Anthrax vaccine to test children?

Anthrax vaccine to test children? It will be some time before the Government.

An advisory committee said on Friday, ethical issues need to be addressed - but if they can complete the vaccine in children be tested to ensure its safety and learning under the right circumstances, it is the dose required to terrorist attacks.

Fearing that terrorists might use potentially deadly bacteria, the Government has stockpiled vaccines. It has been widely adults, but never tested on children.

The question is whether to do the test, so doctors will know if the child's immune system to respond to the lens is not good enough, the signal protection. Children are not exposed to anthrax.

National Biodefense Science Board said Friday that an independent review committee should consider making such a test in a child's ethical problems. If this is successful, the group said that the Ministry of Health and Human Services should develop in the children's vaccine research program.

How to protect young people after the anthrax attacks, is a challenging problem, said Dr. Nicole Lurie, board members and public health preparedness and response services, assistant secretary. "Protection of children are still advocated that countries for me, the most important responsibilities, we as a nation."

The Board provides advice to the Ministry of Health and Human Services, chemical, biological and nuclear activities of the preparatory work. The 12-1 vote.

There is no deadline for the government to decide whether to go. If you do not agree, it's not clear how much time to find the funding of such research and medical centers clearance review committee will conduct a study.

Another big question is whether parents will sign their children to test the vaccine is no direct threat. It is impossible from the anthrax vaccine, but there are side effects. In adults, the shooting site pain, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, etc. is a major, and rare but serious allergic reactions have been reported.

Anthrax in several potential bioterrorism weapons and special interests, because it is in 2001, letters to the media and others, claiming five lives and sickening 17. This prompted extensive screening mail and postal facilities and government agencies for better ventilation and testing.
Doctors questioned whether children's immune systems to respond to the lens is not good enough, the signal protection. Children under the program will not be exposed to the test anthrax. The group said that due to the vaccine in the event of a bioterrorist attack using a large number of children, it is prudent to test whether the vaccine is safe management of children. The vote was 12 to 1 in favor of vaccination programs.

"We need to learn more about the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine development as we plan to use a child in a bioterrorism attack, large quantities of vaccine," says Ruth Berkelman of Emory University, agreed with the members of the group plan.

The Board suggested the same earlier this year, the U.S. established a vaccination scheme.

He said: "The U.S. government must do anticipatable better preparation for emergencies, according to their nature, chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attack is the unpredictable, but in some cases, can be expected, it is According to the U.S. Government has the responsibility for their plan, "the Panel that, in time. "Under such circumstances, including anthrax spores potential exposure of children, therefore, the U.S. government should conduct clinical trials to determine the appropriate dose of anthrax vaccine in children. Similarly, the MCM should be assessed several other pediatric medicine."

Anthrax vaccine adsorbed has provided nearly 2.5 million members of the military, the researchers say, in the adult vaccine safety and immunogenicity profiles familiar. However, vaccination of children is not yet tested to improve the vaccine may not be sufficient concern about the attack.

Test in the past faced legal problems. Against members of the military's anthrax vaccine requires the proceedings, a federal judge suspended the program in 2004, approved the drug in the Food and Drug Administration found during the failure. U.S. Food and Drug Administration reiterated its finding that the vaccine is safe.

Anthrax in several potential bioterrorism weapons and special interests, because it is in 2001, letters to the media and others, claiming five lives and sickening 17. Since then, he served as U.S. large stocks of vaccine, in another common attacks.

The Obama administration asked a federal panel to consider the children are vaccinated in effort to determine the efficacy of the vaccine potential. The Board provides advice and guidance, the Department of Health and Human Services related to chemical, biological and nuclear accident emergency preparedness and other issues. Founded in 2006, by statute, NBSB has extensive expertise in science, medicine and public health 13 voting members.
The main panel of a government adviser (Friday) suggested that the federal government sponsored a controversial study to test whether children's anthrax vaccination will prevent bio-terrorist attacks of young Americans.

National Biodefense Science Board, the federal government on bioterrorism issues, investment and 12-1 suggest, the Ministry of Health and Human Services of a study to determine whether the vaccine is safe and effective for children, and determine the best dose. Iowa Department of Public Health, who chaired the panel, Quinlisk Patricia is the only opponents.

"We need to learn more about vaccine safety and immunogenicity, as we plan to use a large number of bio-terrorist attacks of childhood vaccines, said:" Lucy Siaimoli University, a team member Berkelman.

Panel adopted the recommendations of Berkelman, after further review of another group to specialize in difficult ethical issues it raises.

Assistant Secretary of HHS preparedness and response requires the Panel to review, Nicole Lurie, said officials will consider the Panel's recommendations, but she did not give a time frame of the decision.

Although the overwhelming majority of the panel to conduct a study, several critics said that this test is immoral, unnecessary risk.

"Vera said:" The open trial of major damage to children's health not good possibilities for human research protection advocacy group in New York League of Sharav.

Anthrax is a bacterial toxin produced by a life-threatening infections. It has long been considered possible options for bioterrorism, because it is relatively easy, large-scale production and distribution.

The federal government has spent $ 1.1 billion in reserves of vaccines to protect the American attacks. Although antibiotics will help to protect those immediately exposed, the vaccine to protect against lingering spores.

In 1998, the Pentagon began a controversial vaccination program, vaccine safety and reliability problems, which is challenged in court by military personnel.

The vaccine has been extensively tested in adults and more than 260 million people in the military administration. But the shot has never been tested or to their children, leaving it uncertain how the young people and in what doses of vaccine, and it is safe.


FBI accused of Bruce Ivins, the Army biodefense lab scientist, committed suicide before he could receive mail attacks.

Anthrax can be difficult to treat, especially if someone inhaled anthrax spores. Saved millions of doses of antibiotics since 2001 episode, two experimental treatments are being clear of toxins stored.

U.S. troops deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries need to be anthrax shot. Since 1998, more than 100 million have been vaccinated. Against the requirements of the proceedings, a federal judge suspended the program in 2004, approved the drug in the Food and Drug Administration found during the failure. Next year, the U.S. FDA reaffirmed its finding that the vaccine is safe.

Role of diet in breast cancer?

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this is a perfect time to answer this question.

The answer is yes. To give you the best information, I turned to a registered dietitian Sally Sike Luo Rodriguez, MS, RD, LD, and Clare McKinley, RD, LD, at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the world's leading cancer hospitals. They explained that the risk of breast cancer can be reduced to 38% by lifestyle factors, including maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, healthy diet. In fact, there is less than 10% of breast cancer have a genetic basis.

For breast cancer prevention, restriction of alcohol a day, drink (wine 5 ounces, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 oz liquor) is the most important thing you can do one. In addition, plant-based diet with a variety of agricultural products, at least two cups a day is beneficial.

According to the American Association for Cancer Research ", no single food or food ingredient can prevent cancer itself, but scientists believe that the main food plant-based diet in combination, there is evidence that, minerals, vitamins and plant foods of plant chemicals can interact to enhance their personal role in cancer. This concept of interaction, of which 1 + 1 = 3, is called synergy. "

Choice of some cancer prevention, including beans, berries, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts), dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, cabbage, beets, lettuce, mustard), flax, garlic, grapes / grape juice, green tea, soy, tomatoes and whole grains. A recent study in mice shows that walnuts can also play a role in the prevention of breast cancer, but these findings need confirmation in humans.

There is also a growing number of studies have shown that the body, one of the active ingredient in curry, curcumin may play a role in the treatment and prevention of various cancers, including breast cancer.

Overweight postmenopausal breast cancer risk is closely linked. 22-44 lbs adult weight gain and a greater risk and 50% of body weight by 45 pounds, and 87% increased risk.

Excess abdominal fat seems to be particularly harmful, most likely because of inflammation and its association with insulin levels, so if you tend to be more "apple-shaped" and carry extra weight, in your abdomen, which is especially important to lose weight, exercise regularly, and limit refined grains, sugar, sweet drinks, and add sugar to your diet.

When it comes to breast cancer survivors and healthy lifestyle is equally important, if not more. Many women are concerned about soy consumption, I wrote about before. Sally and Claire agree to up to three a day is safe, but they stressed, should be from whole soy foods such as soy milk, soybeans and tofu, like smoothies, bars, fortified cereals and soybeans to supplement should be limited.
The women taking multivitamins longer life than those who do not take the pill, may actually die sooner, a large new study found.

Involving about 39,000 women, aged between 55 and 69 when the study began, 19 years of follow-up study.

During this period, approximately 40% of deaths. When the researchers looked at who the vitamins, multivitamins than those who choose not to add a slightly higher risk of death. The same women regularly participate in iron, vitamin B6, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper.

In fact, the researchers observed a 15 to add, only calcium and a lower risk of death.

While in Archives of Internal Medicine, research, do not look at men's authors say their results are likely to expect the same for them.

The study found that vitamins and increased risk of death between the link; it does not prove that the supplement caused the death. The authors say their findings underlying cause is not clear.

"We see an overall increase in mortality risk, but we really do not know why," lead author Jaakko Mursu, University of Eastern Finland and the University of Minnesota, told CTV News.

But they noted that the study adds to a growing body of research shows that vitamin may help prevent disease, and may, in fact, may increase the risk of death emerged in recent years.

But vitamins are still very popular, even if a little difficult to study, there are some add.

Commenting on the research side, the University of Nis in Serbia, the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Dr. Christian Gluud said Dr. Golan Bjelakovic, many people continue to have the misconception that if a little vitamin is good, then we will be better.

"Until recently, the adverse effects of dietary supplements has been limited data, grossly underestimated, we believe that paradigm," the more the better "is wrong," they wrote.

"We can not recommend the use of vitamin and mineral supplements as a precautionary measure, at least not a well-nourished population," they conclude.

However, they added, older women, maybe men might benefit from vitamin D supplements, especially if they have enough vitamin D from their diet and sun exposure. As for calcium, "may require further research," they added.

For the study, Mursu led the research team from the Iowa Women's Health Study to analyze the data. In this study, in 1986, a 16-page questionnaire filled, their diet, their use of vitamins and their general health of women. They recorded their use of multivitamins, vitamin A, C, D and E and β-carotene, B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

They were asked in 1997 and 2004, the complementary use them again. During the study period, from 62.7% in 1986 to 85.1% in 2004, the women said they participated in one or more vitamin ratio soared.

The researchers found that a variety of vitamin users account for 41% mortality over 19 years of follow-up compared to 40% of non-users.

The problem is particularly acute take iron: women more iron, the higher their risk of death.

Only calcium and a lower risk of death, and died 37% of users compared to 43% of non-users.

The researchers pointed out that previous studies have shown that vitamin users generally tend to have a healthy lifestyle. But they also said it is possible that some women took vitamin remedies, may affect their risk of death of the health problem or disease.
Finally, in the course of treatment, diet is very important to maintain optimal health and energy level, but before taking any supplement, best to consult a registered dietitian, preferably one with experience in cancer treatment, because of some additional, may actually interfere with chemotherapy or radiation.

In general, the focus should be on the whole food rich in antioxidants. Vitamin C may need to add, in some cases, if there is not enough food consumption. To find a Registered Dietitian, American Dietetic Association's website.

I hope your facts, you can make your breast cancer risk, is encouraged by lifestyle differences. Fighting breast cancer following a few recipes from the MD Anderson get you started in the right direction. A study reveals that women who have a diet consisting of meat and a variety of livestock products like milk, eggs and dairy products may reduce the risk of breast cancer. As for those who receive much intake of foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables and grains, show a low risk of ovarian cancer. In the research team, Dr. Endofi check diet 3600 women who had breast and ovarian cancer which is then compared with 413 healthy women. Finally, the team found four groups of eating.

One group of adherents of the pattern of ‘animal protein’ that is eating red meat in large amounts of saturated fat, zinc, calcium and a number of other nutritious meal. Second is the group to have a diet rich in vitamins and fiber, beta carotene and other nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. The third group with unsaturated fat diet, which contains a high content of vegetable oils and fish oil, in addition to vitamin E. The four groups with diets high carbohydrate content of vegetable protein and sodfium. Of the four groups, the researchers found those who consumed the diet rich in vitamins and rich in fiber is the group with ovarian cancer risk is low.

The adherents of the unsaturated fat diet have a lower risk of breast cancer, and those who ate foods with high carbohydrate have a risk of both cancers.

Health insurer Cigna's profit

CIGNA Corporation, said Friday its third-quarter profit fell 35 percent, as some companies discontinued years ago, managed care companies more hits.

Bloomfield, Connecticut, health insurance company, its net income fell to $ 2 million, or 74 cents a share, as of September 30, three months from a year ago, 307 million, or each shares of $ 1.13, $.

Adjusted gross income per share $ 1.20. Accept the average estimate of analysts polled by FactSet, earnings per share $ 1.23.

Income from a year ago of $ 5.27 billion USD, 5.61 billion U.S. dollars by nearly 7%. Analysts expected revenue of $ NR, billion.

Cigna said the results included in the profit and loss, its guaranteed minimum income benefits and variable annuity death benefits business for a total of $ 1,790,000, or 66 cents per share,. Loss was mainly due to low interest rates and "continuing volatile equity market conditions." In contrast, the total loss, compared with $ 44 million, or 16 cents per share.

In 2000, CIGNA stopped running these companies and their mode, which means that its purpose is not new business. But they can still hurt the company's performance, when the market turns bad, because of their CIGNA's liabilities.

Insurance companies said that in the field of health care, its largest business, members rose slightly to about 11.5 million people.
CIGNA's third-quarter profit fell 35 percent, as companies cut more from some of the hit, but the main part of the revenue growth and has become the latest managed care company forecast 2012 growth.
CIGNA is the fourth largest commercial health insurer based on enrollment. It is operating in the U.S. health care, group disability and life areas, the insurer also has an international division in several countries, sales and operation of personal insurance covers people living outside their home countries of foreign business.

Cigna said earlier this week that it expects 2011 adjusted profit of $ 5.05 to $ 5.30 per share, which is from the previous 4.95 to 5.25 U.S. dollars forecast. Analysts expected $ 5.29 per share annual profit. Bloomfield, Connecticut, health insurance company on Friday said it expects its healthcare members next year to add at least 40 million people.

Chief Executive Officer David Cordani told analysts revenue and earnings per share will grow to 2012, excluding discontinued business or its recently announced $ 380 million acquisition of HealthSpring's CIGNA did not affect earnings in 2012 to provide for the specific Forecast.

Health insurance companies have begun to analysts expect them to report third quarter of next year's number sense, WellPoint company also said it expects earnings growth. Another insurance company, Aetna Inc. said Thursday it expects to at least 2012 to 2012 net income per share $ 4.80, but the company believes that its profit potential on the floor.

The department heads to the 2011 health care reform to a new rule of the uncertainty of the medical loss ratio - in essence, the insurer takes care of the percentage of premiums - will affect their business. The impact of the rule turned out to be easy to manage, the company is moving in 2012 with continued growth in use of health care at a lower interest rate than they expected, which helps their performances.

Aetna Chief Financial Officer Joe Zubretsky said: "We are the prospects for progress here, we are very optimistic," Thursday after his company reported better-than-expected third-quarter 2011 revenue and improve its profit forecast.

CIGNA said Friday its net income fell to $ 2 million, or 74 cents a share, 307 million, or $ 1.13 per share, a year ago, in three months, ended September 30, on.

Adjusted earnings, excluding discontinued one of its loss per share of $ 1.20. Accept the average estimate of analysts polled by FactSet, earnings per share $ 1.23.

Income from a year ago of $ 5.27 billion USD, 5.61 billion U.S. dollars by nearly 7%. Analysts expected revenue of $ NR, billion.

Company's shares fell 14 cents to close at $ 46.63 (Friday).

CIGNA said Friday its third-quarter results included a total loss of 179 million, or 66 cents per share, from the guaranteed minimum income benefits and variable annuity death benefits business, due to low interest rates and stock market volatility. In contrast, the total loss, compared with $ 44 million, or 16 cents per share.

In 2000, CIGNA stopped running these companies and their mode, which means that its purpose is not new business. But they still hurt the company's performance, when the market turns bad, because of their CIGNA's liabilities.

CIGNA is the fourth largest commercial health insurer based on enrollment. It is operating in the U.S. health care, group disability and life areas, the insurer also has an international division in several countries, sales and operation of personal insurance covers people living outside their home countries of foreign business.

The largest segment of the market, health care, insurance premiums and costs fell 3% to $ 3.3 billion, and medical membership rose slightly to about 11.5 million people.

The insurer has said that its international business is an important future source of economic growth. Premiums from the business and expenses increased 33%, to $ 765 million in the quarter.

Cigna also said earlier this week that it expects 2011 adjusted profit of $ 5.05 to $ 5.30 per share, which is from the previous 4.95 to 5.25 U.S. dollars forecast. Analysts expected $ 5.29 per share annual profit.