Bill with $8M for Valley Road Projects Passes House
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Two road projects in Mahoning and Trumbull counties would get $8 million under a bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The $4 million each for the Mahoning Avenue Industrial Corridor project and upgrades to the intersection of Routes 46 and 82 in Howland were contained in the Invest in America Act, which provides funding to upgrade infrastructure such as roads, bridges, rail, and drinking water and wastewater systems.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13 Ohio, announced the funds in a news release Thursday afternoon. The funds for the local projects represent more than 40% of the $19.2 million for projects in his district, according to the release. The legislation now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“The INVEST Act is a long-needed shot in the arm for our communities,” Ryan said. “This legislation and the projects I was able to secure for northeastern Ohio will be a boon for our local economy, ensuring good paying jobs for our workers and safer roads, new and upgraded bridges, and safer drinking water for our community.”
The $4 million allocated to Eastgate Regional Council of Governments will fund improvements to the intersection of Routes 46 and 82, according to the release.
The project is part of a planned three phases of work along Route 46 that also will include upgrades at the intersection of Route 46 and East Market Street, Jim Kinnick, Eastgate executive director, said. The safety upgrades will provide countless economic benefits to the corridor, he said.
The Mahoning Avenue project is “crucial to Mahoning County and Jackson Township to enable commerce to move more efficiently and safely through the corridor,” said Patrick Ginnetti, Mahoning County engineer.
“With growing businesses like Macy’s, Mom’s Meals, Liberty Steel and Extrudex, to name a few, the need for safety upgrades and pavement improvements is of utmost importance,” he said.
The legislation also included Ryan’s Hot Cars Act of 2021, a bill that he has championed for the last three sessions of Congress with U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-9 Ill., to address the growing number of deaths of children left untended in cars.
This bill requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a final rule requiring cars to be equipped with a system to alert the driver if a passenger remains in the back seat when a car is turned off.
“The unfortunate reality is that even good, loving and attentive parents can get distracted. Studies have shown that this can happen to anyone, anywhere,” Ryan said. “Our cars can already alert drivers when they leave their keys in the car, their lights on, or their trunk open. This legislation moves us one step closer to making sure every car is also equipped with a system to alert drivers if a passenger remains in the back seat when a car is turned off.”
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.


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I'm outdoors a lot but find that my classic tall Hunter wellies
- as much as I love them - are often overkill for walking in a light drizzle or stomping through dew covered grass. Enter the Chelsea rain boot. I've been on the hunt for a Chelsea rain boot for months now, and recently found the perfect pair for less than $10! Other options I've shared with you include these Chelsea rain boots by Michael Michael Kors ($49.99) and Report ($24.99) available at Marshalls (see photos in this post
). Madewell also makes this amazing little rain boot with impeccable style for $78 (available here
). The Jeffrey Campbell 'Stormy' boot is another super sleek option if you're willing to spend a bit more ($55 here
). All are great options, but first see if you can guess which boot above costs $10 and which costs $78 by clicking a link below!
Keep reading to see a photo of the $10 boots in real life...
Continue reading "Spot the Real: Madewell ... »

domain: hobby


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The Weather Company, the unit of IBM that runs The Weather Channel digital properties, teamed with Twitter to provide a live stream of next week’s solar eclipse that will be visible in only in the U.S. for the first time in the country’s history. The "Chasing Eclipse 2017" live stream will start at 12 p.m., Aug. 21, EDT, a statement said.
Viewers can see the coverage hosted by meteorologists Ari Sarsalari and Domenica Davis on Twitter, The Weather Channel mobile app and weather.com. Coverage will include user-created content from Twitter, live updates from eclipse viewing parties, a Red Bull Cliff Diving exhibition, real-time footage from NASA and joint weddings, among other events.
Meanwhile, Lucktastic, the mobile scratch-off sweepstakes company, will start running a “Total Eclipse Showdown” event from Friday until the end of the eclipse. Lucktastic players will choose “Team Sun” or “Team Moon” in the Lucktastic app and will receive free tokens for joining a team. The winning team will be announced on the Lucktastic Live show on Facebook Live. The tokens can be exchanged for prizes or used to buy entries into the company’s sweepstakes.
The Weather Channel and Luckstatic tie-ins are the latest examples on a growing list of marketers and platforms trying to tap into eclipse fever, often leveraging digital and mobile technology for contextual and real-time engagements or to piggyback on the excitement around the eclipse to gain earned media. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will offer chocolate glaze on its traditional doughnut for the first time to commemorate the eclipse will occur; Chiquita is encouraging consumers to check out an alternative — the Banana Sun, and Volvo will run live ads during CNN's live stream of the event.
The Great American Eclipse, as next week's event is being called by some, may mark the last time Americans collectively look upward at the sky instead of downward at their mobile phones. Eclipse tourism is pumping millions of dollars into campgrounds, restaurants, hotels and museums throughout the country. Nashville, the most populated city in the path of the total eclipse, estimates 50,000 to 75,000 visitors will stay overnight and spend $15 million to $20 million, the city’s tourist board told USA Today. Casper, a Wyoming town with about 60,000 people, estimates 35,000 people will visit during the eclipse.
For people who won’t be in the 10 states that will see the eclipse’s totality — when the moon blocks most of the sun — social media companies like Twitter will help them to participate in the myriad events that are planned for the celestial event. Perhaps the national experience of the eclipse will even inspire some sense of greater American community during a time of heightened political and social divisions — at least for the few hours that the moon’s shadow crosses the breadth of the United States.
Meanwhile, NASA is really embracing the solar eclipse as a chance to educate millions of people about astronomy. The federal agency’s Total Eclipse website has a dozen maps that show people locations of libraries, science museums, astronomy clubs, zoos, airports and national parks that have some association with the event. Many libraries are giving away solar-eclipse glasses that reduce the possibility of eye damage from staring into the sun.

domain: news


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Summer is a great time to entertain and take advantage of the delicious fruits available. Here are four yummy, healthy and simple desserts to make for your family and friends. Enjoy!
Grilled Peaches with Yogurt and Honey
- 4 medium ripe peaches, cut in half (pit removed)
- 1/2 cup honey flavored fat free Greek yogurt
- 4 tbsps honey
- cinnamon (to taste)
- Grill peaches cut side down on low or indirect heat until soft (about 2-4 minutes on each side).
- Combine yogurt and cinnamon.
- Pour 1 tbsp yogurt over each peach half.
- Drizzle with honey and serve.
Banana Ice Cream
- 4 ripe bananas frozen
- Optional toppings: nuts, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, strawberries or blusberries
- Place 4 frozen bananas into the food processor and mix until creamy.
- Scoop into individual bowls.
- Top with whatever you love best. My favorites include nuts, chocolate syrup, blueberries, strawberries or sprinkles.
Peach and Blueberry Cobbler
- 4-5 cups sliced and peeled peaches (Tip – Lightly score the bottom of peach with an X and then blanch peaches for about a minute in boiling water. Run cold water on peaches as you gently pull skin right off).
- 1 pint blueberries
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 5 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup almond meal
- 1 cup gluten-free oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4-6 tablespoons coconut oil
- Preheat over to 400 degrees.
- Toss berries, fruit, lemon juice & 3 tbsps maple syrup in a shallow baking dish.
- Mix almond meal, oatmeal, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- Add the remaining 2 tbsps of maple syrup and 4 tbsps coconut oil and mix until just combined. More coconut oil can be added to get desired consistency.
- Crumble the mixture over the top of the fruit and then bake for 20-25 minutes, until top is browned and fruit is bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- 2 cups fresh ripe strawberries, cored and quartered
- 3 tablespoons agave syrup (maple syrup can be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- In medium sauce pan, simmer the strawberries and agave until very soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour into blender or food processor, add lemon juice and pulse until fruit is pureed but not liquefied. You should have about a cup.
- Chill and refrigerate until cool.
- Stir in yogurt into chilled mixture and combine.
- Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 8 hours.
- When ready to eat, run warm water over the outside of mold and gently pull popsicle out.
To leave a comment on this article or any other blog entry, please fill in the “Leave a Comment” box under each blog entry on our site: Heels to Laces

domain: food


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Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of human amoebiasis, a major cause of diarrhea and hepatic abscess in tropical countries. Infection is initiated by interaction of the pathogen with intestinal epithelial cells. This interaction leads to disruption of intercellular structures such as tight junctions (TJ). TJ ensure sealing of the epithelial layer to separate host tissue from gut lumen. Recent studies provide evidence that disruption of TJ by the parasitic protein EhCPADH112 is a prerequisite for E. histolytica invasion that is accompanied by epithelial barrier dysfunction. Thus, the analysis of molecular mechanisms involved in TJ disassembly during E. histolytica invasion is of paramount importance to improve our understanding of amoebiasis pathogenesis. This article presents an easy model that allows the assessment of initial host-pathogen interactions and the parasite invasion potential. Parameters to be analyzed include transepithelial electrical resistance, interaction of EhCPADH112 with epithelial surface receptors, changes in expression and localization of epithelial junctional markers and localization of parasite molecules within epithelial cells.
18 Related JoVE Articles!
Development of a Negative Selectable Marker for Entamoeba histolytica
Institutions: University of Virginia Health System.
is the causative agent of amebiasis and infects up to 10% of the world's population. The molecular techniques that have enabled the up- and down-regulation of gene expression rely on the transfection of stably maintained plasmids. While these have increased our understanding of Entamoeba virulence factors, the capacity to integrate exogenous DNA into genome, which would allow reverse genetics experiments, would be a significant advantage in the study of this parasite. The challenges presented by this organism include inability to select for homologous recombination events and difficulty to cure episomal plasmid DNA from transfected trophozoites. The later results in a high background of exogenous DNA, a major problem in the identification of trophozoites in which a bona fide genomic integration event has occurred. We report the development of a negative selection system based upon transgenic expression of a yeast cytosine deaminase and uracil phosphoribosyl transferase chimera (FCU1) and selection with prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). The FCU1 enzyme converts non-toxic 5-FC into toxic 5-fluorouracil and 5-fluorouridine-5'-monophosphate. E. histolytica
lines expressing FCU1 were found to be 30 fold more sensitive to the prodrug compared to the control strain.
Infectious Disease, Issue 46, Entamoeba, negative selectable marker, 5-fluorocytosine, gene knockout, Cytosine deaminase, UPRT CMFDA.
In vitro tRNA Methylation Assay with the Entamoeba histolytica DNA and tRNA Methyltransferase Dnmt2 (Ehmeth) Enzyme
Institutions: Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Johannes Gutenberg University.
Protozoan parasites are among the most devastating infectious agents of humans responsible for a variety of diseases including amebiasis, which is one of the three most common causes of death from parasitic disease. The agent of amebiasis is the amoeba parasite Entamoeba histolytica
that exists under two stages: the infective cyst found in food or water and the invasive trophozoite living in the intestine. The clinical manifestations of amebiasis range from being asymptomatic to colitis, dysentery or liver abscesses. E. histolytica
is one of the rare unicellular parasite with 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in its genome. 1, 2
It contains a single DNA methyltransferase, Ehmeth, that belongs to the Dnmt2 family. 2
A role for Dnmt2 in the control of repetitive elements has been established in E. histolytica
, 3Dictyostelium discoideum 4,5
Our recent work has shown that Ehmeth methylates tRNAAsp
, and this finding indicates that this enzyme has a dual DNA/tRNAAsp
methyltransferase activity. 7
This observation is in agreement with the dual activity that has been reported for D. discoideum
and D. melanogaster
The functional significance of the DNA/tRNA specificity of Dnmt2 enzymes is still unknown. To address this question, a method to determine the tRNA methyltransferase activity of Dnmt2 proteins was established. In this video, we describe a straightforward approach to prepare an adequate tRNA substrate for Dnmt2 and a method to measure its tRNA methyltransferase activity.
Immunology, Issue 44, tRNA, methylation, DNA methyltransferase 2, Entamoeba histolytica
Direct Detection of the Acetate-forming Activity of the Enzyme Acetate Kinase
Institutions: Clemson University.
Acetate kinase, a member of the acetate and sugar kinase-Hsp70-actin (ASKHA) enzyme superfamily1-5
, is responsible for the reversible phosphorylation of acetate to acetyl phosphate utilizing ATP as a substrate. Acetate kinases are ubiquitous in the Bacteria
, found in one genus of Archaea
, and are also present in microbes of the Eukarya6
. The most well characterized acetate kinase is that from the methane-producing archaeon Methanosarcina thermophila7-14
. An acetate kinase which can only utilize PPi
but not ATP in the acetyl phosphate-forming direction has been isolated from Entamoeba histolytica
, the causative agent of amoebic dysentery, and has thus far only been found in this genus15,16
In the direction of acetyl phosphate formation, acetate kinase activity is typically measured using the hydroxamate assay, first described by Lipmann17-20
, a coupled assay in which conversion of ATP to ADP is coupled to oxidation of NADH to NAD+
by the enzymes pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase21,22
, or an assay measuring release of inorganic phosphate after reaction of the acetyl phosphate product with hydroxylamine23
. Activity in the opposite, acetate-forming direction is measured by coupling ATP formation from ADP to the reduction of NADP+
to NADPH by the enzymes hexokinase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase24
Here we describe a method for the detection of acetate kinase activity in the direction of acetate formation that does not require coupling enzymes, but is instead based on direct determination of acetyl phosphate consumption. After the enzymatic reaction, remaining acetyl phosphate is converted to a ferric hydroxamate complex that can be measured spectrophotometrically, as for the hydroxamate assay. Thus, unlike the standard coupled assay for this direction that is dependent on the production of ATP from ADP, this direct assay can be used for acetate kinases that produce ATP or PPi
Molecular Biology, Issue 58, Acetate kinase, acetate, acetyl phosphate, pyrophosphate, PPi, ATP
Dried Blood Spot Collection of Health Biomarkers to Maximize Participation in Population Studies
Institutions: Harvard School of Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Pennsylvania State University.
Biomarkers are directly-measured biological indicators of disease, health, exposures, or other biological information. In population and social sciences, biomarkers need to be easy to obtain, transport, and analyze. Dried Blood Spots meet this need, and can be collected in the field with high response rates. These elements are particularly important in longitudinal study designs including interventions where attrition is critical to avoid, and high response rates improve the interpretation of results. Dried Blood Spot sample collection is simple, quick, relatively painless, less invasive then venipuncture, and requires minimal field storage requirements (i.e.
samples do not need to be immediately frozen and can be stored for a long period of time in a stable freezer environment before assay). The samples can be analyzed for a variety of different analytes, including cholesterol, C-reactive protein, glycosylated hemoglobin, numerous cytokines, and other analytes, as well as provide genetic material. DBS collection is depicted as employed in several recent studies.
Medicine, Issue 83, dried blood spots (DBS), Biomarkers, cardiometabolic risk, Inflammation, standard precautions, blood collection
Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Institutions: McMaster University .
Nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a prerequisite to invasion to the lungs or bloodstream1
. This organism is capable of colonizing the mucosal surface of the nasopharynx, where it can reside, multiply and eventually overcome host defences to invade to other tissues of the host. Establishment of an infection in the normally lower respiratory tract results in pneumonia. Alternatively, the bacteria can disseminate into the bloodstream causing bacteraemia, which is associated with high mortality rates2
, or else lead directly to the development of pneumococcal meningitis. Understanding the kinetics of, and immune responses to, nasopharyngeal colonization is an important aspect of S. pneumoniae
Our mouse model of intranasal colonization is adapted from human models3
and has been used by multiple research groups in the study of host-pathogen responses in the nasopharynx4-7
. In the first part of the model, we use a clinical isolate of S. pneumoniae
to establish a self-limiting bacterial colonization that is similar to carriage events in human adults. The procedure detailed herein involves preparation of a bacterial inoculum, followed by the establishment of a colonization event through delivery of the inoculum via an intranasal route of administration. Resident macrophages are the predominant cell type in the nasopharynx during the steady state. Typically, there are few lymphocytes present in uninfected mice8
, however mucosal colonization will lead to low- to high-grade inflammation (depending on the virulence of the bacterial species and strain) that will result in an immune response and the subsequent recruitment of host immune cells. These cells can be isolated by a lavage of the tracheal contents through the nares, and correlated to the density of colonization bacteria to better understand the kinetics of the infection.
Immunology, Issue 83, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Nasal lavage, nasopharynx, murine, flow cytometry, RNA, Quantitative PCR, recruited macrophages, neutrophils, T-cells, effector cells, intranasal colonization
Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco.
The vascular endothelium is a monolayer of cells that cover the interior of blood vessels and provide both structural and functional roles. The endothelium acts as a barrier, preventing leukocyte adhesion and aggregation, as well as controlling permeability to plasma components. Functionally, the endothelium affects vessel tone.
Endothelial dysfunction is an imbalance between the chemical species which regulate vessel tone, thombroresistance, cellular proliferation and mitosis. It is the first step in atherosclerosis and is associated with coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
The first demonstration of endothelial dysfunction involved direct infusion of acetylcholine and quantitative coronary angiography. Acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors on the endothelial cell surface, leading to an increase of intracellular calcium and increased nitric oxide (NO) production. In subjects with an intact endothelium, vasodilation was observed while subjects with endothelial damage experienced paradoxical vasoconstriction.
There exists a non-invasive, in vivo
method for measuring endothelial function in peripheral arteries using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. The endothelial function of peripheral arteries is closely related to coronary artery function. This technique measures the percent diameter change in the brachial artery during a period of reactive hyperemia following limb ischemia.
This technique, known as endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) has value in clinical research settings. However, a number of physiological and technical issues can affect the accuracy of the results and appropriate guidelines for the technique have been published. Despite the guidelines, FMD remains heavily operator dependent and presents a steep learning curve. This article presents a standardized method for measuring FMD in the brachial artery on the upper arm and offers suggestions to reduce intra-operator variability.
Medicine, Issue 92, endothelial function, endothelial dysfunction, brachial artery, peripheral artery disease, ultrasound, vascular, endothelium, cardiovascular disease.
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Institutions: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
MRSA is a worldwide threat to public health, and MRSA skin and soft-tissue infections now account for more than half of all soft-tissue infections in the United States. Among soft-tissue infections, myositis, pyomyositis, and necrotizing fasciitis have been increasingly reported in association with MRSA arising from the community. To understand the interplay between MRSA and host immunity leading to more severe infection, the availability of animal models is critical, permitting the study of host and bacterial factors. Several infection models have been introduced to assess the pathogenesis of S. aureus
during superficial skin infection. Here, we describe a subcutaneous infection model that examines the skin, subcutaneous, and muscle pathologies.
Infection, Issue 48, Subcutaneous infection, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA
Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Institutions: University of Manitoba, University of Manitoba.
Despite the public health importance of mucosal pathogens (including HIV), relatively little is known about mucosal immunity, particularly at the female genital tract (FGT). Because heterosexual transmission now represents the dominant mechanism of HIV transmission, and given the continual spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is critical to understand the interplay between host and pathogen at the genital mucosa. The substantial gaps in knowledge around FGT immunity are partially due to the difficulty in successfully collecting and processing mucosal samples. In order to facilitate studies with sufficient sample size, collection techniques must be minimally invasive and efficient. To this end, a protocol for the collection of cervical cytobrush samples and subsequent isolation of cervical mononuclear cells (CMC) has been optimized. Using ex vivo
flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping, it is possible to accurately and reliably quantify CMC lymphocyte/monocyte population frequencies and phenotypes. This technique can be coupled with the collection of cervical-vaginal lavage (CVL), which contains soluble immune mediators including cytokines, chemokines and anti-proteases, all of which can be used to determine the anti- or pro-inflammatory environment in the vagina.
Medicine, Issue 89, mucosal, immunology, FGT, lavage, cervical, CMC
Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease and Older Adults
Institutions: Emory University School of Medicine, Brigham and Woman‘s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Adapted tango dancing improves mobility and balance in older adults and additional populations with balance impairments. It is composed of very simple step elements. Adapted tango involves movement initiation and cessation, multi-directional perturbations, varied speeds and rhythms. Focus on foot placement, whole body coordination, and attention to partner, path of movement, and aesthetics likely underlie adapted tango’s demonstrated efficacy for improving mobility and balance. In this paper, we describe the methodology to disseminate the adapted tango teaching methods to dance instructor trainees and to implement the adapted tango by the trainees in the community for older adults and individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Efficacy in improving mobility (measured with the Timed Up and Go, Tandem stance, Berg Balance Scale, Gait Speed and 30 sec chair stand), safety and fidelity of the program is maximized through targeted instructor and volunteer training and a structured detailed syllabus outlining class practices and progression.
Behavior, Issue 94, Dance, tango, balance, pedagogy, dissemination, exercise, older adults, Parkinson's Disease, mobility impairments, falls
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Institutions: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are common. Indeed, more than 1 billion people are affected, mainly in the developing world where poverty prevails and hygiene behavior, water supply, and sanitation are often deficient1,2
. Ascaris lumbricoides
, Trichuris trichiura
, and the two hookworm species, Ancylostoma duodenale
and Necator americanus
, are the most prevalent STHs3
. The estimated global burden due to hookworm disease, ascariasis, and trichuriasis is 22.1, 10.5, and 6.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), respectively4
. Furthermore, an estimated 30-100 million people are infected with Strongyloides stercoralis
, the most neglected STH species of global significance which arguably also causes a considerable public health impact5,6
. Multiple-species infections (i.e., different STHs harbored in a single individual) are common, and infections have been linked to lowered productivity and thus economic outlook of developing countries1,3
For the diagnosis of common STHs, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the Kato-Katz technique7,8
, which is a relatively straightforward method for determining the prevalence and intensity of such infections. It facilitates the detection of parasite eggs that infected subjects pass in their feces.
With regard to the diagnosis of S.stercoralis
, there is currently no simple and accurate tool available. The Baermann technique is the most widely employed method for its diagnosis. The principle behind the Baermann technique is that active S.stercoralis
larvae migrate out of an illuminated fresh fecal sample as the larvae are phototactic9
. It requires less sophisticated laboratory materials and is less time consuming than culture and immunological methods5
Morbidities associated with STH infections range from acute but common symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and pruritus, to chronic symptoms, such as anemia, under- and malnutrition, and cognitive impairment10
. Since the symptoms are generally unspecific and subtle, they often go unnoticed, are considered a normal condition by affected individuals, or are treated as symptoms of other diseases that might be more common in a given setting. Hence, it is conceivable that the true burden of STH infections is underestimated by assessment tools relying on self-declared signs and symptoms as is usually the case in population-based surveys.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Stephenson and colleagues highlighted the possibility of STH infections lowering the physical fitness of boys aged 6-12 years11,12
. This line of scientific inquiry gained new momentum recently13,14,15
. The 20-meter (m) shuttle run test was developed and validated by Léger et al.16
and is used worldwide to measure the aerobic fitness of children17
. The test is easy to standardize and can be performed wherever a 20-m long and flat running course and an audio source are available, making its use attractive in resource-constrained settings13
. To facilitate and standardize attempts at assessing whether STH infections have an effect on the physical fitness of school-aged children, we present methodologies that diagnose STH infections or measure physical fitness that are simple to execute and yet, provide accurate and reproducible outcomes. This will help to generate new evidence regarding the health impact of STH infections.
Infection, Issue 66, Immunology, Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Soil-transmitted helminths, physical fitness, Kato-Katz technique, Baermann technique, 20-meter shuttle run test, children
Fundus Photography as a Convenient Tool to Study Microvascular Responses to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Epidemiological Studies
Institutions: Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Hasselt University, Hasselt University, Leuven University.
The microcirculation consists of blood vessels with diameters less than 150 µm. It makes up a large part of the circulatory system and plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health. The retina is a tissue that lines the interior of the eye and it is the only tissue that allows for a non-invasive analysis of the microvasculature. Nowadays, high-quality fundus images can be acquired using digital cameras. Retinal images can be collected in 5 min or less, even without dilatation of the pupils. This unobtrusive and fast procedure for visualizing the microcirculation is attractive to apply in epidemiological studies and to monitor cardiovascular health from early age up to old age.
Systemic diseases that affect the circulation can result in progressive morphological changes in the retinal vasculature. For example, changes in the vessel calibers of retinal arteries and veins have been associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. The vessel widths are derived using image analysis software and the width of the six largest arteries and veins are summarized in the Central Retinal Arteriolar Equivalent (CRAE) and the Central Retinal Venular Equivalent (CRVE). The latter features have been shown useful to study the impact of modifiable lifestyle and environmental cardiovascular disease risk factors.
The procedures to acquire fundus images and the analysis steps to obtain CRAE and CRVE are described. Coefficients of variation of repeated measures of CRAE and CRVE are less than 2% and within-rater reliability is very high. Using a panel study, the rapid response of the retinal vessel calibers to short-term changes in particulate air pollution, a known risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, is reported. In conclusion, retinal imaging is proposed as a convenient and instrumental tool for epidemiological studies to study microvascular responses to cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Medicine, Issue 92, retina, microvasculature, image analysis, Central Retinal Arteriolar Equivalent, Central Retinal Venular Equivalent, air pollution, particulate matter, black carbon
A Restriction Enzyme Based Cloning Method to Assess the In vitro Replication Capacity of HIV-1 Subtype C Gag-MJ4 Chimeric Viruses
Institutions: Emory University, Emory University.
The protective effect of many HLA class I alleles on HIV-1 pathogenesis and disease progression is, in part, attributed to their ability to target conserved portions of the HIV-1 genome that escape with difficulty. Sequence changes attributed to cellular immune pressure arise across the genome during infection, and if found within conserved regions of the genome such as Gag, can affect the ability of the virus to replicate in vitro
. Transmission of HLA-linked polymorphisms in Gag to HLA-mismatched recipients has been associated with reduced set point viral loads. We hypothesized this may be due to a reduced replication capacity of the virus. Here we present a novel method for assessing the in vitro
replication of HIV-1 as influenced by the gag
gene isolated from acute time points from subtype C infected Zambians. This method uses restriction enzyme based cloning to insert the gag
gene into a common subtype C HIV-1 proviral backbone, MJ4. This makes it more appropriate to the study of subtype C sequences than previous recombination based methods that have assessed the in vitro
replication of chronically derived gag-pro
sequences. Nevertheless, the protocol could be readily modified for studies of viruses from other subtypes. Moreover, this protocol details a robust and reproducible method for assessing the replication capacity of the Gag-MJ4 chimeric viruses on a CEM-based T cell line. This method was utilized for the study of Gag-MJ4 chimeric viruses derived from 149 subtype C acutely infected Zambians, and has allowed for the identification of residues in Gag that affect replication. More importantly, the implementation of this technique has facilitated a deeper understanding of how viral replication defines parameters of early HIV-1 pathogenesis such as set point viral load and longitudinal CD4+ T cell decline.
Infectious Diseases, Issue 90, HIV-1, Gag, viral replication, replication capacity, viral fitness, MJ4, CEM, GXR25
An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
Institutions: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Jembi Health Systems, University of Amsterdam, Stanford Medical School.
HIV-1 drug resistance has the potential to seriously compromise the effectiveness and impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART). As ART programs in sub-Saharan Africa continue to expand, individuals on ART should be closely monitored for the emergence of drug resistance. Surveillance of transmitted drug resistance to track transmission of viral strains already resistant to ART is also critical. Unfortunately, drug resistance testing is still not readily accessible in resource limited settings, because genotyping is expensive and requires sophisticated laboratory and data management infrastructure. An open access genotypic drug resistance monitoring method to manage individuals and assess transmitted drug resistance is described. The method uses free open source software for the interpretation of drug resistance patterns and the generation of individual patient reports. The genotyping protocol has an amplification rate of greater than 95% for plasma samples with a viral load >1,000 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml. The sensitivity decreases significantly for viral loads <1,000 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml. The method described here was validated against a method of HIV-1 drug resistance testing approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Viroseq genotyping method. Limitations of the method described here include the fact that it is not automated and that it also failed to amplify the circulating recombinant form CRF02_AG from a validation panel of samples, although it amplified subtypes A and B from the same panel.
Medicine, Issue 85, Biomedical Technology, HIV-1, HIV Infections, Viremia, Nucleic Acids, genetics, antiretroviral therapy, drug resistance, genotyping, affordable
The Measurement and Treatment of Suppression in Amblyopia
Institutions: University of Auckland, McGill University , McGill University .
Amblyopia, a developmental disorder of the visual cortex, is one of the leading causes of visual dysfunction in the working age population. Current estimates put the prevalence of amblyopia at approximately 1-3%1-3
, the majority of cases being monocular2
. Amblyopia is most frequently caused by ocular misalignment (strabismus), blur induced by unequal refractive error (anisometropia), and in some cases by form deprivation.
Although amblyopia is initially caused by abnormal visual input in infancy, once established, the visual deficit often remains when normal visual input has been restored using surgery and/or refractive correction. This is because amblyopia is the result of abnormal visual cortex development rather than a problem with the amblyopic eye itself4,5
. Amblyopia is characterized by both monocular and binocular deficits6,7
which include impaired visual acuity and poor or absent stereopsis respectively. The visual dysfunction in amblyopia is often associated with a strong suppression of the inputs from the amblyopic eye under binocular viewing conditions8
. Recent work has indicated that suppression may play a central role in both the monocular and binocular deficits associated with amblyopia9,10
Current clinical tests for suppression tend to verify the presence or absence of suppression rather than giving a quantitative measurement of the degree of suppression. Here we describe a technique for measuring amblyopic suppression with a compact, portable device11,12
. The device consists of a laptop computer connected to a pair of virtual reality goggles. The novelty of the technique lies in the way we present visual stimuli to measure suppression. Stimuli are shown to the amblyopic eye at high contrast while the contrast of the stimuli shown to the non-amblyopic eye are varied. Patients perform a simple signal/noise task that allows for a precise measurement of the strength of excitatory binocular interactions. The contrast offset at which neither eye has a performance advantage is a measure of the "balance point" and is a direct measure of suppression. This technique has been validated psychophysically both in control13,14
In addition to measuring suppression this technique also forms the basis of a novel form of treatment to decrease suppression over time and improve binocular and often monocular function in adult patients with amblyopia12,15,16
. This new treatment approach can be deployed either on the goggle system described above or on a specially modified iPod touch device15
Medicine, Issue 70, Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Anatomy, Physiology, Amblyopia, suppression, visual cortex, binocular vision, plasticity, strabismus, anisometropia
Interview: HIV-1 Proviral DNA Excision Using an Evolved Recombinase
Institutions: Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, University of Hamburg.
HIV-1 integrates into the host chromosome of infected cells and persists as a provirus flanked by long terminal repeats. Current treatment strategies primarily target virus enzymes or virus-cell fusion, suppressing the viral life cycle without eradicating the infection. Since the integrated provirus is not targeted by these approaches, new resistant strains of HIV-1 may emerge. Here, we report that the engineered recombinase Tre (see Molecular evolution of the Tre recombinase , Buchholz, F., Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden) efficiently excises integrated HIV-1 proviral DNA from the genome of infected cells. We produced loxLTR containing viral pseudotypes and infected HeLa cells to examine whether Tre recombinase can excise the provirus from the genome of HIV-1 infected human cells. A virus particle-releasing cell line was cloned and transfected with a plasmid expressing Tre or with a parental control vector. Recombinase activity and virus production were monitored. All assays demonstrated the efficient deletion of the provirus from infected cells without visible cytotoxic effects. These results serve as proof of principle that it is possible to evolve a recombinase to specifically target an HIV-1 LTR and that this recombinase is capable of excising the HIV-1 provirus from the genome of HIV-1-infected human cells.
Before an engineered recombinase could enter the therapeutic arena, however, significant obstacles need to be overcome. Among the most critical issues, that we face, are an efficient and safe delivery to targeted cells and the absence of side effects.
Medicine, Issue 16, HIV, Cell Biology, Recombinase, provirus, HeLa Cells
Obtaining Highly Purified Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts by a Discontinuous Cesium Chloride Gradient
Institutions: Dynamac, Inc., University of Cincinnati, McMicken College of Arts and Science, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, US Environmental Protection Agency.
is an obligate intracellular protozoan pathogen that commonly infects humans. It is a well characterized apicomplexan associated with causing food- and water-borne disease outbreaks. The definitive host is the feline species where sexual replication occurs resulting in the development of the highly infectious and environmentally resistant oocyst. Infection occurs via ingestion of tissue cysts from contaminated meat or oocysts from soil or water. Infection is typically asymptomatic in healthy individuals, but results in a life-long latent infection that can reactivate causing toxoplasmic encephalitis and death if the individual becomes immunocompromised. Meat contaminated with T. gondii
cysts have been the primary source of infection in Europe and the United States, but recent changes in animal management and husbandry practices and improved food handling and processing procedures have significantly reduced the prevalence of T. gondii
cysts in meat1, 2
. Nonetheless, seroprevalence in humans remains relatively high suggesting that exposure from oocyst contaminated soil or water is likely. Indeed, waterborne outbreaks of toxoplasmosis have been reported worldwide supporting the theory exposure to the environmental oocyst form poses a significant health risk3-5
. To date, research on understanding the prevalence of T. gondii
oocysts in the water and environment are limited due to the lack of tools to detect oocysts in the environment 5, 6
. This is primarily due to the lack of efficient purification protocols for obtaining large numbers of highly purified T gondii
oocysts from infected cats for research purposes. This study describes the development of a modified CsCl method that easily purifies T. gondii
oocysts from feces of infected cats that are suitable for molecular biological and tissue culture manipulation7
Jove Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Issue 33, Toxoplasma gondii, cesium chloride, oocysts, discontinuous gradient, apicomplexan
Protocols for Oral Infection of Lepidopteran Larvae with Baculovirus
Institutions: Iowa State University.
Baculoviruses are widely used both as protein expression vectors and as insect pest control agents. This video shows how lepidopteran larvae can be infected with polyhedra by droplet feeding and diet plug-based bioassays. This accompanying Springer Protocols section provides an overview of the baculovirus lifecycle and use of baculoviruses as insecticidal agents, including discussion of the pros and cons for use of baculoviruses as insecticides, and progress made in genetic enhancement of baculoviruses for improved insecticidal efficacy.
Plant Biology, Issue 19, Springer Protocols, Baculovirus insecticides, recombinant baculovirus, insect pest management
Wolbachia Bacterial Infection in Drosophila
Institutions: Boston University.
Developmental Biology, Issue 2, Drosophila, infection, fly

domain: medical


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For my fortieth birthday, I asked to go to the beach. Sand between my toes, a clear line of sight to a clear blue ocean, and creamy, sugary drinks by the pool.
So far, the week has been dreamy here, in San Pedro, Belize. Our dinners have been pulled in from fishing boats, laden with fresh seafood caught in the Caribbean Sea, and the chocolate shop down the street makes luscious dark chocolate truffles, the recipe allowing only for sugar and Kakaw grown here, on the island. My body is dark, and my heart is full.
Yesterday, we flew over one of many Belizian wonders, the Blue Hole. Deep royal blue swirling inside countless shades of turquoise make for this breathtaking site. From the airplane’s window seat, at least a few hundred feet away from the surface, its beauty is unparalleled.
But the true beauty of the Blue Hole, like so many geographical wonders crafted by our Creator, can only be appreciated if one looks beyond the surface. It sits in the middle of a ring of corals. Into the depths, down three or four hundred feet or so, is where one discovers brightly colored marine life gliding effortlessly through mysteriously shaped underwater plant life, gently rocking in sync with the water’s rhythm. Divers from all over the world travel here to explore the Southern rim, where giant stalactites, golden dripstone sheets, and aging columns stand. These underwater formations are prehistoric, thought to have formed in a dry cavern above sea level during the glacial periods as late as 15,000 years ago.
I think turning forty is like this.
It feels like it sits in the middle of something, what I hope is the middle of my life’s time here, with the people I love. The depth is where the beauty lies, beyond the surface of skin texture and hair color. And the history, where it all started, well, it’s unlikely story, really.
It goes back further than my family tree records, which isn’t very far. The story of my turning forty is only possible because of a grace-giving, full of forgiveness, well aware of my deficits, well-meaning and well-loving God who knew from the beginning that He would give me today.
When I turn around to look behind me at the days that stand way back in my past, when I achingly wished for less — a thinner frame, a smaller number on the scale, reduced calories on my mental record of food intake, or even less struggle or pain in this journey we call life — I recognize something. I am not being summoned to simply walk away from living smaller. I am being invited to grow.
Instead of taking up less space, I dare to take up more. Instead of reducing the amount of grace I receive, I dare to open my arms wider to better bear the weight of heavy, full-on, Jesus-crucified Grace. Instead of whispering, I dare to speak up.
Here’s to a year worth celebrating. I’ll likely bump against some hard edges as I attempt to find my way, aging one day and one year and one decade at a time. But I’ve got some good years coming. I would have never guessed it could be this good.

domain: geography


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Regular gym workouts offer numerous benefits for our physical and mental well-being. However, rumours have circulated that these exercises can lead to hair loss, deterring some individuals. Let’s explore the facts behind this claim.
The speculation arises from the impact of exercise on hormone levels, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects hair growth. Here’s the good news: direct hair loss caused by bodybuilding and gym workouts is unlikely. However, certain factors outside the gym, such as supplements taken to support workouts, can potentially affect your hair health.
Research suggests that excessive consumption of protein supplements and performance-enhancing drugs may contribute to or accelerate hair loss. In this blog post, we’ll examine the science behind hormones and hair growth, as well as the supplements involved, to provide you with peace of mind during your weightlifting sessions.
The association between exercise and hair loss stems from the influence of hormones, particularly testosterone. While often referred to as the male sex hormone, testosterone is present in both men and women, albeit in varying levels. Numerous studies indicate that exercise can temporarily increase testosterone levels, which alone does not cause concern. However, a specific type of testosterone can convert into DHT, known to shrink hair follicles and impede hair growth.
Your regular gym visits are unlikely to affect the hair on your head. Limited studies have found no significant links between exercise intensity or frequency and hair loss. Although one observational study reported a higher incidence of alopecia (hair loss) in a group engaged in low-intensity exercise as the frequency increased, it does not provide substantial evidence that exercise causes hair loss.
Let’s address this concern directly: there is no established connection between bodybuilding as an activity and hair loss. While testosterone levels temporarily rise after endurance and resistance exercises like weightlifting, these short-term spikes are unlikely to have a lasting impact on hair loss. Genetics predominantly determine baldness, with few lifestyle factors influencing hair loss. One exception, however, is the use of anabolic steroids, a performance-enhancing drug.
Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts rely on nutritional supplements to enhance muscle mass and aid recovery. While numerous supplements are available over the counter, concerns regarding their impact on hair health have emerged.
Creatine, amino acids, and protein supplements are common among fitness enthusiasts. Let’s explore their potential effects on hair health.
The good news is that any hair loss caused by performance-enhancing drugs or supplements can be reversed. Discontinuing the use of these substances, combined with appropriate medications, can slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth. It is crucial to take early action.
There’s no need to worry excessively about your workouts leading to significant hair shedding. However, certain supplements and drugs may contribute to hair loss, especially if you are genetically predisposed to the condition. The NHCmd range of prescription medications offer a convenient solution to reverse hair loss. Learn more about our hair loss treatments and book an appointment to reclaim a healthy head of hair.
© 2023 New Hair Clinic.
New Hair Clinic has been helping men and women with hair loss for over 25 years.
Talk to our medical team to get the right answers for your hair loss so you can move forward with confidence.

domain: health


text:
Since day one, the Obama administration has enjoyed patting itself on the back for sundry “unprecedented” actions and ambitions — even as they often fail to follow through on said unprecedented-ness, and even though that word more often applies to them within a pejorative context. Behold, another unprecedented ‘achievement:’
The total federal debt of the U.S. government has now increased more than $7 trillion during the slightly more than five and a half years Barack Obama has been president. That is more than the debt increased under all U.S. presidents from George Washington through Bill Clinton combined, and it is more debt than was accumulated in the first 227 years of this nation’s existence–from 1776 through 2003. The total federal debt first passed the $7-trillion mark on Jan. 15, 2004, after President George W. Bush had been in office almost three years.
By the numbers:
When President Obama took office on Jan. 20, 2009, the total federal debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. As of the close of business on July 30, 2014, it had risen to $17,618,599,653,160.19–up $6,991,722,604,247.11 from Obama’s first inauguration day. By the close of business on July 31, 2014, it had risen to $17,687,136,723,410.59—up $7,060,259,674,497.51 since Obama first inauguration day. As of June, there were 115,097,000 households in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The $17,687,136,723,410.59 in debt the federal government had accumulated as of the end of July equaled $153,671.57 per household. The $7,060,259,674,497.51 in new debt that the federal government has taken on during Obama’s presidency equals $61,341.82 per household.
There’s a reason why the fact-checkers have unanimously affirmed O’s undisputed Debt King status. When President George W. Bush took office, the national debt hovered just shy of the $6 trillion mark, then exploded by roughly $5 trillion over his eight-year tenure. Many conservatives have rightly criticized Bush and the Republican Congress for utterly squandering an opportunity to reduce leviathan’s size and scope during that era. In fairness to their legacy, though, the last budget over which Republicans wielded total control was the FY 2007 blueprint, which featured an annual deficit of “only” $161 billion — not exactly a pittance, but child’s play relative to the shortfalls we’ve grown accustomed to lately. And that was during two active wars. Also to his credit, Bush attempted to reform one of our major entitlement programs in order to diffuse an unfunded liability time bomb; his efforts were demagogued and defeated by status quo-defending Democrats. In any case, the debt picture darkened dramatically in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, triggered when the massive, big-government-inflated, subprime housing bubble finally burst on the US economy. President Obama has proceeded to institutionalize the resulting emergency-level spending, racking up enormous deficits and causing the national debt to zoom skyward. But candidate Obama presented himself to the public as a deficit and spending hawk. During the 2008 presidential debates — post economic meltdown — he vowed to enact a “net spending cut” by poring over the federal budget “line by line” with a “scalpel.” On the campaign trail, he unloaded on his predecessor’s “unpatriotic” track record on debt accumulation:
“The problem is, is that the way Bush has done it over the last eight years is to take out a credit card from the Bank of China in the name of our children, driving up our national debt from $5 trillion for the first 42 presidents – number 43 added $4 trillion by his lonesome, so that we now have over $9 trillion of debt that we are going to have to pay back — $30,000 for every man, woman and child. That’s irresponsible. It’s unpatriotic.“
Let’s retrofit that condemnation, shall we?
“The problem is, is that the way Obama has done it over the last five-plus years is to take out a credit card from the Bank of China in the name of our children, driving up our national debt from $10.6 trillion for the first 43 presidents — number 44 has added $7 trillion his lonesome (with more than two years to go), so that we now have over $17.6 trillion of debt that we are going to have to pay back — $55,000 for every man, woman and child. That’s irresponsible. It’s
Team Obama would like you to congratulate them on their spectacular deficit reduction efforts, which have sliced the annual shortfall down to roughly half-a-trillion dollars….or higher than every single Bush deficit on record — save for FY 2009, and Bush was only partially responsible for those outlays. Also, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has projected that our annual deficits are on track to once again swell beyond $1 trillion by the end of the current 10-year budget window. Obama’s solution? A budget proposal that never balances, and that would add more than $8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, despite trillions in tax increases. His advisers laughably touted the plan as an end to Obama’s, um, “age of austerity.” What about his big idea to stave off and neutralize the towering entitlement spending wave (which he’s admitted is a real threat)? Well, he doesn’t have one. But his White House is quite certain they don’t like Paul Ryan’s. I’ll leave you with this quasi-out-of-context — but fitting — soundbyte from Friday’s pre-vacation presser, which should be manna from heaven for GOP ad makers. Over to you, President Downgrade:
“We’ve already been very clear. We’ve run out of money.”
*It is a blend of fascism and racism to question this president’s patriotism.


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Opposition Workers’ Party parliamentarian Shirley Lim addressed these questions head on when the current system of adjusting ministerial salaries was first tabled in 2007. She argued that the exorbitant salaries widened the gap between government and the average citizen it served, undercut the concept of public service as a noble calling and actually failed to attract the brightest and best into government service.
“Can we say that each and every minister in the cabinet would become a top earning banker, accountant or CEO [if he left office]?” she asked. “Other countries favor a more moderate use of taxpayers’ money for salaries, and they do not seem to have run their countries into the ground.”
She noted that Singapore is a beneficiary of globalization, but she added that globalization tends to favor the top wage earners while depressing average earnings. If this trend continues and the current salary review system remains in place, she argued, Singapore could be seeing ministers earning $4 or even $5 million a year.
Lim was then speaking as a nominated member of parliament. That is a curious position, unique to Singapore, in which the top three losing opposition candidates are appointed to parliament but have no vote. Ironically, it was Lee himself who first proposed the nominated members, worried that his own party members lacked street smarts and debating skills.
Since May, however, Lim will be speaking as a full-fledged voting member of parliament. She was part of the five-member Workers' Party slate that captured the Aljunied Group Representative Constituency, in the May 7 general election, the first time that any opposition party had won a GRC since they were created in 1988. One other Workers' Party candidate took one of the few remaining single-member seats.
The GRC is another Singaporean contribution to democracy. The GRCs ostensibly ensure minority representation in parliament as one candidate on the slate must be from a minority, usually Malay or Indian. Critics maintained that it was a device to perpetuate the PAP lock by making it harder to recruit candidates and pay deposits, while minimizing the chances that weaker PAP candidates losing in head-to-head races.
For the opposition, winning one of the GRCs was like scaling Mt Everest; It will get easier next time. Meanwhile, opposition members of parliament will no longer feel so lonely. Adding three new none-voting members, the opposition now has a sizeable bloc.
The PAP sought to boost its electoral chances by sprinkling famous party leaders and senior ministers in different slates. This backfired when Foreign Minister George Yeo went down to defeat in Aljunied, the first cabinet minister ever to lose an election in Singapore. (The pain may have been ameliorated by a $2 million annual pension.)
Singapore may be virtually a one-party state, but the government takes election results seriously. When the PAP vote total falls below about two-thirds (last month it was 60.1, a record low in 18 consecutive elections) it is usually an occasion for soul searching. This election was no different.
Prime Minister Lee reshuffled the cabinet, trying to bring in newer, younger faces more appealing to the younger voters. Two famous old-timers, Lee Kuan Yew and former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, resigned from the cabinet where they had served as “Mentor Ministers” without portfolios.
Lee acknowledged the public unease with ministerial salaries by immediately appointing a new committee to review the present method of setting salaries. “You can expect that in all probability, salaries will be cut,” said the committee’s new head Gerard Ee, who is chairman of Changi Hospital.
The opposition to high ministerial salaries is more than just a reflection of public envy. It is a manifestation of a deeper malaise over the widening gap in wealth between the people at the top and the average Singaporean workers, a situation that is by no means unique to Singapore.


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With General Motors putting more and more distance between itself and the 2009 auto bailout, its prospects as a company seem to get brighter. 2013 will prove to be a very big year for GM though, as the company has announced that 13 new models will show up on dealer showrooms next year. That’s a lot of new metal.
But according to a GM spokesman in an interview with the Detroit Free Press, there will be at least a “couple surprises” that have GM executives “thrilled.” Let the rampant speculation begin?
First let’s get a few of the more boring (and likely) candidates out of the way. 2013 could bring a refreshed Chevy Volt model to dealership lots, joining the new Cruze, Malibu, Impala, and Chevy SS sedans that should arrive sometime next year. It is also likely that a crossover version of the Volt with more cargo and passenger room is in the works.
2013 could see GM finally bringing out a fresh look for the Camaro though, as it is about due for a mild facelift before the new generation hits. We’re also hearing that GM is going after the Millennial demographic aggressively, and could see fit to produce a small, sporty, technologically advanced coupe. It could even be based on one of the two Millennial-centric concepts that debuted at last year’s Detroit Auto Show.
Specifically, we’re hoping that GM brings a production version of the 130r Coupe or Tru 140s concept to life. With rear-wheel drive and a small turbocharged four-cylinder, it could get good gas mileage and still deliver halfway decent performance. More importantly, it could serve as a gateway vehicle to something more potent, like the Camaro. Gotta hook them while they’re young.


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Diving in with a moody and driving club rendition of Purple Disco Machine and Sophie and the Giants’ single ‘In The Dark’
I like what you’re doing Sophie and the Giants, you’re making a habit of making hits…..” – Jack Saunders / BBC Radio 1
“Sophie and the Giants are swiftly carving out a reputation for themselves as purveyors of millennial power pop with a rock bite.”– Gigwise
Welsh rockers Stereophonics, along with Tom Grennan and Sophie And The Giants, continue the Lytham Festival celebrations with a rockin’ night under the warm Summer sunshine.
With 2019 very much on the horizon, these acts include ones that are already BRIT award winning, Grammy nominated and topping ‘Ones To Watch’ lists, to those beginning to make waves.

domain: entertainment


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There was a time this season when the Naval Academy's women's basketball team was off to its best start ever at 12-0. But within a week, sophomore starters Jenny Thompson and Becky Dowling were lost for the season with knee injuries, and the Midshipmen had been dealt two severe blows.
Then came what could be the knockout punch. Team captain Adria Schneck (20.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Navy's leading scorer this winter, was suspended for the rest of the season for violations of the administrative disciplinary act.
"All our hopes this year were to win the Patriot League," said coach Joe Sanchez. "We beat Holy Cross the first time around, which is the heavy favorite, but then everything kind of crumbled."
Dowling, the Patriot League's reigning Rookie of the Year, was second on the team in scoring at 18.1 points a game, and first in rebounding at 9.1. Thompson ran the offense and averaged about five points.
Schneck, a forward/center, is allowed to practice with the team and will play next season.
Navy is 1-3 since the three players were lost. Overall, the Midshipmen are 16-6 and starting as many as four plebes.
"We're just trying to regroup and do the best we can down the stretch," Sanchez said. "We've lost a lot of firepower, so we just have to rely on our kids to play the best defense they can. We've gone back to basics and simplified a lot of things."
Loyola women climbing
The team isn't nearly as experienced as the previous two, both of which made the NCAA tournament. The starting lineup for the first five games included four freshmen because of injuries. No wonder the women's basketball team at Loyola, having lost all five starters, including all-time leading scorer Patty Stoffey, was picked to finish fifth in the preseason MAAC coaches poll.
Loyola, coming off a school-record 20-win season, got off to a 1-4 start before becoming healthier. Coach Pat Coyle replaced three of the rookies with a sophomore, junior and senior, then put one of the freshmen back into the lineup later. The result: the Greyhounds are 10-11 overall and 4-5 in the MAAC after Friday's loss at Manhattan.
The only two players who have started every game are junior forward Lynn Albert (13.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg), who scored a career-high 27 points in Sunday's 64-52 upset of first-place St. Peter's, and freshman guard Jennifer Bongard (10.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg).
The four freshmen, including point guard Corey Hewitt (4.9 ppg, 3.4 apg), forward Jina Mosley (5.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and center Mary Ann Kirsch (7.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg), who reclaimed her starting job, have accounted for 48 percent of Loyola's points, 45 percent of its rebounds and 52 percent of its assists.
Salisbury's Clark steps up
After spending two seasons as a role player, junior forward Randy Clark leads Salisbury State in rebounds (9.3), blocks (1.4) and field goals percentage (53.3), and is second in scoring (13.3 ppg) behind guard Casey Musick. And the Sea Gulls were thriving at 13-8 overall and 9-2 in the CAC going into yesterday's game at Mary Washington.
Coach Ward Lambert would love to have him around for one more season, but that may not happen. An honor-roll student and academic All-American nominee, Clark is scheduled to complete his work toward an engineering degree next year at the University of Maryland as part of a co-op program.
"He hasn't made up his mind yet," Lambert said. "I'm not going to put any pressure on him. He realizes he's not going to play in the pros, so he's got to get that degree."
The College of Notre Dame's swim team set four school records in a recent meet at St. Mary's: Distance freestyler Mary Khan broke her records in the 1,650- and 1,000-yard freestyle; Susan Cheek eclipsed her record in the 200 backstroke, and Kelly Love set a mark in the 200 breaststroke. The Gators went undefeated in January. . . . Towson State senior Meilani Smith had been a triple winner five times this season going into yesterday's swim meet at Central Connecticut, and is favored to TTC win the Tigers' MVP award an unprecedented fourth straight year. . . . Goucher's Mike Raley (Loyola) ran his unbeaten streak to 23 consecutive swim meets. . . . St. Mary's senior Cindy Davenport (Old Mill) went over 1,000 career points in basketball last week. . . . Maryland junior Sara Borst posted her best time of the season in the 50-yard freestyle (23.75) in the ACC championships, earning NCAA Division I consideration for the March 21 NCAA championships in Ann Arbor, Mich. . . . Bowie State's men's basketball team won its first game against Norfolk State in 39 tries, 81-69, last weekend. The Bulldogs had lost to the Spartans two weeks earlier, 116-57. . . . Western Maryland senior Julie Cox (Liberty) met her second qualifying standard for the NCAA Division III indoor track championships last weekend at Franklin and Marshall. Cox, who had qualified in the 55-meter hurdles in December, won the 55-meter -- in 7.37 seconds.


HTM has been awarded a contract to support the Bundespolizei (German Federal Police) through an MRO contract. The contract will see HTM Group company Intercopter take over the maintenance and repair of the 19 aircraft strong Bundespolizei EC155 fleet. While the majority of the work will be carried out by Intercopter at its Taufkirchen site near Munich, sister company, Advanced Aerospace Developments GmbH (AAD), may also provide services in modifications and integrations
StandardAero has announced the addition of two new approved facilities for Rolls-Royce RR300 helicopter engine MRO. With this new expanded capability, the company is now able to service the engine type for Robinson R66 helicopter operators in Westminster, British Columbia and Concord, North Carolina in addition to its existing facilities in Winnipeg, Manitoba , Portsmouth U.K. and Singapore.
While RR300 MRO will now take place at the two new facilities, engine testing capabilities will remain at the company’s locations in Winnipeg, Portsmouth and Dallas. StandardAero also services helicopter engine LRU’s including Fuel Control Units, PT Governors, Fuel Pumps and Starter Generators at its Portsmouth, Hialeah, Florida and Broomfield, Colorado locations. “StandardAero is pleased to expand our global MRO services for RR300 engines and adding capabilities in Western Canada and the U.S. Eastern coast significantly extends our geographic reach for servicing North American Operators,” said Cory Waldmo, Director of Customer Service for StandardAero Helicopters business unit. “We look forward to continuing to provide the industry’s best engine MRO services for RR300 operators around the world.”
Bell has acquired Eagle Copters Maintenance Pty. Ltd (ECM) an MRO with facilities in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales and Redcliffe, Queensland.
ECM was already part of Bell’s aftermarket network as one of the company’s customer service facilities (CSF) but the buyout will, say Bell enable them to expand its regional footprint aftermarket solutions in Australia and Asia-Pacific. Eagle is of course a familiar name in Bell support, ECM was formed as a joint venture between Calgary based Eagle Copters and Australia’s Aero Assist. The Eagle Copters network has worked with Bell for 40 years and is one of the company’s top producing CSFs.
“This acquisition enables us to provide local support and solutions to our customers in Australia and in Asia-Pacific,” said Chris Schaefer, director, Support and Services, Bell. “We are confident ECM has the right portfolio of service offerings for competitive aftermarket support in the region. We are excited to have them join the Bell family.” Adding his thoughts Grant Boyer ECM Director said “We’ve always felt a part of the Bell team from being a CSF partner for more than six years, We have a positive and strong reputation in the region and provide dedicated support to our customer network. The team is excited for this new journey with Bell and to continue bringing robust solutions in Australia and Asia-Pacific.”
Following on from the success of its Safety Management Systems (SMS) programme for helicopter operators in 2021, The Helicopter Association International (HAI) has announced an addition to its “VTOL safety tool chest” an SMS programme for aircraft maintenance. The programme comes as a result of partnership between the HAI and the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) which will see the AEA allow HAI members to use its SMS programme at no cost.
Bristow Group has announced that it has signed a maintenance agreements with Leonardo Helicopters and Pratt & Whitney which will see the company’s entire fleet of AW139s under the same maintenance and support umbrella.
The legacy Era AW139 fleet was previously covered by a limited power-by-the-hour (“PBH”) support agreement with Leonardo for the airframes, while the engines were maintained on a time and cost of materials basis. The legacy Bristow AW139 fleet was covered by multiple, disparate PBH support agreements with Leonardo for the airframes, and the engines were covered under a PBH agreement with Pratt & Whitney. The new agreements result in consistent, global maintenance support programs for Bristow’s AW139 helicopters, both the airframes and the engines.
“Following the merger of Era and Bristow in June 2020, we have been working for two years to align our AW139 maintenance support agreements on the most favourable terms possible for Bristow,” said Stuart Stavley, Senior Vice President, Global Fleet Management. “The cost certainty contained in these agreements is particularly valuable given the broader economic backdrop of the current inflationary environment.”
In addition to the AW139 agreements, Bristow has also signed long-term maintenance support agreements with Leonardo for the AW189 airframe and with Honeywell for the AW139 avionics suite. The company has also signed a long-term maintenance agreement with General Electric for support of AW189 and S-92 engines.


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Law360, New York (February 14, 2013, 2:05 PM EST) -- During fiscal year 2012, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's administrative enforcement activities have secured more than $365.4 million. According to its own estimates, this is the highest level of monetary relief the agency recovered through the administrative process and $700,000 more than it recovered in fiscal year 2011.
As the agency strives to recover increasingly larger monetary relief from employers, it does so by intensifying its pursuit of systemic cases. These cases often arise out of individual charges of alleged discrimination.
Financial Services Law360 UK provides breaking news and analysis on the financial sector. Coverage includes UK and European Union policy, enforcement, and litigation involving banks, asset management firms, and other financial services organizations.

domain: law


California, Oregon and Washington to work together on plan to lift coronavirus restrictions
Gavin Newsom said he will work with Oregon and Washington to develop a plan to reopen their economies and heal after the coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and his counterparts in Washington and Oregon announced “a regional pact to recovery” from the coronavirus crisis on Monday and agreed to work together to develop a plan to lift restrictions on daily life and reopen economies along the West Coast.
The announcement comes as six states in the Northeast — New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island — also agreed to coordinate regional efforts to gradually ease restrictions adopted to prevent the spread of the virus.
“COVID-19 doesn’t follow state or national boundaries,” Newsom, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement. “It will take every level of government, working together, and a full picture of what’s happening on the ground.”
Newsom said he intends to provide details Tuesday on California’s strategy to begin to walk back his stay-at-home order and allow businesses to resume functions.
The statement from Newsom and the other governors lacked specific details, broadly describing a few basic principles they agreed to follow as they develop strategies to return some level of normalcy to their states. The governors said they will be guided by data, prioritize health over politics and work together and with local communities.
“We need to see a decline in the rate of spread of the virus before large-scale reopening, and we will be working in coordination to identify the best metrics to guide this,” the governors said.
The statement also laid out four shared goals to control the virus, including protecting vulnerable populations, ensuring the states have enough equipment and hospital workers to provide adequate care, mitigating non-direct health effects on disadvantaged communities and developing a strategy to test, track and isolate cases.
The governors made the announcement hours after President Donald Trump tweeted that he, and not governors, will decide when to open up states again.
Newsom, who has often commended the Trump administration’s efforts to work with California during the pandemic, said he expects to continue that collaboration and cooperation with the federal government.
“I have all the confidence in the world moving forward that we will maintain that collaborative spirit in terms of the decision-making, that we make here within the state of California as it relates to a roadmap for recovery and roadmap to get back to some semblance of normalcy,” Newsom said.
The governor discussed transitioning back to regular life days after Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services agency, said the stay-at-home order and social distancing have slowed the spread of the virus, resulting in fewer hospitalizations than estimates predicted.
Under a worst case scenario and without any mitigation efforts, state models predicted a peak of nearly 700,000 hospitalizations from COVID-19, Ghaly said Friday. But he noted that adherence to the stay-at-home order, which Newsom announced nearly a month ago, now suggests “the difference between what we’re seeing today in our hospitals may not be that much different than where we are going to peak in the many weeks to come.”
As of Monday, 22,234 Californians have tested positive for the virus and 687 have died, Newsom said. The governor said 3,015 people have been hospitalized, including 1,178 who are receiving intensive care.
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This post originally appeared on the Improvisational Textiles website 10/12/17. Moving this post to tierneycreates.
My piece, The Recycled Road (2017), exhibited at Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty Gallery in downtown Bend, Oregon, September 3 through October 3, 2017 as part of the Central Oregon SAQA Pathways Exhibit.
Below is a sampling of other art quilts at the exhibit. For wonderful images of the entire Pathways show art quilts, please see the post by fellow Central Oregon SAQA member, Kristin Shields – SOQS 2017 : 6 : CENTRAL OREGON SAQA- PATHWAYS.
The Pathways show will travel next to the Twigs Gallery in Sisters, Oregon, opening October 24 and running through the end of November 2017.


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Washington, DC (UroToday.com): David Cahn and the group from Einstein Healthcare Network and Fox Chase Cancer Center presented on the utilization trends and survival outcomes of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) or bladder preservation therapy (BPT) using National Cancer Database (NCDB).
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The group conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study using NCDB to identify patients with analytic stage II-III N0/M0 urothelial bladder cancer from 2003-2011. BPT patients were stratified as any external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), definitive radiotherapy (RT) 50-80 Gy, and definitive RT + chemotherapy. Treatment trends were evaluated using Pearson Chi-square tests. Overall survival was compared between RC and BPT using Kaplan Meier curves and Cox regression models were adjusted for year of treatment, hospital volume, patient/tumor clinicopathologic variables.
Of the 603,298 patients with bladder cancer captured in the NCDB, 9% (n=54,518) had analytic stage II-III with urothelial histology. 51.1% (n=27,843) of these patients were treated with RC (70.9%, n=19,745) or BPT (29.1%, n= 8,098). Of the patientsundergoing BPT, 26.9% (n=2,176) and 15.0% (n=1,215) were treated with definitive RT and definitive RT + chemotherapy, respectively.
Following adjustment, improved survival in patients undergoing RC was noted regardless of BPT definition employed in multivariate analysis. However, attenuated
differences in OS were seen using increasingly stringent definitions for BPT (EBRT: HR 2.2 [CI 2.15-2.29]; definitive RT: HR 1.94 [CI 1.74-2.14]; definitive RT + chemotherapy: HR 1.56 [CI 1.45-1.68]).
The group concludes that the receipt of BPT was associated with decreased OS compared to RC in all patients with stage II-III urothelial carcinoma, in part due to selection biases.
However, the use of increasingly stringent definitions of BPT attenuated the observed survival differences. Further randomized prospective controlled trials are needed to
compare trimodal BPT to RC to identify optimal candidates for bladder preservation.
Dr. David Cahn, MD
Mohammed Haseebuddin, MD. from the Society of Urologic Oncology Meeting - December 2 - 4, 2015 – Washington, DC.
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA.


This is my first iPhone launch since leaving Apple, and that’s the only excuse I need to take a guess as to what today’s announcement might feature.
Given the amount of rumours and leaks, I think we’re set for a substantially improved iPhone 7 with no headphone socket — my guess is for reasons of waterproofing more than anything else. In addition to those changes the iPhone 7 plus will feature a dual lens camera plus the improved capabilities and photography it enables. The iPhone 7 plus might even have Apple Pencil support, a feature that I expect to reach all touch screen Apple devices as time goes on.
With the removal of the 3.5mm socket we’re set to see wireless ear buds, perhaps using a custom, Apple-designed chipset to provide better-than-Bluetooth performance. Maybe with a cool name that somehow riffs on the Thunderbolt and Lightning to start a new lineage of wireless transfer protocols.
If laptops are featured — and I’m not sure they will be — then it’ll be with speed bumps due you the latest Intel processors, and a new design including the configurable touch screen OLED bar in place of the row of function keys that has been leaked numerous times.
So, that leaves us with the Apple Watch 2. This is rumoured to feature improved battery life and GPS. What better app to show that off with than the biggest game in the world right now: Pokémon Go? With a revised app the Watch could become your very own Pokémon Go Plus — notifying you when there’s something happening nearby. Game changer. Interestingly the standalone version of the Pokémon Go Plus controller hardware device was delayed from July to September and is iOS-only. I’m sure Apple would much rather feature their own device rather than one from Google/Nintendo.
Well, that was fun!
Less than one hour to go until the #AppleEvent


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Squid Game Netflix Release Date
Korea JoongAng Daily Korea’s leading media group confirmed the release date of the Squid Game Korean Drama on Netflix. Squid Game will be available for streaming on Netflix from September 17, 2021.
Squid Game Korean Drama Cast
A group of 456 strangers participate in the secret survival game with a winning prize of KRW 45.6 billion. The game is represented by the union of a circle, a triangle and a square. Game starts and all the 456 participants wander through a colorful maze ending up in an open field. Participants those who do not follow the rule or are unable to complete the mission face death.
Facing financial crisis, Ki-Hoon participates in a game which will reward the winner with a sum of 45.6 billion. Sang-Woo, a very good friend of Ki-Hoon participates in the secret survival game with his friend Ki-Hoon as he is facing financial crisis too, though he went to good College and had decent education but lands into financial crisis due to misappropriation of company funds.
Lee Jung-Jae as Gi-Hoon
Park Hae-Soo as Sang-Woo
Heo Sung-Tae as Deok-Soo
Wi Ha-Joon as Joon-Ho
Kim Joo-Ryung as Mi-Ryeong
HoYeon Jung as Sae-Byeok
Gong Yoo (Featuring Role)


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A slightly hilly, almost (not completely) mud-free walk, mostly on roads and hard tracks, starting from Ilmington and passing through Ebrington, Chipping Campden and Hidcote Manor.
To contact the walk leader or ask a question about this walk, please use the "Get in touch about this walk" email link on the walk details page.
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions – if in doubt, ask the walk leader.
• Bring food and water, depending on the length of the walk.
• If you feel unwell, or need to slow down or stop, let the walk leader or back marker know


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Is Stress Causing Your Jaw Pain?
Is your jaw often clenched, creating discomfort or pain? It might not just be a random occurrence. Instead, it could potentially be a sign of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) triggered by stress. A surprising connection lies between the unbidden stressors of life and the distress they may cause to your jaw’s joints and muscles.
Our Staten Island dentists discuss this intricate link, providing an in-depth understanding of TMJ disorders induced by stress, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) refers to a range of conditions that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. These disorders encompass a group of over 30 conditions that affect the jaw joint and its associated muscles. There’s no single cause for TMJ disorders. Rather, they can result from a combination of factors or various contributing factors.
Some potential causes may include jaw injury, teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), arthritis in the jaw joint, malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), and even stress. Emotional stress often exacerbates TMJ disorder symptoms.
Exploring the Link Between Stress and TMJ Disorders
While stress isn’t the sole cause of TMJ disorders, there’s substantial evidence suggesting that it exacerbates symptoms and increases the risk of developing these conditions.
When we experience stress, our bodies often respond by tensing up the muscles, including ones in the face, neck, and jaw. This tension can manifest as clenching or grinding of teeth, known as bruxism. Bruxism is a common contributing factor to TMJ disorders, as it puts excessive strain on the jaw joint and muscles. The repetitive nature of this behavior can lead to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and restricted jaw movement.
Stress also affects our overall well-being, causing increased cortisol levels and heightened muscle tension throughout the body. When combined with underlying factors such as poor posture or bad dental habits, stress can magnify the severity of TMJ disorder symptoms.
Understanding the link between stress and TMJ disorders is crucial for effective management and treatment. By addressing stress levels, individuals with TMJ disorders can potentially reduce symptoms and prevent further complications.
Influence of Anxiety on TMJ Disorders
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worrying, unease, and fear.
Research has shown that anxiety can contribute to the onset and severity of TMJ disorders in various ways. Firstly, anxiety often leads to para-functional habits, such as nail-biting, lip chewing, or jaw clenching, which can strain the temporomandibular joint. These habits cause additional stress on the jaw joint and muscles, potentially exacerbating existing TMJ disorder symptoms.
Anxiety can heighten pain sensitivity, making individuals more aware of discomfort in the temporomandibular joint region. This heightened perception of pain can intensify the overall experience of TMJ disorder symptoms.
It’s essential to address both anxiety and stress when managing TMJ disorders.
Impact of Stress on TMJ Disorders
Stress, the constant companion of modern life, can have a significant impact on our physical and mental well-being. When it comes to TMJ disorders, stress is often a significant risk factor and a potential contributor to the development and worsening of symptoms.
|Risk Factors For TMJ Disorders
|Anxiety and Stress
|Head and face pain
|Sound and pain in TMJ
|Mastication muscle pain
|Limitations of movements
While stress may not be the sole cause of TMJ disorders, it plays a significant role in their prevalence and exacerbation. Other contributing factors such as bad dental hygiene, prolonged habits like chewing gum excessively or only eating on one side of the mouth, poor posture, or previous injuries can also contribute to these conditions.
In light of this understanding, it’s crucial to address stress and anxiety as part of the treatment plan for TMJ disorders. Combining techniques to manage stress, such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness-based stress reduction, counseling, and physical therapy, with the appropriate medical interventions can help individuals find relief from TMJ symptoms.
Identifying Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders encompass a range of symptoms that can vary from person to person. It’s essential to pay attention to these symptoms to identify the presence of a potential TMJ disorder.
Some common physical symptoms to watch out for include:
- Pain or tenderness: Discomfort in the jaw joint or surrounding areas. It may manifest as a dull ache, or sharp pain, or even radiate to other parts of the face, neck, or head.
- Clicking or popping sounds: If you experience clicking, popping, or grinding noises when moving your jaw, it could indicate an issue with the temporomandibular joint.
- Limited jaw movement: Difficulty opening or fully closing your mouth, along with potential locking or sticking sensations in the jaw joint, should be noted.
- Changes in bite: A sudden misalignment of your teeth when biting down or changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together might suggest a problem with the jaw joint.
- Ear-related issues: TMJ disorders can also cause earaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or feelings of fullness or pressure in the ears.
- Headaches and facial pain: Frequent tension headaches, migraines, or facial pain that cannot be attributed to other causes are often seen in individuals with TMJ disorders.
Effective Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders
Dealing with TMJ disorders can be challenging, but there are several TMJ treatment options available to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. In most cases, healthcare professionals recommend starting with nonsurgical approaches before considering surgical interventions.
TMJ disorders are complex conditions that require individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s specific needs. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in treating TMJ disorders, such as an oral surgeon, orthodontist, otolaryngologist (ENT specialist), or prosthodontist.
While treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, curing TMJ disorders entirely isn’t always possible. The outlook for TMJ disorders varies from person to person, with some experiencing temporary issues that resolve within weeks or months, while others may have chronic conditions that require ongoing management. Managing stress, adopting good posture habits, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or mindfulness, and avoiding habits that worsen symptoms can also significantly contribute to the overall success of treatment.
Pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed in some cases.
Nonsurgical treatments can include wearing a mouth guard or oral splint to prevent teeth grinding or clenching, physical therapy to strengthen jaw muscles and improve flexibility, trigger point injections to relieve muscle tension, ultrasound therapy to reduce pain and inflammation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to relax muscles and relieve pain.
In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical options such as arthrocentesis (joint flushing), TMJ arthroscopy, or open-joint surgery may be considered. These procedures aim to repair or replace damaged structures within the joint itself.
When it comes to managing TMJ disorders, therapeutic approaches can be employed to alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life. These approaches focus on addressing the underlying causes of the disorder, reducing pain and discomfort, and restoring proper functioning of the temporomandibular joint.
One commonly used therapeutic approach is physical therapy, which involves specialized exercises and techniques to improve jaw mobility, reduce muscle tension, and optimize jaw alignment. Physical therapists with expertise in TMJ disorders can provide customized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. These may include gentle stretching exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities like heat or cold therapy to alleviate pain and inflammation.
In some cases, oral appliances may be recommended as part of the therapeutic approach. These appliances are custom-made devices worn in the mouth to help align the jaw and provide support for the muscles and joints involved in chewing and speaking. By promoting proper alignment and alleviating pressure on the temporomandibular joint, oral appliances can contribute to pain reduction and improved jaw function.
Additionally, behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be valuable in managing TMJ disorders. CBT focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and behavior associated with stress and anxiety that can exacerbate TMJ symptoms. By employing relaxation techniques, stress management strategies, and cognitive restructuring, CBT aims to reduce stress levels and enhance overall well-being.
When dealing with TMJ disorders, making adjustments to one’s lifestyle can often complement therapeutic approaches and provide further relief. Some lifestyle modifications that may prove beneficial include:
- Stress management: Since stress is closely associated with TMJ disorders, finding effective stress management techniques becomes essential. Engaging in activities like regular exercise, mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or pursuing hobbies can help alleviate stress levels and prevent the exacerbation of TMJ symptoms.
- Dietary changes: Certain foods have been linked to increased pain and inflammation in TMJ disorders. It may be helpful to avoid hard or chewy foods that require excessive jaw movement. Opting for softer foods or incorporating a well-balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall joint health.
- Posture correction: Poor posture habits can affect the alignment of the temporomandibular joint and contribute to TMJ-related discomfort. Maintaining good posture while sitting or standing, adopting ergonomic workstations, and avoiding activities that strain the neck and shoulders can help alleviate unnecessary pressure on the jaw joint.
- Oral habits: Certain oral habits like clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism) can exacerbate TMJ symptoms. Becoming aware of these habits and practicing relaxation techniques or using mouthguards recommended by dental professionals for bruxism can aid in minimizing jaw muscle tension and associated pain.
- Sleep hygiene: Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, including managing TMJ disorders. Adopting good sleep hygiene practices such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques before bed can contribute to better sleep quality and reduce TMJ symptoms.
By incorporating these lifestyle modifications into daily routines, individuals with TMJ disorders can enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches and take active steps toward managing their symptoms more effectively.
Contact Our Dentists in Staten Island for TMD Treatment
Are you ready to ease your jaw pain? Contact our Staten Island dentists today for an appointment. We’ll recommend the TMJ treatment that best fits your needs and ensure you can get the relief you need.