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Fate In Fly Sensory Organ Precursor Cells Could Explain Human Immune Disorder
Notch signaling helps determine the fate of a number of different cell types in a variety of organisms, including humans. In an article that appears in the current issue of Nature Cell Biology, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report that a new finding about the Notch signaling pathway in sensory organ precursor cells in the fruit fly could explain the mystery behind an immunological disorder called Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
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Blood-Borne Molecule Helps Regulate Blood-Vessel Integrity
Although maintaining the integrity of blood vessel walls is essential for life, well-controlled temporary leakage of blood contents through the walls of blood vessels into the tissues is a hallmark of inflammation. Although the molecule S1P is known to act on the cells that line blood vessels (endothelial cells) to regulate the permeability of blood vessel walls, the in vivo of SIP in this process remains unknown, and whether it has a role in inflammation has not been determined. In a new study, Shaun Coughlin and colleagues, at UCSF, San Francisco, have shed light on these issues, revealing that mice that lack S1P selectively in plasma (the liquid component of blood) have increased leakage from the blood vessels in response to a variety of stimuli, including inflammatory ones. As the leakage was reversed by treatment with either S1P-containing red blood cells or an agonist for the protein to which SIP binds, the authors conclude that S1P in the blood regulates blood-vessel integrity and prevents potentially lethal decreases in blood volume after exposure to leak-inducing stimuli.
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Simple Measures May Prevent Transmission Of Stomach Ulcer Bacteria
The stomach ulcer bacterium Helicobacter pylori is not transmitted through drinking water as previously thought, but rather through vomit and possibly faeces. This is shown in a thesis at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. It is therefore possible to prevent the spread of the bacterium in developing countries through some fairly simple measures.
Endocrinology

Bayer Unveils DIDGET(TM), The First And Only Blood Glucose Meter That Connects With The Nintendo DS(TM) Or DS(TM) Lite

Bayer Diabetes Care in the UK and Ireland today unveils "DIDGET(TM), the first and only blood glucose meter for kids with diabetes that connects directly to Nintendo DS(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM) Lite gaming systems. The DIDGET meter is designed to help kids manage this lifelong condition by rewarding them for building consistent blood glucose testing habits and meeting personalised glucose target ranges. "One of the biggest challenges facing parents of children with diabetes is the constant struggle to instil the habit of regular blood glucose testing that is critical for consistent diabetes management," says John Gregory, Professor in Paediatric Endocrinology, Wales School of Medicine, Cardiff University. "Bayer"s DIDGET meter can help ease the parent/child tension that testing often creates by adding an element of fun and rewards to the routine. Because it is designed with children in mind, Bayer"s DIDGET meter can transform a child"s blood glucose testing experience from something they have to do into something they want to do." Building on 40 years of experience, the company is now transforming how kids engage in their diabetes management by tapping into their existing passion for handheld gaming. Bayer"s DIDGET meter positively reinforces consistent testing habits by awarding points that kids can use to unlock new game levels and customise their gaming experience. "The DIDGET meter is a revolutionary development in healthcare management. Up until now, blood glucose monitors have been created with adults in mind," says Sandra Peterson, Head of Bayer Medical Care. "This product was inspired by a parent of a child with diabetes, to directly address the challenges facing kids with diabetes and their parents. Bayer"s DIDGET meter offers play with purpose to encourage kids to regularly monitor their blood glucose and begin to view regular testing as fun." The DIDGET meter, intended for use by kids aged 5-14, will also connect to Bayer"s DIDGET World (http://www.bayerdidget.co.uk), a new password-protected web community where kids can spend points that they earn from consistent monitoring practices and create their own page. Bayer"s DIDGET World is currently in development and will be available soon. Bayer"s DIDGET meter grows with a child"s ability to manage his/her diabetes, offering two testing levels, Basic and Advanced. Self monitoring blood glucose is an essential tool in the optimal management of childhood and adolescent diabetes. Self monitoring blood glucose should be prescribed at a frequency to optimise each child"s diabetes control because frequency of self monitoring blood glucose correlates with glycaemic control(1). Bayer"s DIDGET meter is based on Bayer"s trusted CONTOUR(R) system and uses the same technology and test strips, providing the same easy accuracy, No Coding(TM) technology, automatic correction for haematocrit and common interfering substances including maltose, 5 second test time, a small (0.6 microL) sample size and automatic detection of control solution. Bayer"s DIDGET meter comes with Knock "Em Downs(TM): World"s Fair which includes a full length adventure game and mini game arcade. Bayer"s DIDGET will be available soon. Visit http://www.bayerdidget.co.uk to find out more and register to be notified when Bayer"s DIDGET meter is available. Nintendo DS and DS Lite gaming systems are sold separately. Bayer Diabetes Care UK is working in partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in the UK and GBP5 from the sale of every meter will be donated to the JDRF. ÷  Diabetes in the UK An estimated 25,000 children under the age of 18 in the UK have diabetes(2). Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In persons with type 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin, and therefore people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin for the rest of their lives (3). Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults, although increasingly, children are being diagnosed with this condition. Type 2 is associated with obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body doesn"t make enough insulin, or the body is unable to utilise the insulin effectively. There are many therapies available, including insulin, for people with type 2 diabetes(4). All people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes must carefully balance food, medications, and activity level to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible in order to avoid long term complications of diabetes (5). References 1. Rewers M, Pihoker C, Donaghue K et al. Assessment and monitoring of glycemic control in children and adolescents with diabetes. Pediatric Diabetes 2007: 8: 408-418 2. JDRF UK 3. NHS:÷ Introduction ÷  4. NHS:÷ What is it? 5. NHS: Selfhelp Bayer HealthCare


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