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Launch Of New National Genome Centre
The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC) will further the UK"s capacity in genomics - the science of understanding the genetic makeup of organisms and the genetic differences that exist between individuals. This knowledge can then be used for developments that include the production of new antibiotics to fight "superbugs", breeding of new crops with increased tolerance of drought, and the breeding of livestock better able to resist emerging exotic disease. TGAC will underpin these advances as well as making a significant contribution to economic development.
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National Health Service Leaflets On Sex Among Teenagers, Elderly Spark Controversy In U.K.
Two leaflets from Britain"s National Health Service have provoked controversy over government messages on sexuality among teenagers and the elderly, the Washington Post reports. According to the Post, the leaflet for teens, titled "Pleasure," says that daily sex "keeps the doctor away." It also states, "Health promotion experts advocate five portions of fruit and [vegetables] a day and 30 minutes physical activity three times a week." It suggests that some form of sexual activity "twice a week" could have health benefits as well. The leaflet was issued by NHS in Sheffield, England, and is available to parents, youth workers and teachers nationwide. The leaflet for the elderly says that it is "never too late to experiment" sexually and offers information on dating services and contraception. The leaflet is available online, and 2,000 copies have been distributed to doctors" offices, health centers and libraries.Britain has the highest teen pregnancy rate in Western Europe, and the government has prioritized prevention-related policy measures by spending millions of dollars on awareness and contraception campaigns, the Post reports. The country also plans to make sex education mandatory in all public schools starting in 2010.After the teen leaflet appeared, "dismayed parents lit up message boards," and some educators argued that it "encouraged promiscuity," the Post reports. However, others said the leaflets are a welcome departure from traditional forms of sex education that focus on biology and disease prevention, rather than personal relationships. Hilary Pannack, CEO of the teen pregnancy not-for-profit Straight Talking, said that talking with teens about sexual pleasure "should be done with extreme caution" but that, in general, the leaflet is a "big turnaround for Britain." She added, "British people are very, very embarrassed talking to kids about sex."Steve Slack, the director of NHS" Center for HIV and Sexual Health in Sheffield and a co-author of the leaflet, said one of the objectives was to encourage teens to delay intercourse until they are ready and feel that they will enjoy it. He added that some of the leaflet"s ideas were inspired by the Netherlands, a country that is frequently referenced in British sex education debates because of its liberal attitudes toward discussing sex and its low teen pregnancy rates (Adam, Washington Post, 7/23).
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What Is Strep Throat? What Is Sore Throat?
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. Sore throat is a term for any situation where the throat feels scratchy, tender, and possibly painful. Strep throat is a type of sore throat. Sore throat may be caused by bacteria or viruses, while strep throat is only caused by bacteria. The term strep throat is more commonly used in the USA and Canada, compared to other English speaking countries. Strep throat may also be referred to as Streptococcal pharyngitis or streptococcal sore throat.
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Recent Survey Suggests Complications With Permanent Fillers - 1 In 4 UK Surgeons Have Seen Patients With Complications

A new survey completed by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (BAAPS) suggests that patients may experience higher complication rates with permanent cosmetic fillers than with other types of cosmetic injections. The survey reveals 38.5% of surgeons saw 1-3 patients over the past year experiencing complications with permanent facial fillers, and 23% of surgeons saw 1-3 patients in the past year with complications so severe surgery was needed to treat those complications. "Permanent fillers present challenges, particularly for inexperienced injectors," says Coalition leader Julius Few, MD, a plastic surgeon practicing in Chicago, IL. "In addition to potential complications that may develop years after injection, the challenge of a permanent, synthetic filler is the anticipation of aging changes and the need for outcomes that will not look unnatural over time. To date, fat continues to be the option closest to a permanent filler with a proven safety record." British surgeons reported far fewer complications with non-permanent fillers: 81% of surgeons did not see any complications with hyaluronic acids (Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Prevelle in the U.S.), collagen (Evolence, Cosmoderm), or calcium hydoxyl appetite (Radiesse). "Permanent fillers are very different than temporary dermal fillers, because the results from temporary fillers do diminish over time," said Coalition leader Roger Dailey, MD, an oculoplastic surgeon practicing in Portland, OR. "Temporary fillers can then be placed in subsequent years in a customized fashion to adjust for the changes that occur with age in the surrounding untreated areas." In addition to complications from synthetic permanent fillers, 29% of British surgeons report a range from 1-12 patients per year with complications from the "lunchtime boob job," a procedure that uses skin-plumping injections like hyaluronic acid to enhance breast size. "There is no commercial dermal filler approved for breast augmentation in the U.S., nor is injecting the breasts with a synthetic filler an accepted practice among U.S. physicians. There simply is not enough data on the safety or outcomes for synthetic dermal filler injections to the breast or buttocks Fat injections to the breast are still considered investigational - they being carefully researched, but fat is widely used and accepted to enhance the buttocks," said Dr. Few. The survey also revealed the top reason BAAPS doctors cited for complications with fillers: Unqualified practitioners are administering fillers incorrectly. "The problem of unqualified practitioners is not only in the United Kingdom, it"s here in the United States. Consumers need to always be aware of who is injecting them and what they are injecting them with," says Dr. Dailey. "You should only accept an injection that has been prescribed by a physician, that is FDA approved, and do not allow yourself to be injected by someone who has not clearly defined his or her qualifications to you." Studies conducted by the U.S. FDA [i] report that patients experiencing adverse events from temporary dermal fillers are mostly the result of an injection by an unqualified provider. The number of overall complications in the U.S. with temporary dermal fillers is less than 1 in 10,000 [ii]. The Coalition, which has launched a new, consumer friendly site with video, FAQs and more, offers consumers extensive, easy to use res including a cosmetic injection planner with all the questions you must ask your provider at http://www.injectablesafety.org. In addition, an up-to-date listing of the status of investigational and approved cosmetic injection drugs and devices is available on the site, as well as pictures that will help consumers identify a genuine brand. In addition consumers are urged to ask and consider these simple questions before considering any cosmetic injectable procedure: - Doctor: Is the injectable recommended by a qualified doctor who regularly treats similar conditions, in an appropriately licensed and equipped medical facility? Has the doctor examined the prospective patient before recommending treatment? - Brand: Is the injectable recommended approved by the U.S. FDA, and by equivalent agencies in the country of origin, for cosmetic indications and is it appropriately labeled and packaged to reflect its authenticity and approval? - Safety: Is the setting a proper medically-equipped office, with safety and sterilization procedures? Has the physician evaluated conditions, recommended treatment, offered alternatives and clearly defined the potential outcomes including any complications? References [i] U.S. FDA Executive Summary, Dermal Filler Devices, November 18, 2008 (See here) [ii] Industry Insights, data review and summary, November 25, 2008. See here The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety


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