Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease for which new therapeutic strategies are greatly needed. A recent phase III clinical trial investigating the impact of a Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib, in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, provides a convincing proof of concept supporting the efficacy of this compound for induction and maintenance therapy. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by increased bowel movements and bloody diarrhea. The disease is thought to be initiated by damage to the colon epithelium, which brings the colon microflora in contact with luminal immune cells and elicits an inflammatory immune response further damaging and preventing healing of the epithelium. Consequently, current treatments, including glucocorticoids and TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies, aim to shut down this adverse immune response. Although usually effective, this category of treatments has two major pitfalls: 1) Owing to their immunosuppressive activity, they make patients more vulnerable to infections and 2) Some patients do not respond at all to the treatment or fail to maintain a sustained response. Therefore, new strategies are needed, especially for this latter group of patients. In addition to these aforementioned treatments, another attractive and promising therapeutic target is the Janus Kinase (JAK) family, an essential mediator … Continue reading →

Home Colon And Digestive Genes behind Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis uncovered Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Research on IBDs continues as doctors learn more and more about these conditions, which affect the digestive system. Patients with IBDs often have to change their diets and suffer from symptoms likeabdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and extreme fatigue. Furthermore, these diseases can increase the risk of complications such as fissures or colon cancer. As inflammation takes over the intestines, colon symptoms worsen and a persons quality of life is negatively affected. Although there are some treatments available to help aid in the management of Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, there is currently no cure. It isnt clear as to what causes Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, but researchers are now closer to having a better understanding of its genetic link to inflammatory bowel disease. The researchers of the study looked at the genomes of nearly 68,000 people. After a closer look at the regions of the genome associated with IBD, 18 were traced to a single genetic variant with over 95 percent certainty. Uncovering the genes responsible for inflammatory bowel disease could improve treatment … Continue reading →

Posted in: News, Police & Crime | Comments (2) By Lieutenant D. Bittner #3252, Antioch Police Investigations Division On Monday, July 3, 2017 at approximately 8:26 PM, a robbery and homicide occurred at the corner of Hillcrest Avenue and E. 18th Street. An officer involved shooting by an Antioch Police Department patrol officer occurred at the scene of the robbery and homicide. The homicide was not a result of the officer involved shooting. The Antioch Police Department and the Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney are currently investigating the incident. The investigation is in its early stages and no further information will be released, at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH. Publisher @ July 4, 2017 Posted in: History | Comments (0) A copy of the Declaration of Independence. Following is the text of the Declaration of Independence in celebration of Independence Day, July 4th, 2017: IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people … Continue reading →

THURSDAY, June 29, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers say they've come closer to pinpointing genes linked with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. For the study, the investigators examined the genomes of nearly 68,000 people. Of the regions of the genome associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 18 could be traced to a single genetic variant with more than 95 percent certainty. "We have taken the biggest ever data set for IBD and applied careful statistics to narrow down to the individual genetic variants involved," said study co-author Dr. Jeffrey Barrett, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the United Kingdom. "Now we have a clearer picture of which genes do and do not play a role in the disease. We are zooming in on the genetic culprits of IBD," he said in an institute news release. The findings could lead to improved effectiveness of current treatments for IBD, as well as the discovery of new drug targets, the study authors said. In diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, the body's immune system attacks parts of the digestive tract. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and extreme fatigue. The causes of the disease … Continue reading →