
and what they can do to help. Through online events, on-the-street
outreach, traditional advertising, social networking and other
communications tactics, The Salvation Army continues to engage
Canadians about the reality of poverty in the 21st century. Additional
information is available at www.salvationarmy.ca/dignity

SOURCE: THE SALVATION ARMY

For further information:

Andrew Burditt
National Director of Marketing and Communications
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca

Article source: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1168819/-r-e-p-e-a-t-recession-lingers-as-demand-increases-for-salvation-army-youth-programs

Pertussis vaccine study: ‘whole cell’ better

PERTUSSIS VACCINE STUDY

Older ‘whole cell’ type more effective

Older “whole cell” pertussis vaccines were more effective in protecting against the disease, commonly known as whooping cough, than the newer “acellular” vaccines that contain parts of the cell designed to trigger an immune response, according to a Kaiser Permanente study.

While the vaccines derived from the complete bacterial cell, also known as DTwP, were available from the 1940s to the 1990s, by the end of the 1990s, they were completely replaced by the acellular vaccines, called DTaP, because of side effects and safety concerns. Both forms of the vaccines are combined with diphtheria and tetanus.

Researchers evaluated the risk of contracting whooping cough during the 2010-11 pertussis outbreak in California, concentrating on children and teens ages 10 to 17 who received the recommended series of four vaccines starting as infants. They then tracked them according to which kind of vaccines they received.

Teenagers vaccinated with four doses of the acellular vaccines were at almost six times higher risk of getting pertussis than those who received four doses of the whole-cell vaccines. Those who received a mix of vaccines were nearly four times at greater risk than those who received all whole-cell vaccines.

The researchers said the results highlight the need for new pertussis vaccines that are safer and long lasting.

The study appeared Monday in the medical journal Pediatrics.

- Victoria Colliver

SWINE FLU

Researchers discover virus in elephant seals

Shortly after the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic swept around the globe, the so-called swine flu was found in two elephant seals off the coast of California, a finding that could provide clues to scientists about how the virus spreads among species.

From 2009 to 2011, UC Davis researchers took nasal swabs from more than 900 marine animals representing 10 species in ocean waters near Central California. They then tested those swabs for signs of the H1N1 strain.

Out of 42 elephant seals that were tested, two were positive for H1N1. An additional 28 seals had antibodies for the strain, suggesting they’d been infected at some point. None of the seals showed any symptoms of the flu.

The research is important for helping scientists understand how flu strains move from one species to another. It also underscores the need for scientists to wear protective gear when working with marine animals, scientists said.

A paper on the flu findings was published May 15 in the journal Plos One.

- Erin Allday

TRANSPLANT REJECTION

Stem cells show immune system promise

UCSF researchers have developed a technique using human embryonic stem cells to grow critical immune-generating tissue in the lab, a discovery that could someday help prevent transplant rejection or reprogram dysfunctional immune systems.

The scientists are the first to program stem cells to become thymus cells, which are responsible for growing the white blood cells and T-cells that make up the human immune system.

When the researchers transplanted the lab-grown thymus cells into immune-deficient mice, the cells were able to build a functional immune system.

Much more research needs to be done, but the scientists believe that someday the manufactured thymus cells could be transplanted along with donated organs to help reprogram patients’ immune systems and make rejection less likely. Or thymus cells could be used in patients with autoimmune disorders to make their immune systems more tolerant.

The research was published Thursday in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

- Erin Allday

NEUROLOGY APP

Disorder diagnosis aid offered on iPad

Need to learn how to diagnose neurological disorders in patients? There’s an app for that.

UCSF recently announced that it has a new iPad app, called UCSF NeuroExam Tutor, that is intended for medical students, residents and physicians. It offers videos, information, interactive scenarios and flashcards about seven aspects of neurology: coordination, gait, cranial nerves, mental status, motor control, reflexes and sensation.

The app is available for $19.99 in the iTunes store.

- Stephanie M. Lee

BREAST CANCER

Cognitive training helps chemo brain

A computerized cognitive training program for breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy improved the symptoms of what’s known as chemo brain, or problems with concentration and coming up with solutions, according to a study by Stanford University researchers.

Research has shown that chemotherapy can cause changes in brain structure and function. Up to 75 percent of women who have undergone chemotherapy experience long-term cognitive issues that reduce their quality of life.

The study involved 41 women. The researchers had half the women complete a 48-session, home-based computer training program over 12 weeks. The program was developed by Lumosity, a San Francisco company that creates online cognitive training programs.

Those who had gone through the program experienced significant improvement in decision-making, word-finding and processing skills compared with those who did not. The researchers did not have any financial relationship or other conflict of interest with Lumosity.

The study was published online earlier this month in the journal Clinical Breast Cancer.

- Victoria Colliver

COLONOSCOPIES

Slower withdrawal finds more polyps

The standard amount of time for how long a clinician takes to withdraw a colonoscope during a colorectal cancer screening is six minutes, and a new study from Stanford says that is much more effective than a three-minute withdrawal time.

During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted into the rectum. As it is withdrawn, the doctor can examine the inside of the colon to look for polyps and other abnormal tissues.

For the study, researchers looked at 107 patients who had colonoscopies at Stanford and the Palo Alto VA Hospital. Of the patients, 52 had a colonoscopy with a three-minute withdrawal, and the others had a six-minute withdrawal. All the patients then underwent a second, six-minute withdrawal to determine the rates at which polyps were not found.

The three-minute withdrawal missed 57 percent of polyps, compared with 26 percent of polyps that the six-minute withdrawal missed. The findings suggest the three-minute withdrawal is not the most effective method for colorectal cancer screenings.

The research was presented this week at a conference for Digestive Disease Week.

- Drew Joseph

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Pertussis-vaccine-study-whole-cell-better-4536798.php

Pertussis vaccine study: ‘whole cell’ better

PERTUSSIS VACCINE STUDY

Older ‘whole cell’ type more effective

Older “whole cell” pertussis vaccines were more effective in protecting against the disease, commonly known as whooping cough, than the newer “acellular” vaccines that contain parts of the cell designed to trigger an immune response, according to a Kaiser Permanente study.

While the vaccines derived from the complete bacterial cell, also known as DTwP, were available from the 1940s to the 1990s, by the end of the 1990s, they were completely replaced by the acellular vaccines, called DTaP, because of side effects and safety concerns. Both forms of the vaccines are combined with diphtheria and tetanus.

Researchers evaluated the risk of contracting whooping cough during the 2010-11 pertussis outbreak in California, concentrating on children and teens ages 10 to 17 who received the recommended series of four vaccines starting as infants. They then tracked them according to which kind of vaccines they received.

Teenagers vaccinated with four doses of the acellular vaccines were at almost six times higher risk of getting pertussis than those who received four doses of the whole-cell vaccines. Those who received a mix of vaccines were nearly four times at greater risk than those who received all whole-cell vaccines.

The researchers said the results highlight the need for new pertussis vaccines that are safer and long lasting.

The study appeared Monday in the medical journal Pediatrics.

- Victoria Colliver

SWINE FLU

Researchers discover virus in elephant seals

Shortly after the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic swept around the globe, the so-called swine flu was found in two elephant seals off the coast of California, a finding that could provide clues to scientists about how the virus spreads among species.

From 2009 to 2011, UC Davis researchers took nasal swabs from more than 900 marine animals representing 10 species in ocean waters near Central California. They then tested those swabs for signs of the H1N1 strain.

Out of 42 elephant seals that were tested, two were positive for H1N1. An additional 28 seals had antibodies for the strain, suggesting they’d been infected at some point. None of the seals showed any symptoms of the flu.

The research is important for helping scientists understand how flu strains move from one species to another. It also underscores the need for scientists to wear protective gear when working with marine animals, scientists said.

A paper on the flu findings was published May 15 in the journal Plos One.

- Erin Allday

TRANSPLANT REJECTION

Stem cells show immune system promise

UCSF researchers have developed a technique using human embryonic stem cells to grow critical immune-generating tissue in the lab, a discovery that could someday help prevent transplant rejection or reprogram dysfunctional immune systems.

The scientists are the first to program stem cells to become thymus cells, which are responsible for growing the white blood cells and T-cells that make up the human immune system.

When the researchers transplanted the lab-grown thymus cells into immune-deficient mice, the cells were able to build a functional immune system.

Much more research needs to be done, but the scientists believe that someday the manufactured thymus cells could be transplanted along with donated organs to help reprogram patients’ immune systems and make rejection less likely. Or thymus cells could be used in patients with autoimmune disorders to make their immune systems more tolerant.

The research was published Thursday in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

- Erin Allday

NEUROLOGY APP

Disorder diagnosis aid offered on iPad

Need to learn how to diagnose neurological disorders in patients? There’s an app for that.

UCSF recently announced that it has a new iPad app, called UCSF NeuroExam Tutor, that is intended for medical students, residents and physicians. It offers videos, information, interactive scenarios and flashcards about seven aspects of neurology: coordination, gait, cranial nerves, mental status, motor control, reflexes and sensation.

The app is available for $19.99 in the iTunes store.

- Stephanie M. Lee

BREAST CANCER

Cognitive training helps chemo brain

A computerized cognitive training program for breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy improved the symptoms of what’s known as chemo brain, or problems with concentration and coming up with solutions, according to a study by Stanford University researchers.

Research has shown that chemotherapy can cause changes in brain structure and function. Up to 75 percent of women who have undergone chemotherapy experience long-term cognitive issues that reduce their quality of life.

The study involved 41 women. The researchers had half the women complete a 48-session, home-based computer training program over 12 weeks. The program was developed by Lumosity, a San Francisco company that creates online cognitive training programs.

Those who had gone through the program experienced significant improvement in decision-making, word-finding and processing skills compared with those who did not. The researchers did not have any financial relationship or other conflict of interest with Lumosity.

The study was published online earlier this month in the journal Clinical Breast Cancer.

- Victoria Colliver

COLONOSCOPIES

Slower withdrawal finds more polyps

The standard amount of time for how long a clinician takes to withdraw a colonoscope during a colorectal cancer screening is six minutes, and a new study from Stanford says that is much more effective than a three-minute withdrawal time.

During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted into the rectum. As it is withdrawn, the doctor can examine the inside of the colon to look for polyps and other abnormal tissues.

For the study, researchers looked at 107 patients who had colonoscopies at Stanford and the Palo Alto VA Hospital. Of the patients, 52 had a colonoscopy with a three-minute withdrawal, and the others had a six-minute withdrawal. All the patients then underwent a second, six-minute withdrawal to determine the rates at which polyps were not found.

The three-minute withdrawal missed 57 percent of polyps, compared with 26 percent of polyps that the six-minute withdrawal missed. The findings suggest the three-minute withdrawal is not the most effective method for colorectal cancer screenings.

The research was presented this week at a conference for Digestive Disease Week.

- Drew Joseph

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Pertussis-vaccine-study-whole-cell-better-4536798.php

Pertussis vaccine study: ‘whole cell’ better

PERTUSSIS VACCINE STUDY

Older ‘whole cell’ type more effective

Older “whole cell” pertussis vaccines were more effective in protecting against the disease, commonly known as whooping cough, than the newer “acellular” vaccines that contain parts of the cell designed to trigger an immune response, according to a Kaiser Permanente study.

While the vaccines derived from the complete bacterial cell, also known as DTwP, were available from the 1940s to the 1990s, by the end of the 1990s, they were completely replaced by the acellular vaccines, called DTaP, because of side effects and safety concerns. Both forms of the vaccines are combined with diphtheria and tetanus.

Researchers evaluated the risk of contracting whooping cough during the 2010-11 pertussis outbreak in California, concentrating on children and teens ages 10 to 17 who received the recommended series of four vaccines starting as infants. They then tracked them according to which kind of vaccines they received.

Teenagers vaccinated with four doses of the acellular vaccines were at almost six times higher risk of getting pertussis than those who received four doses of the whole-cell vaccines. Those who received a mix of vaccines were nearly four times at greater risk than those who received all whole-cell vaccines.

The researchers said the results highlight the need for new pertussis vaccines that are safer and long lasting.

The study appeared Monday in the medical journal Pediatrics.

- Victoria Colliver

SWINE FLU

Researchers discover virus in elephant seals

Shortly after the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic swept around the globe, the so-called swine flu was found in two elephant seals off the coast of California, a finding that could provide clues to scientists about how the virus spreads among species.

From 2009 to 2011, UC Davis researchers took nasal swabs from more than 900 marine animals representing 10 species in ocean waters near Central California. They then tested those swabs for signs of the H1N1 strain.

Out of 42 elephant seals that were tested, two were positive for H1N1. An additional 28 seals had antibodies for the strain, suggesting they’d been infected at some point. None of the seals showed any symptoms of the flu.

The research is important for helping scientists understand how flu strains move from one species to another. It also underscores the need for scientists to wear protective gear when working with marine animals, scientists said.

A paper on the flu findings was published May 15 in the journal Plos One.

- Erin Allday

TRANSPLANT REJECTION

Stem cells show immune system promise

UCSF researchers have developed a technique using human embryonic stem cells to grow critical immune-generating tissue in the lab, a discovery that could someday help prevent transplant rejection or reprogram dysfunctional immune systems.

The scientists are the first to program stem cells to become thymus cells, which are responsible for growing the white blood cells and T-cells that make up the human immune system.

When the researchers transplanted the lab-grown thymus cells into immune-deficient mice, the cells were able to build a functional immune system.

Much more research needs to be done, but the scientists believe that someday the manufactured thymus cells could be transplanted along with donated organs to help reprogram patients’ immune systems and make rejection less likely. Or thymus cells could be used in patients with autoimmune disorders to make their immune systems more tolerant.

The research was published Thursday in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

- Erin Allday

NEUROLOGY APP

Disorder diagnosis aid offered on iPad

Need to learn how to diagnose neurological disorders in patients? There’s an app for that.

UCSF recently announced that it has a new iPad app, called UCSF NeuroExam Tutor, that is intended for medical students, residents and physicians. It offers videos, information, interactive scenarios and flashcards about seven aspects of neurology: coordination, gait, cranial nerves, mental status, motor control, reflexes and sensation.

The app is available for $19.99 in the iTunes store.

- Stephanie M. Lee

BREAST CANCER

Cognitive training helps chemo brain

A computerized cognitive training program for breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy improved the symptoms of what’s known as chemo brain, or problems with concentration and coming up with solutions, according to a study by Stanford University researchers.

Research has shown that chemotherapy can cause changes in brain structure and function. Up to 75 percent of women who have undergone chemotherapy experience long-term cognitive issues that reduce their quality of life.

The study involved 41 women. The researchers had half the women complete a 48-session, home-based computer training program over 12 weeks. The program was developed by Lumosity, a San Francisco company that creates online cognitive training programs.

Those who had gone through the program experienced significant improvement in decision-making, word-finding and processing skills compared with those who did not. The researchers did not have any financial relationship or other conflict of interest with Lumosity.

The study was published online earlier this month in the journal Clinical Breast Cancer.

- Victoria Colliver

COLONOSCOPIES

Slower withdrawal finds more polyps

The standard amount of time for how long a clinician takes to withdraw a colonoscope during a colorectal cancer screening is six minutes, and a new study from Stanford says that is much more effective than a three-minute withdrawal time.

During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted into the rectum. As it is withdrawn, the doctor can examine the inside of the colon to look for polyps and other abnormal tissues.

For the study, researchers looked at 107 patients who had colonoscopies at Stanford and the Palo Alto VA Hospital. Of the patients, 52 had a colonoscopy with a three-minute withdrawal, and the others had a six-minute withdrawal. All the patients then underwent a second, six-minute withdrawal to determine the rates at which polyps were not found.

The three-minute withdrawal missed 57 percent of polyps, compared with 26 percent of polyps that the six-minute withdrawal missed. The findings suggest the three-minute withdrawal is not the most effective method for colorectal cancer screenings.

The research was presented this week at a conference for Digestive Disease Week.

- Drew Joseph

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Pertussis-vaccine-study-whole-cell-better-4536798.php

ASU Center for veterans opens

Already designated a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine, Angelo State University recently got even friendlier for military veterans and their families with the opening of its Veterans Educational and Transitional Services (VETS) Center.

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ASU Center for veterans opens

Article source: http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2013/may/21/asu-center-for-veterans-opens/

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