Page 2862

First CVD Outcome Trial of a GLP-1 Agonist Finds No Cardiac Risk or Benefit

0






First CVD Outcome Trial of a GLP-1 Agonist Finds No Cardiac Risk or Benefit

Popular Glucose-Lowering Drugs Also Show No Risk of Hypoglycemia or Pancreatic Injury, and Modest Benefit for Weight Compared to Placebo


BOSTON, June 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — One member of a widely prescribed class of drugs used to lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes has a neutral effect on heart failure and other cardiovascular problems, according to the first clinical trial to examine cardiovascular safety in a GLP-1 receptor agonist, presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 75th Scientific Sessions.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141105/156803LOGO

The Evaluation of Lixisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ELIXA) study also found a modest benefit for weight control, and no increase of risk for hypoglycemia or pancreatic injury in those who took lixisenatide, one of several GLP-1 receptor agonists being prescribed around the world to treat people with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 receptor agonists are derived from gut hormones and may be used as a secondary therapy when other medications fail to sufficiently lower blood glucose levels.

“There has been a cloud of suspicion over all new diabetes drugs, including GLP-1 agonists, over whether they may increase the risk for cardiovascular problems,” said Marc Pfeffer, MD, PhD,  Dzau Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical, senior physician in cardiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and principal investigator for the ELIXA trial. “There has also been some hope that some of these drugs may improve cardiovascular health. GLP-1 receptor agonists were being used around the world while CVD safety had yet to be established. This is the first report of a clinical trial designed to assess cardiovascular outcomes in this class of drugs and we have shown that patients and their healthcare providers should have no cause for concern, even if they are at high risk for heart-related problems.”

Specifically, the ELIXA study found no increased risk for cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, unstable angina (chest pain) or heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes who had recently experienced acute coronary syndrome events (an umbrella term referring to when blood supplied to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked) and were therefore at high risk for additional heart problems. The study examined 6,068 people from 49 countries, randomly assigning them to lixisenatide or placebo, with a follow-up period of more than two years.

Heart disease and stroke are the number one causes of death and disability among people with type 2 diabetes, who are two to four times more likely than those who do not have diabetes to suffer from these conditions. Because of this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently augmented cardiovascular surveillance for new drugs prescribed to treat elevated blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.

The ELIXA trial also showed that those who took lixisenatide were not more likely to have problems with hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) than those who took placebo, despite better blood glucose control.

“Knowing these drugs can be prescribed safely gives physicians another tool to further lower glucose without producing more hypoglycemia, a potential complication of improved glycemic control,” said Eldrin Lewis, MD MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Advanced Heart Disease section of Cardiovascular Division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “These drugs can provide a very important adjunct to therapy. We want to get people to target to minimize the future consequences of diabetes, but we don’t want to add any additional risks in doing so.”

The ELIXA trial also found no increase in pancreatitis or cancers and a modest benefit in terms of weight gain, said Matthew Riddle, MD, Professor of Medicine, in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Clinical Nutrition, at Oregon Health & Science University. Those taking lixisenatide did not gain weight, while those taking placebo did.

Those taking lixisenatide did, however, report a higher number of episodes of nausea and vomiting, common side effects for GLP-1 receptor agonists. “Nausea and vomiting sometimes caused patients to discontinue the medication,” said Riddle, “but in terms of serious reactions or pancreatic problems, there was no difference between the two groups and no increased risk.”

Dr. Pfeffer will lead a symposium on The Evaluation of Lixisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrome – The Results of ELIXA on Monday, June 8 from 2:15 – 4:15 p.m. The ELIXA results will be followed by results from another cardiovascular safety trial, Results from the Trial to Evaluate Cardiovascular Outcomes after Treatment with Sitagliptin (TECOS) from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.


Club de Cuervos, a Netflix Original Series From Mexican Filmmaker Gaz Alazraki, to Debut in All Netflix Territories on August 7

0





Club de Cuervos, a Netflix Original Series From Mexican Filmmaker Gaz Alazraki, to Debut in All Netflix Territories on August 7


U.S. Members Will Also Be Able to Enjoy an Expanded Selection of Spanish-Language Titles Beginning in June


BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX), the world’s leading Internet television network, will premiere the outrageous original Spanish-language series, Club de Cuervos, from Mexican filmmaker Gaz Alazraki (“Nosotros los Nobles”), in all Netflix territories on August 7, 2015.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101014/SF81638LOGO

Balanced equally among comedy and drama, Club de Cuervos brings viewers into the middle of a no-holds-careed battle among members of a wealthy family, triggered by the death of the patriarch, to determine who will gain control of the beloved professional soccer team, The Cuervos of Nuevo Toledo. The series stars Luis Gerardo Mendez and Mariana Trevino, and features Stephanie Cayo, Daniel Gimenez Cacho, Ianis Guerrero and Antonio de la Vega.

In addition, Netflix is now starting to offer a more robust selection of Hispanic titles to its U.S. members, ranging from tele-series and novelas, to kids shows, comedies, documentaries and movies as a result of expanded partnerships with leading broadcasters Univision, UniMas, Telemundo and others.

Among the fantastic programming Netflix U.S. members can now enjoy are iconic titles that have touched generations of Hispanics such as El Chapulin Colorado, Teresa, Rebelde, Maria La Del Barrio, La Usurpadora, Rubi; more recent favorites, including El Senor de los Cielos, La Reina del Sur, La Viuda Negra, Duenos del Paraiso, Senora Acero, Los Heroes Del Norte, El Cartel, El Cartel 2, Pablo Escobar, El Patron del Mal, Operacion Jaque, La Prepago, Los Caballeros Las Prefieren Brutas; and the US Hispanic version of the Brazilian classics like El Clon, among many others.

“Generations have loved shows like El Chavo and we are confident that they will enjoy recent titles like La Dictadura Perfecta as well as the latest addition to our originals slate, Club de Cuervos,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. “We’re thrilled to be working with Univision and Telemundo as well as a range of amazing Latin American content creators to enrich our Hispanic content mix in the U.S., allowing families to watch some of their favorite shows together when and how they want.”

In addition to the broadened slate of Hispanic series and films, acclaimed Netflix Original Series, including Orange is the New Black, Marvel’s Daredevil, House of Cards, Bloodline, Grace and Frankie, and Sense8, are also available to U.S. members with Spanish-language dubbing and subtitles.

All thirteen episodes of season one of Club De Cuervos will be available exclusively on Netflix. The Alazraki Productions series was created by Gaz Alazraki and Mike Lam and executive produced by Gaz Alazraki, Leonardo Zimbron, Mike Lam, Jay Dyer, with producers Moises Chiver and Monica Vargas.

About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 62 million members in over 50 countries enjoying more than 100 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.


If you purchased Flexible Polyurethane Foam directly from any Flexible Polyurethane Foam manufacturer from January 1, 1999 through July 31, 2010, you could be a Class Member in six proposed class action settlements

0





If you purchased Flexible Polyurethane Foam directly from any Flexible Polyurethane Foam manufacturer from January 1, 1999 through July 31, 2010, you could be a Class Member in six proposed class action settlements


WASHINGTON, June 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued by BOIES, SCHILLER & FLEXNER LLP and QUINN EMANUEL URQUHART & SULLIVAN, LLP regarding the In re Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS ARE AFFECTED. PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY.

Plaintiffs in this class action have reached six proposed settlements in a class action lawsuit concerning certain producers of Flexible Polyurethane Foam and Flexible Polyurethane Foam products. Plaintiffs have reached settlements with FFP Holdings, LLC (“FFP”), Foamex Innovations, Inc. (“FXI”), Future Foam, Inc. (“Future Foam”), Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company (“Hickory Springs”), Mohawk Industries, Inc. (“Mohawk”), and Woodbridge Foam Corporation, Woodbridge Sales & Engineering, Inc., and Woodbridge Foam Fabricating, Inc. (collectively “Woodbridge”).

What are the Benefits of the Settlements?

Settlement 1: FFP – The “FFP Settlement” is among Plaintiffs, the Certification Class1, the FFP Settlement Class, and FFP only. Plaintiffs, Certification Class Members, and FFP Settlement Class Members will release FFP from all pending claims, and in exchange FFP has agreed to: (i) pay $16,000,000 to a fund to compensate FFP Settlement Class Members; and (ii) provide limited cooperation at or before trial.

Settlement 2: FXI – The “FXI Settlement” is among Plaintiffs, the Certification Class, the FXI Settlement Class, and FXI only. Plaintiffs, the Certification Class, and FXI Settlement Class Members will release FXI from all pending claims, and in exchange FXI has agreed to: (i) pay $60,000,000 to a fund to compensate FXI Settlement Class Members; and (ii) provide limited cooperation at or before trial.

Settlement 3: Future Foam – The “Future Foam Settlement” is among Plaintiffs, the Certification Class, the Future Foam Settlement Class, and Future Foam only. Plaintiffs, Certification Class Members, and Future Foam Settlement Class Members will release Future Foam from all pending claims, and in exchange Future Foam has agreed to: (i) pay $32,000,000 to a fund to compensate Future Foam Settlement Class Members; and (ii) provide limited cooperation at or before trial.

Settlement 4: Hickory Springs – The “Hickory Springs Settlement” is among Plaintiffs, the Certification Class, the Hickory Springs Settlement Class, and Hickory Springs only. Plaintiffs, the Certification Class, and Hickory Springs Settlement Class Members will release Hickory Springs from all pending claims, and in exchange Hickory Springs has agreed to: (i) pay $19,500,000 to a fund to compensate Hickory Springs Settlement Class Members; and (ii) provide limited cooperation at or before trial.

Settlement 5: Mohawk – The “Mohawk Settlement” is among Plaintiffs, the Certification Class, the Mohawk Settlement Class, and Mohawk only. Plaintiffs, Certification Class members, and Mohawk Settlement Class Members will release Mohawk from all pending claims, and in exchange Mohawk has agreed to: (i) pay $98,000,000 to a fund to compensate Mohawk Settlement Class Members; (ii) provide limited cooperation at or before trial; and (iii) withdraw its arbitration demand. At Mohawk’s request, the Court previously stayed in favor of arbitration all claims against Mohawk from customers that directly purchased Flexible Polyurethane Foam (including carpet cushion or carpet underlay) from Mohawk during the Class Period and had an arbitration agreement with Mohawk for those purchases. (See Court Order dated August 12, 2014, Docket No. 1311). Mohawk has agreed to withdraw its arbitration demand and the Mohawk Settlement therefore covers and resolves arbitrable claims in addition to the non-arbitrable claims.

Settlement 6: Woodbridge – The “Woodbridge Settlement” is among Plaintiffs, the Certification Class, the Woodbridge Settlement Class, and Woodbridge only. Plaintiffs, Certification Class members, and Woodbridge Settlement Class Members will release Woodbridge from all pending claims, and in exchange Woodbridge has agreed to: (i) pay $50,000,000 to a fund to compensate Woodbridge Settlement Class Members; and (ii) provide limited cooperation at or before trial.

Note that Settlement funds may be reduced by attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of litigation expenses, as approved by the Court. This may include administration of the Settlements. These Settlement Classes and the Certification Class are represented by William A. Isaacson of BOIES, SCHILLER & FLEXNER LLP and Stephen R. Neuwirth of QUINN EMANUEL URQUHART & SULLIVAN, LLP. The motion by Class Counsel for attorneys’ fees and costs and an incentive award for the Representative Plaintiffs will be available for viewing on the Settlement Website after it is filed. After that time, if you wish to review the motion or additional details on how funds will be allocated, you may do so by visiting www.flexiblepolyurethanefoamsettlement.com.

What is this lawsuit about?

The lawsuit is known as In re Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 10-md-2196, and is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, in Toledo. Direct purchasers of Flexible Polyurethane Foam allege that Defendants conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain the prices and allocate territories or customers of Flexible Polyurethane Foam, in violation of antitrust laws. As used herein, Flexible Polyurethane Foam includes both “slabstock” flexible polyurethane foam (also known as “block” foam), fabricated or converted foam products made from “slabstock” flexible polyurethane foam, and carpet underlay (also known as “carpet cushion,” “carpet pad” or “carpet padding”) manufactured from polyurethane foam. The term Flexible Polyurethane Foam does not include “molded” foam (also known as “engineered” foam) or “rigid” foam (also known as “technical” foam). Important Court Documents containing more detailed allegations and additional descriptions of the uses and applications of Flexible Polyurethane Foam can be found at the Settlement Website: www.flexiblepolyurethanefoamsettlement.com.

Who is a Class Member?

You are a member of all six Settlement Classes, as well as the Certification Class, if you are among: All persons or entities that purchased Flexible Polyurethane Foam (but excluding molded foam) directly from Defendants and/or their co-conspirators from January 1, 1999 to July 31, 2010 for purchase from or delivery into the United States. Excluded from all six Settlement Classes and the Certification Class are governmental entities, Defendants, their alleged co-conspirators, and their officers, employees, agents, representatives, parents, subsidiaries and affiliates. Also excluded from all six Settlement Classes and the Certification Class are those who timely and validly opted out of the Certification Class on or before January 26, 2015 and/or who were deemed by the Court to have validly opted out of the Certification Class despite an untimely exclusion request (Dkt. 1540). In addition, excluded from the six Settlement Classes and the Certification Class are those who validly and timely elect to exclude themselves from those Classes by September 15, 2015.

Who are the Defendants?

The companies Plaintiffs sued are called Defendants. The following Defendants previously entered into settlements with Plaintiffs: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (“Leggett & Platt”), Carpenter Co., E. R. Carpenter, L.P., and Carpenter Holdings, Inc. (collectively “Carpenter”); Vitafoam, Inc. and Vitafoam Products Canada Limited (collectively “Vitafoam”); Domfoam International Inc. and Valle Foam Industries (1995) Inc. (collectively Domfoam/Valle Foam). FFP, FXI, Future Foam, Hickory Springs, Mohawk, and Woodbridge—the six settling Defendants—are all of the remaining Defendants in this case.

How do I receive a payment?

To receive a payment from any of the Settlements, you must submit a Claim Form. To request a Claim Form, you may visit www.flexiblepolyurethanefoamsettlement.com or contact the Notice Administrator at 1-888-331-9196. If you previously submitted a Claim Form in connection with the Vitafoam, Leggett & Platt, or Carpenter Settlements, you do not need to submit another Claim Form.

What are my rights and options?

  • Take no action: You will receive the non-monetary benefits of the Settlements. You will give up the right to sue FFP, FXI, Future Foam, Hickory Springs, Mohawk, and Woodbridge with respect to the claims asserted in this case. You may be eligible to receive a payment from the Settlements if you submit a timely Claim Form by September 15, 2015, or previously submitted a Claim Form in connection with the previous settlements.
  • Exclude yourself from any of the Settlement Classes and the Certification Class: This is the only option that allows you to ever be a part of any other lawsuit against FFP, FXI, Future Foam, Hickory Springs, Mohawk, or Woodbridge with respect to the claims asserted in this case. You can choose to exclude yourself from all or some of the Settlements. However, you can be part of a lawsuit against one or more of these settling Defendants only if you exclude yourself both from the applicable Settlement Class and the Certification Class. The Settlements resolve the claims of all of the Settlement Classes and the Certification Class. Accordingly, if you opt out only from the Settlement Class(es), you will still be bound by the Certification Class’s Settlement with the applicable Defendant(s), unless you also opt out of the Certification Class. The deadline to exclude yourself from any of the six Settlement Classes and the Certification Class is September 15, 2015. If you already elected to exclude yourself from the Certification Class by the previously-established January 26, 2015 deadline, and/or you were deemed by the Court to have validly opted out of the Certification Class despite an untimely exclusion request (Dkt. 1540), you are considered excluded from all six Settlement Classes and the Certification Class, and do not need to resubmit any exclusion request.
  • Exclude yourself from any of the Settlement Classes and not the Certification Class: If you elect to exclude yourself from any of the Settlement Classes, but do not also elect to exclude yourself from the Certification Class, you will give up the right to all non-monetary and monetary benefits of the Settlement(s) from which you have excluded yourself. You will still be considered part of the Certification Class. The Settlements release the claims of the Certification Class, and, if the Settlements are approved by the Court, the claims of the Certification Class will be dismissed. As a result, if you elect to remain a member of the Certification Class, you will not be able to be a part of any other lawsuit against any of the settling Defendants with respect to the claims asserted in this case.
  • Object to one or more of the six Settlements: You can remain in the Settlement Classes and object to or comment on any term of the Settlements. You may explain to the Court in writing why you do not like one or more of the Settlements. Even if you object to a Settlement or proposed Settlement Class, you will remain a member of that proposed Settlement Class. You can exclude yourself from some of the Settlements, but still object to the other Settlements from which you do not exclude yourself. The deadline to object is September 15, 2015.

When is the Fairness Hearing?

The Court has scheduled a “Fairness Hearing” on October 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., at the following address:

United States District Court
James M. Ashley and Thomas W. L. Ashley U.S. Courthouse
1716 Spielbusch Avenue
Toledo, OH 43604

The purpose of the Fairness Hearing is to determine whether the Settlements are fair, reasonable, and adequate, whether the Court should grant final approval of the Settlements, and whether the Court should enter a final Judgment of dismissal of the lawsuit as to FFP, FXI, Future Foam, Hickory Springs, Mohawk, and Woodbridge with prejudice. The Court will also consider the motion for attorneys’ fees. You do not need to attend this hearing. You or your own lawyer may attend the hearing if you wish, at your own expense. Members of the Settlement Classes are advised to check the Settlement Website for any updates.

Where do I get additional information?

This Notice is only a summary. For more detailed information about the Settlements, you may review documents available at www.flexiblepolyurethanefoamsettlement.com. You may also obtain more information by contacting the Notice Administrator at 1-888-331-9196 or send your questions to In re Polyurethane Foam Antitrust Litigation, c/o GCG, P.O. Box 9907, Dublin, OH 43017-5807.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT DEFENDANTS OR THE COURT FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THIS LAWSUIT.

1 As used in this Notice, “Certification Class” refers to the Direct Purchaser Class, as that class was certified and defined in the Court’s April 16, 2014 Order (Dkt. 1115). “[Defendant] Settlement Class” refers to the respective Settlement Classes defined in each Settlement. Those Settlements and the full language of the applicable releases are available at www.flexiblepolyurethanefoamsettlement.com.


50 Years of Diabetes Research and Treatment

0





50 Years of Diabetes Research and Treatment

Perspectives from Physicians, Researchers and Patients on How the Past Five Decades Have Changed What We Know About and How People Live with Diabetes


BOSTON, June 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — From how people test their glucose levels to how long they can expect to live, almost everything has changed over the past 50 years for Americans with diabetes. A special symposium held at the American Diabetes Association’s 75th Scientific Sessions features a look back at what physicians and researchers have learned and how the lives of patients have changed during the past five decades.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141105/156803LOGO

“There are things that have happened over the past 50 years that clearly make life a lot better for people,” said Fred Whitehouse, MD, Division Head Emeritus at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, who has been treating people with diabetes for just as long.

For example, when Whitehouse first started seeing patients the only option for the treatment of type 1 diabetes was to inject animal insulin, which came from cows or pigs and sometimes caused adverse reactions in people. Today, human insulin produced by microorganisms is used, an important difference because not only are there fewer adverse reactions, there’s no fear of running out of it, he said. What’s more, there are now long- and rapid-acting insulins and a variety of delivery systems, including insulin pumps, which improve accuracy and comfort while tightening blood glucose control and reducing hypoglycemia.

The way glucose levels are tested has also changed dramatically, said Whitehouse. Whereas once the only way to assess diabetes control was by testing for the presence of sugar in a person’s urine, today there are numerous, far more accurate ways to test blood glucose levels, including the non-invasive A1C, which measures average blood glucose levels over a three-month period. “This gives us a nice marker for showing whether a person is on the right road or not,” Whitehouse said.  

Yet there is still a long way to go, he noted. “There’s been a lot of change, most of it for the better, but what people want is a cure and we don’t have that yet.”

Daniel Porte, Jr., MD, has been conducting diabetes research for more than 50 years and has witnessed a sea of change in how much is known about the mechanisms involved in diabetes. He remembers when the endocrine and nervous systems were considered completely unrelated, when glucose was considered the only regulator of insulin and when there was only one method for administering insulin. While researchers have learned much about diabetes over the past 50 years – including how it develops, how to prevent or delay it and how it affects the rest of the body, all of which were virtually unknown in the 1960s – perhaps the most important lesson, he said, is that the fruits of investigation don’t ripen overnight.

“In order to understand disease, you have to do basic research,” said Porte, a professor at the University of California, San Diego and professor emeritus at the University of Washington. “But you’ve got to be patient, because it takes a long time to go from basic research to clinical impact.”

“For example,” he said, “the drugs we use now to treat diabetes were first studied 30 to 40 years ago. And there are many more than the one or two that were being used back in the 1970s.”

During the time Porte has been involved in diabetes research, the field has grown from taking simple measurements of hormones to increasingly complex investigations that look at the inter-relationship between hormones and the nervous system, an area still being plumbed for new discoveries. “This year, amazingly enough to me,” he said, “it was discovered that insulin sent to the central nervous system not only feeds back to the brain, it also affects glucose production. It regulates the islet cells, so there is a complete integration of the endocrine system and the nervous system. It took 40 years to discover this.”

Not only do these discoveries help us develop better treatments for diabetes, said Porte, they can also help in the treatment of other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. “We now believe that perhaps impaired insulin action in the central nervous system leads to the behavioral changes we see in Alzheimer’s patients,” he said.

Michael Brownlee, who has experienced life as a person with diabetes, physician and researcher, said the one thread that ties all three roles together is the issue of diabetes-related complications.

“The reason diabetes is a serious health problem is because of the complications,” said Brownlee, Anita and Jack Saltz Chair in Diabetes Research and Associate Director for Biomedical Sciences at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Diabetes Research Center. “If there were no complications, diabetes would be like hypothyroidism and other easily managed diseases. You’d take a tablet to replace the hormone and everything would be fine. It wouldn’t be a public health problem costing billions of dollars in care each year and requiring billions of dollars of research.”

Brownlee, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 8, has suffered from the two potentially fatal acute complications of this disease – ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia – but not from any of the chronic complications that cause blindness, kidney failure, and heart attacks.  He remembers applying to medical school at a time when only half of people with type 1 diabetes were expected to live into their 40’s or early 50’s. Some schools were reluctant to admit him because he “wouldn’t be able to practice medicine for a full lifetime,” he said. “They said they’d rather give the spot to someone with a normal lifespan. Fortunately, advances in diabetes research and treatment have made those old statistics obsolete.”  

Brownlee’s research on the mechanisms that cause diabetic complications has created a paradigm shift in the field. He noted that until 1993, diabetes complications – such as eye and kidney disease – were considered  consequences of diabetes, rather than of high blood glucose levels. “Prior to the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) study that was published that year, the general dogma was that diabetes caused both metabolic changes and complications, which had nothing to do with each other. They were just two parallel manifestations of the disease,” he said.

“Now it’s known that prolonged high glucose levels increase the risk for eye and kidney complications associated with diabetes, and maintaining tighter control of blood glucose levels reduces that risk,” he said.  “We also learned from EDIC, the follow-up study to the DCCT,  that the adverse effects of early high blood glucose levels persist for many years after A1Cs are improved, a phenomenon called ‘metabolic memory’.” A major focus of his current research is identifying the mechanisms responsible for metabolic memory.

Kathryn Ham, who turns 86 this week, has seen tremendous changes in the treatment of diabetes over the 78 years she has been living with type 1 diabetes. But she also believes firmly in the importance of keeping some things the same – such as when she gives herself insulin each day and when she tests her blood glucose levels. That kind of discipline, she said, prevents her from making mistakes or forgetting to take her insulin.

“Every person with diabetes needs to create a system for remembering and/or dealing with his or her own treatment,” she said. “My system, though antiquated, works for me. I still inject insulin four times per day.  I have a cup into which I put the used testing needle and used insulin needle.  If I am interrupted, for example by a telephone call, while administering treatment, I can look in the cup to see if I have already taken my insulin, because I am forgetful.  Of course nowadays, use of an insulin pump renders this unnecessary for many people, but there are always things you need to remember so dream up your own system.”

Over the years, Ham said, she has seen the needles grow smaller, and the addition of the A1C blood glucose test, new forms of insulin, new treatments for diabetes-related eye disease and the introduction of digital blood glucose meters, “which have all made a tremendous difference in diabetes care.”

“Despite the enormous growth in our understanding of diabetes and its complications, we are still only able to manage the disease,” said Robert Ratner, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer for the American Diabetes Association.  “The next 50 years must elucidate the mechanisms by which both type 1 and type 2 diabetes occur, along with those critical steps at which we might intervene to prevent disease.  Treatments must provide optimal glucose and metabolic control, without the risk of hypoglycemia, and complications of diabetes should become historical memories.”

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes®  and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

 


Dr. Russell Moore to Join NHCLC Board to Help Ignite New Generation of Hispanic Leaders

0





Dr. Russell Moore to Join NHCLC Board to Help Ignite New Generation of Hispanic Leaders

Appointment emphasizes commitment to religious freedom, justice


SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Reverend Samuel Rodriguez and the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) announces evangelical theologian, ethicist and minister Dr. Russell Moore to its organizational board.

“I am happy to join my friends at the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference,” Moore said. “I pray that God would enable us, together, to raise up a new generation of gospel-centered Hispanic leaders to evangelize the Americas and the rest of the world for the glory of Jesus Christ.”

Moore serves as president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, which is the nation’s largest Protestant denomination moral and public policy agency.

Moore has partnered with Rodriguez and NHCLC on a number of initiatives in the past including the 21 Martyrs Campaign. Moore was also a keynote speaker at the 2015 NHCLC National Convention along with presidential candidate Gov. Mike Huckabee, presumed candidate Gov. Jeb Bush and U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.)

“The nomination of Dr. Moore to the board emphasizes one of our most important directives and goals of the immediate future—the cause of religious liberty and freedom here in the United States and around the world,” said Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, president of NHCLC. “We look forward to having him join our efforts to spread to fight for justice during this critical time.”

NHCLC/CONEL is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. The organization seeks to reconcile Evangelist Billy Graham’s message of salvation through Christ with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s march of prophetic activism. A bipartisan organization, NHCLC/CONEL follows the agenda of the Lamb, not the donkey or the elephant, and emphasizes “7 Directives” of Life, Family, Compassionate Evangelism, Stewardship, Justice, Education and Youth. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.


(Español) El 4to Festival de PEOPLE en Español se celebrará en Nueva York el 17 y 18 de octubre

0

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Joint Statement Outlines Guidance on Diabetes Self-Management Education, Support

0





Joint Statement Outlines Guidance on Diabetes Self-Management Education, Support

American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourage Providers to Refer Patients at Four Critical Life Junctures


BOSTON, June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A joint position statement outlining when, how and what type of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSME/S) should be delivered to patients is being released today at the American Diabetes Association’s 75th Scientific Sessions. The statement is also being published online concurrently in Diabetes Care, The Diabetes Educator and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141105/156803LOGO

The statement – written by representatives of the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) – provides an algorithm with guidance to healthcare providers regarding when to refer patients with diabetes to Certified Diabetes Educators and other trained staff for education and support. DSME/S, recognizing that the person with diabetes is their own primary care provider, refers to the information and skills people with diabetes need for proper self-care and the support they need to implement those skills and behaviors.

Specifically, the statement highlights four critical times for assessing the need for DSME/S referral: at diagnosis; on an annual basis; when new complicating factors influence self-management and, lastly, when transitions in care occur. The statement also provides guidance on the type of information and support patients might need at these critical junctures. For example, the guidelines suggest that immediately following diagnosis, education should focus on safety concerns, coping with the diagnosis and the process of incorporating self-management into daily life. Annual assessments would review and reassess treatment goals and self-management needs, problem-solving skills, make any needed adjustments to therapy and address any concerns or questions the patient may have. Complicating factors could include new health conditions or physical limitations. Life transitions and changes in health status would require more personalized information and support to help patients address individual needs. The algorithm also outlines the content to be taught, roles and action steps recommended for both the referring provider and for the diabetes educator. 

“We have algorithms for when and how to advance medication for patients with diabetes, but there has never been an algorithm for starting and advancing self-management education,” said Margaret Powers, PhD, RD, CDE, Research Scientist at the International Diabetes Center at Park Nicollet and President-Elect, Health Care and Education, for the American Diabetes Association. “If you ask clinicians when should diabetes education occur, you’ll get a variety of answers. We needed a clear set of guiding principles for when to provide and how to assess a patient’s needs for DSME/S. This document provides that necessary guidance.”

Research has shown that DSME/S improves diabetes outcomes, including helping to reduce A1C levels; reducing the onset and/or advancement of diabetes complications; improving lifestyle behaviors, such as eating a more healthful diet and exercising more frequently and decreasing diabetes-related distress and depression. Studies have also shown it to be cost effective by reducing hospital admissions and readmissions.

“We know that diabetes education works,” said Joan Bardsley, MBA, RN, CDE, FAADE, Assistant Vice President of Medstar Health Research Institute and Immediate Past President of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. “But one of the major gaps we have seen is that there aren’t a lot of providers who will routinely refer patients to diabetes educators. Either they don’t know how to make these referrals, can’t find an educator or don’t understand how valuable diabetes education can be for people living with diabetes.”

“Yet those referrals are critical,” said Linda Siminerio, RN, PhD, CDE, Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and Chair of the National Diabetes Education Program. “Referrals influence patient behavior a great deal. When providers refer patients to diabetes education, we see an 83 percent participation rate, but without those referrals participation is abysmally low. If patients believe their physicians think diabetes education is important, they take it a lot more seriously. Patients trust their providers.”

Bardsley emphasized that education and support are needed throughout a person’s lifetime, not just at diagnosis. “Diabetes is a chronic disease, and what a patient needs changes over time,” she said. “That’s why it’s important that people are referred not just one time, but many times throughout their lives, to ensure they are getting all of the information and support that they need to properly manage their diabetes as they go through the different stages of life.”

“I think that diabetes education has always been acknowledged as a key part of diabetes care,” said Melinda Maryniuk, M.Ed., R.D., C.D.E., Director of Care Programs at Joslin Diabetes Center, who represented the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on the working group that crafted the position statement. “But some physicians don’t realize what’s really involved in diabetes education. This document outlines the key elements of diabetes education and support and when we think they are most needed, so primary care physicians and endocrinologists can recognize that it’s more than telling someone at diagnosis, ‘Here’s how you take your insulin.'”

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.         

 


Nicole Boxer In Person to Present Her Film “HOW I GOT OVER” at the 2nd Annual REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium, San Francisco Bay Area

0






SAN FRANCISCO, June 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — San Rafael-based Alcohol Justice and Studio City-based Writers In Treatment announced today that Nicole Boxer will be appearing at the screening of her feature-length documentary HOW I GOT OVER at 10 A.M., June 13, 2015 at the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/DC41105LOGO

The film follows 15 formerly homeless women as they craft an original play, based on their harrowing true-life stories, to be performed one-night-only at The Kennedy Center. Guided by teachers from the Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts, the women of N Street Village – a community for addiction recovery – discover their untapped artistic talents and reckon with their traumatic histories. Sharing their pasts to release the potential in their futures, the emboldened women take the stage before a packed house, illuminating the transformative power of arts education.

“I made this film because I believe a connective power exists between a filmmaker and a subject, and between one who is willing to testify and one who bears witness—and I want to see how much farther that connection can go to make positive change in the world,” Boxer has stated. “What I did not foresee when I began filming HOW I GOT OVER is how much I have in common with the ladies of N Street, despite our surface disparities. Our stories are now forever entwined.”

The screening will be followed by a conversation between filmmaker Nicole Boxer and Dr. Sushma Taylor, CEO, Center Point, Inc.

“The REEL Recovery Film Festival celebrates film, the arts, writing and creativity,” stated Michael Scippa, Director of Public Affairs for Alcohol Justice. “We are grateful to showcase filmmakers like Nicole Boxer, who are making honest films about addiction, alcoholism, behavioral disorders, treatment and recovery. One of our goals, besides reducing the stigma of substance misuse and treatment, is to engage, empower, and activate the recovery community as a powerful advocacy constituency.”  

On Friday morning June 12, 2015, at the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, a world premiere, “director’s cut” of Kids Are Dying will be screened. The documentary is about drug overdose and the overdose death epidemic in New Jersey. Heroin, and misused and abused prescription pain medication are killing more people than car crashes.

Parallels to problems in the Bay Area will be explored in a following panel discussion featuring Matt Willis, MD, MPH  Marin County Public Health Officer, Mark Dale Founder, Families 4 Safer Schools, Jennifer Golick  Clinical Director, Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services, and Michael DeLeon, Producer/Director of Kids Are Dying.

There will be a special Tribute to Robin Williams on Sunday morning June 14, 2015, at the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, with a screening of Patch Adams. The film, starring Robin Williams & Philip Seymour Hoffman, tells a true story about a medical student in the 1970’s who treats patients, illegally, using humor. Bay Area comedian Johnny Steele, a good friend of the late Williams, will introduce the session.

The 2nd Annual REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium – San Francisco Bay Area Edition will present 18 select feature-length and short, fictional and factual alcohol and drug addiction-themed films over four days in 14 sessions at two locations with a goal of engaging audiences with honest stories about the disease as well as the hope and opportunity for recovery. There will be expert panel discussions following most of the sessions.

Alcohol Justice and Writers In Treatment are producing the event with generous support from Duffy’s Napa Valley Rehab, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, Center Point, Inc., West America Bank, Kaiser Permanente Community Benefits Programs – Marin/Sonoma Area, Marin County Mental Health Substance Use Services, KRON-TV, the Michael Basso Foundation, Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services, KPOO-FM, North Bay Recovery Center, Hotel Kabuki, Book Passage Book Store, Ghilotti Construction Company, and many Bay Area individuals and families.

The festival opens at the New People Cinema on Thursday June 11, 2015, with the San Francisco premiere of a true story, Girl on the Edge, starring Peter Coyote. The film follows the journey of a young girl struggling with the aftermath of a horrific trauma, the toll that it takes on her family and the last chance she has to overcome it in the most unlikely of places. A post-screening Q&A will take place with Producer/Director Jay Silverman, and actor Mackenzie Phillips. Immediately following there will be a VIP Reception at the Hotel Kabuki with live music by singer/songwriter Elizabeth Edwards.

Tickets to all screenings and symposiums are available exclusively through BrownPaperTickets.com. For more information about the festival, and to view a PSA featuring Michael Pritchard, go to: FilmFestSFBay.org “The ticket price for most of the sessions is just $10,” stated Scippa. “But if there are seats available we’ll allow anyone admittance regardless of their ability to pay.”

For media availability of filmmakers please contact Michael Scippa at 415 548-0492 or [email protected]

Contact: Michael Scippa 415 548-0492
Jorge Castillo 213 840-3336


Bradley Fleiss Named Senior Vice President, Benefits and Payor Relations of Western Dental Services, Inc.

0





Bradley Fleiss Named Senior Vice President, Benefits and Payor Relations of Western Dental Services, Inc.


ORANGE, Calif., June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Western Dental Services, Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Bradley Fleiss as Senior Vice President (SVP), Benefits and Payor Relations.  As the company’s SVP, Benefits and Payor Relations, Bradley will oversee all operational management issues for the Benefits Division for the company.  He will report to the Chief Executive Officer, Simon Castellanos. 

“I am thrilled to have Brad join Western Dental.  He has an impressive operational background and an excellent track record in building strong organizations,” says CEO, Simon Castellanos.  “At Western Dental, our patients and the communities we serve are first priority and Brad will play a key role in developing relationships in the regional, district and state level with payors and healthcare providers, in order to ensure the best quality of oral healthcare.  It is a great pleasure to welcome him to our team.”

Brad joins Western Dental with more than 24 years of experience in small, medium and large case sales and management for fortune 100 corporations and public entities. Prior to joining the company, Brad worked as the Assistant Vice President California Market Manager for Sun Life Financial where he was responsible for overseeing all operational aspects for the State of California, that included new business sales, client service, client retention and overall market efforts.  Previously, he also worked for Dearborn National and Minnesota Life in general management roles, and over 9 years with MetLife where he successfully improved sales operations in 11 Western Region States and 14 Midwestern States within their Life, Disability, Dental and Voluntary Benefits Divisions.    

Bradley graduated from Colorado State University with his Bachelors of Science in Business.  He also holds several accreditations in California Life/Health/Property & Casualty, Certified Insurance Counselor, and is member of the Orange County Employee Benefits Council, Northern California Employee Benefits Council and the Los Angeles Employee Benefits Council.

Western Dental is one of California’s oldest and most experienced dental and oral healthcare providers.  Western Dental is committed to improving oral health care beyond just their patients, but for all dental patients.  With the large number of patients seen annually, Western Dental, through its outreach efforts, is focused on providing the best quality of dental services and oral health education to members of their communities.

ABOUT WESTERN DENTAL:

Western Dental is licensed as a dental HMO under California’s Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act. Under its license, Western Dental designs, sells, and administers individual and group managed care dental plans to provide coverage to employees, members, and affiliates of private, government, quasi-government, and union organizations.

Additionally, Western Dental (with its affiliate, Brident Dental & Orthodontics) is one of the nation’s largest dental providers and is the leader in accessible, affordable oral health care, serving nearly one million patients annually in over 200 affiliated clinics throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Colorado. Informed by the latest research, Western Dental is committed to delivering high-quality general, orthodontic and specialty dental services in state-of-the art facilities. All of Western Dental’s services are backed by a unique quality assurance system, which electronically monitors all patient visits, treatments, dental staff and clinical performance to enable high-quality care. For more information please visit WesternDental.com and Brident.com.

Western Dental

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140818/137082

 


el Jimador And Tim Howard Give Fans A Chance To Win 1 Million Dollars As Part Of “Your Shot” Promotion

0





el Jimador And Tim Howard Give Fans A Chance To Win 1 Million Dollars As Part Of “Your Shot” Promotion


LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of their partnership, el Jimador tequila and U.S. National and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard announce the launch of “Your Shot at $1 Million” program kicking off today. Targeting soccer fans and consumers 21+ nationwide, the promotion aims to reach el Jimador’s diverse millennial audience by providing a once-in-lifetime sweepstakes to take on Tim Howard for the chance to win $20,000 and $1 Million in Las Vegas during the program’s grand finale.

Video – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/0-PR-film-new_lo.mp4

The contest is open for entries now through August 20 to legal drinking age consumers who are legal residents of the U.S. To participate, consumers can either text the letters JIMADOR to 68405 or visit www.eljimador.com/yourshot and submit the online form. No purchase is necessary and is valid where legal.

Five prize winners will be selected at random from all eligible entries and be notified by telephone, email and or text message on September 5. Winners along with a guest will be flown to Las Vegas where the winner will have an opportunity to kick a penalty shot against Tim Howard for the chance to win $20,000. If the winner scores a goal, he or she will participate in a second round kick for the chance to win $1,000,000.

“el Jimador consumer yearns for new and exciting once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Mark Grindstaff, Global Brand Director, el Jimador. “With this promotion, we are not only solidifying our commitment to soccer by creating national and regional contests, but also aligning our brand with an organization that is committed to the advocacy of Tourette Syndrome (NJCTS), a charity close to Tim Howard’s heart.”

Howard has been a long-time partner of NJCTS.  As part of el Jimador’s commitment to social responsibility, the brand is continuing the partnership by choosing the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome to serve as the benefiting charity for the “Your Shot at $1 Million” program. If the winners in the Las Vegas event miss the goal or their shot is blocked by Tim Howard, the money will go to New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome. Additionally, for every legal drinking age consumer that uses hashtag #KICKTS, el Jimador will donate $1 to NJCTS up to $25,000. 

“I’m thrilled to partner with el Jimador for this contest where I’ll be able to have one-on-one time with my fans,” said Tim Howard, U.S. National and Everton Goalkeeper. “Additionally, I’m glad to find a unique and fun way to raise money and awareness for the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome, an organization I am passionate about and share in their mission to promote education about this disease.”

For more information on the contest, or to speak with a brand representative, please contact Havas FORMULATIN at [email protected].

About Tequila el Jimador
From Casa Herradura, established in 1870, el Jimador is a premium, authentic 100 percent agave tequila that captures the spirit of real tequila. The name el Jimador honors the men who harvest the locally grown agave with great pride and care. Since its introduction in 1994, el Jimador has become the No. 1 selling 100 percent agave tequila in Mexico*. el Jimador is the official sponsor of the annual U.S. Tour of the Mexican National Team and MLS teams including the Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers. To learn more about el Jimador, visit www.eljimador.com.

Drink responsibly.
Alc. 40% by Vol. (80 proof) Tequila, Imported by Brown-Forman, Louisville, KY
* Nielsen/ISCAM January 2015


1...2,8612,8622,863...3,052Page 2,862 of 3,052
Copyright © 2016 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.