Comparative diagnostic efficacy of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma

A 7TH SPACE CREATIVE PRESS RELEASE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver malignancy in Nigeria. Hepatitis B and C viruses, alcohol and Aflatoxin B are among the various aetiology.

More work needs to be done in the search for markers that will aid early detection of this condition as it is uniformly fatal once advanced. Alphafetoprotein (AFP) remains the most widely used tumour marker of HCC detection in spite of its known shortcomings.The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) , in comparison to alphafetoprotein in the detection of HCC.MethodSixty patients with HCC and thirty apparently healthy controls attending the Medical Outpatient Department(MOPD) of the University College Hospital Ibadan(UCH) Nigeria were selected for the study.Questionnaire was used to collect clinical data while AFP, SCCA levels,serum HBsAg and anti-HCV were determined using ELISA method- ( Diagnostic Automation Inc.

(Canada),Abdominal ultrasound scan was also done.Result:Thirty one(51.7%) out of 60 selected cases were positive for HBsAg while six(20%) out of 30 controls were positive for HBsAg(p= 0.004) .Out of the 60 cases selected for this study only 2 (3.3.%) cases were positive for hepatitis C virus, while only 1(3.3%) out of 30 control was positive for hepatitis C virus(p= 0.74).The mean AFP value for cases with HCC was393.21ng/ml +/-386.97 compared to the control group which was 5.60 +/- 13.03 ng/ml (P value 0.001).The mean SCCA level was 0.64 +/- 0.56ng/ml and 0.71+/-0.65ng/ml for cases and controls respectively (p=0.631)

Conclusion: Alphafetoprotein remains a good tumour marker for the diagnosis of HCC. Serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen(SCCA) has no discriminatory power and may not be useful as a tumour marker for Nigerians with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Author: Olufemi M SoyemiJesse A OtegbayoSamuel O OlaAdegboyega AkereTemitope Soyemi

Credits/Source: BMC Research Notes 2012, 5:403

Scientists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles Identify Mechanism Critical to Lung Formation and Regeneration

PRESS RELEASE

Eya1 phosphatase acts to maintain barrier integrity in the lung

(LOS ANGELES, Jul 02, 2012 BUSINESS WIRE) -- Scientists have provided the first evidence that an enzyme called Eya1 protein phosphatase is a critical regulator of lung function and that this may have broad implications for sufferers of a variety of pulmonary diseases. "Identification of the role of Eya1 in establishing pulmonary tight junction and barrier integrity could have a significant impact on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, all diseases characterized with disruptions in permeability," said Ahmed El-Hashash, PhD, investigator at The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles and assistant professor at the Keck School of Medicine.

Proper formation of lung epithelium is essential to life. The normal growth and functioning of the lung depends on the formation of tight junctions between adjacent cells making up the alveolar epithelial sheet, a thin layer of tissue separating neighboring alveoli. Alveoli are the site of gas exchange between the lung and blood vessels. Loss of these tight junctions alters the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Permeability dysfunction has been implicated in both acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome, a life-threatening lung condition that prevents adequate oxygen from getting from the lungs and into the blood.

Until now, very little has been known about the basic regulatory mechanisms underlying permeability barrier formation and integrity of the lung epithelium. David Warburton, MD, director of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine at The Saban Research Institute, and El-Hashash provided the first evidence that the enzyme Eya1 protein phosphatase controls tight junction and permeability barrier formation in the lung epithelium. They have also provided the first evidence that Eya1 enzyme coordinates a complex network of other cellular proteins and molecules that are essential for epithelial barrier integrity, and are therefore critical to optimal lung function. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that interfering with Eya1 phosphatase function resulted in defective formation of tight junctions and the permeability barrier.

"These findings identify a novel therapeutic option for lung diseases like COPD and ARDS," said Warburton. "Our discovery of Eya1 enzyme control of pulmonary barrier integrity suggests that influencing alveolar epithelial junction formation by manipulating the activity of enzymes has the potential to identify future targets for the treatment of lung injury and may provide solutions to the problems concerning regeneration of lung tissue for restoration of functional alveoli."

Results of the study will be published in the Journal of Cell Science.

About Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children's hospital in California and among the top five in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious US News & World Report Honor Roll. Children's Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States, is one of America's premier teaching hospitals and has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932.

SOURCE: Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

Oprah Winfrey To Appear In "Keeping Up With The Kardashians"

With all that media frenzy and speculations, it has now been confirmed that Oprah Winfrey will be appearing in an upcoming episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Talks are that after Oprahs heated confrontation with Khloe Kardashianin the talk show host interview, the talk show mogul agreed to appear on the Kardashians show.

Press Release: Africa For Haiti at Leimert Park

Forging Towards Economic Integrity through Commerce between the United States and Nigeria


The Nigerian Chamber of Commerce USA Hosts Africa for HAITI at Leimert Park

Beverly Hills, CA January 16, 2010- In an effort to demonstrate the African community's unalloyed support to the people of Haiti, the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA (NICOCUSA) will host Africa for HAITI, an Emergency Relief Drive for the victims of the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Africa for HAITI will be held on Saturday January 23, 2010 from 8am to 4pm at the Vision Theater, Leimert Park 4300 Degnan Ave Los Angeles, California 90008 (@ Crenshaw Blvd & 43rd Place). Africa for HAITI will organize various members of the African community to collect invaluable resources such as money, medicine, non perishable foods, toiletries, and clothing in order to provide immediate assistance to the American Red Cross and other charity organizations on the ground in Haiti.

NICOCUSA is imploring all members of the African community here in the United States, to make donations, volunteer their time, as well as encourage their friends, families, and colleagues to join us in solidarity.

To participate or make a donation to Africa for HAITI please visit www.ncocusa.com. You may also make your tax deductible donations to the American Red Cross and mail it to:


Africa For Haiti
C/O The Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA
468 North Camden Drive, 2nd Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210


About NICOCUSA:

NICOCUSA is a US based business league founded in 2002, which serves as a liaison between business communities and their interests in the United States and Nigeria. Each year, NICOCUSA facilitates lucrative contracts between businesses here in the United States and Nigeria, which have created jobs and literally changed the lives of thousands of people all over Nigeria.


Victoria Afriyie, Director of Corporate Communications

The Nigerian Chamber of Commerce USA

(310) 860-7622

www.ncocusa.com

Press Release: NICOCUSA Slams Obama Administration Decision to Add Nigeria to Terror List as Unfair

Beverly Hills, CA January 6, 2010-The Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA (NICOCUSA) is appalled by the United States Federal Government's decision to add Nigeria to its Terrorist List, thus federally mandating stricter screening of Nigerian nationals entering the United States. The US' haste decision to quickly add Nigeria among known terrorist nations such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Somalia is unfounded. Nigeria should not be typecast with a group of nations that have repeatedly demonstrated their disdain against the United States and its policies on several occasions. Nigeria is neither a breeding ground for terrorists nor does it wish to be further demoralized as a sovereign nation of 150 million Africans. If Nigeria is to be added to the US' Terrorist List then, the United States, Spain, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ireland, Britain, and an array of other nations should also be added to the US' Terrorist List. During the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, several of their nationals were implicated of the crimes. So, why wasn't Kenya and Tanzania added to the US' Terrorist List? Why has this isolated incident involving a Nigerian warranted such a harsh and poorly contemplated response from the US? Nigeria has once again been mislabeled and treated with gross injustice by this US policy.

According to a 2003 survey on World Values, Nigerians were ranked as the happiest people on earth. Nigerians seamlessly assimilate into Western society making them the largest group of contemporary African immigrants worldwide. There are over 20 million Nigerians pursing different goals from acquiring an education to starting their own businesses in the Diaspora. Nigerians are competitive, goal oriented, and successful. Most importantly, Nigerians are in love with life. A suicide rate or shall we say "suicide bomber" rate is virtually nonexistent in Nigeria.

Nigeria boasts a robust cash-based economy. In fact, it is commonplace for Nigerians to purchase brand new vehicles or homes with cash. Nigeria has enjoyed a stable democratic government and is the largest US trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the crown jewel of Africa, Nigeria has outstretched its boundaries at several moments in history signing bilateral trade agreements and extradition treaties with the United States.

Nigeria does not deserve to have its moral character bastardized. The US's decision to add Nigeria to its Terrorist List sends the wrong message about the Obama Administration and it will reverberate throughout Nigeria and the entire African continent for years to come. As we approach Nigeria's 50th year of sovereign rule we demand that the US Government immediately rescind this callous decision and issue the Nigerian Government a formal apology.

The Nigerian Chamber Commerce-USA's remains committed to Nigeria's economic development through commerce between the United States and Nigeria and shall not cease to agitate for equality until justice prevails.

Sincerely,

Gregory Ihenacho,
Founder and CEO
468 North Camden Dr. 2nd Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel: 310-860-7622

Catwalk Hollywood To Hit Abuja Runway

In a remarkable success of the African Red Carpet Summer Bash held this past Summer at the John Henson Studios complex in Hollywood, California, and a first fashion event of its kind, River Naija Productions is launching a cross-country model talent search in Nigeria. The event will mark the first of such project and hope to deliver fresh new stars to the world's biggest catwalks.

Commenting on the launch of the project was River Naija Productions founder, Gregory Iheanacho, who says that Catwalk Hollywood cross-country project will be the most enduring fashion show in the country.

Meanwhile the scouting judges and selection crews, among them, some Hollywood bigshots and known international fashion designers have been confirmed. The selection crew will commence its scouting process beginning December 15, 2008 until the end of the casting sessions to be announced by the program co-ordinators between March and April 2008.

Beginning in Lagos the project will take Catwalk Hollywood team to 10 Nigeria cities including Owerri (Imo State), Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Calabar (Cross River State), Enugu (Enugu State), Benin (Edo State) and Abuja (Federal Capital Territory). At each stop in every designated state and at the end of the casting session, the participants will have the opportunity to meet with the governor of the state in a special diner, photo shoots and interviews.

At the Calabar Resort, the fashion savvy businessman Iheanacho, and his team of Hollywood casts will host several rounds of auditions, at which the participants will be taken on a tour of the beautiful resort with the governor of Cross River State as special guest of honor.

From Calabar, the participants will head into the glittering Federal Capital, Abuja, where they will be able to meet with the Minister of Tourism and Culture in another round of diner sessions, photo shoots and interviews.

In Nigeria, registration forms are available at Oceanic Bank, Zenith Bank, Mr. Biggs and GB Studios, Owerri. Online registration is also available at the following websites: NCOCUSA, Catwalk Hollywood and River Naija Productions.

For inquiries:

Nigeria: 07026118723

United States: (323)299-1335

Pascal Atuma Productions to produce a dramatic street thriller starring award-winning actress Taraji Henson.

Press Release from MINC Media & EMedia Wire

Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) October 29, 2008 -- Award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson is set to star in the upcoming thriller ''No More Bloodshed.'' The independent feature film about a paroled hit man determined to change his life and reclaim the son he's never known will be directed by Emmy winner Michael Ajakwe Jr., and was written by Ajakwe and Pascal Atuma for Pascal Atuma Productions (''My American Nurse'', ''Only in America'', ''Hurricane in the Rose Garden'').

Set in modern-day Los Angeles, the dramatic tale of sin and salvation follows the story of a freed convicted felon who vows never to go back to prison. After spending years behind bars and gaining a new perspective, he swears he's a different man. But in many ways, he hasn't finished doing his time.

Henson, who recently starred in ''Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys'' and alongside Brad Pitt in the upcoming Oscar contender ''The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,'' was recently named by ''Variety'' as one of ''10 Actors to Watch'' in its annual spotlight on emerging new talents. The announcement was made at the 12th Annual Hollywood Film Festival's Hollywood Awards. The award-winning actress will star as the female lead in ''No More Bloodshed,'' playing Beverly -- the ex-girlfriend of the ex-con with whom she shares a son.

Henson will be joined in the gritty street drama by TV and film stars Jason George (''Eli Stone'', ''Barbershop''), Mark Christopher Lawrence (''Chuck'', ''The Pursuit of Happyness''), and Tommy Ford (''Martin'', ''New York Undercover''). Grammy-winning R&B legend Deniece Williams will portray Henson's mother in the film. A search is ongoing for the male lead, with Emmy-winning casting director Robi Reed of Robi Reed & Associates heading up casting. Production on ''No More Bloodshed'' is scheduled to begin in March 2009 in Los Angeles.

Media Contact:
Ngozi Mba
MINC Media for Pascal Atuma Productions
323.544.1450