Jan Dyer

After 6 of about 9,000 blood samples produced “unusual results,” scientists at the Mayo Clinic thought they might be looking at a new cause of Lyme disease. DNA sequencing showed that a new bacterium was the cause.

Provisionally named Borrelia mayonii (B mayonii), the bacterium is closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi (B burgdorferi), which until now was the only bacterium believed to cause Lyme disease in North America. Borrelia mayonii causes fever, headache, rash, and neck pain in the early stages and arthritis in later stages. Unlike B burgdorferi, B mayonii is also associated with nausea, vomiting, and a higher concentration of bacteria in blood. Instead of the famous “bull’s-eye rash,” B mayonii produces diffuse rashes.

The researchers believe, like B burgdorferi, B mayonii is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. It has been identified in ticks collected in at least 2 counties in northwestern Minnesota. The patients were most likely infected in north central Minnesota and western Wisconsin; the CDC cautions that the infected ticks are found throughout both states. So far the new species is found only in the upper Midwest. Blood samples from residents of 43 other states with suspected tick-borne disease did not carry the bacterium.

Patients were treated successfully with the antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease caused by B burgdorferi. The CDC recommends that health care providers for patients infected by B mayonii follow the antibiotic regimen described by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

After 6 of about 9,000 blood samples produced “unusual results,” scientists at the Mayo Clinic thought they might be looking at a new cause of Lyme disease. DNA sequencing showed that a new bacterium was the cause.

Provisionally named Borrelia mayonii (B mayonii), the bacterium is closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi (B burgdorferi), which until now was the only bacterium believed to cause Lyme disease in North America. Borrelia mayonii causes fever, headache, rash, and neck pain in the early stages and arthritis in later stages. Unlike B burgdorferi, B mayonii is also associated with nausea, vomiting, and a higher concentration of bacteria in blood. Instead of the famous “bull’s-eye rash,” B mayonii produces diffuse rashes.

The researchers believe, like B burgdorferi, B mayonii is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. It has been identified in ticks collected in at least 2 counties in northwestern Minnesota. The patients were most likely infected in north central Minnesota and western Wisconsin; the CDC cautions that the infected ticks are found throughout both states. So far the new species is found only in the upper Midwest. Blood samples from residents of 43 other states with suspected tick-borne disease did not carry the bacterium.

Patients were treated successfully with the antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease caused by B burgdorferi. The CDC recommends that health care providers for patients infected by B mayonii follow the antibiotic regimen described by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

After 6 of about 9,000 blood samples produced “unusual results,” scientists at the Mayo Clinic thought they might be looking at a new cause of Lyme disease. DNA sequencing showed that a new bacterium was the cause.

Provisionally named Borrelia mayonii (B mayonii), the bacterium is closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi (B burgdorferi), which until now was the only bacterium believed to cause Lyme disease in North America. Borrelia mayonii causes fever, headache, rash, and neck pain in the early stages and arthritis in later stages. Unlike B burgdorferi, B mayonii is also associated with nausea, vomiting, and a higher concentration of bacteria in blood. Instead of the famous “bull’s-eye rash,” B mayonii produces diffuse rashes.

The researchers believe, like B burgdorferi, B mayonii is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. It has been identified in ticks collected in at least 2 counties in northwestern Minnesota. The patients were most likely infected in north central Minnesota and western Wisconsin; the CDC cautions that the infected ticks are found throughout both states. So far the new species is found only in the upper Midwest. Blood samples from residents of 43 other states with suspected tick-borne disease did not carry the bacterium.

Patients were treated successfully with the antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease caused by B burgdorferi. The CDC recommends that health care providers for patients infected by B mayonii follow the antibiotic regimen described by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Swimming with sharks, tightrope walking across a chasm, or leaping from a cliff are some of the striking visual warnings on posters for the Mind Your Risks public health campaign, launched by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

To raise awareness of how uncontrolled high blood pressure is linked to stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia, the NINDS is partnering with other groups, such as the CDC’s Million Hearts and the What Is Brain Health campaign, sponsored by the HHS Administration for Community Living.

The website, https://mindyourrisks.nih.gov, links to a variety of tools and resources available at the partner sites to help educate about high blood pressure. The website also hosts summaries of scientific studies on high blood pressure and dementia or cognitive impairment, including findings from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, an epidemiologic study whose data have been published in more than 800 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

The CDC provides fact sheets on stroke and heart disease, podcasts on heart healthy diets, PDFs on high blood pressure in English and Spanish, and other resources. The Million Hearts Team Up. Pressure Down program provides animated videos on treatment, handouts, a medication tracker wallet card, and more. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute resources include a Google hangout video on “Myth-busting blood pressure.”

Swimming with sharks, tightrope walking across a chasm, or leaping from a cliff are some of the striking visual warnings on posters for the Mind Your Risks public health campaign, launched by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

To raise awareness of how uncontrolled high blood pressure is linked to stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia, the NINDS is partnering with other groups, such as the CDC’s Million Hearts and the What Is Brain Health campaign, sponsored by the HHS Administration for Community Living.

The website, https://mindyourrisks.nih.gov, links to a variety of tools and resources available at the partner sites to help educate about high blood pressure. The website also hosts summaries of scientific studies on high blood pressure and dementia or cognitive impairment, including findings from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, an epidemiologic study whose data have been published in more than 800 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

The CDC provides fact sheets on stroke and heart disease, podcasts on heart healthy diets, PDFs on high blood pressure in English and Spanish, and other resources. The Million Hearts Team Up. Pressure Down program provides animated videos on treatment, handouts, a medication tracker wallet card, and more. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute resources include a Google hangout video on “Myth-busting blood pressure.”

Swimming with sharks, tightrope walking across a chasm, or leaping from a cliff are some of the striking visual warnings on posters for the Mind Your Risks public health campaign, launched by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

To raise awareness of how uncontrolled high blood pressure is linked to stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia, the NINDS is partnering with other groups, such as the CDC’s Million Hearts and the What Is Brain Health campaign, sponsored by the HHS Administration for Community Living.

The website, https://mindyourrisks.nih.gov, links to a variety of tools and resources available at the partner sites to help educate about high blood pressure. The website also hosts summaries of scientific studies on high blood pressure and dementia or cognitive impairment, including findings from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, an epidemiologic study whose data have been published in more than 800 articles in peer-reviewed journals.

The CDC provides fact sheets on stroke and heart disease, podcasts on heart healthy diets, PDFs on high blood pressure in English and Spanish, and other resources. The Million Hearts Team Up. Pressure Down program provides animated videos on treatment, handouts, a medication tracker wallet card, and more. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute resources include a Google hangout video on “Myth-busting blood pressure.”

A landmark study cofunded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Broad Institute, and other NIH components has shown that the risk of schizophrenia is increased in people who inherit a “suspect gene” that may affect the maturing adolescent brain.

Versions of the gene C4 may trigger “runaway pruning” of synapses, eliminating connections between neurons. People with schizophrenia show fewer neuron connections. “Normally, pruning gets rid of excess connections we no longer need, streamlining our brain for optimal performance,” says Thomas Lehner, PhD, director of the Office of Genomics Research Coordination at the NIMH. But overpruning can impair mental function, he says. The time of streamlining, during late teens and early adulthood, corresponds to the usual age-of-onset of schizophrenic symptoms.

In this study, researchers analyzed the genomes of 65,000 people and 700 postmortem brains. They found that the gene C4 switched on more in people with the suspect versions; those people faced a higher risk of schizophrenia.

Although it affects only about 1% of the population, schizophrenia is as much as 90% heritable. But just how the genes work to confer risk has been a mystery, say the researchers. Lead investigator Steve McCarroll, PhD, says, “Understanding these genetic effects on risk is a way of prying open that black box, peering inside and starting to see actual biological mechanisms.”

A landmark study cofunded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Broad Institute, and other NIH components has shown that the risk of schizophrenia is increased in people who inherit a “suspect gene” that may affect the maturing adolescent brain.

Versions of the gene C4 may trigger “runaway pruning” of synapses, eliminating connections between neurons. People with schizophrenia show fewer neuron connections. “Normally, pruning gets rid of excess connections we no longer need, streamlining our brain for optimal performance,” says Thomas Lehner, PhD, director of the Office of Genomics Research Coordination at the NIMH. But overpruning can impair mental function, he says. The time of streamlining, during late teens and early adulthood, corresponds to the usual age-of-onset of schizophrenic symptoms.

In this study, researchers analyzed the genomes of 65,000 people and 700 postmortem brains. They found that the gene C4 switched on more in people with the suspect versions; those people faced a higher risk of schizophrenia.

Although it affects only about 1% of the population, schizophrenia is as much as 90% heritable. But just how the genes work to confer risk has been a mystery, say the researchers. Lead investigator Steve McCarroll, PhD, says, “Understanding these genetic effects on risk is a way of prying open that black box, peering inside and starting to see actual biological mechanisms.”

A landmark study cofunded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Broad Institute, and other NIH components has shown that the risk of schizophrenia is increased in people who inherit a “suspect gene” that may affect the maturing adolescent brain.

Versions of the gene C4 may trigger “runaway pruning” of synapses, eliminating connections between neurons. People with schizophrenia show fewer neuron connections. “Normally, pruning gets rid of excess connections we no longer need, streamlining our brain for optimal performance,” says Thomas Lehner, PhD, director of the Office of Genomics Research Coordination at the NIMH. But overpruning can impair mental function, he says. The time of streamlining, during late teens and early adulthood, corresponds to the usual age-of-onset of schizophrenic symptoms.

In this study, researchers analyzed the genomes of 65,000 people and 700 postmortem brains. They found that the gene C4 switched on more in people with the suspect versions; those people faced a higher risk of schizophrenia.

Although it affects only about 1% of the population, schizophrenia is as much as 90% heritable. But just how the genes work to confer risk has been a mystery, say the researchers. Lead investigator Steve McCarroll, PhD, says, “Understanding these genetic effects on risk is a way of prying open that black box, peering inside and starting to see actual biological mechanisms.”

Triple therapy with first-generation protease inhibitors may be a milestone for chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) treatment, but it also substantially increases rates of infection, especially in patients with advanced liver disease. Researchers from Medical University of Graz, Austria, citing reports that link boceprevir and telaprevir  to impaired neutrophil elastase activity in vitro, conducted a study to determine whether protease inhibitors were at the root of the infections.

Related: Needlesticks and Infections: Still Not Enough Information

The study compared 152 chronic HCV patients treated with peginterferon and ribavirin, either with or without boceprevir and telaprevir, against 33 control patients. In both retrospective and prospective cohorts, clinically relevant infections were significantly more common during protease inhibitor therapy. Thirteen percent of retrospective patients developed infections on peginterferon and ribavirin vs 31% on protease inhibitors; 18% of the prospective patients on telaprevir and 33% of the boceprevir group developed clinically relevant infections. None of the patients receiving peginterferon and ribavirin developed infections, and they less often required hospitalization or treatment discontinuation.

Related: FDA Approves Zepatier for HCV Genotypes 1 and 4

The researchers also found neutrophil phagocytosis in patients dropped to 40% of baseline when protease inhibitors were added to peginterferon and ribavirin but returned to normal 6 months after treatment ended.

The researchers advise selecting patients for triple therapy carefully by focusing on other risk factors for infection and monitoring them closely during treatment.

Source:
Spindelboeck W, Horvath A, Tawdrous M, et al. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(3): e0150299. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0150299

Triple therapy with first-generation protease inhibitors may be a milestone for chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) treatment, but it also substantially increases rates of infection, especially in patients with advanced liver disease. Researchers from Medical University of Graz, Austria, citing reports that link boceprevir and telaprevir  to impaired neutrophil elastase activity in vitro, conducted a study to determine whether protease inhibitors were at the root of the infections.

Related: Needlesticks and Infections: Still Not Enough Information

The study compared 152 chronic HCV patients treated with peginterferon and ribavirin, either with or without boceprevir and telaprevir, against 33 control patients. In both retrospective and prospective cohorts, clinically relevant infections were significantly more common during protease inhibitor therapy. Thirteen percent of retrospective patients developed infections on peginterferon and ribavirin vs 31% on protease inhibitors; 18% of the prospective patients on telaprevir and 33% of the boceprevir group developed clinically relevant infections. None of the patients receiving peginterferon and ribavirin developed infections, and they less often required hospitalization or treatment discontinuation.

Related: FDA Approves Zepatier for HCV Genotypes 1 and 4

The researchers also found neutrophil phagocytosis in patients dropped to 40% of baseline when protease inhibitors were added to peginterferon and ribavirin but returned to normal 6 months after treatment ended.

The researchers advise selecting patients for triple therapy carefully by focusing on other risk factors for infection and monitoring them closely during treatment.

Source:
Spindelboeck W, Horvath A, Tawdrous M, et al. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(3): e0150299. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0150299

Triple therapy with first-generation protease inhibitors may be a milestone for chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) treatment, but it also substantially increases rates of infection, especially in patients with advanced liver disease. Researchers from Medical University of Graz, Austria, citing reports that link boceprevir and telaprevir  to impaired neutrophil elastase activity in vitro, conducted a study to determine whether protease inhibitors were at the root of the infections.

Related: Needlesticks and Infections: Still Not Enough Information

The study compared 152 chronic HCV patients treated with peginterferon and ribavirin, either with or without boceprevir and telaprevir, against 33 control patients. In both retrospective and prospective cohorts, clinically relevant infections were significantly more common during protease inhibitor therapy. Thirteen percent of retrospective patients developed infections on peginterferon and ribavirin vs 31% on protease inhibitors; 18% of the prospective patients on telaprevir and 33% of the boceprevir group developed clinically relevant infections. None of the patients receiving peginterferon and ribavirin developed infections, and they less often required hospitalization or treatment discontinuation.

Related: FDA Approves Zepatier for HCV Genotypes 1 and 4

The researchers also found neutrophil phagocytosis in patients dropped to 40% of baseline when protease inhibitors were added to peginterferon and ribavirin but returned to normal 6 months after treatment ended.

The researchers advise selecting patients for triple therapy carefully by focusing on other risk factors for infection and monitoring them closely during treatment.

Source:
Spindelboeck W, Horvath A, Tawdrous M, et al. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(3): e0150299. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0150299

The behavioral health of the nation is improving, according to the 2015 National Behavioral Health Barometer report, published recently by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The Barometer covers key health care issues, such as substance use, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, and treatment seeking at the national level. It also includes, for comparative purposes, data from several national surveys to help health care providers and policy makers better understand what is going on state by state.

For instance, among adolescents, between 2002 and 2014, nonmedical pain reliever use, binge drinking, and cigarette smoking declined . Among adults 21 and older, since 2010, the percentage reporting heavy alcohol use in the month prior to the survey had not changed significantly. From 2010 to 2014, the percentage of adults who had thoughts of suicide and number of adults who had a serious mental illness did not change significantly.

The percentage of adults who had thoughts of suicide did not change significantly from 2010 to 2014. The number of adults who had a serious mental illness in the previous year also did not change significantly from 2010 to 2014. The number was higher for women and whites compared with that of blacks, Asians, and Hispanics. Serious mental illness was lower among adults aged ≥ 65 years than in other age groups.

In 2014, 69% of adults with serious mental illness received mental health treatment or counseling the year before being surveyed. The percentage was higher than that of 2012, but not significantly different from any other year from 2010 to 2013. However, in 2014, men were less likely to have received mental health treatment or counseling, and adults aged 18 to 25 years were less likely than those aged 26 to 64 years to have received mental health treatment or counseling.

The behavioral health of the nation is improving, according to the 2015 National Behavioral Health Barometer report, published recently by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The Barometer covers key health care issues, such as substance use, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, and treatment seeking at the national level. It also includes, for comparative purposes, data from several national surveys to help health care providers and policy makers better understand what is going on state by state.

For instance, among adolescents, between 2002 and 2014, nonmedical pain reliever use, binge drinking, and cigarette smoking declined . Among adults 21 and older, since 2010, the percentage reporting heavy alcohol use in the month prior to the survey had not changed significantly. From 2010 to 2014, the percentage of adults who had thoughts of suicide and number of adults who had a serious mental illness did not change significantly.

The percentage of adults who had thoughts of suicide did not change significantly from 2010 to 2014. The number of adults who had a serious mental illness in the previous year also did not change significantly from 2010 to 2014. The number was higher for women and whites compared with that of blacks, Asians, and Hispanics. Serious mental illness was lower among adults aged ≥ 65 years than in other age groups.

In 2014, 69% of adults with serious mental illness received mental health treatment or counseling the year before being surveyed. The percentage was higher than that of 2012, but not significantly different from any other year from 2010 to 2013. However, in 2014, men were less likely to have received mental health treatment or counseling, and adults aged 18 to 25 years were less likely than those aged 26 to 64 years to have received mental health treatment or counseling.

The behavioral health of the nation is improving, according to the 2015 National Behavioral Health Barometer report, published recently by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The Barometer covers key health care issues, such as substance use, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, and treatment seeking at the national level. It also includes, for comparative purposes, data from several national surveys to help health care providers and policy makers better understand what is going on state by state.

For instance, among adolescents, between 2002 and 2014, nonmedical pain reliever use, binge drinking, and cigarette smoking declined . Among adults 21 and older, since 2010, the percentage reporting heavy alcohol use in the month prior to the survey had not changed significantly. From 2010 to 2014, the percentage of adults who had thoughts of suicide and number of adults who had a serious mental illness did not change significantly.

The percentage of adults who had thoughts of suicide did not change significantly from 2010 to 2014. The number of adults who had a serious mental illness in the previous year also did not change significantly from 2010 to 2014. The number was higher for women and whites compared with that of blacks, Asians, and Hispanics. Serious mental illness was lower among adults aged ≥ 65 years than in other age groups.

In 2014, 69% of adults with serious mental illness received mental health treatment or counseling the year before being surveyed. The percentage was higher than that of 2012, but not significantly different from any other year from 2010 to 2013. However, in 2014, men were less likely to have received mental health treatment or counseling, and adults aged 18 to 25 years were less likely than those aged 26 to 64 years to have received mental health treatment or counseling.

The Million Veteran Program (MVP)—a “mega-biobank”—began enrolling volunteers in 2011, and the program is going strong. As of 2015, 50 recruiting sites and nearly 400,000 veterans had enrolled.

For genomic and other sampling, the Million Veteran Program gathers information via questionnaires, the VA electronic health record, and blood samples from volunteers.

Researchers who conducted a study of the observational, longitudinal program say the strengths of the MVP lie in that it is a VHA program that includes more than 100 research-ready medical centers, a state -of-the-art biorepository, and the “altruistic veteran population.” Most of the health care experiences of the veterans who use the VHA already have been captured electronically for many years.

 So what have researchers learned so far? Of the 20 most common self-reported conditions among 224,610 veterans, the top 5 are hypertension (63%), hyperlipidemia (57%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (34%), tinnitus (32%), and hearing loss (31%).

A “linked but separate” ongoing project of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder enrolled more than 9,500 case patients, who will be matched with control patients from MVP. An intra-MVP study of posttraumatic stress disorder is also under way.

Although attempts to assemble large cohorts don’t always succeed, the feasibility of MVP has been confirmed by progress to date, and plans are ongoing to expand enrollment using web-based strategies, say researchers. They predict the program’s potential includes using the genomic studies as an evidence base for precision medicine in the future.

The Million Veteran Program (MVP)—a “mega-biobank”—began enrolling volunteers in 2011, and the program is going strong. As of 2015, 50 recruiting sites and nearly 400,000 veterans had enrolled.

For genomic and other sampling, the Million Veteran Program gathers information via questionnaires, the VA electronic health record, and blood samples from volunteers.

Researchers who conducted a study of the observational, longitudinal program say the strengths of the MVP lie in that it is a VHA program that includes more than 100 research-ready medical centers, a state -of-the-art biorepository, and the “altruistic veteran population.” Most of the health care experiences of the veterans who use the VHA already have been captured electronically for many years.

 So what have researchers learned so far? Of the 20 most common self-reported conditions among 224,610 veterans, the top 5 are hypertension (63%), hyperlipidemia (57%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (34%), tinnitus (32%), and hearing loss (31%).

A “linked but separate” ongoing project of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder enrolled more than 9,500 case patients, who will be matched with control patients from MVP. An intra-MVP study of posttraumatic stress disorder is also under way.

Although attempts to assemble large cohorts don’t always succeed, the feasibility of MVP has been confirmed by progress to date, and plans are ongoing to expand enrollment using web-based strategies, say researchers. They predict the program’s potential includes using the genomic studies as an evidence base for precision medicine in the future.

The Million Veteran Program (MVP)—a “mega-biobank”—began enrolling volunteers in 2011, and the program is going strong. As of 2015, 50 recruiting sites and nearly 400,000 veterans had enrolled.

For genomic and other sampling, the Million Veteran Program gathers information via questionnaires, the VA electronic health record, and blood samples from volunteers.

Researchers who conducted a study of the observational, longitudinal program say the strengths of the MVP lie in that it is a VHA program that includes more than 100 research-ready medical centers, a state -of-the-art biorepository, and the “altruistic veteran population.” Most of the health care experiences of the veterans who use the VHA already have been captured electronically for many years.

 So what have researchers learned so far? Of the 20 most common self-reported conditions among 224,610 veterans, the top 5 are hypertension (63%), hyperlipidemia (57%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (34%), tinnitus (32%), and hearing loss (31%).

A “linked but separate” ongoing project of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder enrolled more than 9,500 case patients, who will be matched with control patients from MVP. An intra-MVP study of posttraumatic stress disorder is also under way.

Although attempts to assemble large cohorts don’t always succeed, the feasibility of MVP has been confirmed by progress to date, and plans are ongoing to expand enrollment using web-based strategies, say researchers. They predict the program’s potential includes using the genomic studies as an evidence base for precision medicine in the future.

Is there a universal cancer fingerprint? Researchers at the National Institutes of Health believe they may have found a potential common biomarker for 5 different tumor types. The clue is a “methylation signature”—evidence of a chemical modification of DNA. Methylation controls the expression of genes, and higher amounts of DNA methylation reduce a gene’s activity, like a dimmer switch on a light fixture.

In an earlier study using DNA taken from solid tumors, the researchers found a methylation signature in 15 tumor types in 13 different organs around the gene called ZNF154. In the new study, the researchers uncovered methylation in colon, lung, breast, stomach, and endometrial cancers. All the tumor types and subtypes consistently produced the same methylation mark around ZNF154.

Researchers developed a computer program that looked at methylation marks in the DNA of people with and without cancer and were able to predict a threshold for detecting tumor DNA. Because tumors often shed DNA into the bloodstream, the researchers were able to calculate the proportions of circulating tumor DNA. The researchers hope their results lead to a blood test that can diagnose cancers at early stages. 

Currently, blood tests are specific to a known tumor type.  Clinicians must first find the tumor and then sequence a sample from it before they can track the tumor-specific mutations in the blood. By contrast, a method derived from the methylation signatures would mean no prior knowledge of the cancer was required. The tests would be less intrusive than that of other screening methods and could be used to follow high-risk patients or monitor the activity of a tumor during treatment.

Source:
National Institutes of Health. NIH researchers identify striking genomic signature shared by five types of cancer [news release]. National Institutes of Health Website. http://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-researchers-identify-striking-genomic-signature-shared-five-types-cancer. Published February 5, 2016. Accessed February 29, 2016.

Is there a universal cancer fingerprint? Researchers at the National Institutes of Health believe they may have found a potential common biomarker for 5 different tumor types. The clue is a “methylation signature”—evidence of a chemical modification of DNA. Methylation controls the expression of genes, and higher amounts of DNA methylation reduce a gene’s activity, like a dimmer switch on a light fixture.

In an earlier study using DNA taken from solid tumors, the researchers found a methylation signature in 15 tumor types in 13 different organs around the gene called ZNF154. In the new study, the researchers uncovered methylation in colon, lung, breast, stomach, and endometrial cancers. All the tumor types and subtypes consistently produced the same methylation mark around ZNF154.

Researchers developed a computer program that looked at methylation marks in the DNA of people with and without cancer and were able to predict a threshold for detecting tumor DNA. Because tumors often shed DNA into the bloodstream, the researchers were able to calculate the proportions of circulating tumor DNA. The researchers hope their results lead to a blood test that can diagnose cancers at early stages. 

Currently, blood tests are specific to a known tumor type.  Clinicians must first find the tumor and then sequence a sample from it before they can track the tumor-specific mutations in the blood. By contrast, a method derived from the methylation signatures would mean no prior knowledge of the cancer was required. The tests would be less intrusive than that of other screening methods and could be used to follow high-risk patients or monitor the activity of a tumor during treatment.

Source:
National Institutes of Health. NIH researchers identify striking genomic signature shared by five types of cancer [news release]. National Institutes of Health Website. http://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-researchers-identify-striking-genomic-signature-shared-five-types-cancer. Published February 5, 2016. Accessed February 29, 2016.

Is there a universal cancer fingerprint? Researchers at the National Institutes of Health believe they may have found a potential common biomarker for 5 different tumor types. The clue is a “methylation signature”—evidence of a chemical modification of DNA. Methylation controls the expression of genes, and higher amounts of DNA methylation reduce a gene’s activity, like a dimmer switch on a light fixture.

In an earlier study using DNA taken from solid tumors, the researchers found a methylation signature in 15 tumor types in 13 different organs around the gene called ZNF154. In the new study, the researchers uncovered methylation in colon, lung, breast, stomach, and endometrial cancers. All the tumor types and subtypes consistently produced the same methylation mark around ZNF154.

Researchers developed a computer program that looked at methylation marks in the DNA of people with and without cancer and were able to predict a threshold for detecting tumor DNA. Because tumors often shed DNA into the bloodstream, the researchers were able to calculate the proportions of circulating tumor DNA. The researchers hope their results lead to a blood test that can diagnose cancers at early stages. 

Currently, blood tests are specific to a known tumor type.  Clinicians must first find the tumor and then sequence a sample from it before they can track the tumor-specific mutations in the blood. By contrast, a method derived from the methylation signatures would mean no prior knowledge of the cancer was required. The tests would be less intrusive than that of other screening methods and could be used to follow high-risk patients or monitor the activity of a tumor during treatment.

Source:
National Institutes of Health. NIH researchers identify striking genomic signature shared by five types of cancer [news release]. National Institutes of Health Website. http://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-researchers-identify-striking-genomic-signature-shared-five-types-cancer. Published February 5, 2016. Accessed February 29, 2016.

In 2015, the CDC launched several initiatives to help bring down the number of prescription drug overdoses. One initiative called Prevention for States supports states with resources, such as strategies for safe prescribing practices that can be used to advance interventions against overdoses. The CDC also launched When the Prescription Becomes the Problem, a social media site where people tell their stories of opioid abuse to help others learn from their experience.

This year, in an effort to better track drug abuse and deaths and investigate health emergencies related to opioid abuse, the CDC will expand Prevention for States to all 50 states. The CDC is also developing guidelines to help primary care practitioners and other opioid prescribers provide safer care while reducing the risk of addiction and overdose.

In 2015, the CDC launched several initiatives to help bring down the number of prescription drug overdoses. One initiative called Prevention for States supports states with resources, such as strategies for safe prescribing practices that can be used to advance interventions against overdoses. The CDC also launched When the Prescription Becomes the Problem, a social media site where people tell their stories of opioid abuse to help others learn from their experience.

This year, in an effort to better track drug abuse and deaths and investigate health emergencies related to opioid abuse, the CDC will expand Prevention for States to all 50 states. The CDC is also developing guidelines to help primary care practitioners and other opioid prescribers provide safer care while reducing the risk of addiction and overdose.

In 2015, the CDC launched several initiatives to help bring down the number of prescription drug overdoses. One initiative called Prevention for States supports states with resources, such as strategies for safe prescribing practices that can be used to advance interventions against overdoses. The CDC also launched When the Prescription Becomes the Problem, a social media site where people tell their stories of opioid abuse to help others learn from their experience.

This year, in an effort to better track drug abuse and deaths and investigate health emergencies related to opioid abuse, the CDC will expand Prevention for States to all 50 states. The CDC is also developing guidelines to help primary care practitioners and other opioid prescribers provide safer care while reducing the risk of addiction and overdose.

Poor sleep, lack of activity, and unhealthy eating are associated with the top 5 challenges to a soldier’s personal readiness: medically nondeployable status, first-term attrition, obesity and nutrition, musculoskeletal injury, and fatigue. For instance, 1 night of less than 4 hours of sleep can impair a soldier’s performance as much as if they had a 0.10% blood-alcohol level.

Sleep, activity, and nutrition form the Performance Triad—all 3 elements are of equal importance to the Army. However, according to a Performance Triad pilot study, 99.6% of soldiers do not meet all target behaviors. The study also found 78,000 active duty soldiers are considered clinically obese and 180,000 have at least 1 musculoskeletal injury per year, which can prevent them from being deployable. As a result, about one third of newly accessioned soldiers do not complete their first term of enlistment.

The “Health of the Force Report” represents the Army’s first attempt to review, prioritize, and share best health practices. This report also allows leaders to track the health of the Army’s soldiers installation by installation. The Army says the 2015 report provides a snapshot, but the picture does not look great. Data from about 340,000 soldiers at 30 Army installations showed that only 15% of soldiers met the recommended target for sleep, 38% met the target for fitness, and 13% met the target for nutrition. In addition 17% of soldiers were not medically ready: 1,295 new injuries per 1,000 soldiers were diagnosed in 2014, 15% had a diagnosed behavioral health disorder, 14% had one or more chronic condition, 13% were classified as obese, 32% reported using tobacco, 10% had a sleep disorder, and 2% had a substance abuse disorder.

To better understand variation among the installations the Army will use the data to measure the presence or absence of health outcomes. Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, US Army Surgeon General and Commander, US Army Medical Command, says the goal is to compel leaders to improve the environment, infrastructure, and nutrition offerings of Army installations.

Poor sleep, lack of activity, and unhealthy eating are associated with the top 5 challenges to a soldier’s personal readiness: medically nondeployable status, first-term attrition, obesity and nutrition, musculoskeletal injury, and fatigue. For instance, 1 night of less than 4 hours of sleep can impair a soldier’s performance as much as if they had a 0.10% blood-alcohol level.

Sleep, activity, and nutrition form the Performance Triad—all 3 elements are of equal importance to the Army. However, according to a Performance Triad pilot study, 99.6% of soldiers do not meet all target behaviors. The study also found 78,000 active duty soldiers are considered clinically obese and 180,000 have at least 1 musculoskeletal injury per year, which can prevent them from being deployable. As a result, about one third of newly accessioned soldiers do not complete their first term of enlistment.

The “Health of the Force Report” represents the Army’s first attempt to review, prioritize, and share best health practices. This report also allows leaders to track the health of the Army’s soldiers installation by installation. The Army says the 2015 report provides a snapshot, but the picture does not look great. Data from about 340,000 soldiers at 30 Army installations showed that only 15% of soldiers met the recommended target for sleep, 38% met the target for fitness, and 13% met the target for nutrition. In addition 17% of soldiers were not medically ready: 1,295 new injuries per 1,000 soldiers were diagnosed in 2014, 15% had a diagnosed behavioral health disorder, 14% had one or more chronic condition, 13% were classified as obese, 32% reported using tobacco, 10% had a sleep disorder, and 2% had a substance abuse disorder.

To better understand variation among the installations the Army will use the data to measure the presence or absence of health outcomes. Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, US Army Surgeon General and Commander, US Army Medical Command, says the goal is to compel leaders to improve the environment, infrastructure, and nutrition offerings of Army installations.

Poor sleep, lack of activity, and unhealthy eating are associated with the top 5 challenges to a soldier’s personal readiness: medically nondeployable status, first-term attrition, obesity and nutrition, musculoskeletal injury, and fatigue. For instance, 1 night of less than 4 hours of sleep can impair a soldier’s performance as much as if they had a 0.10% blood-alcohol level.

Sleep, activity, and nutrition form the Performance Triad—all 3 elements are of equal importance to the Army. However, according to a Performance Triad pilot study, 99.6% of soldiers do not meet all target behaviors. The study also found 78,000 active duty soldiers are considered clinically obese and 180,000 have at least 1 musculoskeletal injury per year, which can prevent them from being deployable. As a result, about one third of newly accessioned soldiers do not complete their first term of enlistment.

The “Health of the Force Report” represents the Army’s first attempt to review, prioritize, and share best health practices. This report also allows leaders to track the health of the Army’s soldiers installation by installation. The Army says the 2015 report provides a snapshot, but the picture does not look great. Data from about 340,000 soldiers at 30 Army installations showed that only 15% of soldiers met the recommended target for sleep, 38% met the target for fitness, and 13% met the target for nutrition. In addition 17% of soldiers were not medically ready: 1,295 new injuries per 1,000 soldiers were diagnosed in 2014, 15% had a diagnosed behavioral health disorder, 14% had one or more chronic condition, 13% were classified as obese, 32% reported using tobacco, 10% had a sleep disorder, and 2% had a substance abuse disorder.

To better understand variation among the installations the Army will use the data to measure the presence or absence of health outcomes. Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, US Army Surgeon General and Commander, US Army Medical Command, says the goal is to compel leaders to improve the environment, infrastructure, and nutrition offerings of Army installations.