Public Health and Research News

PLYMOUTH, MN–(Marketwire – October 20, 2010) – November is American Diabetes Month® and Miracle-Ear is joining in a nationwide call to action to involve individuals and organizations in the movement to Stop Diabetes®. Over the next several months, Miracle-Ear will sponsor the American Diabetes Association‘s educational and fundraising events such as walks, bike tours and Association consumer EXPO events. This national strategic partnership will help emphasize the urgency of reducing the devastating impact — including hearing loss — of diabetes.

Today, nearly 24 million U.S. children and adults — nearly 8% of the population — have diabetes, and another 57 million individuals have prediabetes. If current trends continue, one out of every three American children born today will face a future with diabetes. For some high-risk populations, the risk is one in two. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a growing epidemic and is taking a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on our country.

“Simple ‘awareness’ is not enough to change these statistics,” says Rebecca Younk, audiologist for Miracle-Ear. “What we need now is action. Individuals need to make the lifestyle, diet and exercise changes that can help prevent Type 2 diabetes; and we need increased education and outreach about symptoms that can help people seek early treatment before serious complications develop.”

Stop Diabetes is the movement to end the devastating toll that diabetes takes on the lives of millions of individuals and families across our nation. It will inspire and mobilize millions to take up the fight against diabetes.

Miracle-Ear is the first company in the hearing care industry to join the Association as a national strategic partner. Miracle-Ear will support the Stop Diabetes movement in order to shine a spotlight on the hearing-related risks of diabetes, as well as the Association’s education, prevention and treatment initiatives.

“Diabetes doubles your risk of developing a hearing loss,” Younk states. “Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in helping to minimize complications, including hearing loss. Since people with Type 2 diabetes frequently do not display any symptoms, hearing loss may be the first indicator that there may be a problem.”

To focus attention on diabetes and its link to hearing loss, throughout the month of November, all 1,200+ Miracle-Ear locations nationwide will donate $5 toward the Stop Diabetes movement for each Free Hearing Test they conduct — up to a maximum of $50,000. The test measures speech recognition in noise along with loudness discomfort levels; its purpose is to measure the degree of any possible hearing impairment.

“We hope that our involvement with the Stop Diabetes movement will inspire individuals to take meaningful action to Stop Diabetes,” said Younk. The Stop Diabetes movement identifies four primary options that everyone can take: Share your story to inspire others; Act by volunteering and raising funds in your community; Learn the facts about diabetes management, nutrition, lifestyle and prevention; and Give your time and your talents, along with your financial support, to support education, outreach, advocacy and critical research for a cure.

For more information on Miracle-Ear, please visit http://www.miracle-ear.com/. 

About Miracle-Ear
A trusted resource for hearing solutions for over 60 years, Miracle-Ear uses state-of-the-art technology to remove the barriers of hearing loss. The Plymouth, Minn.-based company specializes in customizable hearing solutions that feature discreet, comfortable products designed to meet each individual’s hearing loss needs. Free hearing tests and consultations are available at all of the company’s 1,200 locations across the U.S., many of which are in Sears stores. Franchise opportunities are available for those interested in running their own Miracle-Ear business with the support of a nationwide industry leader. 
For more information, visit www.miracle-ear.com.

IRVINGTON, NY–(Marketwire – October 19, 2010) –  MELA Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: MELA) today announced that the results of the company’s MelaFind^® pivotal trial and pilot reader study have been published in the online edition of the journal Archives of Dermatology. The paper will appear in the February 2011 print edition of the journal.

“We are extremely pleased to see the results of the MelaFind^® pivotal trial reviewed by outside dermatology experts and published in this prestigious medical journal in the field of dermatology,” said Joseph V. Gulfo, MD, President and CEO of MELA Sciences. “We remain diligently focused on preparing for the November 18^th panel meeting where these data will be presented to and discussed with the Food and Drug Administration’s advisors.”

The paper shows that MelaFind’s performance satisfied all primary and secondary sensitivity and specificity endpoints, as defined by the study protocol and a Protocol Agreement between MELA Sciences and the FDA. The Protocol Agreement calls for 95% lower confidence bound on sensitivity to be greater than 95% and for MelaFind^® to be more specific than the study physicians at a p-value of less than 0.05. Since the measured values of sensitivity were very high, the “exact mid-P” statistical method was used to compute the 95% lower confidence bound. Specificity endpoints were based on relative performance of MelaFind^® and investigators, with significance established at p-value less than 0.05.

In order to generate a comparison with dermatologists’ biopsy sensitivity to melanoma, MELA Sciences conducted a parallel pilot readers’ study with 39 other dermatologists who were blinded to the study results. Importantly, the average biopsy sensitivity of the readers was only 80%, and the inter-reader variability was high.

“The pilot reader study found that dermatologists do miss early melanomas,” study author Kenneth Gross, MD, said. “Only 20% of the melanomas in the pilot reader study would have been biopsied by all readers and different readers missed different melanomas. Thus, even though all lesions in the clinical trial were biopsied by the examining dermatologists, many of the melanomas would not have been biopsied by other dermatologists, underscoring the need for an objective tool to aid in the decision to biopsy. We believe that the results of the pivotal trial and the pilot reader study underscore the clinical utility of MelaFind^® as an objective tool to aid clinicians in the detection of early melanoma.”

About MELA Sciences

MELA Sciences is a medical technology company focused on developing MelaFind^®. MelaFind^® is a non-invasive and objective multi-spectral computer vision system designed to aid physicians in the detection of early melanoma from among clinically atypical (those having one or more clinical or historical characteristics of melanoma, such as asymmetry, border irregularity, color variegation, diameter greater than 6 millimeters, evolving, patient concern, regression, and ugly duckling) cutaneous pigmented lesions that are non-ulcerated, not bleeding, and less than 2.2 centimeters in diameter, when a physician chooses to obtain additional information before making a final decision to biopsy to rule out melanoma.

The MelaFind^® Pre-Market Approval (PMA) application was filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2009 and is currently under review at the FDA. MELA Sciences cannot predict either the timing of the FDA’s decision on the PMA application or the outcome. FDA approval is required prior to marketing MelaFind^® in the United States.

For more information on MELA Sciences, visit www.melasciences.com.

Safe Harbor

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include but are not limited to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that contain words such as “expects,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes” and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our beliefs or expectations will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from our beliefs or expectations due to economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory factors.

MISSION, KS–(Marketwire – October 18, 2010) – (Family Features) Only about a third of American women are meeting their fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And that means they are likely missing out on potentially important breast and ovarian health benefits. Along with vitamins, minerals and fiber, fruits and vegetables contain a type of phytonutrient called carotenoids, which research suggests help support women’s health including breast and ovarian health. 

Based on a new report called America’s Phytonutrient Report: Women’s Health by Color, older women have total carotenoid intakes 20 percent greater than younger women after accounting for differences in caloric intake. Similar to the original America’s Phytonutrient Report: Quantifying the Gap which found that on average eight out of 10 American adults are falling short on phytonutrient consumption, the new report revealed a troubling shortfall, this time among women and carotenoids. America’s Phytonutrient Reports are released by The Nutrilite Health Institute, a worldwide collaboration of experts who are dedicated to helping people achieve optimal health — through research, education, and practical, personalized solutions. Nutrilite is the world’s leading brand of vitamin, mineral, and dietary supplements, based on 2008 sales.

Carotenoids are compounds that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors, which research suggests may offer breast, ovarian and other health benefits for women. Using NHANES energy-adjusted data to compare the diets of women 45 years and older with those younger, the report finds that many women of all ages lack carotenoid-rich foods in their diet, but the relative magnitude of the “carotenoid gap” is greater among women less than 45 years old as compared to older women.

“This points to a troubling phenomenon where younger women may be missing some of the benefits of consuming more carotenoid rich fruits and vegetables, and yet calorie for calorie, older women are eating more of these important nutrients,” said Keith Randolph, Ph.D., Technology Strategist for Nutrilite. 

Powering Up Produce
Choosing to increase the amount of the fruit and vegetables richest in carotenoids is important for long-term preventative health among women. While foods like spinach, tomatoes and carrots are certainly part of a healthy diet, there are opportunities for women to choose a wider variety of produce.

“It’s concerning that so many American women lack a variety of carotenoid-rich foods in their regular diets,” says Amy Hendel, Nutrilite’s Phytonutrient Coach. “By selecting the most carotenoid-rich produce choices, women can purposefully increase their carotenoid and phytonutrient intakes which can impact health significantly as they age.”

Hendel, a registered physician assistant and health/wellness expert, offers these easy substitutions to “power up” your plate and add new flavors to your meal plan:

Green: A serving of cooked kale provides triple the amount of lutein/zeaxanthin as a serving of raw spinach.
Red: A serving of guava delivers more than one and a half times the lycopene in a raw tomato.
Yellow/Orange:

• A serving of sweet potatoes has nearly double the beta-carotene as a serving of carrots.
• A serving of carrots delivers four times the amount of alpha-carotene as a serving of winter squash.
• A serving of fresh papaya has roughly 10 times the beta-cryptoxanthin found in an orange.

Hendel adds, a good goal for most individuals is to consume 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, with an emphasis on quality, not just quantity. If this proves challenging, consider a natural, plant-based dietary supplement which includes phytonutrients such as carotenoids.

For more information about Nutrilite Nutritional Supplements and to get more practical tips, visit www.nutrilite.com/color.

CENTERVILLE, MA–(Marketwire – October 18, 2010) –  UV Flu Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: UVFT) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the only air purification medical device to be listed in the Infection Control Segment of the prestigious UK-based opinion and analysis industry publication “Public Service Review.” In this, our second appearance for 2010, the Company offers an informative profile within the magazine as well as a full page back cover advertisement.

The Public Service Review features contributors that include UK and foreign ministers, senior civil servants, experts and academics discussing the latest initiatives and projects along with case studies and comments on best practices affecting public sector initiatives worldwide.

“The spread of airborne bacteria and infectious diseases in the United Kingdom, in some areas, is reaching epidemic levels,” said Jack Lennon, President of UV Flu Technologies. “There is more than a 10% risk of becoming infected by HAI’s, or hospital associated infections, in many of the medical facilities in the United Kingdom, making Infection Control a much more visible issue than it is in this country. Being selected for inclusion by the ‘Review’ as the only laboratory tested device capable of killing these bacterial superbugs is a distinct honor.”

Mr. Lennon continued to say, “There is a great deal of attention in the UK, and in the United States, on the spread of MRSA, a bacteria resistant to antibiotics and estimated to kill tens of thousands of people every year, and in many instances affects people who have been in a medical facility. In fact, over the last 4 weeks an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease in South Wales garnered international attention as three deaths were reported, and a number of people were stricken. The world believed Legionnaires to no longer pose a threat, but experts believe it kills thousands of people yearly through improper diagnosis as pneumonia. The ViraTech UV-400 cost effectively and efficiently kills these airborne bacterial strains, and it was this that led to our inclusion in this particular issue.”

Further details regarding the Company’s business, financial reports and agreements are filed as part of the Company’s continuous public disclosure as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) EDGAR database.

About UV Flu Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: UVFT)
UV Flu Technologies is an innovative developer, manufacturer and distributor of bio technology products initially targeting the rapidly growing Indoor Air Quality (“IAQ”) industry sector. The Company manufactures the ViraTech UV-400, which utilizes high-intensity germicidal ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) inside a killing chamber that goes beyond filtration to destroy harmful airborne bacteria at rates exceeding 99.2% on a first-pass basis. The product also is highly effective in reducing odors and VOC’s, or Volatile Organic Compounds, such as acetone, benzene and formaldehyde. ViraTech UV-400 is a Class II medical device and is available without a prescription. 

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

UV Flu Technologies, Inc.
—————————–
John J. Lennon, President & CEO

Click here to see all recent news from this company

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA–(Marketwire – Oct. 14, 2010) – DiaMedica Inc., (TSX VENTURE:DMA) is pleased to announce positive final results from its previously announced type 1 diabetes study.

The study was designed to observe the potential protective and/or regenerative effects on beta cells (cells from the pancreas that produce insulin) in a widely accepted type 1 diabetes animal model. DiaMedica, in consultation with Dr. Maureen Gannon at Vanderbilt University, has confirmed that DM-99 can increase new beta cells by 1,277% (p<0.01) when administered to diseased animals compared to untreated diseased animals. Beta cell proliferation induced by DM-99 trended to be even greater than replication in non-diseased, untreated control animals.

The increased beta cell proliferation led to physiologically important improvements in the diabetic state. Improvements included the restoration of peak levels of plasma insulin to near normal levels (p<0.05) with positive trends of increase in the levels of both pancreatic and plasma insulin, which led to improved blood glucose clearance in a oral glucose tolerance test with DM-99 treatment. On July 8^th, DiaMedica reported initial results of the study that included a 68% reduction in fasting blood glucose (p<0.05) with DM-99.

“These results are very provocative and would indicate that this compound offers both a level of protection of beta cells in a type 1 diabetes animal model as well as induces their proliferation,” stated Dr. Maureen Gannon, Associate professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism. “Having a therapeutic compound that can either protect or proliferate beta cells is a key requirement for finding a cure for type 1 diabetes so that therapies involved in replacing or regenerating these cells can work long-term. DM-99 appears to be able to perform both of these functions.”

“The ability of DM-99 to significantly increase beta cell replication combined with our earlier data showing the ability of DM-99 to protect against a variety of autoimmune attacks may result in a first in class treatment for type I diabetes”, stated Mr. Rick Pauls, President and CEO of DiaMedica. “We are currently developing DM-199, a novel recombinant and humanized form of DM-99 for commercialization.”

About DiaMedica

DiaMedica is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing drugs with the potential to be broadly applicable in treating large unmet diseases including diabetes, autoimmune disorders and neurological diseases by protecting and proliferating a variety of cells. Two of DiaMedica’s products have demonstrated human efficacy in lowering blood sugar levels in people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes with an excellent safety profile. DiaMedica is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “DMA”.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities legislation (collectively, the “forward-looking statements“). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, DiaMedica’s objectives, goals, targets, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, estimates and outlook, and can, in some cases, be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “may” and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Specifically, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding matters such as, but not limited to, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering, management’s assessment of DiaMedica’s future plans, information with respect to the advancement of DiaMedica’s research and development programs, and DiaMedica’s other estimates and expectations. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: uncertainties and risks related to our research and development programs, the availability of additional financing, risks and uncertainties relating to the anticipated use of proceeds, changes in debt and equity markets, uncertainties related to clinical trials and product development, rapid technological change, uncertainties related to forecasts, competition, potential product liability, additional financing requirements and access to capital, unproven markets, the cost and supply of raw materials, management of growth, effects of insurers’ willingness to pay for products, risks related to regulatory matters and risks related to intellectual property matters.

Additional information about these factors and about the material factors or assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements may be found in the body of this news release, as well as under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in DiaMedica’s 2009 annual information form. DiaMedica cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on DiaMedica’s forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to DiaMedica, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding the availability of additional financing for research and development companies, and general business and economic conditions. These risks and uncertainties should be considered carefully and investors and others should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, DiaMedica cannot provide assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. DiaMedica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

PLANTATION, FL–(Marketwire – October 13, 2010) – For the second year in a row, DentalPlans.com, the top online source for affordable and easy-to-use alternatives to dental insurance, is proud to donate a portion of the firm’s October proceeds to support breast cancer research and awareness. DentalPlans.com is pleased to reaffirm their commitment to women’s health and fund groundbreaking research, education, screening and treatment during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

“As a leader in discount dental plans, our company is fully committed to the well being of our nation’s oral health,” said Buddy Johnson, CEO of DentalPlans.com, Inc. “We are proud to extend our support to raise public awareness and fund life-saving research to ultimately cure this devastating disease.”

In further support of the company’s campaign, DentalPlans.com has provided select network dentists and their staff members with pink dental scrubs and badges inscribed with a pink ribbon and the word ‘hope.’ “Any small thing we can do to eradicate this disease is a huge step forward,” said Dr. Peter Krimsky, who is proudly setting aside the conventional blue scrubs to wear pink ones along with his staff. “We’re raising awareness and prompting our patients to think.”

Dr. Krimsky’s office sees wearing pink as making a difference, one that will one day contribute to the end of the disease. Others are adopting the same thinking and pink is popping up where one might least expect. This year, the National Football League has teamed with the American Cancer Society to feature players, coaches and referees wearing pink apparel in the name of awareness. 

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. One out of eight American women who live to be 85 years of age will develop breast cancer, a risk that was one out of 14 in 1960. Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women, accounting for more than 1 in 4 cancers.

Interviews with DentalPlans.com representatives, members and network dentists are available. For more information about DentalPlans.com and editorial inquiries, please contact Shamin Abas or Elizabeth Rose of Shamin Abas Public Relations at 561.366.1226, [email protected] or [email protected]. 

About DentalPlans.com (www.DentalPlans.com)
DentalPlans.com is dedicated to improving oral health nationwide by making quality dental care affordable and accessible to everyone. DentalPlans.com proudly offers the freedom to choose from an extensive selection of discount dental plans designed to save members money on their dental care needs. With more than 40 years of experience in the dental industry, their devoted team quickly transformed DentalPlans.com into a trusted industry leader and the largest online provider of discount dental plans. Since 1999, DentalPlans.com has offered great value and convenience with an extensive choice of money-saving discount dental plans in one user-friendly website.

Click here to see all recent news from this company

ALEXANDRIA, VA–(Marketwire – October 11, 2010) – The American Diabetes Association launched its first official blog today to help put a face on a disease that kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. The blog, called Diabetes Stops Here: Living with Diabetes; Inspired to Stop It, aims to document the Stop Diabetes® movement by reaching and engaging the 23.6 million Americans living with diabetes as well as the 57 million who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. 

Diabetes Stops Here will provide snap shots of the people who are committed to putting an end to this disease, from inspiring volunteer stories to moving staff experiences to celebrity stories about how to be successful while living with diabetes. The stories, interviews and news will be shared by the blog’s author, a staff member at the American Diabetes Association, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly ten years. 

The Stop Diabetes movement was launched during American Diabetes Month® in November 2009 as a call to action for people to stand up against this disease and its devastating complications. The Association hopes to have one million people join the movement by the end of 2010.

“There have been so many touching moments in the movement to Stop Diabetes since we launched last year,” commented Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association. “People have shared courageous stories of facing their diabetes head on, while others have shared their heart-breaking experiences of losing a loved one because of diabetes. The blog is a new way to raise our collective voices and tell people why we need to Stop Diabetes once and for all.” 

Some of the most vocal diabetes stories come from blogs and other social media platforms which create a broad online community of people who have diabetes or whose loved ones are living with the disease. “By means of this blog,” noted Hausner, “we hope to add our voice to this dialogue and further engage with those who may be well aware of the effects diabetes can have on their lives.”

Today’s first post is titled “Why ‘Stop Diabetes’?” can be found at www.diabetesstopshere.org. This initial post seeks to explain why the Stop Diabetes movement was created and its goal for engaging the public. “The goal of the Stop Diabetes movement is to grow to epic proportions, to be bigger than the disease itself,” the blog explains. “In short, it’s the answer to why the Association does the work that it does.”

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

id=”nav_links”>

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire – October 5, 2010) –  Did you know that birth defects occur in 7 out of every 10,000 live births in the U.S.? And Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect? In honor of October being Spina Bifida Awareness Month, the Spina Bifida Association is asking folks to take a few minutes today and get involved in the awareness month by educating loved ones.

The first question many have: What exactly is Spina Bifida? In short, Spina Bifida happens when the spinal column doesn’t close completely.

And how many births each day are affected? Well, it’s hard to believe, but eight births each day are affected by Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. If you think about it, there are currently over 65 million women in the U.S. who could become pregnant and each one of these ladies is at risk of having a baby born with Spina Bifida. So because Spina Bifida occurs during the first month of pregnancy (that’s even before most women know they’re pregnant!) it is that much more important to take proper precautions to help try to prevent it now. 

Okay. So what type of precautions can help in prevention, you may wonder?  
Although at this time there is no known cause of Spina Bifida, research has shown that if a woman takes 400 mcg of folic acid every day and before she becomes pregnant, she reduces her risk of having a baby with Spina Bifida or another neural tube defect by as much as 70%! That fact is reason enough to encourage women (and men) to get out there this month and spread awareness.

Families with a history of Spina Bifida should take extra dosages of folic acid prior to pregnancy. Hear one mom’s message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qshRfegnGD4

And in honor of October’s Spina Bifida Awareness Month, SBA will also be launching some great new online resources, including:

1. SB University (SBU) (www.sbuniversity.org), a new online educational program featuring taped sessions from the 2010 National Conference as well as monthly live seminars conducted by Spina Bifida medical professionals from around the country. During Awareness Month, SBU will debut new sessions each Monday.

2. SBTween2Teen (www.sbtween2teen.org) a new Web site for tweens and teens with Spina Bifida. Complete with blogs, videos, real stories, fact sheets, and an Ask the Expert feature, the interactive site helps tweens and teens navigate the difficult road to adulthood. There is even a social networking component run through Facebook, allowing tweens and teens to interact with one another and build peer-to-peer relationships!

3. Preparations, a new transition-focused Web site launching in late October allowing parents, caregivers, and clinicians to answer specific questions with regard to a child’s developmental milestones. This tool can even help young adults remedy some transitional challenges.

For even more information, tips and resource, you may visit: www.spinabifidaassociation.org
And be sure to join the Spina Bifida Association on Facebook: www.facebook.com/spina.bifida.learn

The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) serves adults and children who live with the challenges of Spina Bifida. Since 1973, SBA has been the only national voluntary health agency solely dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with Spina Bifida and those whose lives are touched by this challenging birth defect. Its tools are education, advocacy, research, and service. Through its network of chapters, SBA has a presence in more than 125 communities nationwide and touches thousands of people each year. For more information visit: www.spinabifidaassociation.org.

id=”nav_links”>

KANSAS CITY, MO–(Marketwire – October 4, 2010) –  The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation will release several studies over the next month on various aspects of health care. Topics range from a call for a personalized health manifesto to employer-based health insurance effects on business creation and an analysis of the costs and benefits of the health care reform bill’s expanded comparative effectiveness research. Highlights of these studies are outlined below. Please contact us if you are interested in specific reports or would like advance copies.

• The Personalized Health Manifesto. Billed as “an old-fashioned call to arms and action plan for a new age of health care,” the paper says there is a “new urgency for scientists to work together to focus on the whole human organism… and for society to absorb and implement scientific discoveries.” The Manifesto is an outgrowth of a larger study, and it calls on the life science community, policymakers, patients and society at large to take a list of actions to accelerate a transformation to personalized health.

• Is Employer-based Health Insurance a Barrier to Entrepreneurship? This study asks whether employer-based health insurance has a negative effect on business creation by causing “job lock” in which workers may be reluctant to risk health coverage by leaving their jobs to start a company. The study examines the issue from several demographic factors, including gender and age, and raises concerns about how the bundling of health insurance and employment impacts business creation.

• Promoting Comparative Effectiveness Research. This study addresses how to make the new health care reform law’s expansion of the comparative effectiveness research (CER) work best or to cause the least amount of harm. CER is research that attempts to analyze which treatment options are more effective than others in terms of quality and cost. A major focus of this study is on market-oriented, patient-centered approaches for disseminating and implementing CER to enhance health outcomes efficiently while preserving patient choice.

• The New Role of Academia in Drug Development. The process for taking scientific discoveries from university labs to the market is stagnant and faces many obstacles. This paper outlines observations presented at a recent town hall meeting held at the Kauffman Foundation and presents recommendations for policymakers and thought leaders on how new collaboration models will benefit cancer cures and treatments. More information on the town hall meeting can be found here.

About the Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private nonpartisan foundation that works to harness the power of entrepreneurship and innovation to grow economies and improve human welfare. Through its research and other initiatives, the Kauffman Foundation aims to open young people’s eyes to the possibility of entrepreneurship, promote entrepreneurship education, raise awareness of entrepreneurship-friendly policies, and find alternative pathways for the commercialization of new knowledge and technologies. In addition, the Foundation focuses on initiatives in the Kansas City region to advance students’ math and science skills, and improve the educational achievement of urban students, including the Ewing Marion Kauffman School, a college preparatory charter school for middle and high school students set to open in 2011. Founded by late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Foundation is based in Kansas City, Mo. and has approximately $2 billion in assets. For more information, visit www.kauffman.org, and follow the Foundation on Twitter at @kauffmanfdn and Facebook.

Click here to see all recent news from this company

AUSTIN, TX–(Marketwire – October 1, 2010) –  On Saturday, October 2nd, more than 1,000 events throughout the world will take place to mark LIVESTRONG Day, the annual global day of action to celebrate survivorship and work toward a world without cancer.

October 2 also marks the 14^th anniversary of LIVESTRONG founder and chairman, cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis and the beginning of his life as a cancer advocate.

“The fight against cancer doesn’t happen in a lab,” said Armstrong. “It takes place in our homes and communities as families struggle to beat this disease. This year, cancer is projected to become the world’s leading cause of death, claiming more than eight million lives. On LIVESTRONG Day, communities throughout the world will unite to support those living with cancer and call for renewed action by our leaders to combat this global health crisis.” 

More than 1,000 events — from bike rides and “Wear Yellow” initiatives, to bake sales and beyond — will take place in all 50 U.S. states and across 57 countries on LIVESTRONG Day as individuals and communities stand unified in solidarity to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. Events include:

• A glow stick vigil on the Colorado Capitol steps in Denver where supporters will celebrate survivorship and remember lost loved ones
• A group bike ride and cancer awareness event in Boston where participants will pedal to fight cancer
• A 24-hour cycling event in Atlanta where cyclists will raise funds for cancer programs and research
• A Texas/Oklahoma football game watching party at LIVESTRONG headquarters in Austin where LIVESTRONG staff will educate the community about its resources
• A learning and awareness building event at an elementary school in Los Angeles where children will chalk up the playground and share their ideas about what it means to live strong

LIVESTRONG has also partnered with Nike to raise cancer awareness at the Red River Rivalry football game in Dallas featuring The University of Texas at Austin versus The University of Oklahoma. Fans will perform a cancer-focused card stunt sponsored by Nike during the game. The stunt will create a memorable experience for fans and help unite them in the fight against cancer.

LIVESTRONG and RadioShack are further raising cancer awareness on LIVESTRONG Day by enlisting the help of supporters through Facebook and Twitter. On October 2, for every person who adds the number “28” to their Facebook and Twitter profile pictures to support the 28 million cancer survivors around the world, RadioShack will donate $1 to LIVESTRONG up to $100,000.

RadioShack will also unveil a giant digital rendition of the “Team 28 Mosaic” in New York’s Times Square on LIVESTRONG Day for one day only. The mosaic is based on the iconic photograph of Lance taken at the final stage of the 2010 Tour de France. The Team 28 Mosaic is comprised of photos of all the Facebook and Twitter supporters who have tagged their profile photos with the Team 28 symbol (see #team28 or http://twb.ly/team-28 via Twitter). Video of the billboard at Times Square’s Military Island will be streamed live online during the day at http://team28.RadioShack.com, allowing supporters to view larger-than-life profile images on the digital mosaic as they are added.

Supporters are also encouraged to wear yellow, the universally recognized symbol of the fight against cancer, with Lance on LIVESTRONG Day to join in a global statement of strength and courage and show support for cancer survivors around the world. More than 7,000 people have already committed to wearing yellow on LIVESTRONG Day.

The impact of cancer around the globe is growing every day. The American Cancer Society and LIVESTRONG recently joined together to release a first-of-its-kind study on the economic cost of all causes of death globally, including cancer and other noncommunicable diseases and communicable diseases. The data from this study revealed that cancer has the most devastating economic impact of any cause of death in the world, costing the global economy nearly a trillion dollars a year.

LIVESTRONG Day is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to work toward the common goal of ensuring that cancer survivors around the world have the information, resources and support they need to live with strength and dignity.

“Today we have a powerful opportunity to change the way people think about cancer,” said Doug Ulman, LIVESTRONG President and CEO. “Every single person who joins the fight against cancer brings us closer to our goal of a world free from the disease.”

To learn more, visit www.LIVESTRONG.org.

About LIVESTRONG
Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and based in Austin, Texas, LIVESTRONG fights for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Known for the iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG‘s mission is to inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA–(Marketwire – October 1, 2010) –  NVISION Laser Eye Centers, formerly part of TLC Laser Eye Centers, announced today that Dr. Tom Tooma has been selected by Goldline Research as one of the leading Laser Eye Surgeons of the United States for 2010. The list of leading Laser Eye Surgeons of the United States was published this week in Forbes Magazine.

“It is a great honor to be selected by Goldline Research and to receive this distinction as one of only ten LASIK surgeons to be listed in Forbes Magazine in 2010,” said Dr. Tom Tooma, the Medical Director for NVISION Laser Eye Centers, formerly part of TLC Laser Eye Centers, and renowned eye surgeon who has performed more than 100,000 vision correction procedures.

“There are more than 10,000 laser eye surgeons in the United States. The practices that we selected provide outstanding patient care that exceeds the industry standard,” said Victoria Coryelle, Analyst, Goldline Research. “We believe that these practices are setting the benchmarks for patient service for the industry as a whole.”

Goldline Research, an independent, third-party research firm specializing in evaluating special services firms, undertook an extensive research process, including individual company interviews, qualitative analysis of company data and customer reference checks to determine high-quality patient care. Dr. Tom Tooma, NVISION Laser Eye Centers, was the only practice chosen in California due to his remarkable service and overall patient satisfaction in the industry.

About NVISION Laser Eye Centers
NVISION Laser Eye Centers, formerly part of TLC Laser Eye Centers, has eight locations throughout Southern California from San Diego to Camarillo. With more than 1,300 eye doctors who refer their patients and trust their own eyes to NVISION affiliate surgeons, we are the Eye Doctors’ #1 Choice, and serve the counties of San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura and San Bernardino. For more information, visit our new web site at www.NVISIONCenters.com or call 1-877-91NVISION (1-877-916-8474).

Click here to see all recent news from this company

SILVER SPRING, MD–(Marketwire – October 1, 2010) –  The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is proud to announce the dedication of the new comprehensive New Mexico public health laboratory. On September 29, 2010, the New Mexico Scientific Laboratory Division dedicated their beautiful, state-of-the-art facility which will double their space and greatly expand testing capabilities.

“This new laboratory is the crown jewel of state government,” said Arturo L. Jaramillo, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico General Services Department.

A LEED-certified green facility, this cutting edge laboratory boasts accreditations by numerous agencies. For the first time, the New Mexico public health laboratory will have onsite training facilities. Agreements have already been finalized with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to do Laboratory Response Network (LRN) training, the Food and Drug Administration for their dairy analyst training, and the University of New Mexico law school to teach new judges the scientific methods of DWI testing.

“It takes a special laboratory to help shape the future — a specially equipped facility staffed with highly qualified and trained experts, one like the laboratory here,” said APHL’s Executive Director, Scott Becker who attended the dedication. “Who knows — this new space could uncover the clues of some of our most pressing public health issues.”

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the New Mexico public health laboratory. From its origin in 1920 with one visionary employee in a one-room facility, the new building will house state-of-the-art clinical, environmental and forensic analytical services in support of public health across the state and nation.

Press tours of the new public health laboratory will take place on Friday, October 1, 2010.

The Association of Public Health Laboratories is a national non-profit located in Silver Spring, MD, that is dedicated to working with members to strengthen governmental laboratories with a public health mandate. By promoting effective programs and public policy, APHL strives to provide public health laboratories with the resources and infrastructure needed to protect the health of US residents and to prevent and control disease globally.

Click here to see all recent news from this company

PERTH, AUSTRALIA–(Marketwire – September 29, 2010) –  After three years of collaborative research involving patients from The Busselton Health Study, drug discovery company Proteomics International announced the identification and analytical validation of 13 protein biomarkers for a significant complication of diabetes — diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease). In a presentation at the Human Proteome Organisation’s World Congress in Sydney, Australia, Dr. Richard Lipscombe, Managing Director of Proteomics International, revealed the findings that could benefit many of the 250 million people worldwide who have diabetes.

“Applying our uniquely accredited proteomics biomarker expertise to patient samples (plasma) from the Busselton Health Study and the Fremantle Diabetes Study allowed us to analyze three well characterized clinical cohorts of selected disease groups (adults who had Type II diabetes and diabetic nephropathy),” said Dr. Lipscombe. “The protein biomarkers that we found could now allow for the prediction of those patients who would progress to the development of kidney disease and provide new targets for drug therapies that prevent the onset of this serious complication.“

Proteomics International is actively seeking partners to further qualify and commercialize its patented diabetes biomarker portfolio.

The protein biomarker discovery and validation approach included the analysis of pooled plasma samples for differential protein expression, i.e. proteins that are found at different levels in the diabetic disease state relative to the normal diabetic state. Candidate biomarkers were identified from iTRAQ labelled samples by 2D-LC MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry, an emerging technique in proteomics. This discovery phase identified 130-200 proteins per cohort and across all studies over 50 proteins showed significant differences in concentrations. Biomarker candidates were validated in a second approach using the advanced mass spectrometry technique Selected or Multiple Reaction Monitoring (SRM/MRM) to carry out concentration analysis on individual patient plasma samples. Statistical data analysis of the validation phase identified 13 putative protein biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy across the studies, including proteins involved in metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress. The complexity of the diabetic kidney disease suggests that there would not necessarily be one biomarker but a set of biomarkers (signature) in varying degrees to characterize the diabetic nephropathy state. These biomarkers can be used as diagnostic tools or new drug targets.

About Proteomics International Pty Ltd
Proteomics International is both a drug discovery company and contract research service provider. Proteomics International combines the most advanced high throughput mass spectrometry instrumentation (MALDI TOF-TOF and LC-MS/MS) and a team of qualified scientists with proven expertise in protein and peptide chemistry. Proteomics International is the only company globally to achieve laboratory accreditation to International Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for provision of proteomics services. The accreditation is a widely used benchmark for US Federal testing facilities and strengthens the company’s licensing position to deliver drug development data that is of the highest scientific integrity. The company has two focal research activities: new peptide drugs from venoms, and the discovery and use of biomarkers; both analyses build upon its proprietary transformative Bioven process.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN–(Marketwire – September 28, 2010) – Sunlight Research™ — The Source for Patent Analysis www.SunlightResearch.com, today announced the October 6, 2010 release of its Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Patent Report analyzing this important stem cell technology segment. 

Stem cells have the remarkable potential to replace and rejuvenate injured, diseased and aging tissues. With the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies, differentiated cells with the exact genetic and immunological properties of a selected patient’s cells can be reprogrammed to be stem cells, thereby eliminating problems of immunological rejection and viral contamination.

“Induced pluripotent stem cells may be developed for treatment of a multitude of diseases, including cardiovascular and neurological conditions” says Robin A. Chadwick, PhD, JD, a patent attorney and lead author of Sunlight’s iPSC Patent Report. “In addition, iPSCs can end long waiting periods for organ transplants, and the use of immunosuppression drugs in transplant recipients. The process,” she explains, “could be as simple as mixing a few cells from a patient with a [patented] cocktail of biological molecules, letting the cells grow up, and then injecting them into the patient.”

Daniel A. Halpern, President of Sunlight Research, noted that “iPSCs represent a real game-changing technology, and one of the most exciting segments of the rapidly growing stem cell market.” The overall global stem cell market is projected to reach $2.6 billion by 2012, and to exceed $5.1 billion by 2014, according to estimates by Business Insights, a market research firm. Other estimates show considerably larger global market forecasts. “The gold rush is on,” Mr. Halpern added, “and many businesses and research institutions are staking claims to various aspects of iPSC technology, as evidenced by patent filings and issuances. Our mission is to shed light on these boundary-setting activities so that all stakeholders can make better decisions.” 

Webinar October 6, 2010
The webinar, which will be webcast live from the World Stem Cell Summit in Detroit, is scheduled for 12:00pm EDT on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 and will highlight key findings of Sunlight’s comprehensive claims-level analysis of the iPSC patent landscape, including issued patents and pending patent applications. Registration and report details are available online at iPSC Patent Report.

About Sunlight Research, LLC
Sunlight Research™ is the premier source for up-to-date Reports, Webinars and Educational Events concerning Patent Claims Coverage, Intellectual Property Market Research, Non-Practicing Entity (“Troll”) Patent Reports and Interactive Freedom-To-Operate databases. Sunlight provides timely, in-depth and actionable patent analyses that are easily accessible and cost effective. A key feature of many Sunlight reports is an interactive freedom-to-operate tool, which allows customers to rapidly test various product designs for infringement against relevant patents. Sample reports are available at www.SunlightResearch.com

Register Today
iPSC Patent Report.

About the World Stem Cell Summit
The summit will attract more than 1,000 attendees from 30 nations, 60 exhibitors and more than 200 endorsing organizations and media partners. The largest and most comprehensive multi-track stem cell conference, the Summit features more than 150 international speakers and 50 hours of in-depth science, business and society presentations. www.worldstemcellsummit.com.

Keywords: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, iPSCs, stem cell patent, biotech, biotechnology, world stem cell summit, claims, transplants

Click here to see all recent news from this company

CENTERVILLE, MA–(Marketwire – September 22, 2010) –  UV Flu Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: UVFT) (the “Company”) announced today that in response to recent outbreaks of drug resistant superbugs such as NDM-1, and persistent occurrences of highly contagious strains of bacteria such as MRSA, the Company is implementing a national campaign to inform the public how its ViraTech UV-400 indoor air purifier significantly helps reduce exposure risks.

Dr. Wladyslaw Jan Kowalski, PE, Phd, a world leading expert on the bacteria killing efficacy of ultraviolet light, recently commented on the UV-400: “Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) destroys bacteria by damaging the nucleic acids and thereby preventing reproduction. Multidrug-resistant microbes (superbugs) may have resistance to antibiotics but they remain as susceptible to ultraviolet radiation as any normal bacteria variant. The number of multidrug resistant microbes has been increasing, apparently due to overuse of antibiotics and other factors, and is expected to pose a serious challenge to health care facilities in the future as treatment options diminish.”

Dr. Kowalski further added, “The ViraTech UV-400 model air cleaner has a demonstrated ability to disinfect air and inactivate a wide range of bacterial pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella as has been conclusively demonstrated in independent laboratory tests. The UV-400 produces a germicidal UV exposure dose of 41 J/m², as independently verified by biodosimetric testing, which is sufficient to reduce pathogenic bacterial populations by at least 99%. This disinfection rate will apply regardless of the multidrug resistance of bacteria such as those that may contain the NDM-1 enzyme (the superbug gene). The ViraTech UV-400 unit provides a viable option for health care facilities struggling to cope with the growing problem of multidrug resistant organisms and this technology can serve as an adjunct to existing infection management procedures and disinfection protocols wherever the potential exists for microorganisms to spread by the airborne route.”

“Our Company receives reports from around the world on an almost daily basis about the growing problems connected with the spread of these increasingly drug resistant bacterial strains,” said Jack Lennon, President of UV Flu Technologies. “Antibiotics have become so pervasive in today’s medical therapies, that not only are they becoming less effective, but their overuse is increasingly being considered as part of the problem. Drug-resistant superbugs have now been found in 20 states, as well as worldwide, and when they hit the critically ill, they can be fatal 30-60% of the time. In one recent incident at an infant ward at the University College Hospital in London, 15 babies in the unit were found to be carrying several types of bacteria, including 13 who had bacterial superbugs resistant to treatment. Of four babies seriously infected, one survived.”

“So that the public can participate in actions to help reduce the spread of these strains, the Company has committed to advertising, including television and other media in order to educate consumers and to offer help where needed,” said Mr. Lennon. “We are looking to develop a plan to offer our UV-400 indoor air quality units either free or at significantly discounted costs to those schools and hospitals that suffer from serious outbreaks. We hope to partner with institutions which are genuinely interested in working with us in order to develop an action plan for their facilities. For those with respiratory problems or weakened immune systems, hospital or institution acquired bacterial infections can prove deadly. We believe our product delivers an immediate, effective and proven ability to kill at least 99% of airborne bacteria thereby reducing the risk of infection.”

Further details regarding the Company’s business, financial reports and agreements are filed as part of the Company’s continuous public disclosure as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) EDGAR database.

About UV Flu Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: UVFT)
UV Flu Technologies is an innovative developer, manufacturer and distributor of bio technology products initially targeting the rapidly growing Indoor Air Quality (“IAQ”) industry sector. The Company manufactures the ViraTech UV-400, which utilizes high-intensity germicidal ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) inside a killing chamber that goes beyond filtration to destroy harmful airborne bacteria at rates exceeding 99.2% on a first-pass basis. VIRATECH UV-400 is a Class II medical device and is available without a prescription. 

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

UV Flu Technologies, Inc.
—————————–
John J. Lennon, President & CEO

Click here to see all recent news from this company