People with Williams Syndrome Have NO Racial Bias International Business Times Williams syndrome is an extremely rare neurodevelopmental disorder of 1 in 7500 to 1 in 20000 births. Dr. JCP Williams first identified the syndrome in 1961. It is caused by a deletion of about 26 genes from the long arm of chromosome 7.
People with Williams syndrome have a distinctive, "elfin" facial appearancev and a low nasal bridge combined with an unusually cheerful demeanor and ease with strangers. They make friends with strangers within minutes. Other characteristics, among others, include developmental delay, strong language skills and cardiovascular problems.
Research has found that an interesting fact that people with Williams syndrome (Ws) have no racial bias, because the neural pathway that imprints for racial bias is missing.
The fact is, while it is much more rare than Ds (about 1 in 10,000 babies born has Williams syndrome and 1 in 691 has Down syndrome), there are quite a few similarities. There are some physical markers (harder to detect in infants), developmental delays in speech and fine and gross motor, learning delays, heart conditions and other traits. Williams syndrome is the deletion of genetic material from chromosome 7. Down syndrome is the addition of an extra chromosome 21.
You can read more on parents blogs of children with Williams syndrome, such as Adventures With Baby J and Bean where you can learn so much more. Because there are so few markers present at birth to raise red flags, diagnosis often comes very late for children with Ws. Because the condition is relatively rare, there is so much less information and support out there for families with children with Ws.
I've just learned that the week 9th to the 15th May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Week, I hope many more people will seek to learn more, and to open their arms in support of these families.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Germany: Deadly E.Coli string claims more lives - the source of the outbreak is still unknown.
Germany warned Sunday that the source of an outbreak of bacteria poisoning blamed for 10 deaths and hundreds of people falling ill, some in other countries, has yet to be pinpointed.
"Until experts in Germany and Spain are able to positively identify the source of the pathogen, general warnings about vegetables remain valid," Consumer Minister Ilse Aiger told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.
"The relevant authorities are doing all they can to clear this up, nationally and internationally."
Germany's national disease institute, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), has confirmed two deaths so far from haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a disease caused by a strain of bacteria known as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC).
But there are eight other suspected HUS deaths, and the RKI has said that close to 300 people have contracted the disease in recent weeks.
The epicentre of the outbreak has been in northern Germany, with more than 1,000 people suspected of being infected, reports said. Several are said to be fighting for their lives.
Hospitals in the city of Hamburg, where more than 400 people are believed to have been infected with EHEC, were said to be overwhelmed and sending patients to clinics elsewhere in the country.
Sweden has reported 25 E. coli cases, of whom 10 developed HUS, according to the European Commission. Denmark reported seven E. coli cases (including three HUS) while Britain counted three cases (two HUS).
More cases have been reported in France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, where authorities ordered organic cucumbers, tomatoes and aubergines delivered from Germany but grown in Spain withdrawn from sale in 33 shops.
For the moment, suspicions have so far turned towards Spain, although Spanish authorities deny it.
"Until experts in Germany and Spain are able to positively identify the source of the pathogen, general warnings about vegetables remain valid," Consumer Minister Ilse Aiger told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.
"The relevant authorities are doing all they can to clear this up, nationally and internationally."
Germany's national disease institute, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), has confirmed two deaths so far from haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a disease caused by a strain of bacteria known as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC).
But there are eight other suspected HUS deaths, and the RKI has said that close to 300 people have contracted the disease in recent weeks.
The epicentre of the outbreak has been in northern Germany, with more than 1,000 people suspected of being infected, reports said. Several are said to be fighting for their lives.
Hospitals in the city of Hamburg, where more than 400 people are believed to have been infected with EHEC, were said to be overwhelmed and sending patients to clinics elsewhere in the country.
Sweden has reported 25 E. coli cases, of whom 10 developed HUS, according to the European Commission. Denmark reported seven E. coli cases (including three HUS) while Britain counted three cases (two HUS).
More cases have been reported in France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, where authorities ordered organic cucumbers, tomatoes and aubergines delivered from Germany but grown in Spain withdrawn from sale in 33 shops.
For the moment, suspicions have so far turned towards Spain, although Spanish authorities deny it.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Romania: Hepatic transplantation replaces huge liver
Romanian surgeons removed a 23.2 kg giant liver from a patient diagnosed with a polycystic disease replacing it on Wednesday at the Fundeni Hospital with a normal 1.5 kg liver.
The transplant saved the life of the 38-year old male who received a cadaveric donor match of a 56-year old male in clinical death.
This was biggest diseased liver ever removed and replaced by a donor organ. A special technique had to be used because the healthy liver could not be placed in the same anatomic location as the original liver practically filled the whole thoracic cavity, dangerously pressing on all other organs there.
Hepatic transplantation is a major surgical procedure with a high risk level. Those who underwent a liver transplant have a 60% chance of surviving 15 years.
Liver transplantation is one of the most expensive medical procedures with costs that go over USD 300,000 in the first year in most developed clinics of the developed countries but are as low as USD 50,000 in India, where the great number of such transplantations led to similar results to the ones of high standard hospitals in the world.
The transplant saved the life of the 38-year old male who received a cadaveric donor match of a 56-year old male in clinical death.
This was biggest diseased liver ever removed and replaced by a donor organ. A special technique had to be used because the healthy liver could not be placed in the same anatomic location as the original liver practically filled the whole thoracic cavity, dangerously pressing on all other organs there.
Hepatic transplantation is a major surgical procedure with a high risk level. Those who underwent a liver transplant have a 60% chance of surviving 15 years.
Liver transplantation is one of the most expensive medical procedures with costs that go over USD 300,000 in the first year in most developed clinics of the developed countries but are as low as USD 50,000 in India, where the great number of such transplantations led to similar results to the ones of high standard hospitals in the world.
Japan: World's oldest man just turned 114
The world's oldest man - Jirouemon Kimura - said on his 114th birthday (on Tuesday, 19.04) that his longevity was a mystery even to himself, but noted that his motto was not to worry and always be thankful. Asked about the secrets of his longevity, Kimura said: "It is my own interpretation. But maybe this is due to some unknown forces of nature."
He celebrated his birthday at home with a breakfast of grilled fish with steamed rice and red beans, a traditional meal on special occasions in Japan. Kimura, born in 1897, lives with the 82-year-old widow of his eldest son and the 58-year-old widow of a grandson. He eats three meals a day and is still able to walk with the help of a walker.
Kimura was a postal worker in his younger days and he and his wife, who died many years ago, had seven children, five of whom survive. Kimura's family has continued to grow over the years, and his own children and their offsprings gave him 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
"It is indescribable. I am really honored," Kimura said in a birthday interview with officials in Kyoto, western Japan.
Japan's population is aging faster than any other in the world. The government said the number of its citizens who are at least 100 years old rose 10 percent to 44,449 in 2010. The number of Japanese who are 65 and older hit a record 29.4 million in 2010.
He celebrated his birthday at home with a breakfast of grilled fish with steamed rice and red beans, a traditional meal on special occasions in Japan. Kimura, born in 1897, lives with the 82-year-old widow of his eldest son and the 58-year-old widow of a grandson. He eats three meals a day and is still able to walk with the help of a walker.
Kimura was a postal worker in his younger days and he and his wife, who died many years ago, had seven children, five of whom survive. Kimura's family has continued to grow over the years, and his own children and their offsprings gave him 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
"It is indescribable. I am really honored," Kimura said in a birthday interview with officials in Kyoto, western Japan.
Japan's population is aging faster than any other in the world. The government said the number of its citizens who are at least 100 years old rose 10 percent to 44,449 in 2010. The number of Japanese who are 65 and older hit a record 29.4 million in 2010.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Modern Samurai - Fukushima's suicide teams
"The Suicide Team" or "Samurai", as they are being called, make up a group of workers still trying to avoid a nuclear disaster at Fukushima, will be paying the ultimate price.
The Japanese Government is offering high salaries for workers willing to sacrifice themselves for "the good of the nation". And there are many who accept to consciously expose themselves to high radiation levels in order to try and stabilize the nuclear reactors and prevent core meltdown.
The core in reactor 2 is melting
The core in reactor 2 seems to have almost completely melted, warned experts on Tuesday, spreading fear that workers will not be able to save the reactor and avoid radioactive gases leaking into the atmosphere.
Richard Lahey, who was chief of one the safety research teams at General Electric back when the company had installed units in Fukushima, said that in his opinion, the workers still pumping water over these 3 reactors practically have already lost the battle.
Workers at Fukushima paid with 1,000 euros per day
According to The Independent, workers receive amounts between 80,000 and 100,000 yen per day, or the equivalent of about 1,000 euros/day. The amount was disclosed by a former worker who was part of the team at Fukushima.
Employees from Fukushima nuclear plant are being exposed to high levels of radiation in an attempt to control the overheated reactor core. They agree to work in these conditions, although they are conscious that it's a suicide mission.
Heroes of Fukushima: "It is inevitable that some of them will die in the coming weeks"
Workers from the team "Fukushima 50" are trying to cool the nuclear power reactors are repeatedly expose themselves to high radioactive levels.
"My son and his colleagues have discussed and are willing to die if necessary to save the nation" said the mother of a 32 year old worker. "He told me that they have all accepted the idea that they will probably die soon after because of high radiation or long-term due to cancer."
She could not confirm whether her son or other workers already suffered from any diseases caused by radiation, but said it was inevitable that some of them would die in the coming weeks or months.
"They know that it is impossible not to have been exposed to deadly doses of radiation" said the worker's mother.
Japanese Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, said Thursday, while in a conversation with the Japanese Communist Party leader, that the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant will most probably have to be torn down for good.
The Japanese Government is offering high salaries for workers willing to sacrifice themselves for "the good of the nation". And there are many who accept to consciously expose themselves to high radiation levels in order to try and stabilize the nuclear reactors and prevent core meltdown.
The core in reactor 2 is melting
The core in reactor 2 seems to have almost completely melted, warned experts on Tuesday, spreading fear that workers will not be able to save the reactor and avoid radioactive gases leaking into the atmosphere.
Richard Lahey, who was chief of one the safety research teams at General Electric back when the company had installed units in Fukushima, said that in his opinion, the workers still pumping water over these 3 reactors practically have already lost the battle.
Workers at Fukushima paid with 1,000 euros per day
According to The Independent, workers receive amounts between 80,000 and 100,000 yen per day, or the equivalent of about 1,000 euros/day. The amount was disclosed by a former worker who was part of the team at Fukushima.
Employees from Fukushima nuclear plant are being exposed to high levels of radiation in an attempt to control the overheated reactor core. They agree to work in these conditions, although they are conscious that it's a suicide mission.
Heroes of Fukushima: "It is inevitable that some of them will die in the coming weeks"
Workers from the team "Fukushima 50" are trying to cool the nuclear power reactors are repeatedly expose themselves to high radioactive levels.
"My son and his colleagues have discussed and are willing to die if necessary to save the nation" said the mother of a 32 year old worker. "He told me that they have all accepted the idea that they will probably die soon after because of high radiation or long-term due to cancer."
She could not confirm whether her son or other workers already suffered from any diseases caused by radiation, but said it was inevitable that some of them would die in the coming weeks or months.
"They know that it is impossible not to have been exposed to deadly doses of radiation" said the worker's mother.
Japanese Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, said Thursday, while in a conversation with the Japanese Communist Party leader, that the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant will most probably have to be torn down for good.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Nano tea bag water filter may soon save the lives of millions
The lack of access to clean water is a major problem in 3rd world countries around the globe, as thousands of people die of drink-water related deseases. The latest developments in nano-technology though may soon provide the answer to this problem: a new tea-bag water filter has been developed that can kill all the bacteria present in water, while the activated carbon removes any chemical contaminants. It is designed to fit in the neck of a standard sized bottle.
"The easiest way to visualize our filter is to think of a normal tea bag," said professor Cloete of Stellenbosch University, the inventor of this filter. "The outside of the bag is coated in a polymer that includes a biocide, which means that it both filters water and kills bacteria. We haven't yet come across a bacteria it can't kill."
Each tea bag can only filter one liter of water, so a family may need to use many bags per day. But at a cost of 1 to 5 cents/filter (depending on the quality of water being filtered) it is still very affordable. "It's easy to remember: one bag, one liter." said Cloete. The entire contraption is biodegradable and its inventors even claim that the activated carbon filling is a good soil conditioner.
Although even a low-cost could be an issue for those living on a dollar a day, or less, Professor Cloete believes that a small surcharge to sales in the West could help subsidize costs in the developing world. "The top end can sponsor the bottom end, and by paying this people could make a difference to millions," he said.
Professor Cloete is currently working with machine manufacturers in the Czech Republic and hopes to have a mass-market version available this month.
According to the UN's World Health Organization lack of clean water and sanitation kills 1.6 million children each year. Currently, diarrhea is still one of the leading causes of death for children under 5, which sounds incredible for the 21st century, but sadly it's true.
Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ydPMl7hOtA
"The easiest way to visualize our filter is to think of a normal tea bag," said professor Cloete of Stellenbosch University, the inventor of this filter. "The outside of the bag is coated in a polymer that includes a biocide, which means that it both filters water and kills bacteria. We haven't yet come across a bacteria it can't kill."
Each tea bag can only filter one liter of water, so a family may need to use many bags per day. But at a cost of 1 to 5 cents/filter (depending on the quality of water being filtered) it is still very affordable. "It's easy to remember: one bag, one liter." said Cloete. The entire contraption is biodegradable and its inventors even claim that the activated carbon filling is a good soil conditioner.
Although even a low-cost could be an issue for those living on a dollar a day, or less, Professor Cloete believes that a small surcharge to sales in the West could help subsidize costs in the developing world. "The top end can sponsor the bottom end, and by paying this people could make a difference to millions," he said.
Professor Cloete is currently working with machine manufacturers in the Czech Republic and hopes to have a mass-market version available this month.
According to the UN's World Health Organization lack of clean water and sanitation kills 1.6 million children each year. Currently, diarrhea is still one of the leading causes of death for children under 5, which sounds incredible for the 21st century, but sadly it's true.
Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ydPMl7hOtA
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