Thursday, 30 April 2015

Chapter 16 – The Health Benefits of Indian Traditional Ayurvedic Rasayana (Anti-aging) Drugs: A Review

Foods and Dietary Supplements in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Older Adults

2015, Pages 151–161

Chapter 16 – The Health Benefits of Indian Traditional Ayurvedic Rasayana (Anti-aging) Drugs: A Review

Available online 4 February 2015

Aging, a physiological state in which there is a progressive decline in organ functions, delay in regeneration, and development of age-related diseases, is a multifactorial process. Free radicals are proposed to initiate/enhance aging, and antioxidants and phytochemicals have been shown to possess anti-aging properties. These drugs are also believed to be good tonics, rejuvenatives, immune stimulators, and adaptogens. Regular consumption of these drugs is considered to enhance physical strength, increase sex drive, and improve the complexion. They are mostly polyherbal in composition, and are comprised of medicinal plants, minerals, pearls, and coral. This chapter addresses, for the first time, the benefit and scientifically validated properties of commonly used Rasayana drugs such as Amalakayas Rasayana, Triphala, Chyawanprash, Aamalaki Rasayana, Amrita Rasayana, Brahm Rasayana, Ashwagandha Rasayana, Narasimha Rasayana, Brahmi Rasayana Amritaprasham, Anwala churna, and Amalkadi Ghrita with emphasis on the possible mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of these drugs.

Keywords

aging;
senescence;
free radicals;
antioxidants;
Ayurveda;
Rasayana

Over-the-counter anti-ageing topical agents and their ability to protect and repair photoaged skin

Maturitas

Volume 80, Issue 3, March 2015, Pages 265–272

Review

Over-the-counter anti-ageing topical agents and their ability to protect and repair photoaged skin

doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.12.019

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Highlights

•: Over-the-counter (OTC) topical formulations are commonly used to prevent and/or repair photoaged skin but evidence for their clinical efficacy is often limited.
•: Many OTC anti-ageing formulations contain putative active ingredients which individually have been shown to exhibit efficacy as photoageing interventions.
•: This review discusses evidence for the efficacy of common ingredients in OTC anti-ageing formulations both in isolation and potentially when acting synergistically.

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced photoageing of the skin is associated with characteristic clinical features including a sallow complexion, deep, coarse wrinkles and a loss of elasticity. Remodelling of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) with changes to fibrillar collagens, elastic fibres and glycosaminoglycans is likely to be a major contributing factor to these particular clinical signs. Over-the-counter (OTC) topical formulations are one popular management strategy for preventing and/or repairing photoaged skin, most commonly targeting wrinkles as these are often the most concerning clinical feature. Due to the cosmetic nature of such formulations, evidence of their clinical efficacy and mechanism of action is often limited. However, these formulations usually contain putative active ingredients which individually have been subject to in vitro and in vivo investigation for efficacy as photoageing interventions. This review highlights commonly found ingredients within OTC formulations and assesses the evidence for: (i) their efficacy in clinically and histologically improving photoaged skin; (ii) the potential mechanisms of action; and (iii) their ability to act synergistically with complementary ingredients to enhance the clinical outcome.

Keywords

Skin;
Photoageing;
Cosmetic;
Topical

: Corresponding author at: D19 Technical Centre, Boots UK, Thane Road, Nottingham NG90 5EF, UK. Tel.: +44 0115 9493195.

Scopoletin has a potential activity for anti-aging via autophagy in human lung fibroblasts

Phytomedicine

Volume 22, Issue 3, 15 March 2015, Pages 362–368

Scopoletin has a potential activity for anti-aging via autophagy in human lung fibroblasts

Hyang Nam,
Moon-Moo Kim^,

Received 21 May 2014, Revised 4 January 2015, Accepted 8 January 2015, Available online 4 February 2015

doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.01.004

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Abstract

Autophagy was known to be associated with aging in addition to cancer and neurodegeneration. The effects of scopoletin on autophagy and anti-aging were investigated in human lung fibroblast cell line, IMR 90. Here we show that scopoletin induces autophagy. It is also identified that the modulation of p53 by scopoletin are related to the induction of autophagy. Moreover, the level of SA-β-Gal staining, an aging marker, is reduced by scopoletin. In addition, while the expression levels of histone deacetylases such as HDAC1, SIRT1 and SIRT6 are increased in IMR 90 cells in the presence of scopoletin, the expression levels of histone acetyltransferases are decreased. Furthermore, scopoletin enhances the level of transcription factors such as Nrf-2and p-FoxO1 related to anti-aging. In addition, scopoletin modulates the reprogramming proteins. Therefore, these findings suggest that scopoletin could exert a positive effect on anti-aging related to autophagy through modulation of p53 in human lung fibroblasts.

Keywords

Scopoletin;
p53;
HDAC1;
Autophagy;
Aging;
IMR 90

: Corresponding author. Tel.: +82 51 890 1511; fax: +82 51 890 2620.

Concurrent purification and antioxidant activity of phycobiliproteins from Lyngbya sp. A09DM: An antioxidant and anti-aging potential of phycoerythrin in Caenorhabditis elegans

Process Biochemistry

Volume 49, Issue 10, October 2014, Pages 1757–1766

Concurrent purification and antioxidant activity of phycobiliproteins from Lyngbya sp. A09DM: An antioxidant and anti-aging potential of phycoerythrin in Caenorhabditis elegans

doi:10.1016/j.procbio.2014.06.022

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Highlights

•: Concurrent purification of PE, PC and APC from Lyngbya sp. A09DM.
•: A novel use of Triton X-100 in ammonium sulphate fractionation.
•: In vitro antioxidant activity of purified PE, PC and APC.
•: Phycoerythrin expands life span of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Abstract

The present study probes into the purification of phycobiliproteins, and characterization of their in vitro anti-oxidant activity. Moreover, the study also demonstrates the use of antioxidant virtue of phycoerythrin in moderating the phenomenon of aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. Phycoerythrin, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin were purified successfully from Lyngbya sp. A09DM by ammonium sulfate fractionation appended with Triton X-100 intercession. The success of protocol was examined by a series of biochemical characterization like SDS-PAGE, native-PAGE, UV–visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy ensuring purity, integrity and functionality of purified phycoerythrin, phycocyanin and allophycocyanin. Purified phycobiliproteins were evaluated for antioxidant and metal ion chelating activity by various in vitro antioxidant assay systems. Results showed significant and dose-dependent antioxidant as well as metal chelating potential of all phycobiliproteins in decreasing order of phycoerythrin > phycocyanin > allophycocyanin. Expansion in lifespan and improvement in pharyngeal pumping of C. elegans were noticed upon pre-treatment with phycoerythrin (100 μg ml⁻¹). Moreover, phycoerythrin mediated increase in worm survival under oxidative stress revealed that the life expansion effect of phycoerythrin on nematode is in part by an action of its antioxidant virtue. These results collectively added up evidence in favor of the ‘free-radical theory of aging’. The present report, for the first time, describes antioxidant potential of phycoerythrin and its use in extending life-span of C. elegans.

Keywords

Phycobiliproteins;
Lyngbya sp. A09DM;
Triton X-100;
Antioxidant activity, Caenorhabditis elegans;
Anti-aging activity

: Corresponding authors. Tel.: +91 02692 229380; fax: +91 02692 231042/236475.

1: Present address: Department of Botany/Biotechnology, Patna University, Patna 800005, Bihar, India.

Bioidentical hormones, menopausal women, and the lure of the “natural” in U.S. anti-aging medicine

Social Science & Medicine

Volume 132, May 2015, Pages 79–87

Bioidentical hormones, menopausal women, and the lure of the “natural” in U.S. anti-aging medicine

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.02.027

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Highlights

•: Presents data on clinicians' and women's experiences with bioidentical hormones.
•: Places bioidentical hormones within history of controversy over hormone replacement.
•: Bioidentical hormones are given legitimacy through a discourse of the “natural”.
•: Bioidentical hormones reinforce the ethos of anti-aging medicine.

Abstract

In 2002, the Women's Health Initiative, a large-scale study of the safety of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women conducted in the United States, released results suggesting that use of postmenopausal HRT increased women's risks of stroke and breast cancer. In the years that followed, as rates of HRT prescription fell, another hormonal therapy rose in its wake: bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Anti-aging clinicians, the primary prescribers of BHRT, tout it as a safe and effective alternative to treat menopausal symptoms and, moreover, as a preventative therapy for age-related diseases and ailments. Through in-depth interviews with 31 U.S.-based anti-aging clinicians and 25 female anti-aging patients, we analyze attitudes towards BHRT. We illustrate how these attitudes reveal broader contemporary values, discourses, and discomforts with menopause, aging, and biomedicine. The attraction to and promise of BHRT is rooted in the idea that it is a “natural” therapy. BHRT is given both biomedical and embodied legitimacy by clinicians and patients because of its purported ability to become part of the body's “natural” processes. The normative assumption that “natural” is inherently “good” not only places BHRT beyond reproach, but transforms its use into a health benefit. The clinical approach of anti-aging providers also plays a role by validating patients' embodied experiences and offering a “holistic” solution to their symptoms, which anti-aging patients see as a striking contrast to their experiences with conventional biomedical health care. The perceived virtues of BHRT shed light on the rhetoric of anti-aging medicine and a deeply complicated relationship between conventional biomedicine, hormonal technologies, and women's bodies.

Keywords

United States;
Menopause;
Hormone replacement therapy;
Bioidentical hormones;
Aging;
Anti-aging;
Biomedicine;
Women's health

: Corresponding author.

Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist in Veterinary Parasitology

Technical University of Denmark - DTU Vet

DTU Vet, Section for Bacteriology, Pathology and Parasitology invites applications for a position as a research scientist/senior research scientist in Veterinary Parasitology.
The position is on a permanent basis and the Department will support exceptional candidates with start-up funds and technical assistance for the first 1-3 years.
Responsibilities and tasks
In this position you are expected to participate in research activities and tasks related to diagnostics.
Research topics will include protozoans of veterinary and zoonotic importance and vector-borne parasitic diseases. Furthermore, you will develop new molecular methods for detection and typing of these parasites.
Another important field in research will be anthelmintic resistance, identification and testing of new potential therapeutics, studying of alternatives for anthelmintic usage and non-medical compounds (e.g. bioactive plants) that can affect the microbial societies in a host beneficial way.
The tasks related to diagnostics and contingency include providing diagnostic and advisory services to the Veterinary Authorities regarding parasitic infectious diseases in production animals, pets, zoo animals and wild life.
It is also expected that you participate in the institute’s research activities, by writing research applications and supervising PhD students and Master’s students (DVM; MSc). Together with colleagues, you will assist in the research based consultancy to the veterinary authorities.
A positive attitude and good interpersonal skills are essential. An evaluation of the applicants’ scientific qualifications will be carried out in accordance with current regulations.
Qualifications
The position is to be filled with a veterinarian or biologist holding a PhD degree or equivalent training in Veterinary Parasitology.
Furthermore, the candidate must have performed post-doctoral research activities, or equivalent, within Veterinary Parasitology (for a senior research scientist).
We seek an employee with the ability to work organized, structured and independently. The knowledge in Danish is essential. Also good communication skills in English are expected. Furthermore, the candidate should proof very good publication activities of research results at both international and national level.
The job requires close contact with the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration, the agricultural organizations and other research institutes, and therefore, experience from collaboration with the public or the industry will be an advantage.
Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to:

scientific production and research potential at international level
innovative skills and the ability to generate new ideas
the ability to communicate at all levels such as the provision of scientific advice to public sector authorities
the ability to promote and utilize research results
an all-round experience basis, preferably including international experience
the ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation

Further information
If you need further information about the position, do not hesitate to contact Head of Section Ulrike Lyhs, +45 3588 6805 or +45 3058 5550.
You can read about DTU Veterinary Institute at www.vet.dtu.dk/English.
Application procedure
We must have your online application by 4 May 2015.
To view the full announcement and to apply: www.career.dtu.dk

Trial Coordinator: Alternative Treatments for ATAFUTI Trial at University of Bristol

Trial Coordinator: Alternative Treatments for ATAFUTI Trial at University of Bristol http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AKW933/trial-coordinator-alternative-treatments-for-atafuti-trial/ #jobsacuk

University of Bristol - School of Social and Community Medicine

We are seeking a dynamic individual to act as the Trial Coordinator for the trial in which we are investigating the use of Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the herbal product (Arctostaphylos Uva ursi) either alone or in combination to relive Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms and Signs in Adult Women (ATAFUTI): a double blind, placebo controlled, factorial randomised trial of uva ursi and open pragmatic trial of ibuprofen.
The Trial Coordinator’s role is central to the success of this National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR-SPCR) funded randomised controlled trial. The main task is to co-ordinate all aspects of the trial under the supervision of the Bristol Infection Projects’ Manager (Dr Esther Kok, who in turn is accountable to Prof Alastair Hay, the Bristol Centre Principal Investigator) and a Southampton based Trial Manager (Fran Webley), and to liaise with the Chief Investigator (Dr Mike Moore in Southampton), collaborators, trial management committees and University (centre) staff to ensure the smooth running of the trial.
Tasks will include overseeing the recruitment and follow-up of participants and ensuring the trial is conducted to the highest possible standards. The Trial Coordinator will be expected to work on their own initiative, seeking guidance and advice where necessary from Dr Kok (and where necessary Prof Hay) and the trial management group. They will have autonomy and freedom to act independently within organisational policies, and will need to take a high level of responsibility.
The post is available from 15th May 2015 until 30th September 2015 in the first instance, but further funding may be secured.
Please also see vacancy reference ACAD101292 for further information about a second 0.5fte Trial Coordinator role for the ARCHIE study that is currently being advertised until 20 April 2015.
Informal enquiries: Dr Esther Kok – Esther.kok@bristol.ac.uk. 0117 928 7294

Psychology journal bans P values / Statistics: P values are just the tip of the iceberg

http://www.nature.com/news/psychology-journal-bans-p-values-1.17001

Statistics: P values are just the tip of the iceberg

http://www.nature.com/news/statistics-p-values-are-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-1.17412

It's a man's world -- for one peer reviewer, at least http://retractionwatch.com/2015/04/29/its-a-mans-world-for-one-peer-reviewer-at-least/

http://retractionwatch.com/2015/04/29/its-a-mans-world-for-one-peer-reviewer-at-least/#more-27854

http://news.sciencemag.org/scientific-community/2015/04/sexist-peer-review-elicits-furious-twitter-response

‘Sexist’ peer review causes storm online http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/sexist-peer-review-causes-storm-online/2020001.article#.VUKFSupDnQ0.twitter via

Wednesday, 29 April 2015

Revealed: Alberta’s ploy to break First Nations' pipeline opposition http://gu.com/p/48vtk/stw

chapter 12 – Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: Clinical Observations and Mechanistic Insights

Foods and Dietary Supplements in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Older Adults

2015, Pages 111–117

Chapter 12 – Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: Clinical Observations and Mechanistic Insights

doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-418680-4.00012-9

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Osteoarthritis (OA), a clinical condition caused in part by injury, loss of cartilage structure and function, and an imbalance in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, is a major health problem in older adults. To complicate this, a complete cure is not available, especially when the cartilage is destroyed; in such conditions the treatment is restricted towards relieving pain, maintaining or improving joint mobility, increasing the strength of the joints, and minimizing the disabling effects of the disease. The rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (family Zingiberaceae), known colloquially as ginger, has been used since time immemorial as a anti-arthritic agent, and scientific studies have validated the ethnomedicinal effects of ginger. The present chapter addresses these aspects in detail, and also emphasizes the molecular anti-osteoarthritic mechanisms.

Keywords

Zingiber officinale;
ginger;
osteoarthritis

Evidence of horsemanship and dogmanship and their application in veterinary contexts

The Veterinary Journal

Available online 8 April 2015

In Press, Accepted Manuscript — Note to users

Review

Evidence of horsemanship and dogmanship and their application in veterinary contexts

doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.04.004

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Highlights

• This article reviews horsemanship and dogmanship in the veterinary sector.

• The arousal and affective state of the animal are useful determinants of best practice.

• Factors which define best practice have been identified and tabulated.

• Affiliation and positive reinforcement are crucial to horsemanship and dogmanship.

Abstract

This review collates peer-reviewed evidence for desirable attributes for those who work with dogs and horses. It is written with a particular focus on the veterinary profession. Although veterinarians and veterinary nurses (VNs) occupy variable roles when interacting with their patients, several behavioural attributes emerge as helpful across the range of such roles. In light of recent research on the value of considering animals' arousal and affective state as predictors of behaviour and welfare, best practice in human-horse and human-dog-interactions is outlined. The attributes of affiliation, safety and positive reinforcement seem to contribute greatly to the development and maintenance of moderate arousal and positive affect in animals.

The information in this review article is offered in an attempt to show why veterinary professionals with good horsemanship are likely to remain safe, and to introduce the concept of dogmanship. In the light of the peer-reviewed evidence assembled here, it is arguable that veterinary teams, comprising both veterinarians and VNs, can become scholars in these areas. The benefits of this approach for practitioner safety, animal welfare and client satisfaction are likely to be significant.

Keywords

Companion animals;
Horse;
Dog;
Human-animal bond;
Affective state;
Horsemanship;
Human-dog dyad

: Corresponding author. Tel.: +61402225335,(

Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Lower Urinary Tract Diseases.

2015 Mar 30. pii: S0195-5616(15)00031-5. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.02.009. [Epub ahead of print]

Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Lower Urinary Tract Diseases.

Raditic DM¹.

Author information

Abstract

Consumer use of integrative health care is growing, but evidence-based research on its efficacy is limited. Research of veterinary lower urinary tract diseases could be translated to human medicine because veterinary patients are valuable translational models for human urinary tract infection and urolithiasis. An overview of complementary therapies for lower urinary tract disease includes cranberry supplements, mannose, oral probiotics, acupuncture, methionine, herbs, or herbal preparations. Therapies evaluated in dogs and cats, in vitro canine cells, and other relevant species, in vivo and in vitro, are presented for their potential use as integrative therapies for veterinary patients and/or translational research.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS:

Complementary and alternative medicine; Herbs; Integrative medicine; Lower urinary tract disease (LUTD); Supplement; Urinary tract infection; Urinary tract tumor; Urolithiasis

Survey of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A occurrence in traditional meat products coming from Croatian households and markets

Food Control

Volume 52, June 2015, Pages 71–77

Survey of aflatoxin B₁ and ochratoxin A occurrence in traditional meat products coming from Croatian households and markets

doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.12.027

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Highlights

•: AFB₁ and OTA occurrence in traditional meat products was investigated.
•: ELISA and HPLC-FLD methods were implemented.
•: Maximal observed OTA level was 10 times higher than the maximal recommended.
•: AFB₁ levels were not significantly higher than method LODs.
•: Controlled conditions should be implemented in meat products production and storage.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in different traditional meat products circulating on Croatian markets, produced by a large number of households situated in different Croatian regions. The study involved a total of 410 samples of traditional pork meat products in terms of hams (n = 105), dry fermented sausages (n = 208), bacon (n = 62) and cooked sausages (n = 35), collected over four years period (2011–2014). Mycotoxin concentrations were quantified and confirmed using validated immunoassay method (ELISA) and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD), respectively. The maximal observed OTA level in the fermented sausages and hams was around 5 times (5.10 μg/kg) to 10 times (9.95 μg/kg) higher than the maximal recommended level (1 μg/kg) stipulated for pork products in some EU countries. AFB₁ levels found in any given meat product analysed within this frame were not significantly higher (p > 0.05) than the applied method limit of detection. The results showed an occasional mycotoxin contamination of traditional meat products, especially that by OTA, pointing that to avoid such contamination meat and meat products on households should be produced and processed under standardised and well-controlled conditions.

Keywords

Aflatoxin B₁;
Ochratoxin A;
Traditional meat products;
Croatian markets

: Corresponding author. Tel.: +385 16123626; fax: +385 16123670.

Natural Pigments & Colorants 2015 Food & Beverages Applications Special Session organized during Malta Polyphenols World Congress June 4-5, 2015 - Malta

Natural Pigments & Colorants 2015

Food & Beverages Applications

Special Session organized during Malta Polyphenols World Congress

June 4-5, 2015 - Malta

On June 4, the Scientific Committee of Malta Polyphenols organizes a special session dedicated to Natural Pigments & Colorants: Food & Beverage Applications. The posters session concerning Natural Pigments will be held on June 4-5.

The aim of this session is to present the last advances and innovations in the field of natural pigments. The industrials from Food & beverage look to replace synthetic colorants with more respectful natural pigments. However many barrers remain in term of extraction, stabilization and industrial applications.

Among speakers & hot topics which will be presented during this special session:

Why to Go from Synthetic and Animal-based Pigments to Those from Plant Sources?

Reinhold Carle, Hohenheim University, Germany

Studies Investigating the Biological Effects of Anthocyanins from Fruits in Humans

Elke Richling, Kaiserslautern Technical University, Germany

Anthocyanin Pigments Formation and Role in Colour, Mouth-feel and Astringency of Red Wine

Dominik Durner, Weincampus Neustadt, Germany

Comparison of HPLC and UPLC Separation for Analysis of Anthocyanins from Different Black Carrot Varieties (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.)

Claudia Gras, Hohenheim University, Germany

Natural Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Various Cancers Using Novel Oral, Systemic and Local Delivery Technologies

Ramesh Gupta, Oncological Research University of Louisville, USA

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensins (Mol.) Stuntz) Berries – Chemical Composition and Color Stability of the Anthocyanin-rich Superfruit

Johanna Brauch, Hohenheim University, Germany

Stabilisation of Metal Chelats with Pectins for Use as Food Dyes

Maria Angela Buchweitz, Stuttgart University, Germany

Short Oral Presentations (5 + 2 minutes)

Obtention of a Water Transparent Food Colorant of Lutein

Jose Maria Obon, Universidad Politécnica De Cartagena, Spain

Polyphenol Modified Polylactic Sponges with Improved Osteogenic Propreties

Stefano Antenucci, University Degli Studi di Milano, Italy

Systematic Evaluation of (Poly-)phenolic Compounds for their Reactivating Effect on the Pseudo-halogenating Activity of Lactoperoxidase

Joerg Flemmig, Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine Leipzig, Germany

The Bioavailability and Bioactivity of a Phenolic Enriched Extract of the Brown Seaweed Ascophyllum Nodosum

Chris Gill, Ulster University, UK

Polyphenols Extraction from Vine Shoots with B-Cyclodextrin

Hiba Nehme Rajha, St Joseph University, Lebanon

Application of a DNA-based Sensor to Assess the Total Antioxidant Capacity of Different Samples

Cristina Soares, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal

Extracts from Syzygium guineense of Cameroon Suppress Wnt Signaling Proliferation and Migration of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells

Vladimir Katanaev, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Monomeric Flavan-3-ol, Epicatechin Stimulates Insulin Secretion in INS-cells via CamkII Activation

Kaiyuan Yang, University of Alberta, Canada

Is there a Simpler Procedure to Assess the Phenolic Content in Wheat?

Filipe Lopes Nelson Machado, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, Portugal

Study of Grape Polyphenols by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Suspect Screening Analysis

Riccardo Flamini, Centro di Ricerca per la Viticoltura (CRA-VIT), Italy

To access to the program of pigments & whole program of the congress, please follow this link.

http://polyphenols-site.com/images/stories/2015/vrac/Malta_Polyphenols_2015_-_Agenda_Web_2804-VF.pdf

We look forward to welcoming you in sunny Malta.

Pr Reinhold Carle

Chairman of Pigments Session

To access to all practical information, please visit the website here.

http://www.polyphenols-site.com/

At your Diary

Utilization of By-products of Food Processing: Malta Polyphenols Pre-Conference Workshop

June 3 2015, Malta

Website here

Are claims for newer drugs for overactive bladder warranted? Therapeutics Letter Issue 93 / Jan - Feb 2015

http://ti.ubc.ca/letter93

Next Stop: Turmeric Beverages By Michael Crane April 23, 2015

http://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/1504/Turmeric

Matcha Tea Is Very “Hot” According to New Sage Group Report

http://news.money.ca/2015/04/22/matcha-tea-is-very-hot-according-to-new-sage-group-report/

Can (and should) Africa make its own medicines?

Feature Generic Drugs

Can (and should) Africa make its own medicines?

BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2178 (Published 28 April 2015) Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2178

Mara Kardas-Nelson, freelance journalist, USA

marajenn@gmail.com

Africa has a huge burden of disease but makes few of its own drugs. Mara Kardas-Nelson reports on the region’s nascent pharmaceutical industry and its chances of success

Support for Africa producing medicines is in vogue these days. The World Health Organization executive director, Margaret Chan, supports it.1 So does Michel Sidibé, head of UNAIDS. “The goal is to address health inequities and build capacity to meet supply shortages for essential health commodities that cannot be sourced reliably and sustainably from outside the continent,” they wrote last year.1 Major international organisations and donors, from the UN Industrial Development Organization (Unido)2 to the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation,3 are providing technical assistance to make local production happen, and the African Union has put together a business plan to spur its implementation.4

The rationale for local production is simple: it is assumed that big donors bankrolling many of Africa’s programmes for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, three of the continent’s biggest killers, won’t stick around forever. Africa imports 70% of its drugs,5 and if African countries have to pick up more of the tab, some drugs could instead be produced at home, bolstering local economies. Local production might also provide a more steady supply of medicines, ensuring that drugs are immediately available during local health emergencies and even in the face of international shocks, such as when the Chinese government closed down its chemical companies during the Beijing Olympics, leading to shortages of active pharmaceutical ingredients used by some African countries.6

Local production could also give greater control to overstretched African regulators, which are battling against low quality drugs, sometimes made in far-off factories that are difficult to monitor.

Observations Future of the NHS Is the NHS really safe from international trade agreements? BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2179 (Published 28 April 2015) Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2179 Article Related content Metrics Responses Get access to this article and to all of thebmj.com for 14 days Sign up today for a 14 day free trial Sign up for a free trial Access to the full version of this article requires a subscription Please login, sign up for a 14 day trial, or subscribe below. Lucy Reynolds, research fellow, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, Martin McKee, professor of European public health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine lucy.reynolds@lshtm.ac.uk, martin.mckee@lshtm.ac.uk Lessons have come from Slovakia International trade agreements generally attract little public scrutiny in the United Kingdom, but while some are uncontroversial, others are not.1 One, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP),2 currently being negotiated between the European Union and United States, even features in the 2015 UK general election manifestos, with all three main parties supporting it, albeit with certain reservations, and upcoming parties such as the Green Party and National Health Action Party opposing it.3 There are concerns that TTIP, which will cover over 40% of the world’s economy, would enable global corporations to over-ride a future UK government seeking to reverse aspects of NHS privatisation,4 potentially leading to the replacement of the NHS with a US style market based system.5 The UK government could opt to remove many aspects of healthcare from the scope of TTIP, just as the French government has excluded its cultural sector. Yet the coalition government has declined to do so, arguing that this is unnecessary. Prime Minister David Cameron … Get access to this article and to all of thebmj.com for 14 days Sign up today for a 14 day free trial Sign up for a free trial Access to the full version of this article requires a subscription Please login, sign up for a 14 day trial, or subscribe below. Sign in Log in using your username and password BMA members Sign in via institution Sign in via OpenAthens Personal subscribers sign in here: Username Password Need to activate Forgot your sign in details?

Observations Future of the NHS

Is the NHS really safe from international trade agreements?

BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2179 (Published 28 April 2015) Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2179

Lucy Reynolds, research fellow, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK,
Martin McKee, professor of European public health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

lucy.reynolds@lshtm.ac.uk, martin.mckee@lshtm.ac.uk

Lessons have come from Slovakia

International trade agreements generally attract little public scrutiny in the United Kingdom, but while some are uncontroversial, others are not.1 One, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP),2 currently being negotiated between the European Union and United States, even features in the 2015 UK general election manifestos, with all three main parties supporting it, albeit with certain reservations, and upcoming parties such as the Green Party and National Health Action Party opposing it.3 There are concerns that TTIP, which will cover over 40% of the world’s economy, would enable global corporations to over-ride a future UK government seeking to reverse aspects of NHS privatisation,4 potentially leading to the replacement of the NHS with a US style market based system.5

The UK government could opt to remove many aspects of healthcare from the scope of TTIP, just as the French government has excluded its cultural sector. Yet the coalition government has declined to do so, arguing that this is unnecessary.

Location:	Lyngby
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Permanent

Placed on:	14th April 2015
Closes:	4th May 2015

Location:	Bristol
Salary:	£31,342 to £35,256 Pro rata per annum
Hours:	Part Time
Contract Type:	Contract / Temporary

Placed on:	7th April 2015
Closes:	6th May 2015
Job Ref:	ACAD101354