Author: Serkadis

Although eltrombopag may help some people complete Hepatitis C therapy and thus beat the virus, learn why the FDA is warning physicians that this platelet-boosting drug poses a risk to those with chronic liver disease.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Following the latest news updates on medications that you have been or could be prescribed is a monumental and often frustrating task. This is especially true for those living with chronic Hepatitis C, since new developments related to this illness seem to emerge on a daily basis. A recent report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has delivered news that ranks high on the priority list of things those with Hepatitis C should be aware of. In collaboration with the FDA, GlaxoSmithKline unveiled important information about the platelet-boosting drug eltrombopag (Promacta), specific to individuals with liver disease.

What Is Eltrombopag?
To help those with a blood-clotting problem, eltrombopag is a medication that increases the production of platelets. Other drugs that can restore normal platelet functions are infusions or injections, while eltrombopag has the advantage of being a pill taken just once a day.

Irregularly-shaped, colorless cells that are present in blood, platelets have a sticky surface that helps them form clots to stop bleeding. This function is necessary, because the human body does not handle excessive blood loss well. Thus, individuals who have low levels of platelets in their blood run a substantial risk of a dangerous bleed. There are a handful of conditions that could lead to low platelet levels. Because it is one of the most severe side effects of ribavirin, a low platelet count is the most prominent reason for discontinuing Hepatitis C combination therapy (pegylated interferon and ribavirin).

Eltrombopag Used for Hepatitis C
Following a 2007 study by Duke University Medical Center researchers, eltrombopag has been a medication preferred by some hepatologists for certain individuals with Hepatitis C. According to the study involving Duke and other centers worldwide, eltrombopag was found to boost platelet levels of a majority of patients with low platelet counts and cirrhosis of the liver due to Hepatitis C infection.

Completing the fully prescribed course of Hepatitis C combination therapy offers those with this liver disease the most hope for recovery. Unfortunately, many must discontinue Hepatitis C treatment because of its severe side effects. By capitalizing on the platelet-boosting action of eltrombopag, patients with low platelet counts were deemed eligible for beginning or continuing Hepatitis C combination therapy – giving them a better chance of eliminating the virus.

The Eltrombopag Warning
Despite the appearance of eltrombopag being a savior for many people trying to complete Hepatitis C treatment, a new safety finding reveals just the opposite. Upon this discovery, the FDA has begun notifying healthcare professionals to be aware of eltrombopag increasing the likelihood of a venous thrombus in those with chronic liver disease. Also known as a blood clot in a vein, a venous thrombus located in deep veins is a major risk for a pulmonary embolism – a potentially fatal event. Although the study revealing this trend was small, there was a clear tendency to forming venous blood clots in participants who took eltrombopag compared to those taking a placebo. While GlaxoSmithKline is working with regulatory agencies to include more specific safety information on eltrombopag’s label, here is what you should know:

· Eltrombopag should be aimed at increasing the platelet count to a level that reduces the risk of bleeding – not for bringing the platelet count up to normal.

· Additional caution should be exercised when administering eltrombopag to those with Hepatitis C, including lower dosages and monitoring the patient closely.

Any course of therapy must carefully weigh potential risks with the possible benefits. When it comes to fighting Hepatitis C, this analysis gets complicated, especially if managing low platelet counts during antiviral therapy. Your healthcare provider should be aware of this new warning by the FDA. However, we are always our own best advocates, so make sure you know about the potential risk of using eltrombopag during Hepatitis C therapy.

References:

http://www.docguide.com/news/content.nsf/news/852576140048867C8525772100737C12, FDA Warns Against Eltrombopag Use in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease, Retrieved May 17, 2010, Doctor’s Guide Publishing Limited, 2010.

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/eltrombopag.html, eltrombopag, Retrieved May 19, 2010, drugs.com, 2010.

http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/blood/platelet.html, Platelets: Sticky Situations, Retrieved May 19, 2010, The Franklin Institute, 2010.

http://www.saudijgastro.com/article.asp?issn=1319-3767;year=2010;volume=16;issue=1;spage=51;epage=56;aulast=Danish, Considerations in the management of hepatitis C virus-related thrombocytopenia with eltrombopag, Fazal A Danish, et al, Retrieved May 17, 2010, The Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology, January 2010.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071128172408.htm, Pill Boosts Platelets In Hepatitis C Patients, Retrieved May 17, 2010, ScienceDaily LLC, 2010.

Filed under: Budget, Safety, India, Tata

Earlier this year, there were reports of at least three Tata Nano runabouts channeling The Trammps and going up in Disco(unt) Infernos. Of the three Nanos that got the charbroil treatment, two of them were apparently due to a faulty switch. The third couldn’t be explained, so Tata put together a team of 20 employees supplemented by a forensics expert to figure out what was going on.

Without explaining what happened, the team has reportedly “found no manufacturing defects,” and according to PTI News, they say that the third incident is unrelated. Furthermore, all Nanos “absolutely safe.” As you were, then. Still, in case current Nano owners want to be even more than absolutely safe, Tata will preemptively check any vehicle already in service.

[Source: PTI News]

Tata completes Nano fire probe, says car is safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you live in the area and can carve a little extra time into your calendar, join Gizmodo, Lifehacker, and Jezebel at Sweet and Vicious in New York City (on Spring Street between Elizabeth and Bowery) later tonight. We’ll be heading that way after 6 (and will stick around until at least 7:30), and look forward to seeing you there! Photo by Stewart. More »

Yahoo is continuing its slim-fast diet and shedding yet another one of its services. Yahoo Personals is to be no more, as the service will be outsourced to IAC’s Match.com. Existing users will be able to switch over to the new service dubbed “Match.com on Yahoo.” The move is the latest in a long line of outsourcing d… (read more)

Financials have been a popular hedge fund investment since distressed debt became the investment en vogue back in 2009.

And boy! Did they pay off in 2009.

But each one of these managers stayed invested in financials last quarter (according to their 13F filings)…

And if they’re are still in financials now, they’re getting hammered.

Chris Shumway

Shumway Capital:

• Almost $93 million in Bank of America (5.2 million shares)
• $306 million in Goldman Sachs (1.8 million shares)
• $163 million in JPMorgan (3.6 million shares)

Phil Falcone

Harbinger:

• $283.5 million in Citigroup (70 million shares)

Steve Mandel

Lone Pine:

• $273 million in Bank of America (15,277,033 shares)
• Almost $800 million in JPMorgan (17,814,985 shares)

Paulson

Paulson & Co:

• $3 billion in Bank of America (170 million shares)
• ~$170 million in CIT (~4.5 million shares)
• Over $2 billion in Citigroup (506.7 million shares)
• $600 million in JPMorgan (almost 26 million shares)

Bill Ackman

Pershing Square:

• $91.5 million in CIT (2.35 million shares)

Dan Loeb

Third Point:

• $91.6 million in Citigroup (2.35 million shares)

David Einhorn

Greenlight:

• ~$420 million in CIT (10 million shares)

David Tepper

Appaloosa:

• $541.6 million in Bank of America (30.3 million shares)
• $252.7 million in Citigroup (62.4 million shares)

Now watch how their money disappeared over the last three months into each bank…

Bank of America (BAC) has dropped from $19.48 to ~$16.

Goldman (GS) has gone from $184 to ~$140

Citigroup (C) dropped from almost $5 to under $4

CIT went from $41.75 to ~$35

JPM fell from almost $48 to around $40

Ouch! Now see how they offset financials last quarter –>

The 60-second guide to what hedge funds are invested in right now >

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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

We first wrote about Dodge’s new logo way back in January, when the Dexter-voiced commercials were coming out and a Dodge logo was showing up at auto shows with two stripes at the end. According to Automotive News, that graphic has been officially discussed and endorsed by Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles for a new logo, and we even have the reason: “it signifies our sporty character.” How is that, you ask? Because “Most SRTs are Dodges,” and those two red “slashes” are the sign of the SRT.

The slashes won’t appear on Dodge vehicles, however – only on signage and print materials. As it is rolled out in dealer showrooms, it will first be used to promote the 2011 Dodge Charger arriving later this year.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Dodge getting new badge to support sporty image originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A realtor at ground zero of the oil leak said the disaster was having a “horrible, just horrific” effect on sales.

Carolyn Angelette said around 100 clients have canceled summer rentals in Grand Isle, LA. Other clients have postponed plans to buy a home until they see the full extent of oil damage. At this rate, she warns, her Century 21 office will go out of business.

“Even if they were to stop the oil today, people will be fearful of coming out here and getting in the water,” Angelette said.

Home prices in the beach town held steady during the housing crash, Angelette explained, as most Grand Isle buyers are looking for second homes. Property destruction during Hurricane Katrina was a greater problem. By this summer, however, the market was ready for a strong recovery.

“The oil spill couldn’t have happened at a worse time,” Angelette said.

Like her clients, Angelette fears the worst. She thinks chemical dispersants released by BP have made an even bigger toxic mess, which may turn Grand Isle into a uninhabitable wasteland, the next Love Canal.

See pictures of the town covered in oil >>

Disclosure: The author owns shares in BP and Transocean.

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Actress Renee Zellweger who has been dating actor Bradley Cooper since last year made his dog sick by bringing her to the sets of Cooper’s new movie “Dark Fields”. According to the reports, she brought the dog Charlotte on the sets of the movie to surprise her boyfriend Cooper, but the dog started vomiting everywhere on the set.

According to some sources, Charlotte had eaten stake sandwiches which upset her stomach. Dog became so sick not only on the set but it started vomiting even on Renee’s rented car, but Renee was calm she cleaned up the mess by herself. And she took the dog for long walk until the dog felt better.

This is not the first time for Bradley to be interrupted on the sets, he has been interrupted recently on the sets of recent movie by school girls. The girls were successful to break into his private dressing room and they stole his belongings. When Bradley was told about this he just laughed and he was not upset.

So, when he did not get made on those school girls, he dare not get upset or mad on his girlfriend for bringing his dog on the set.

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According to the insiders from Paramount Pictures, the most sexiest girl of Hollywood, Megan Fox will not be casted in “Transformers 3”. The whole crew of “Transformers” is not happy with Megan and her behavior.

The crew did so many efforts for making her looks better in all the possible way but everything was unappreciated and dishonored by Megan, she even had disputes with director Bay. According to some sources director Bay fired Megan out of his movie. And some even say, she was not casted because she is too lean and she has a thin look.

Director Bay said, Megan will look ungraceful due to her weight loss and the character is not asking for such a look in the movie. But statement given by Megan is completely different than this. She said, she had spoken to the people involved in the movie and she is very lucky to be involved in this amazing project, she is looking forward for “Transformers 3”.

Now the question is who will be playing the love interest of Mikaela Banes in the movie instead of Megan Fox?

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Late actress Brittany Murphy’s husband Simon Monjack has been found dead in his home in L.A, he died exactly after 5 months of Brittany’s death. Brittany’s mother found him unconscious around 9.30 at night in his bedroom and she immediately called 911.

The help came within no time, and medical services were provided immediately but Simon was pronounced death by a police sergeant. The cause of death in unknown so far, but the police official said, as soon as they get any information by the investigators they will provide it to the media.

Only five months back, actress Brittany Murphy, his wife died by overdose of drugs. Officials said, Brittany had a cardiac arrest due to intake of drug. Brittany was pronounced dead on 20^th of December and cause of the death was declared as an accident. This was a terrible loss for her husband Simon Monjack, a screen writer. In an interview, he mentioned he loved Brittany so much and he denied all the rumors which said, Brittany used too much of prescription drugs. He said, “my wife never used drugs in her life”.

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“Shrek Forever After” did not make a good opening by just opening up to $71.3 million. “Shrek Forever After” is the last and fourth chapter of Shrek series and it is one of the most successful animated series. According to the distributor of Paramount Pictures, the movie opened to $71.3 million which is less than the “Shrek the Third”.

“Shrek” was the total disappointment of this week and the reason is unknown. Distributors are saying, may be it is because of the increase in ticket prices, especially for 3D movies. People who saw “Shrek” gave it an average A grade and people even said, they liked the first 3 parts better than this.

The chief of DreamWorks animation said, they are positive about the “Shrek Forever After” is on its way to becoming worldwide hit. So overall “Shrek” did not get a good response from audience worldwide as it was expected by the producers and distributors. It could have been better according to the fans, but the production costs were minimal according to the marketing president.

Not only Shrek, but other movies which were released this week were also a part of disappointment said the distributors but they had a hope on “Shrek”.

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Existing homes sales for April came in better than expected this morning, but here’s the bad news: the backlog of existing homes continues its upward trend.

As this chart from Calculated Risk shows, after supply briefly touched about 6 month, it’s above 8 months again, for the third month straight.

And now that the tax credit is expiring…

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After so many complications relating to health, rocker Bret Michaels made it to the finish line of “The Celebrity Apprentice” and was announced the winner of the show. He was also given $250,000 for charity.

Donald Trump said, Bret has done an amazing job in all the ways. He said, he appreciates Bret’s bravery to come out of such pains. Holly Robinson Peete was another finagling along with Bret. “Holly, I have to tell you, we all love you. And Brett, I have to tell you — you’re hired,” Trump pronounced, drawing a lusty “whoop” from Michaels.

The final challenge of the show was to prepare a new flavor of Snapple and marketing for the product. And it was successful to some extent, the products are being sold for limited period in the market. Holly cried when she took the stage with Bret, to which Donald said, he would have never cried for his opponent. Holly said, everyone in America would have cried for Bret. Holly said her 5 year old son told her that he is having a feeling that Bret has every chance of winning. So finally Bret was announced the winner of the show along with the rewards.

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A U.S. Woman needed to have a breast amputed this week on account of a spider bite.  However the woman, Victoria Franklin of Atlanta Georgia, seemed more upset over the circumstances of the breast removal more than the removal itself: “It’s really hard for me because I have been an independent lady for so long, and to think this was nearly taken away from me by a spider.

That’s what scares me — not losing a breast, but the fact that a spider did me in. I have to learn to do everything all over again.”  According to her sister Valerie Dapaa who took her to the hospital, Franklin’s breast “was three times the size, black as tar and had a horrible smell.”

The spider culprit is suspected to be a brown recluse spider, and Franklin’s condition is known as necrotic arachnidism.  The brown recluse spider is found for the most part in the south central part of the U.S.

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Capital city of Jamaica, Kingston has been announced as the state of emergency by the authorities in Jamaica after the supporters of gang leaned who is wanted in United States on gun attacked three police stations. The main reason for the attack is an attempt to pressurize the government to let the leader free.

United States issued travel alert for US citizens who are traveling to Jamaica. According to this alert, there is a possibility of violence in Kingston metropolitan area. If the situation goes out of hand, then there is a possibility of blocking the roads to the airport.

Extra precautions are being taken by the U.S Embassy in Kingston. Alert issued by United States also mentioned, American citizens should consider the risks involved in traveling to Kingston and surrounding areas and U.S citizens who are in Jamaica are suggested to watch the news reports and determine the security level outside before stepping out of hotel or homes. The possibility of street violence is very high in Kingston right now.

The government and authorities are trying their best to provide security for the innocent citizens and control the situation as much as possible.

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One of my favorite topics, as many of you know, is epigenetics. It’s the burgeoning area of science that has blown apart the traditional nature-nurture dichotomy by examining the lifestyle-induced activation or dampening of genes. Epigenetics is increasingly filling in the gaps for understanding and monitoring degenerative disease risk. If you’re relatively new to MDA, take a look-see at my past articles (Gene Expression, What I Mean By “Reprogramming Your Genes”, Gene Expression: Location, Location, Location, Environmental Toxins and Gene Expression, Epigenetics and Depression) for a good Primal introduction to the concept. That said, when it comes to science there’s always more to read and know. New discoveries. Bold initiatives. Elegant correlations. Confirmed expectations and unexpected wrinkles. It’s what gets me up and roaring in the morning. Gladly, I’m not the only one….

Mark,

I’m fascinated by the idea that all the signals I send my body through diet and exercise and other environmental conditions can, as you say, literally reprogram my genes. I’m always on the lookout now for research that shows how lifestyle factors are related to gene expression. Have you seen anything new in your studies?

Stephanie

Thanks to Stephanie for the shared enthusiasm and question for today. In the last several years, research into gene expression has garnered increasing attention and dollars. Popular media outlets like the Los Angeles Times, PBS and Time Magazine have devoted features to the field. I was even quoted (although quite out of context) in a recent LA Times piece on epigenetics. Foundations and government granting agencies have increasingly supported the expansion of epigenetic research, including a mapping of the human epigenome. (So far, Europe is ahead of the game.) Among the organizations doing amazing work in epigenetics is the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

Much of recent epigenetic research delves into prenatal exposure and subsequent gene expression. Here are some highlights of the latest studies.

• The placenta displays different epigenetic markings throughout pregnancy, which can alert physicians to developing complications like poor fetal growth or preeclampsia.

• Researchers recently compared intestinal gene expression in breastfed and formula fed infants. The intestinal tract acts as a primary site for immune response, particularly in infants whose bodies must quickly learn to adapt to foreign foods outside the sterile womb environment. Glitches in intestinal (and related immune) development can cause food allergies, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. Of particular note, gene expression that regulated cellular response to oxygen deprivation was more pronounced in breastfed babies, suggesting a possible cause for why breastfed infants have a lower SIDS risk.

• Prenatal exposure to common environmental toxins can induce epigenetic changes that put a child at more risk for later cancer than post-birth exposure does. The study focused particularly on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are associated with oil and coal burning.

• Scientists have found that the memory ability of offspring may be impacted by their mother’s early learning environment. Mice with genetic memory impairment that were offered a sensory rich environment (toys, activity and attention) had offspring that showed enhanced memory ability even when the pups themselves received none of the environmental benefits their mothers had.

• Gene expression related to longevity and cancer was negatively impacted by alcohol and typical Western diet consumption.

• Researchers have identified food compounds that inhibit epigenetic dysfunction. Sulforaphane (broccoli), indole-3-carbinol (cruciferous vegetables) and organosulfur (garlic and onions) compounds are among the most protective food related substances discovered so far.

The take home message here is that you can literally reprogram your genes to live a long, healthy, productive, happy and energetic life. You can either sit idly by and end up a victim of poor gene expression, or you can take control of the signals you send your body (through diet, movement, stress management and many other lifestyle behaviors) and become the best version of you possible.

I’ll be sure to keep covering the latest epigenetic updates. Fascinating stuff to be sure. I hope these updates have offered some food for thought. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks again for the great comments and questions, and keep ‘em coming!

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Twitter has seen a healthy amount of growth, especially last year, but it is adding new users at a steady pace even now. A big part of its success is due to the third-party services that have grown around it, built on the Twitter API. Twitter’s popularity hasn’t translated into too much revenue just yet, as is the case for many of the hot n… (read more)

Primeiro, vejam a foto acima. Viram? Esse carro “era” um Datsun 1979, mas agora ele é anunciado por seu dono como “O carro quase mais selvagem do planeta“, e que não achamos em nenhum outro lugar. O carro está praticamente 100% alterado, a sua parte frontal não lembra nem de longe o carro original, que pode ser visto nessa foto.

Mas não é só a parte da frente que chama a atenção. Também foram inclusos 4 carburadores Holley e um aerofólio da Subaru. Um verdadeiro “carro Frankstein pseudo-super-esportivo”. A parte traseira do carro, incluindo o aerofólio ficaram “incomuns”, para não falar outra coisa.

Para quem estíver interesasdo nessa jóia rara, ela está em Nevada e você pode comprá-lo por um lance generoso no eBay, que atualmente está em US$ 14.900. Vejam mais fotos do Datsun customizado logo a seguir.

Imagens do veículo

Via | Autoblog.uk

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has a pretty ambitious goal to grow its U.S. sales by 30 percent over the next five years, and execs apparently think they will need to expand downmarket to do it. According to Automotive News, Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, feels that the bringing in the B-Class hatchback and introducing additional C-Class derivatives will provide the best possibility of attracting more customer since growth opportunities for the E-Class and S-Class are likely limited.

Arch rival BMW already offers coupe, convertible and station wagon variants of the 3 Series in the States, along with the less costly 1 Series range, not to mention its ever-expending array of Mini products. In North America, surging Audi offers its A4 in sedan and wagon formats, along with the closely related A5/S5 Coupe and Cabriolet, and it also offers the less costly A3 hatchback.

For its part, Mercedes currently only offers the C-Class in a four-door sedan bodystyle in the States. A C-Class coupe is reportedly due to arrive here in 2011 with a convertible coming in 2013 off of the revised C-Class that’s due in 2012. And while the C-Class expansion makes sense, critics have feared for years that introducing the B-Class in America could lead to brand dilution (which is part of the reason that parent Daimler’s teetering Smart franchise has remained so distinct).

By comparison, in spite of its relatively slow sales here, the 1 Series arguably makes more sense in the context of the BMW lineup of performance luxury cars. So why isn’t brand dilution an issue for Mercedes overseas? In Europe, where the A and B Class have been available for a decade, Benz has a different, more mainstream image, with a much more comprehensive model range.

Despite a comparative dearth of entry-level products, Mercedes’ sales remain on a pronounced uptick in America, with sales through April increasing by 26 percent to 68,826 units. In 2009, Benz dealers sold through 190,538 units.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req’d]

Report: Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup set to expand in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple will open its Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote presentation from CEO Steve Jobs on Monday June 7 at 10:00 am (local time in San Francisco, USA). This year’s WWDC sold out the seats available for more than 5,000 developers in the record time of eight days.

The five-day event being held from 7 to 11 June, aims to provide advanced content and experienced developers in five key technology areas: Application Frameworks, Internet and Web, Graphics & Media, Development Tools, and Core OS.

Apple engineers taught more than 100 technical sessions and workshops aimed at solutions. The WWDC 2010 offers a community “very broad and heterogeneous” the opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow developers to iPhone and iPad from all around the world.

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