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Veterans Affairs Department Expands Coverage Amid Patient Safety Concerns
The Associated Press reports that the VA "opened the doors of its health care system Monday to about 266,000 nondisabled veterans with moderate incomes, some of whom have been shut out of those benefits. The veterans eligible are from a category known as "Priority 8." They have no illnesses or injuries attributed to their military service, and they earn more than the average wage in their communities." The AP notes that such veterans were previously denied enrollment because of a cost-savings move in 2003, but the VA is expanding eligibility by raising income restrictions from about $29,000 to $32,000, which is adjusted for the cost of living. The effort represents part of President Barack Obama"s campaign promise to bring all veterans into the VA"s system. The AP notes that: "In 1996, Congress ordered the agency to open health care to nearly all veterans, but lawmakers also gave the VA secretary the authority to suspend enrollments" (Hefling, 6/15).

Allergy Awareness - National Allergy Week 11-15 May 2009, UK
National Allergy Week 11-15 May 2009
News of the day
Important Therapeutic Target For Breast Cancer: Newly Appreciated Membrane Estrogen Receptor
New research at Rhode Island Hospital has uncovered the biological effects of a novel membrane estrogen receptor, a finding that has potential implications for hormonal therapy for breast cancer. The study is published in the July edition of the journal Molecular Endocrinology. This new study by Edward Filardo, MD, and his research team further supports earlier published work by the group that linked the transmembrane receptor, GPR30/GPER-1, to specific estrogen binding, rapid estrogen signaling and breast cancer metastasis. "What is exciting about this new work," says Filardo, "is that it provides some insight into the influence of GPR30 at the cellular level. It shows that estrogen action through GPR30 allows for breast tumor cell survival, and not breast tumor cell proliferation." Prior studies by Filardo"s group showed that estrogen acts through GPR30 to promote the rapid release of preformed growth factors that are tethered to the surface of breast cancer cells. Their latest study was conducted in an effort to better understand the mechanism by which GPR30 triggered the release of epidermal growth factor (EGF) polypeptides from the surface of breast cancer cells.
Diagnostics

What Is Ovulation? What Is The Ovulation Calendar?

Ovulation is one part of the female menstrual cycle whereby a mature ovarian follicle (part of the ovary) discharges an egg (also known as an ovum, oocyte, or female gamete). It is during this process that the egg travels down the fallopian tube where it may be met by a sperm and become fertilized. Ovulation is controlled by part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which sends signals that instruct the anterior lobe and pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The process usually occurs between the 10th and 19th day into the menstrual cycle, and this is the time where humans are most fertile. What are the phases of ovulation? The entire ovulation phase is actually defined by a period of elevated hormones during the menstrual cycle. The process itself can be informally divided into three phases: 1. Periovulatory (follicular phase): A layer of cells around the ovum begins to mucify (become more mucous-like) and expand, and the uterus lining begins to thicken. 2. Ovulatory (ovulation phase): Enzymes are secreted and form a hole (or stigma) that the ovum and its network of cells use to exit the follicle and eventually enter the fallopian tube. This is the period of fertility and usually lasts from 24 to 48 hours. 3. Postovulatory (luteal phase): A hormone called LH or luteinizing hormone is secreted. A fertilized egg will be implanted into the womb, while an unfertilized egg slowly stops producing hormones. In addition, the lining of the uterus begins to break down and prepares to exit the body during menses. When does ovulation occur? See our specialized channels Women"s Health News Fertility News Ovarian Cancer News A woman"s menstrual cycle lasts between 28 and 32 days on average. The beginning of each cycle is considered to be the first day of her menstrual period (menses). Ovulation itself generally occurs between day 10 and day 19 of the menstrual cycle, or 12 to 16 days before the next period is due. How can ovulation be detected? There are several indications that a woman is ovulating. During ovulation, the cervical mucus increases in volume and becomes thicker due to increased estrogen levels. It is often said that the cervical mucus resembles egg whites at a woman"s most fertile point. Ovulation may also lead to a 0.4 to 1.0 degree increase in body temperature. This is driven by the hormone progesterone that is secreted when an egg is released. Women are generally most fertile for two to three days before the temperature achieves its maximum. A few women are actually capable of sensing ovulation in their mid-sections. It is described as being mildly achy or a pang of pain. This condition is called Mittelschmerz - from the German "middle pain" - and it may last between a few minutes and a few hours. Interesting Articles Identification of Key Proteins Needed for Ovulation Vocal Cues Of Ovulation In Human Females Behavioral Therapy Can Restore Ovulation In Infertile Women Ovulating? Don"t Check Temperature, Check Clothes 2 In 3 UK Women Don"t Know How To Get Pregnant Men Become More Jealous Of Dominant Males When Their Female Partner Is Near Ovulation Finally, ovulation predictor kits are available from drug stores that are able to detect the increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine just before ovulation. What is an ovulation calendar? An ovulation calendar is designed to help a women predict when she will be most fertile. Several web applets exist (i.e., www.ovulation-calendar.net) that assist this process by asking questions, such as, when the beginning of the last menstrual cycle (period) was and how long the menstrual cycle generally lasts. Some also request the length of the luteal phase (the day after ovulation to the end of the monthly cycle). It is generally useful for women to record or chart menstrual information so that it is available for entering into the calendar program. Written by Peter Crosta M.A. Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today


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