Michael J Fox says he supports all Congressional candidates who are in favor of stem cell research. Michael Fox, 45, who has been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease since his diagnosis in 1991, has appeared in campaign adverts which show him rocking uncontrollably as he addresses the camera. He has become a powerful weapon for Democrat election candidates.

In one TV advert for candidate Claire McCaskill, Fox says “What you do in Missouri matters to millions of Americans. Americans like me.” He plans to appear at events for other candidates.

President George Bush, as well as several religious leaders, are against embryonic stem cell research. On the other hand, polls suggest the majority of Americans are in favor of it.

Most scientists say stem cell research could go a long way towards finding an effective treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, as well as countless other illnesses. Michael Fox, a celebrity, with Parkinson’s Disease, and comparatively young, is expected to have an enormous impact on voters.

See Advert (McCaskill for Missouri TV ad – youtube)

Comment by Editor of blog

I can’t understand why the ads focus on stem cell research generally. Isn’t the issue in the USA just with Embryonic Stem Cell Research, not Adult Stem Cell Research?

AARP today sent a letter to Congressional leaders and all House and Senate offices encouraging lawmakers to enact moratoria on all seven of the proposed regulations. Here is the letter:

Dear Leaders:

On behalf of AARP’s nearly 40 million members, we urge you to act quickly to enact a moratorium on all seven regulations proposed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) which would severely cut federal Medicaid funding.

We support sound policies to address fraud, waste and abuse in this vital safety net program that one in six Americans rely on for health and long-term care. However, the regulations go far beyond reasonable program integrity goals and instead would shift costs for many legitimate and necessary services to states and individuals.

While the Administration says that these cuts total $15 billion over 5 years, state Medicaid directors estimate the impact to be nearly $50 billion over the same time period. Many states will be unable to cover this cost shift and may have little choice but to deny needed care to the most vulnerable among us.

Particularly troubling to AARP is the interim final case management rule that will impede efforts to move people out of institutions and into home and community-based services that most of us prefer and that are often more cost effective. Together, all seven of the proposed regulations pose an unconscionable threat to people who cannot afford the health and long-term care that they need.

Both the House and Senate have voted with bipartisan, veto-proof majorities in favor of a moratorium on all seven regulations. We therefore urge you to act now, despite veto threats, to delay implementation of these regulations and allow time to revise them to avoid harmful cost shifting to states and our most vulnerable citizens.

Sincerely,

David P. Sloane
Senior Vice President
Government Relations and Advocacy
www.aarp

If you’re over 55 and have spent more than a few sleepless nights, you’re not alone — insomnia affects about half of all people over 55 — but you may also be at increased risk for physical and mental ailments.

Many older adults don’t get enough restorative sleep, leading to serious health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, memory problems and increased rates of depression. Unfortunately, current sleeping pills are associated with memory problems, a risk for falls, dependency, withdrawal symptoms and disturbed sleeping patterns.

Circadin, a new drug developed at Tel Aviv University by Prof. Nava Zisapel, a chemist and neurobiologist from TAU’s George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, may help America’s aging baby boomers get the much-needed sleep they need. Recent results from Prof. Zisapel’s research with Circadin appear in the Journal of Sleep Research and are reviewed in Aging Health.

How the Body Tells Time

Prof. Zisapel’s research centers on the hormone melatonin, which affects the way our biological functions differentiate between day and night. “As we age, the melatonin hormone signal weakens,” says Prof. Zisapel. “As a result, our bodies and brains feel less difference between day and night.”

Exacerbating the effect of low melatonin levels, aging people tend to sleep in a less organized fashion than younger people, Prof. Zisapel explains. “People are sleeping in front of the TV, or nodding off during conversations, and taking long afternoon naps. This leads to less sleep at night. In a way, their sleep habits become more like babies’, and less like those of healthy adults who sleep in consolidated periods during the night.”

Mimicking the profile of nighttime melatonin found in our bodies, Circadin replenishes the much-needed hormone, which declines steadily with age. Clinical trials in the United States and Europe found that Circadin improves sleep quality and morning alertness, and helps those 55 and over get a better night’s sleep.

Her new drug therapy “improves sleep and daytime vigilance, helping to re-organize the circadian system, the body’s internal clock,” Prof. Zisapel says. Added benefits include more normalized blood pressure and blood sugar levels at night. The formulation also has a profound effect on the blind, whose biological clock is disturbed because they can’t see light, a trigger for synchronizing with the external day/night cycle.

Advice for Sound Sleep Hygiene

Until Circadin is available in the United States, there are some simple steps seniors can take to get a good night’s sleep, Prof. Zisapel says. Spending a couple of hours outdoors every day can help. Sipping lattes on a cafe patio (away from direct sunlight) can be pleasurable, and increases the exposure to natural light from the blue-green spectrum. Experiencing a full spectrum of light during the day could also be beneficial, as is routine exercise and avoiding daytime naps and sleeping in front of the TV.

###

Prof. Zisapel is the past director of the Adams Brain Research Center at Tel Aviv University and is the Chief Scientific Officer of Neurim Pharmaceuticals, a company commercializing the technology and licensing it from Ramot, the technology transfer arm of Tel Aviv University. The new drug is currently available in Europe, and is expected to be in the United States by next year.

American Friends of Tel Aviv University (aftau/) supports Israel’s largest and most comprehensive center of higher learning. It is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in science, biomedical studies, and social science, and rated one of the world’s top 200 universities overall. Internationally recognized for the scope and groundbreaking nature of its research programs, Tel Aviv University consistently produces work with profound implications for the future.

Source: George Hunka

American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Riders across the country will take to the streets on Friday, May 15 in celebration of National Bike to Work Day. In support of their efforts and enthusiasm, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers tips for reducing the risk of bicycle-related injury through proper bike fit.

APTA member Erik Moen, PT, CSCS, a Seattle-based “Elite Level” coach through the United States Cycling Federation, says, “The first thing I ask of any patient complaining of bicycling-related pain is to bring the bicycle in to check for a proper fit. In most instances, a poor bike fit is the root of their problem.”

Moen, who races on the road in cyclocross and in a cycling arena called a velodrome, says that the most common bike fit errors include saddle heights that are either too high or too low, handlebar reach that is either too long or too short, and misalignments of the pedal and shoe. He recommends cyclists do the following to ensure proper bike fit:

Seat/Saddle. Be sure the seat, or saddle, is level. If you are sliding too far forward from a forward-tilting saddle then too much weight is being placed on your hands, arms, and lower back. If the seat is tilted backwards then you may place undue strain on your lower back and possibly experience saddle-related pain. A physical therapist can measure proper saddle height by measuring knee angle at the most extended position of the knee in common pedaling.

The saddle should also be a comfortable distance from the handlebars. If it is too close then extra weight will be placed on the mid-back and arms; too far away and extra strain will be placed on the lower back and neck.

Handlebars. Handlebar position will affect hand, shoulder, neck, and back comfort. The higher the handlebars, the more weight will be placed on the saddle. Generally, taller riders should have lower handlebars in relation to the height of the saddle. According to Moen, “Proper handlebar position allows for shoulders to roughly make a 90 degree angle between the humerus and trunk.” Trunk angle for the road bike cyclist is 25-35 degrees and for comfort/recreational riding is 35-90 degrees. Moen notes that riders should re-examine their bicycle fit after bad falls or crashes, due to possible re-orientation of handlebars, brakehoods, cleats, or the saddle.

Knee to Pedal. A physical therapist can also measure the angle of the knee to the pedal. The closer the angle is to 35 degrees, the better function the cyclist will have and with less stress on the knee. For the road cyclist, the angle should be 30-35 degrees. The recreational cyclist should have a 35-45 degree angle.

Foot to Pedal. The ball of the foot should be positioned over the pedal spindle for the best leverage, comfort, and efficiency, Moen notes. A stiff-soled shoe is best for comfort and performance.

“Pedaling is a skilled activity that requires aerobic conditioning,” Moen says. “You should make it your goal to work toward pedaling at 80-90 revolutions per minute (advanced at 90-105 rpm). Pedaling at this rate will lessen your chance of injury.”

Physical Condition

“Good flexibility of the hamstrings, quadriceps, and gluteal muscles is crucial because these muscles generate the majority of the pedaling force and must ideally move through the pedal-stroke at 80-90 revolutions per minute.” He adds, “Proper stretching, balance, and flexibility exercises help with coordination of cycling-related skills such as breaking and cornering.” Moen also cautions that changes in riders’ strength and flexibility affect the ability to attain certain positions on the bicycle and also may require them to re-examine their bike fit.

Moen points to bicycle accessories on the market-such as softer handlebar tape, shock absorbers for the seat post and front fork, cut-out saddles, and wider tires-that help to bring comfort to the sport. “Cycling should be about enjoyment, not pain,” concludes Moen. “Proper bicycle fit will minimize discomfort and possible overuse injury, maximize economy, and ensure safe bicycle operation. Proper bicycle fit will make your ride a lot more pleasurable.”

Tips for avoiding bike-related injuries follow this press release. APTA’s online brochure, “Bike Right, Bike Fit” can be found in the “consumer tips” section of APTA’s consumer Web site, moveforwardpt.

APTA’s Tips For Avoiding Bike Fit Related Injuries

Postural Tips

- Change hand position on the handlebars frequently for upper body comfort.
- Keep a controlled but relaxed grip of the handlebars.
- When pedaling, your knee should be slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Avoid rocking your hips while pedaling.

Common Bicycling Pains

- Anterior (Front) Knee Pain. Possible causes are having a saddle that is too low, pedaling at a low cadence (speed), using your quadriceps muscles too much in pedaling, misaligned bicycle cleat for those who use clipless pedals, and muscle imbalance in your legs (strong quadriceps and weak hamstrings).

- Neck Pain. Possible causes include poor handlebar or saddle position. A poorly placed handlebar might be too low, at too great a reach, or at too short a reach. A saddle with excessive downward tilt can be a source of neck pain.

- Lower Back Pain. Possible causes include inflexible hamstrings, low cadence,using your quadriceps muscles too much in pedaling, poor back strength, and too long or too-low handlebars.

- Hamstring Tendinitis. Possible causes are inflexible hamstrings, high saddle, misaligned bicycle cleat for those who use clipless pedals, and poor hamstring strength.

- Hand Numbness or Pain. Possible causes are short-reach handlebars, poorly placed brake levers, and a downward tilt of the saddle.

- Foot Numbness or Pain. Possible causes are using quadriceps muscles too much in pedaling, low cadence, faulty foot mechanics, and misaligned bicycle cleat for those who use clipless pedals.

- Ilio-Tibial Band Tendinitis. Possible causes are too-high saddle, leg length difference, and misaligned bicycle cleat for those who use clipless pedals.

Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery or the side effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a physician referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can treat and find a physical therapist in your area at moveforwardpt

Source
American Physical Therapy Association

The University of Utah Genetic Science Learning Center Web sites that have brought millions of viewers fascinating animations of the size and scale of cells, drug-addicted mice, and other captivating lessons in genetics, have been honored by the journal Science with the first Science Prize for Online Resources in Education (SPORE) Award.

The Web sites, one for students and others to learn about genetics (learn.genetics.utah.edu/) and another for science teachers (teach.genetics.utah.edu), provide information about everything from DNA to stem cells to the genetics of drug addiction in a way that is understandable, relevant, and entertaining. The Web sites were nominated for the SPORE Award by high school science teachers from various areas of the country. After two rounds of judging against other Web sites, the Genetic Science Learning Center’s sites were chosen as the winners.

Louisa A. Stark, Ph.D., director of the Genetic Science Learning Center, said receiving the first SPORE Award is a special honor, made even more so because the Web sites were nominated by teachers. “They are the gatekeepers to the classroom, so we’re very honored when they say our Web sites are worthy of this award.”

In an essay published Jan. 22 in Science, Stark and the center’s associate director Kevin Pompei, say the explosion in genetic knowledge has led to advancements in personalized medicine, stem cell treatments, and genetic testing. But these advancements mean the public must be prepared to make informed decisions regarding genomic-related health care, research, and even genetically modified foods. “Our goal in developing these Web sites has been to make genetics and genomics easy for everyone to understand,” they write.

Stark and Pompei were asked to pen the essay to describe the vision and philosophy that drive the Web sites’ content.

Science is published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which was founded in 1848 and is the world’s largest general scientific society. Monica Bradford, executive editor of Science, said the journal was “thrilled with the quality of educational resources” developed by the Genetic Science Learning Center staff.

The Genetic Science Learning Center Web sites have been honored before. In 2003 and 2004 Scientific American named the center’s main Web site, learn.genetics.utah.edu, one of the top 50 Internet sites.

This past fall, an interactive animation on the center’s Web sites, “Cell Size and Scale,” went viral on the Internet, generating 270 hits a second and becoming linked to more than 20,000 other Web sites. The animation features a zoom function that allows viewers to see the relative size of things ranging from a coffee bean to the flu virus to a carbon atom. At one point, the animation was receiving more hits than the Facebook homepage.

Another feature of the Web sites, “Using Family History to Improve Health,” was featured in the Gene Screen movie festival sponsored by the Genetic Alliance, an international advocacy group committed to transforming health through genetics, according to the groups’ Web site.

The Genetic Science Learning Center is part of the U of U’s Department of Human Genetics. Department chair Lynn B. Jorde, Ph.D., lauded Stark and her staff for bringing credit to the University and the center. “It’s very important that we educate the general public about human genetics and about science in general,” Jorde said. “Louisa Stark and the Genetic Science Learning Center staff are internationally recognized leaders in this effort. This award is very well deserved.”

The center has a staff of 12, who have a unique combination of science degrees, elementary- and secondary-level teaching experience, and technology expertise. All of the Web sites’ features are produced in-house. In designing the sites, the center draws on science teachers from inner city, rural, and urban areas nationwide.

Currently, more than 1 million visitors a month are visiting the Web sites’ 500 pages, according to Stark. This translates to more than 50,000 visitors per day and 250,000 page views on peak days.

Source:
Phil Sahm
University of Utah Health Sciences

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson has launched a dual private and public blood bank of umbilical cord blood as a source
of stem cells to help treat donors or their families and other people who might need it.

Sir Richard said in a BBC radio interview earlier today that he got the idea for the project a number of years ago when he was visited by a senior director
of the National Blood Centre asking for his support in a charitable role because children were dying through lack of umbilical cord blood.

Initially Sir Richard offered 3 million pounds to the National Health Service to help them increase their storage capacity for umbilical cord blood, but this
was not something the NHS was comfortable with, accepting funds from private sources. So Sir Richard decided to set up a company to do the job.

On the BBC Radio 4 programme Sir Richard outlined his plan to set up a commercial enterprise within the Virgin group of companies to store and sell cord
blood. He said that the profits of the company would go to a charity to be set up to help groups, particularly ethnic minorities, who have difficulty
sourcing cord blood because there are not enough samples that match them.

Other companies are already offering cord blood storage on a commercial basis, and thousands of UK couples have used them. The cost of storing a batch of
cord blood is in the range of 1,500 pounds.

The Virgin scheme however would be unique because “we will take an individual’s cord blood and we will divide it in two,” said Sir Richard, and added that
“part of it will go into a national blood centre that anybody can get access to. And the other half will be put aside for the child.”

Cord blood, which is “harvested” just after the baby is born, is a rich source of stem cells which can be used to treat serious and life threatening diseases
such as leukaemia.

Some experts are predicting that storage of stem cells in this way could one day help treat the donor, or close matched patients, for degenerative diseases that they
might suffer from much later in their lives such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Some people are saying that while the idea of collecting cord blood is a worthwhile one and no-one wants to deny a person, especially a child, the
opportunity for life saving treatment, one also needs to take into account the practicalities of how to collect cord blood without interfering unduly with
the process of labour and giving birth.

Cord blood is collected in two ways. One way is while the placenta is still in the uterus just after the baby has been delivered (in-utero)
and the other way is just after the placenta has been delivered (ex-utero) where it is placed in a special cradle with the umbilical cord hanging down to
make it easy to withdraw the 75 centilitres or so of blood that is necessary for a viable sample.

The National Health Service currently takes about 2,000 donations a year from mothers who want to donate cord blood to help others.

Once treated as a waste product of birth, cord blood is now considered an important resource, and numbers of private and and public sector cord blood banks
have been increasing since the late 1990s, both in the UK and the US.

Cord blood transplants have successfully treated a number of blood and immune system diseases, for instance leukaemia and Fanconi’s anaemia, a rare genetic
disease associated with a range of bone growth disorders including short stature, tumours and bone marrow failure.

Virgin Health Bank

More information on Stem Cells (NIH, US)

American Association of Blood Banks

: Catharine Paddock
Writer: blog

Building upon a series of successful preclinical studies, researchers at MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) have announced the beginning of a Phase 1 clinical trial, testing the safety and activity of a human monoclonal antibody they developed that can neutralize the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

The first volunteer received the antibody known as MBL-HCV1 on July 28, 2009, and the study is now proceeding and will eventually involve 30 healthy subjects in a dose-escalation trial expected to conclude later this year. “We are pleased that this program has now entered the clinical trial phase,” said Donna Ambrosino, MD, executive director of MassBiologics and a professor of pediatrics at the Medical School. “This trial will test the safety of the antibody and measure its activity in the subjects. This will help us determine the useful dose and other parameters as we plan for the next step in this program, which will be a Phase 2 study in liver transplant patients.”

HCV attacks the liver and can eventually lead to liver failure. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3.2 million Americans are chronically infected with HCV and some 10,000 die annually of the disease. Globally, as many as 170 million people are estimated to suffer from HCV infection. For the most serious cases of HCV that do not respond to antiviral drugs, liver transplantation is the only option.

HCV is the leading indication for liver transplantation, diagnosed in about half of the 6,000 liver transplants done each year in the United States. Transplantation can be a life-saving treatment; however, in nearly all cases the patient’s new liver is eventually infected by HCV because the virus remains in the patient’s bloodstream during surgery. The powerful antiviral drugs now used to attack HCV prior to end-stage liver failure are not routinely used during surgery due to the patients’ weakened condition and because of the strong medication that must be used to prevent the body from rejecting the new liver. After re-infection with HCV, nearly 40 percent of patients suffer rapid liver failure, with markedly reduced survival rates.

To close that clinical gap, the new antibody developed at MassBiologics is designed to be a therapy shortly before and after transplant surgery. By giving a patient the new antibody before and during the time when the donor liver is implanted, researchers hope the HCV virus left in the bloodstream will be neutralized and rendered unable to infect the new liver. Then, because monoclonal antibodies are highly specific and typically have little or no side-effects, additional dosages of the new antibody could, theoretically, be given immediately after transplant surgery to continue neutralizing any remaining virus.

It is also possible, researchers theorize, that the antibody could be used in combination with new antiviral drugs for treatment in patients with newly diagnosed HCV infection. “There is still more work to be done, but we are encouraged by the progress of this program to date,” Dr. Ambrosino noted. “And we are grateful to the people who have volunteered to participate in this Phase 1 study. These subjects’ participation will help others and advance the cause of human health.”

Source:
Michael Cohen

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Almost half (48%) of statin-treated patients are not meeting target levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), according to the results of a new international study, conducted by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited and presented today at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress in Barcelona, Spain.1 Additionally, nearly three-quarters (73%) of the same patients had at least one lipid abnormality across LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels.1 In a separate UK survey, results have also shown a need for improving education of the public around how to proactively manage their lipid levels.2

The DYSlipidemia International Study (DYSIS) was a large study involving 22,000 statin-treated patients, extending across 12 countries in Europe and Canada. 28 centres were involved from the UK.1 Patients were aged 45 and older, had been on statin-treatment for three months or more, and had other cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of premature CV disease or had coronary heart disease, among others.1 The study assessed the prevalence of LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels according to lipid goals in ESC guidelines.1

The DYSIS results showed that even in those patients reaching their LDL-C target, 25% still had abnormal levels of triglycerides and/or HDL-C.1 Additionally, 38% of the study population had elevated triglyceride levels, and 26% had HDL-C levels below target.1

“Although statins have represented a considerable advancement in cardiovascular disease prevention, the DYSIS results indicate that clinicians must continue to monitor their patients’ lipid levels closely, including LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels,” said Professor David Wood Lead UK investigator and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Imperial College London, and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. He continued: “Many patients could benefit from additional management in order to further reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, achieved through improved adherence, lifestyle changes, or further drug intervention.”

In conjunction with the release of the DYSIS data, MSD UK announced findings from a UK-wide survey of over 2000 people. According to the survey:2

- the majority of people (85%) in the UK now know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UK and many are aware of LDL-C (‘bad’ cholesterol) and HDL-C (‘good’ cholesterol) (71% and 59% respectively).

- Despite this wide awareness, many did not know ‘how to change’ their LDL-C (57%) or HDL-C (74%).

- Furthermore, only around one third (36%) had heard of ‘triglycerides’, with most (77%) thinking triglycerides should be raised rather than reduced and 90% not knowing how to change them.

Dr Marc Evans, Consultant Diabetologist at Llandough Hospital in Wales commented: “DYSIS highlights that a significant CVD risk can remain for some patients.” He continued: “A comprehensive approach that addresses HDL-C and triglycerides as well as LDL-C levels may be beneficial in these cases. This can be particularly important for patients who are at high risk of CVD such as secondary prevention patients, people with diabetes and South Asian populations. The UK survey of the general public also highlighted the need for educating people about the three lipids – this is essential if we want the public to become engaged in their own health.”

About DYSIS1

DYSIS is an epidemiological study designed to examine the lipid profile of statin-treated patients (n=22,000) in an out-patient setting. Patients were enrolled from treatment centres across Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had been on statin therapy for at least three months prior to the time of assessment, aged ≥45 years, and had at least one lipid parameter available in their chart while receiving statin therapy. Patients were recruited by primary and secondary care physicians. All patients had a clinical examination and their latest lipid values were recorded.

About the UK-wide public survey2

This survey was conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Merck, Sharp & Dohme Ltd. The fieldwork was conducted via an online questionnaire between 27th July and 10th August 2009. The sample consisted of 2140 UK adults.

Source
Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited

Earlier this year, Boston University researchers and collaborators conducted a mobile greenhouse gas audit in Boston and found hundreds of natural gas leaks under the streets and sidewalks of Greater Boston. Nathan Phillips, associate professor of geography and environment and director of BU’s Center for Environmental and Energy Studies (CEES), and his research partners will present these and related findings at NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) Global Monitoring Annual Conference, May 17-18 in Boulder, Colorado.

Phillips and partners Picarro, Inc., Gas Safety USA, and the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder are currently researching the economic and environmental impacts of these leaks. Their work updates earlier findings that unaccounted-for gas amounted to eight billion cubic feet in Massachusetts, costing about $40 million. Such gas leaks have been implicated in damage and mortality of urban and suburban street trees. Evidence from other cities indicates that the situation in Boston is likely similar to cities and towns across the nation.

In an attempt to identify major methane sources in Boston and Indianapolis, Phillips and his research partners systematically measured methane (CH4) concentrations at street level using a vehicle-mounted cavity “ringdown” analyzer. A number of discrete sources were detected at concentration levels in excess of 15 times background levels. Background levels of methane were also measured to be 10 percent higher than the world-wide average of 1.860 ppm. Measurements of CH4 concentration levels along with detailed location information will be presented. In addition, chamber flux measurements of discrete sources will also be presented.

Recent measurements indicate that urban emissions are a significant source of CH4 and in fact may be substantially higher than current inventory estimates. As such, urban emissions could contribute 7-15 percent to the global anthropogenic budget of methane. Although it is known that the per capita carbon footprint of compact cities such as New York City, Boston, and San Francisco are smaller than sprawling cities such as Houston, the strengths of individual sources within these cities are not well known. Such information is of use to government policy makers because it can be used to incentivize changes in transportation and land use patterns.

Notes:

The ESRL conference is part of a continuing effort by atmospheric scientists and other earth scientists to stay abreast of recent observations concerning trace gases, aerosols, radiation, ozone, and climate forcing and to provide a forum in which these observations can be relayed and discussed. In addition to ESRL reports, the conference also will include presentation related to these themes by both independent and cooperative investigators, and other national and international programs.

The conference website and Phillips’ presentation abstract can be found here.

The following researchers/institutions contributed to this report:

E. Crosson and S. Tan, Picarro Inc., 3105 Patrick Henry Drive, Santa Clara, CA 94054

N. Phillips and L. Hutyra, Boston University, Department of Geography/Environment, Center for Energy/Environmental Studies, Boston, MA 02215, ,

J. Turnbull and C. Sweeney, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309

R. Ackley, Gas Safety Inc., Southborough, MA 017772

Source:
Patrick Farrell
Boston University

A McMaster University researcher has found the first evidence that prolonged exposure to higher levels of the pollutants found in car exhaust fumes and industrial air pollution can lead to hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older.

Infectious disease specialist Mark Loeb led a research team to assess the effect of long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, both found in motor vehicle emissions, and fine particulate matter, found in industrial air pollution, on the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in older adults. Loeb, a physician, is a professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.

The research results are to be published in the Jan. 1, 2010, issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

“Our study found that among older individuals, long-term exposure to traffic pollution independently increased their risk of hospitalization for pneumonia,” said Loeb, who is also the director of the Infectious Diseases Division at McMaster University. “We propose that exposure to air pollution may have increased the individuals’ susceptibility to pneumonia by interfering with lung immune defenses designed to protect the lung from pathogens.”

Loeb led a research team in recruiting 365 older adults from Hamilton who had been hospitalized with radiologically confirmed pneumonia between July 2003 and April 2005. Control subjects randomly selected from the same neighbourhoods as the patients were also enrolled in the study.

The research team used structured interviews to collect health data from participants and compared the two groups’ exposures to nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and fine particulate matter of less than 2.5 micrometres using data from air-quality monitoring stations and land-use regression models.

The researchers found that exposure for more than 12 months to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter of less than 2.5 micrometres more than doubled the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older. Exposure to sulfur dioxide was not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization.

“The results of this study highlight the important health impact that long-term exposure to ambient air pollution can have on respiratory infections,” Loeb said. “It also emphasizes the need to monitor emissions from vehicles, given that ground-level nitrogen dioxide is derived predominantly from traffic.”

Pneumonia is a leading cause of illness and death in order adults. Rates of hospitalization for pneumonia among patients 65 year and older have increased in recent years. While the role of air pollution has been recognized as a risk factor for asthma and other respiratory diseases, few studies have been completed on the role of air pollution on pneumonia hospitalization in older adults.

Source:
Veronica McGuire
McMaster University