Steroid Users May Be More Likely to Commit Crimes Involving Weapons, Fraud
The use of anabolic androgenic steroids may be associated with an
antisocial lifestyle involving several types of crime, including weapons
offenses and fraud, but did not appear to be associated with violent
crimes or crimes against property, according to an article in the November
issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
(Embargo expired on 06-Nov-2006 at 16:00 ET)
Archives of General Psychiatry, Nov-2006
--American Medical Association (AMA)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524942/?sc=dwtp

Early Sport Specialization Not a Good Idea, Expert Says
Specialization in sports at an early age is becoming more common,
fueled by the belief that it will lead to athletic success later; however,
a University of Indianapolis expert says this specialization actually can
have the opposite effect. Athletic skills such as speed, balance, mental
focus and jumping are stressed differently in different sports, and lead
to a well-rounded athlete.
--University of Indianapolis
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524946/?sc=dwtp

Chronic Jet-Lag Conditions Hasten Death in Aged Mice
Researchers at the University of Virginia have found that aged mice
undergoing weekly light-cycle shifts--similar to those that humans
experience with jet lag or rotating shift work--experienced significantly
higher death rates than did old mice kept on a normal daylight schedule
over the same eight-week period. (Embargo expired on 06-Nov-2006 at 12:00
ET)
Current Biology, 7-Nov-2006
--University of Virginia
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524943/?sc=dwtp

Preventing Ankle Injuries in Basketball Players
With basketball season upon us, it is imperative that high school and
college coaches and athletes understand the differences in risk factors for
first-time ankle ligament injuries in men and women.
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
--University of Vermont
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524878/?sc=sptp

Academy Calls for Warning Labels on Pro-Anorexia Web Sites
The Academy for Eating Disorders calls upon government officials and
internet service providers to require warning screens for pro-anorexia Web
sites, citing research that shows women who viewed a pro-anorexia web site
reported decreases in self-esteem and perceived attractiveness, and
increases in negative affect and perception of being overweight.
--Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524985/?sc=dwtp

Overexpression of Human Protein Protects Mice from Stroke, Heart Attack
Damage
Mice genetically engineered to overproduce the protein neuroglobin
suffer
30 percent less tissue damage following strokes, and 25 percent less
damage following heart attacks, when compared to normal mice. (Embargo
expired on 06-Nov-2006 at 17:00 ET)
PNAS, 6-Nov-2006
--Buck Institute for Age Research
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524972/?sc=dwtp

Scientists Find Problem & Possible Solution in Gene Therapy Delivery
Two scientists believe they are on the trail of a solution to a
long-standing mechanical roadblock in the delivery of gene therapy. In
six academic papers published within the last 18 months, the researchers
explain that a process known as "cavitation" was degrading the DNA of
therapeutic genes within nebulizers, thus rendering gene treatment
ineffective when it finally reached the lungs.
several
--Dick Jones Communications
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524959/?sc=dwtp

Stem Cells Engage in Dialogue with Cells That Regulate Their Futures
Researchers have found an early indication of two-way cellular
communication in the miniscule niches of the body where the futures of
stem cells are determined. Over-activation of these signals can lead to
increased niche size and over-production of stem cells.
Current Biology, 5-Dec-2006
--University of Washington Health Sciences and UW Medicine
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524993/?sc=dwtp

Pituitary Hormone in Menopause Under Study
Regulating a hormone abundant in women approaching menopause could
offer alternatives for hormone replacement therapy, Medical College of
Georgia researchers say.
--Medical College of Georgia
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524912/?sc=dwtp

More Than Six Months of Hormone Therapy Doesn't Help Prostate Cancer
Patients Live Longer
Prostate cancer patients treated with either radiation or surgery who
use hormone therapy for longer than six months do not survive any longer
than patients who use the treatment for a shorter amount of time,
according to a study presented November 5, 2006, at the American Society
for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 48th Annual Meeting in
Philadelphia.
American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 48th Annual
Meeting
--American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO)
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524960/?sc=dwtp

Breathe Easier! Family Guide to Winter Allergies
Spring and summer are not the only seasons that bring misery to those
with allergies.
--NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524939/?sc=dwtp

Massage May Bring Stress Relief to Infants
A new review of studies suggests health infants can get the same
stress-relieving benefits from massage as do adults.
Cochrane Library
--Health Behavior News Service
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/525015/?sc=dwtp

Getting Tattooed Could Have Hidden Health Consequences
You can protect yourself against Hepatitis or HIV by making sure your
tattoo artist is using a sterile needle. But the pigment being injected
under your skin could be toxic without you -- or even your tattoo parlor
-- knowing it.
American Chemical Society meeting, March 2006
--Dick Jones Communications
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/525020/?sc=dwtp

Scientists start unlocking slowly digestible starch secrets

By Stephen Daniells
07/11/2006 - A US-Chinese collaboration into the properties and structural basis of slowly digestible starches (SDS) could lead to healthier carbohydrates that do not cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.

The researchers indicate that the studies are a fundamental advance toward eventually improving food quality with higher amounts of SDS, which could lead to low-glycaemic index foods.
The glycaemic index measures how quickly certain foods release carbohydrates into the body, which then raise consumers' blood glucose levels. High GI foods cause blood sugar levels to rise more rapidly.
There is growing concern about the role of inappropriate diet in chronic non-communicable conditions has prompted campaigns promoting increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and other fibre-rich foods.
At the same time, there has been considerable interest in the role of dietary carbohydrates, which has led to wider use of the glycaemic index to describe the impact that consumption of particular products will have on blood sugar and to provide consumers with information.
The new research, scheduled for the November 13 issue of the American Chemical Society's journal Biomacromolecules (doi: 10.1021/bm060343a, 10.1021/bm060342i), reports fundamental research on the structural basis of the slow digestion properties of the natural cereal starches.
Starches can be divided into three groups: rapidly digestible starch (RDS, digested within 20 minutes), slowly digestible starch (SDS, digested between 20 and 120 minutes), and resistant starch (RS). The latter is not digested but is fermented in the large intestine and has ‘prebiotic' properties.
Lead author of the two studies, Genyi Zhang from the Southern Yangtze University in China, reports that maize starch (Tate & Lyle) consists of 53 per cent slowly digestible starches, with 22.4 per cent RDS, and 22.6 per cent RS. Potato starch consists of only 15 per cent SDS, he said.
Using X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) the researchers determined that high proportion in SDS in the maize was associated with the A-type crystalline structure, as opposed to the B-type in potato starches.
“These observations demonstrate that the supramolecular A-type crystalline structure determines the slow digestion property of native cereal starches,” wrote the Southern Yangtze University and Purdue University researchers.

In other words, it is this specific internal structure that delays digestion and conversion into glucose, and is the reason behind the slow digestion of the starches. Expansion of this criteria could lead to the identification of other SDS that could lower the GI of foods.

The researchers also suggested ways of forming slow digestible starches: “This study indicates that a SDS material can be made by encapsulating easily digestible material, for example, gelatinized starch, between layers of films that are resistant to enzyme digestion, and food products with multiple layers of this structure would likely have a slow digestion property.”

Foods with a low GI value keep the body's blood sugar levels relatively steady throughout the day, regulating appetite and reducing the tendency to snack. Although there is no evidence to show that a low-glycaemic index diet is any more effective than a low-fat, high GI diet for weight loss, low GI foods are increasingly being positioned as weight management foods, partly because they may also have benefits in preventing obesity-related disease like type 2 diabetes.

Omega-3-rich fish linked to lower prostate cancer risk

By Stephen Daniells
03/11/2006 - Men who eat one portion of salmon per week are 43 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who eat no salmon, says a study from Sweden that links the apparent benefits to the omega-3 content of the fish.

The study, published on-line ahead of print in the International Journal of Cancer (doi: 10.1002/ijc.22319), adds to an ever growing body of science linking omega-3 fatty acids to a wide-range of health benefits, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), good development of a baby during pregnancy, joint health, behaviour and mood, and certain cancers.
The researchers, led by Maria Hedelin from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, also found that genetics play a part in the development of the cancer, and also in the potential benefits of the fish oil.
“This study shows that there is an interaction between dietary factors and our genes, but it's always hard to say what role the genes play,” she said. “Omega-3 fatty acids can still be good for men who don't carry this gene variant in completely different ways.”

Over half a million news cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year world wide, and the cancer is the direct cause of over 200,000 deaths. More worryingly, the incidence of the disease is increasing with a rise of 1.7 per cent over 15 years.

The Swedish researchers assessed dietary fish intake among 1,499 men with prostate cancer and compared this with dietary intake of 1,130 healthy men in the general Swedish population. Genetic variations in a key enzyme in fatty acid metabolism and inflammation, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, were also assessed.

Hedelin and her co-workers report that men who ate salmon-type fatty fish at least once a week were associated with a 43 per cent reduction in prostate cancer risk compared to men who never ate fish.

They also found a significant interaction between salmon-type fish intake and a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in a COX-2 gene carried by 60 per cent of the population. Carriers of the variant allele who ate one or more oily fish servings per week had an associated reduce prostate cancer risk of 72 per cent, while no link was observed among carriers of the more common allele.

“Frequent consumption of fatty fish and marine fatty acids appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and this association is modified by genetic variation in the COX-2 gene,” said Hedelin.

The researchers' proposed mechanism is that the gene controls the outcome when omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in vegetable oils, compete for inclusion in hormone-like substances in the body known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins derived from omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and may protect against the development of cancer, said the researchers, while prostaglandins derived from omega-6 fatty acids are proposed to be pro-inflammatory.

The study supports others on the subject. Indeed, a study published in March in the British Journal of Cancer (doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603030), reported that a metabolite of the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin E2, helped the spread of the prostate cancer cells to bone marrow cells. However, when EPA and DHA were present at just half the concentration of the omega-6 fatty acid, this spread of cancer cells was stopped.

Another study, published in August in the journal Clinical Cancer Research (Vol. 12, Issue 15), reported that by increasing the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio in the diet of mice reduced the growth of prostate cancer growth by 22 per cent, compared to mice with mostly omega-6 fatty acids in the diet.

“We may be able to use EPA and DHA supplements while also reducing omega-6 fatty acids in the diet as a cancer prevention tool or possibly to reduce progression in men with prostate cancer,” said the lead researcher of the Clinical Cancer Research study, Professor William Aronson from UCLA.

The risk of pollutants from oily fish, such a methyl mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) have led to some to claim to reduce fresh fish intake, especially for pregnant women who may damage the development of their babies.

Such advice has seen the number of omega-3 enriched or fortified products on the market increase. Most extracted fish oil are molecularly distilled and steam deodorised to remove contaminants.

The European omega-3 market was worth around €160m (£108m) in 2004, say Frost and Sullivan, and is expected to grow at rates of 8 per cent on average to 2010.

According to Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD) the launch of omega-3-containing product across Europe has increased from 153 in 2004 to 208 in 2005.

Capsaicin Sex Headaches?

Everyone loves sex – even those who can't admit it. But for some people, sexual activity can also be a real headache. It's known as an "orgasmic headache", and it can make "getting lucky" seem downright cursed. Finally science has discovered a natural chemical that appears to guarantee a "headache free" sex life, and the secret comes from hot peppers. Known as Capsaicin, this natural compound is responsible for the intense heat generated by peppers of the Capsicum variety.

Albany, NY (PRWEB) November 6, 2006 -- We've all heard of chronic migraine headaches, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, and even menstrual headaches - but have you ever heard of a "Sex Headache?" Although researchers say only a small percentage of the population experiences sex headaches, there are an estimated half million Americans suffering from this affliction. Sex headaches come in two classes (harmless and serious).

The most common form is the "benign coital headache" which tends to occur on a regular basis during or after sex. The "benign coital headache" is commonly known as the "orgasmic headache". This is a relatively harmless headache with no known long-term effects. Sufferers describe the feeling as "pulsating with a lot of pressure from the top of the head down behind the eyes". Although this type of headache is medically benign, it's certainly a hardship for people who suffer from this condition.

The second type of sex headache is the severe "new onset" headache that happens suddenly during sex. This is generally a first time headache, which patients characterize as "the worst headache of their lives". This type of sex headache is believed to be vascular in nature, and could be the warning sign of a serious medical emergency. The "new onset" headache is extremely rare, and can also occur with any strenuous activity such as exercise.

Fortunately, the vast majority of all sex headaches are not life threatening. Of course they are life-altering since sex is the one of the most important aspects of being human. For that reason, people who suffer from these headaches feel depressed and embarrassed.

Until recently, modern medicine has found no real answers regarding benign sex headaches. Sufferers tend to struggle through their episodes with only minimal relief using ordinary over the counter pain medications.

Finally science has discovered a natural chemical that appears to guarantee a "headache free" sex life, and the secret comes from hot peppers. Known as Capsaicin, this natural compound is responsible for the intense heat generated by peppers of the Capsicum variety. It turns that when Capsaicin is delivered through the nose in the form of a nasal spray – it instantly reverses general headache pain, and may also prevent sex headaches.

Since 2003, the medical community has been buzzing about a product known as "Sinus Buster". It's the world's first and only completely natural hot pepper nasal spray. Sinus Buster is recommended by hundreds of doctors and pharmacists, and it's now sold in more than 2,000 stores nationwide. Aside from relieving migraines, clusters, and sinus headaches, Sinus Buster is also known to be extremely effective against sex headaches. According to the manufacturer - SiCap Industries, this spicy homeopathic formula also prevents sex headaches for most people when used before intercourse.
Wayne Perry, President of SiCap Industries claims his company has received several thousand emails from people praising Sinus Buster for saving their sex lives.

"Just imagine getting a pounding headache every time you have sex. And doctors still don't completely understand why, but we do know that much of the pain is created by the same means as many other chronic headaches. So it figures sinus buster would work for these people too. I didn't even know what a sex headache was until we started getting letters from our customers. I'm glad I don't get them," says Perry.

Wayne Perry is not alone. Many people still don't know what sex headaches are even if they suffer from them. One reason is that sexual dysfunctions are rarely discussed, and most people find it hard to divulge their conditions to doctors because of the shame associated with sexual disorders of any kind.

"One German study at the University of Munster, focused on 51 patients suffering from orgasmic headaches. Their scientists found men are more than three times as likely than women to be stricken by orgasmic headaches. Dr. Achim Frese, a professor involved in the study, surmises most patients experience bouts of these sex related headaches for only a few weeks. The symptoms can occur during all sexual activity including masturbation, but for most patients, the cycles can suddenly stop for weeks, months, or even years.

"The course of this disease varies widely. Some patients have only one bout in their whole life, while others have it for years with nearly every sexual activity. The headaches typically start when patients are in their mid 30s. Many times patients find the headaches will lessen or even go away altogether if sexual activity is stopped, or if the affected person assumes a more passive role during intercourse," says Dr. Frese.

Wayne Perry of SiCap Industries adds, "If you have to worry about how you're having sex just so you don't get a headache, then you're probably not having any fun...that's for sure. If a squirt of hot peppers can help, then that's the way to go. Besides capsaicin also makes your body release endorphins, and that gives you an extra boost during sex. The Capsaicin pepper extract also increases blood flow that helps men keep it up longer and harder. It's a win-win situation for everyone."

Dave Ellis, RD, CSCS
15810 Holbein Drive • Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Cell 402/250/5406 • dave_ellis@mac.com • FAX 719/481/0692

• Chair National Strength & Conditioning Association - Nutrition Special Interest Group
• Advisor Professional Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coaches Society, USADA & Taylor Hooton Foundation
• USA Hockey Level V Coach • Official Provider of Sports Nutrition & Body Composition Services to USA Hockey
• Author Fundamental & Advanced Fueling Tactics® DVD's & Food First Nutrition Poster • www.fuelingtactics.com & Fueling Tactics® Podcast
http://web.mac.com/dave_ellis/iWeb/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html