Genetic News Weblog

The American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) and Nature Publishing Group (NPG) are pleased to announce a new publishing partnership. From January 2007, NPG will publish the Society’s leading international title, Molecular Therapy (MT), and the journal will re-launch with a new look in print and online. (PRWEB) April 20, 2006 — The American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT) and Nature Publishing Group (NPG) are pleased to announce a new publishing partnership. From January 2007, NPG will publish the Society’s leading international title, Molecular Therapy (MT), and the journal will re-launch with a new look in print and online. The journal’s focus will not change and MT will continue to publish high-quality research and review articles. David A. Williams, MD, will continue to serve as Editor-in-Chief and Robert M. Frederickson, PhD will remain as Managing Editor. “In less than a decade, Molecular Therapy has become a leading journal for reporting advancements in molecular and cellular therapy, including gene therapy. We believe the move to NPG will enhance the appearance and impact of the journal and allow continued growth in the field,” said Dr. Williams. Molecular Therapy presents important, peer-reviewed studies on key issues in gene transfer, gene and cell therapies, experimental models for correction of genetic and acquired disease and clinical trials. MT has become recognized as one of the most prestigious journals in the field. MT is ranked in three ISI categories and has an impact factor of 5.204*. ASGT named NPG as its new publisher to help best meet its goals for developing Molecular Therapy. “NPG is delighted to enter into this important partnership with the ASGT. The partnership fulfils our mission to provide the highest quality information to the global scientific community. We look forward to expanding the journal’s readership and strengthening its position as the essential reference for all professionals related to gene therapy,” said Annette Thomas, NPG’s Managing Director, about the new partnership. * Thomson-ISI, PA, USA 2005 About ASGT: The ASGT is a professional medical and scientific organization dedicated to the understanding, development and application of gene and related cell and nucleic acid therapies. Established in 1996, the society has nearly 2,000 members worldwide. Mark A. Kay, MD, PhD, is president of the ASGT. About NPG: Nature Publishing Group (NPG) is a division of Macmillan Publishers Ltd, dedicated to serving the academic, professional scientific and medical communities. NPG’;s flagship title, Nature, is the world’;s most highly-cited weekly multidisciplinary journal and was first published in 1869. Other publications and services include Nature research journals, Nature Reviews, Nature Clinical Practice, a range of prestigious academic journals, including society-owned publications, news content and scientific career information from Naturejobs. NPG is a global company, with headquarters in London and offices in New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, Tokyo, Paris, Munich, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Gurgaon, Mexico City and Basingstoke. For more information, please go to http://www.nature.com. Contact details: Joyce-Rachel John Nature Publishing Group +1 212 726 9214 75 Varick Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10013-1917 USA Links: http://www.nature.com http://www.ASGT.org http://www.editorialmanager.com/mthe This press release is also available at http://www.nature.com/press_releases/NPG_to_publish_MT.pdf. For all NPG press releases, go to http://www.nature.com/press_releases.html.

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The causes of male infertility can be vast and confusing and if you are unfamiliar with the subject then researching just some of the issues which can be identified as a cause for fertility issues can surprise you.

So what are the male fertility treatment options available? Before we take a look at some of them let’s look at the most common cause of male fertility issues and that’s varicoceles.

Varicoceles is simply a group of veins which become dilated around the testis area of the man. Between 15-20% of men suffering infertility will have this as the major reason. If varicocele issues are not at play then it could be any number of other problems including:

- blockages
- infections
- hormonal disorders
- exposure to substances that are toxic for sperm

Male Infertility Treatment

It’s important to note that with many forms of male infertility treatment, men can still introduce semen into the reproductive tract of the female. So what are some of the treatment options available?

A very high percentage of men can be treated. There are a number of treatments depending on the infertility issue.

- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was introduced not long ago giving hope to almost every man with a fertility problem. Since in the majority of cases the man still has some sperm present in his ejaculate, the issue really is when to start the treatment rather than which treatment to apply.

- Gluco-corticoid therapy for sperm auto-immunity and gonadotrophin treatment for gonadotrophin deficiency result only with 50% success.

- The simplest procedure in male fertility treatment is artificial insemination. This is usually done with almost 100% success of insemination.

There are other male infertility treatments which involve surgery:

- Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)
- Vasography
- Testis biopsy

Male Infertility Testing

Treatment for male infertility will only take place after extensive tests. This is done because unless the cause is established, then there really can be no treatment offered. There isn’t too much which is left out during the investigation stage.

If you’re serious about getting to the bottom of your infertility issue then leave nothing out. Things like a full history check which will include anything from sexual practices, diet and taking of harmful substances will be noted. This all helps in determining any possible causes.

It’s ok to be optimistic during the analysis stage but remember, male fertility treatment can be a long process and in many cases, for no result. You’ll need a steely resolve and plenty of support.

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Are you experiencing pre-menopause or are the symptoms you’re going through actually thyroid related? This is a dilemma which many women will face and distinguishing between the two is not easy.

The term menopause and thyroid is often used today simply because thyroid issues can mimic the symptoms of menopause causing further confusion for women who simply want to know what it is they are going through.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the overlapping issues between the two and help you define the cause of your symptoms.

Thyroid Menopause

When the thyroid is working at minimum capacity weight gain can often be associated with this this. In complete contrast, when it is working overtime, the effects will usually mean a person gains no weight at all despite “eating like a horse.”

Weight gain during menopause is common because the thyroid can malfunction for want of a better term. The problem lies in the pre-menopausal stage where weight gain symptoms are similar in nature to thyroid issues.

Many women continue to gain weight despite treatment for pre-menopausal symptoms and this is when they need to consider the thyroid.

Speak to your doctor about this who can perform tests to determine if the issue is actually being caused by an under-performing thyroid. It could be you are experiencing menopause and thyroid.

Symptoms such as mood swings, sleep problems and skin changes are common for both pre-menopause and a malfunctioning thyroid. So how do you tell which is which.

Well, your doctor is always your best option but the message we’re trying to get across is to never dismiss the latter if treatment is having little effect on the symptoms.

Distinguishing Between The Two

There are fortunately a few ways to separate the two from one another.

Women who have thyroid problems will experience edema of legs and arms, neck pain, loss eye brows and lashes, extreme weight gain (which should actually clinch the recognition). These are some of the symptoms that are definitely not replicated in menopause.

The existence of even one of the above described symptoms should immediately make you rush to the medical practitioner for a thyroid test.

Actually the thyroid problems is highly aggravated by the onset of menopause and hence it is imperative to first check it before proceeding in treating the symptoms of the pre-menopausal stage.

The menopause and thyroid is actually much more dreadful when coupled with menopause than when encountered on it’s own.

This is because the thyroid is a hormone producing gland itself and the imbalance of hormones that is created by the ovaries shut down creates havoc in the signals that the malfunctioning thyroid glands reads and interprets. This is why efforts should be first made to treat the thyroid first.

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When hearing that one has cancer, it may seem like an impossible task to overcome it. The deadliness and fear that word creates in the heart of anyone is phenomenal, but it can be beat. Years ago, it was obviously much more difficult to treat and stave off the impending doom that cancer brings, but becoming a survivor of cancer is easier today with the technology and help available. Specifically, one can become a prostate cancer survivor more today than ever before. Again, with the added technology and knowledge of the doctors helping you, it is very possible for one to become a prostate cancer survivor.

Prostate Cancer Survival Rates

The statistics used here are a few years old, so the rates can be assumed to be even higher than reported here which, of course, is a good thing. Nonetheless, it has been reported that 99% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer live at least five years. The number can obviously never be 100%, but the odds of one living through prostate cancer at least five years are very good. The numbers to live at least ten years are not so bad, either. It was reported that 92% of men with prostate cancer live at least ten years. Furthermore, 62% live at least fifteen years. Fifteen years may not seem like a long time to some, but that number has increased in the last few years so one will never know. It is impossible to determine how long one will live with prostate cancer because every man?s condition is unique. However, it will take a lot of willpower and good support surrounding a man to make him a prostate cancer survivor; that, and quickly finding the problem so it can be treated right away.

Prostate Cancer Survivor Support Groups

Hearing the stories of prostate cancer survivors can really lift the spirits of anyone going through this terrible ordeal. The prospect of death is obviously frightening but it would definitely help anyone to hear an uplifting story about someone battling this disease and winning. It can help someone with the disease gain a new desire to keep fighting and stay strong because at times it can seem hopeless. There are plenty of support groups found online with hundreds of stories that are waiting to be read. These prostate cancer survivors want to provide hope for everyone with the disease so that someday, the person reading one of these stories can write one of his own.

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Thyroid issues are not immediately pinpointed as having an influence on fertility issues yet, many times, it has been found to have had an impact on a woman’s ability to conceive.

The problems with hypothyroidism is it’s ability to mimic the symptoms of other conditions which can often lead people to search for the wrong suspects. In fact, it’s almost considered as a last resort reason why infertility is at play in someone’s life. This is why it’s important to check with your doctor as soon as you suspect all is not right.

While initial tests will be conducted to pinpoint any obvious reasons your doctor will be best placed to determine whether hypothyroidism may be at play.

Is Hypothyroidism The Culprit?

Symptoms of hypothyroidism often confuse women into thinking they may be in a pre-menopausal stage however, many times this is not the case.

Thyroid issues can be quickly detected through a simple test conducted by your doctor. If you suspect infertility could be an issue for you, before you start thinking the worst, at least explore the possibility that infertility and thyroid issues may be affecting you.

internal secretion of hormones causing high Prolactin levels which in turn can impact ovulation.

Your doctor can quickly determine if there is an issue by performing a test which simply stimulates the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism And Infertility

It’s easy to understand why the symptoms of hypothyroidism can confuse women into thinking they are in the early stages of menopause. For example, if the thyroid isn’t producing it’s optimal amounts of hormones then menopause-like symptoms can occur.

Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms to be aware of if you concerned about fertility issues:

- unusual weight gain despite the fact you watch what you eat and exercise

- fluid forming under the eye

- lack of regular appetite yet you still experience an increase in weight

- dry skin and hair which are also symptoms evident during menopause

- lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

- lack of sleep and irritability

The above are just a few of the symptoms you may be experiencing if infertility and thyroid issues are at play in your life.

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Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c18775) has announced the addition of Gene Therapy: Current Status and Prospects to their offering. Dublin (PRWEB) June 10, 2005 — Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c18775) has announced the addition of Gene Therapy: Current Status and Prospects to their offering. Gene therapy (GT) is an exciting therapeutic approach in which diseases are treated by replacing or correcting defective genes with normal genes. Gene correction is carried out by delivering correct gene either as naked DNA or in a viral vector. Multiple vectors, retroviruses, and other gene delivery systems have been discovered, developed, and tested in pre-clinical research and in clinical trials. Overall, gene therapy has made tremendous progress in preclinical research and development, as well as in clinical studies for disease therapeutics. Since its inception, the key issue in gene therapy is the efficient delivery of the correct gene(s) to the diseased tissue. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the applications and markets for gene therapy as well as an analysis of future growth trends. The report details the latest developments of pre-clinical and clinical status in gene therapy areas. Delivery mechanisms in gene therapy such as viral and non-viral delivery systems are described in detail. The FDA regulation of gene therapy is overviewed as well. The report contains company profiles as well as expert opinions from those active in this area. For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c18775 Laura Wood Senior Manager Research and Markets e-mail protected from spam bots Fax: +353 1 4100 980

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The incidence of heartburn and acid reflux seems to be on the increase in western culture despite the good intentions of those promoting healthy eating and living.

Acid reflux is particularly debilitating to those who suffer it on a regular basis and in many cases, simply destroys a person’s quality of life. Modern medicine obviously helps but are there other remedies available to people without having to rush to the local doctor or pharmacy?

A visit online for home remedies for acid reflux or heartburn will yield plenty of results and the positive aspect of this is it’s being posted by people who have found something which helps their condition. However, before using anything recommended as relief, always check with your doctor.

Using Baking Soda For Acid Reflux

One of the oldest remedies for acid reflux is using baking soda. The thought of using baking soda for reflux may turn many people off and that’s understandable considering it’s used for many other applications.

The simple fact is, used correctly, it can help neutralize the bane of heartburn and acid reflux in acid.

How To Use Baking Soda

In a nutshell, baking soda neutralizes the excessive acid within the stomach. Acid rises up through the esophagus presenting a very uncomfortable feeling to those who experience it. Chronic sufferers especially can literally spend days feeling the ill effects of an attack.

Sodium bicarbonate goes to work in the stomach to regulate the flow of acid and neutralize it. It’s a very simple method and the truth is, many will pass it over as a serious relief method simply because baking soda is such a common item in most people’s homes.

You’ve still got to be careful when using baking soda for reflux. Your doctor should be consulted initially. The general rule of thumb is about a half a teaspoon to a teaspoon of baking soda to 1-3 ounces of water.

Just stir or swirl the mixture around so it dissolves and swallow it. Belching after consuming baking soda for acid reflux is a good sign and it’s just gas being released following the neutralization of the stomach acid.

Using baking soda for reflux should only be seen as a temporary measure if you are a chronic sufferer.

You shouldn’t be relying on it for an extended period of time. Ask your doctor for further advice. Chronic sufferers obviously have more deep-rooted problems and will need more advanced treatment.

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Where the disease has not metastasized, the five-year survival rate for women suffering from breast cancer is about 86%. That percentage means that 86% of women who develop breast cancer live for at least five years after diagnosis. The good news is that depending on the stage it is discovered, the survival rate can be even higher than the overall average.

As with most cancers, breast cancer, develops in stages. A standard classification of letters and numbers is used to describe the stages - T, N and M and 0-IV. T depicts tumor size, N signifies a spread to lymph nodes and M describes distant metastasis. When a primary tumor spreads to another area/s and forms more tumors, it has metastasized.

A tumor is noted as TX when it defies assessment. Where there is no indication of cancer, T0 is used. If one of the following forms is suspected - DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) or Paget’s disease (where the nipple and/or areola is cancerous) - Tis is used.

Stage 0 indicates that the cancer is in its earliest stage. Stage I indicates that tumors have not spread and are less than 2cm in size. A tumor that is 2-5cm in diameter is classified as Stage II, and a tumor larger than 5cm is considered Stage III. When a tumor has attached to the chest wall and spread to the lymph nodes it is considered to be Stage IV.

Today, due to medical advances, many breast cancers are diagnosed and treated during the early stages.

Treatment received in Stage 0 and Stage I results in men and women having five year survival rates of almost 100%. And yes, men can develop breast cancer, though at a far lower rate of 1/133 when compared to women. The survival rate for those with Stage II cancer is between 81%-92%. At Stage III the rate lowers to 67%, and then drops substantially to 20% at Stage IV.

Despite being a serious condition, breast cancer is now rarely life threatening. Women who have advanced stages of cancer have been known to live for more than seven years. As technology and medicine advance, survival rates increase. Even later stage cancer survival rates are rising as medical and treatment methods improve.

A fairly new method of diagnosing cancer is the QM-MSP (quantitative multiplex methylation-specific PCR) method. Discovered in 2001, it uses fluid from the breast and tests the chemicals contained in the fluid. The chemical analysis undertaken during this test allows cancer to be detected with 86% reliability, and cancer clumps with as little as 50 cells can found. Treatment given in the early stages is highly effective, and new methods like this allow cancer to be diagnosed at the earliest possible stage.

Treatments are also improving, with hormone therapy, targeted radiation and molecule specific drugs now readily available.

Breast cancer is no longer the death sentence it used to be. While still serious, the odds of beating this disease are high, and treatments are far less invasive than in the past.

You can find more resources on Breast Cancer Symptoms, Self Exam for Breast Cancer and Survival Rates of Breast Cancer by following the links.

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Not many people wish to discuss this topic as it is seen as embarrassing. Many think that erectile dysfunction (ED)is a problem, but in actual fact, it is commonly a mere sign that there are other areas that can be troubling you medically.

Erectile dysfunction, however, is usually the result of some other underlying condition. This underlying condition could be either psychological or physical. Disease, hormonal issues and neurological conditions could all trigger the onset of ED. More serious cases could be caused by things such as depression or anxiety.

Due to the fact that modern medicine and technology are allowing people to live longer and healthier lives, many people are enjoying sex later in life than they once did. This, and the fact that ED affects more men over the age of 65, is why this problem is now being looked at as a real medical condition.

If a person is unable to enjoy sex, which is a natural part of life, there can be devastating psychological effects. The presence of ED can also indicate the presence of some other disease. This is why the treatment of ED can be so difficult. Usually, there is a fundamental issue that needs medical treatment.

Aside from the obvious symptoms of ED, there are many other physical symptoms that may accompany it. One example of this would be high blood pressure. Diabetes is another possible reason and symptoms would include a constant thirst as well as high blood sugar levels. These are just two possible conditions that could be related to the onset of erectile dysfunction.

There may also be various psychological symptoms that accompany erectile dysfunction. Chronic depression is often associated with this condition. The difficulty arises when trying to decide if the depression is causing the impotence or the other way around. Either condition can cause the other.

The reason for impotence may be something as simple as performance anxiety if no other underlying condition can be found. This could occur if a man is once again trying to begin a sex life after a long period of time without. This could be because of being widowed or divorced, for example. The worry and anxiety of beginning to have sex again can cause doubt about one’s ability to do so. This can often lead to actual impotence. A pattern of self doubt and lack of confidence can begin if one starts to believe they cannot perform sexually.

You need to be open with your doctor to try and discover the possible factors that cause ED. Without a clear diagnostic test, it will be almost impossible to treat. The condition may be able to be treated with drugs, such as Viagra or Cialis, or some other treatment may be necessary. Either way, proper diagnosis is the key.

You can find more information on what cause erectile dysfunction, erectile dysfunction symptoms and treatment of erectile dysfunction by following the links to the site.

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The irritation, the burning… aghhhh! It’s sufficient to check the limits of sanity for any woman. And at the same time as yeast infections are considered to be mainly a trouble among women, did you know that men can also have to suffer from this trouble?This is particularly correct for a man whose wife is suffering from one, because having sex will pass the infection back and forth. For a woman, on the other hand, the trouble is a little trickier, since yeast thrives in dark, wet surroundings. Basically, the vagina is yeast’s dream dwelling place! That’s why it’s essential to know how to cure and prevent yeast infections quickly and effectively. If you don’t know these tactics then you’ll wind up searching for yeast infection help more often than you check your email.

What the heck is the root source of a yeast infection then? Most contemporary treatments don’t treat this source and the human body doesn’t have the ability to treat it. Click here yeast infection secret to find out what the root cause of your yeast infection is.

A Yeast Infection Can Be Caused By The Following Factors:

By the excessive use of antibiotics which can destroy the good bacteria that help to protect the vagina. During or after the use of antibiotics a vaginal yeast infection can develop especially if you are taking the antibiotics for other minor conditions such as strep throat.

Steroids are another medicine that can cause an infection.

Those with a weakened immune system can develop a yeast infection this may include those with HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy or anyone taking drugs that weaken the immune system.|A yeast infection is also aggravated by body changes such as ovulation, menopause, pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy.

Wearing underwear that is tight or made of material other than cotton can increase the temperature, moisture and local irritation in the vagina which can lead to an infection.

Here are some reason by which one can suffer from Yeast infection .Vitamins are one step in curing your yeast infections. There are many other cures that you can apply and the best thing you can do if find a system that has been proven to work through tests and trials. Most pharmaceuticals only treat the symptoms. You need cures that destroy the yeast permanently so it never comes back. Learn about the best, proven cures available at treat yeast infection naturally

Several male and females experiencing yeast infections resort to the medications available in a drug store: ointments, suppositories, and other medicines. The trouble with these is that they have a propensity to help for just a short period of time and then the yeast comes back with retaliation. There are a few other, more helpful ways to fight against this evil menace. In this article, I will highlight cures which will work for both males and females. On to more yeast infection help…

Some of these home remedies are as follows:

#1 Garlic can also be used as a vaginal suppository if peeled and wrapped in gauze. It should be left in for at least twelve hours. A little messier, but also effective, is inserting unpasteurized, plain yogurt into the vagina. Wear a pad with it. Repeat until the infection is gone, usually a week or less.

#2 One of the most common substances used as a natural cure for yeast infection is vinegar. Some recommend apple cider vinegar and some recommend white vinegar. There are two main methods for using it. One is simply to add a cupful to a warm bath and soak. Doing this two or three times a week is thought to fend off yeast infections. The other method for using vinegar is to make a vinegar douche by putting one cup of vinegar in a douche bottle and filling it with warm water. Then just use the douche as normal.

#3 Garlic can also be used as a vaginal suppository if peeled and wrapped in gauze. It should be left in for at least twelve hours. A little messier, but also effective, is inserting unpasteurized, plain yogurt into the vagina. Wear a pad with it. Repeat until the infection is gone, usually a week or less.

There are also some natural cures for yeast infection which require some special ingredients. One such treatment is the insertion of Potassium Sorbate. This can be found in beer and wine making stores. 15 grams of the substance should be mixed with one pint of water. Then soak a tampon in it, insert it, and remove it in the morning.

Are you looking for information about yeast infection remedies? If you are looking for a safe, yeast infection cure that can provide relief within hours, visit cure your yeast infection

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