Obituary: Eva Ekvall, Former beauty queen and breast cancer campaigner, 1983 - 2011

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Eva Ekvall, Former beauty queen and breast cancer campaigner, 1983 - 2011

Saturday December 24,2011

By Daily Express Reporter

THE former Miss Venezuela Eva Ekvall, who devoted the last years of her life to breast cancer awareness, has died of the disease in Houston, Texas.

Discovered by a model scout while working in a clothes shop in Caracas, Ekvall enjoyed a career of pageantry culminating in her being crowned Miss Venezuela in 2000, aged 17. She also came third in the Miss Universe competition of 2001 and went on to become a television news anchor. Good times continued when she met radio producer John Fabio Berm?dez, whom she married in September 2007.

Born to an American father of Swiss-Hungarian heritage and a Jamaican mother, Ekvall grew up in Caracas and graduated with a degree in journalism. It was fitting then, that? after being diagnosed with cancer in February 2010, six months after the birth of her only child Miranda, she decided to document her experiences in a book.

It was called Fuera de Foco (Out Of Focus), with portraits taken by the well-known Venezuelan photographer Roberto Mata. She said of the images, some of which displayed her undergoing chemotherapy: ?I don?t like to look ugly? but you know what? Cancer is not pretty.?

Eva Ekvall, Former beauty queen and breast cancer campaigner, March 15 1983 - December 17, 2011, aged 28


Ekvall felt strongly that women needed to be more aware of the disease, acting as a spokeswoman for the Venezuelan breast cancer charity SenosAyuda.

In her last interview she said that Venezuelans have ?a bad memory? and if she were to fully recover in a year they would forget that she had ever been ill. In a way then, her death serves as a reminder but a deeply tainted one at that. On the possibility that the disease might return, Ekvall said: ?That?s the fear you live with for the rest of your life.? Sadly, in Ekvall?s case, that was not long at all.

She is survived by her husband, daughter, parents and brother.


Source: http://uk.express.feedsportal.com/c/33338/f/565882/s/1b39d482/l/0L0Sdailyexpress0O0Cposts0Cview0C2916930CObituary0EEva0EEkvall0EFormer0Ebeauty0Equeen0Eand0Ebreast0Ecancer0Ecampaigner0E19830E20A110C/story01.htm

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BREVEMENTE ? Nuevos logos de Cofidis, Youtube, Energy, Caja Rural y Asbanc

Hoy etrenamos esta nueva secci?n de noticias sobre identidad corporativa que no ocupar?n todo un art?culo, sino que se resumir?n brevemente en un mismo post.

Cofidis, estrena identidad corporativa

La compa??a espa?ola l?der en cr?dito personal cambia de imagen. Se ha llevado a cabo un restyling de la marca, para dotarla de modernidad, simplicidad y equilibrio. Su icono, un sol que representaba el positivismo, ha sido afinado y degradado, y se ha marcado mejor la separaci?n entre ?ste y el texto. La tipograf?a se suaviza, sin serifas y en caja baja, m?s redondeada y compacta. Se destaca la C en may?sculas rodeada por los rayos del sol.

Youtube limpia su logo

Youtube ha renovado recientemente la apariencia de su web y con este cambio han aprovechado para limpiar su logotipo de brillos y degradados optando por un conjunto mucho m?s plano (sigue existiendo cierto degradado, pero es muy sutil). Youtube no tocaba su logotipo desde 2006.

Energy es la nueva marca de Mediaset

Mediaset Espa?a contin?a preparando el lanzamiento de su nuevo canal para principios de 2012, que estar? dirigido especialmente al ?p?blico principalmente masculino, joven y urbano?. Energy ser? finalmente el nombre y la marca de la futura cadena. El logotipo de Energy, una ?E? may?scula que ?a?na la esencia y el estilo de la imagen? del resto de canales del grupo, as? como algunos de sus ?elementos m?s representativos? como, por ejemplo, la parte superior de la ?E? -presente en los logos de Telecinco, LaSiete y Factor?a de Ficci?n- adopta el negro como color corporativo.

Caja Rural se renueva, pero solo en Castell?n

Caja Rural ha adoptado un nuevo logotipo, pero solo en su sucursal de Castell?n. En el nuevo logotipo de Caja Rural Castell?n se ha optado por una tipograf?a redonda y en caja baja, en un esfuerzo por transmitir modernidad, simplicidad y cercan?a.
La raz?n de la existencia del c?rculo con la abreviatura ?CS? es que es un icono muy implantado en el imaginario de los castellonenses por su presencia en las matr?culas de los veh?culos durante d?cadas y que sigue siendo muy popular al definir a Castell?n en los foros y redes sociales en internet. Adem?s, se ha incorporado un otra tonalidad de verde, han eliminado el icono de las espigas y se ha apostado por la caja baja.

La Asociaci?n de Bancos Peruanos adopta una imagen corporativa m?s actual

La Asociaci?n de bancos del Per? (Asbanc) ha comenzado a utilizar un nuevo logotipo institucional, tras 15 a?os utilizando su antigua marca.
As? mismo, el gremio bancario relanz? tambi?n su p?gina web (www.asbanc.com.pe).
Un restyling completamente necesario, que dota de contemporaneidad a la marca, con un icono moderno y que sigue bastante las tendencias actuales del dise?o corporativo (degradados, formas en volumen?), todo esto acompa?ado de una tipograf?a sencilla en caja baja. Una mejora sustancial.

Source: http://www.piensologoexisto.com/brevemente-nuevos-logos-de-cofidis-youtube-energy-caja-rural-y-asbanc/

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Severe congenital disorder successfully treated in a mouse model for the first time

ScienceDaily (Dec. 22, 2011) ? Using a mouse model, Heidelberg University Hospital researchers have for the first time successfully treated a severe congenital disorder in which sugar metabolism is disturbed. The team headed by Prof. Christian K?rner, group leader at the Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, demonstrated that if female mice are given mannose with their drinking water prior to mating and during pregnancy, their offspring will develop normally even if they carry the genetic mutation for the congenital disorder. The team's outstanding work will contribute to better understanding of the molecular processes of this metabolic disease, along with the key stages in embryonic development, and may offer a therapeutic approach for the first time.

The Heidelberg-based researchers also collaborated with colleagues working with Prof. Hermann-Josef Gr?ne of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)'s Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology in Heidelberg. Their results have now been published online in the journal Nature Medicine in advance of their publication in the print edition.

Rare disease: Approx. 1,000 children affected

So far 1,000 children worldwide are affected by congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), which are classified as rare diseases. Affecting around 800 children, type CDG-Ia is most frequent. The number of unreported cases is high, however. Children with CDG are severely physically and mentally disabled, with approx. 20 percent dying before the age of two. To date, no therapy has been available to treat the disorder.

CDG-Ia is caused by mutations in the genetic information for the enzyme Phosphomannomutase 2 which is involved in important glycosylation processes: Mannose-1-phosphate is not produced in sufficient quantities. As a result, glycosylation malfunctions, meaning that sugar chains that normally aid in form, stability and function of the glycoproteins are not completely attached to the body's proteins or in some cases, are not attached at all. The lack of oligosaccharide chains leads to impairment of neurological, growth and organ development. The disorder only manifests if the baby inherits a mutated gene from both the mother and the father. The parents, who each carry one mutated and one "healthy" copy of the gene, do not exhibit any symptoms.

Mice take up mannose in drinking water

The mouse model developed by Prof. K?rner and his team is characterized by mutations in the Phosphomannomutase 2 gene and demonstrates reduced enzyme activity, comparable to CDG-Ia in man. In their current study, the scientists exploited the ability of mannose to cross the placental barrier. This means that if the pregnant mouse takes up mannose, it also reaches the embryos in the uterus.

"One week prior to mating, we began giving the female mice mannose with their drinking water," explained biochemist Prof. K?rner. The additional mannose supply up to birth increased the mannose levels in the embryos' blood. "The mice were born without defects and also after they were born, developed without any symptoms of the disorder, even if they no longer took up any mannose," K?rner added. The successful studies performed by the Heidelberg University Hospital researchers clearly show the key role played by the supply of proteins with sugar chains during embryonic development.

New therapeutic approach

"Clinical studies in the U.S. and Germany have already been performed in which children with CDG-Ia were given mannose after they were born, either orally or by intravenous infusion. Unfortunately, these attempts have not been successful," explained Dr. Christian Thiel, head of the laboratory. "This means that the critical point at which it is possible to influence development must be during development in the uterus." For women with a risk of CDG-Ia, administering mannose during pregnancy may serve as a new therapeutic approach.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University Hospital Heidelberg.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.


Journal Reference:

  1. Anette Schneider, Christian Thiel, Jan Rindermann, Charles DeRossi, Diana Popovici, Georg F Hoffmann, Hermann-Josef Gr?ne, Christian K?rner. Successful prenatal mannose treatment for congenital disorder of glycosylation-Ia in mice. Nature Medicine, 2011; DOI: 10.1038/nm.2548

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222103044.htm

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Illinois Coal Plants Ahead of EPA's Proposed Mercury Standards (ContributorNetwork)

According to the Associated Press, with the Environmental Protection Agency's mercury emissions rules set to go into effect soon, EPA data show coal plants in Illinois are already ahead of the new standards. All 23 of the state's coal power plants have reduced mercury emissions by 44 percent from 2008 and 2010 due to a stricter set of standards Illinois adopted in 2007.

Illinois' success with reducing mercury emissions comes after criticism from industry officials and Republicans who assert it will cost companies billions each year to comply while causing job loss and utility prices to rise up to 25 percent. Here are some facts about the rule:

* The EPA proposed the first national standard for mercury emissions on March 16 in response to a court deadline and emphasized that the rule follows President Barack Obama's goal of regulatory reform and protecting the health of the public.

* The agency estimates the new standards will help prevent health problems and serious illnesses for thousands of Americans, including up to 120,000 asthma attacks, 17,000 premature deaths, 11,000 asthma attacks, and 12,000 less emergency room visits and hospital admissions.

* In October, 25 states, a majority with Republican governors banded together to push for a delay in the EPA's coal-fired power plant mercury rule, reported the Hill.

* Similarly, the EPA is refuting industry claims of extreme job loss by saying the air toxins rule will create 31,000 short-term construction jobs in addition to 9,000 long-term jobs.

* While Illinois has seen a sharp decrease in mercury output, four power plants in Ohio, two in Jefferson County and two Gallia County, have been named among the biggest mercury emitters in a report from the Environmental Integrity Project, according to Business First.

* The Indianapolis Star also noted Indiana ranks third in the list of states with the most toxic pollutant emissions, with only Pennsylvania and Ohio placing ahead in first and second place respectively.

* A study released in July concluded that the EPA's new standards would provide an additional $10.5 billion in annual benefits and nearly 80,000 more jobs than originally estimated by the agency, reported the Clean Air Council.

* The study also added that there will likely be a $7.17 billion increase in gross domestic product and about $4.51 billion in healthcare savings as a result of tightening the standards.

* The air toxic rule is expected to be finalized by the EPA this month despite the original deadline being last month.

Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/science/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20111217/sc_ac/10702119_illinois_coal_plants_ahead_of_epas_proposed_mercury_standards

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96% Tomboy

In "Tomboy," 10-year old Laure(Zoe Heran) moves to a new neighborhood with her parents(Sophie Cattani & Mathieu Demy) and younger sister Jeanne(Malonn Levana). While looking out from an apartment window one pleasant afternoon, Laure sees a group of boys playing out in the park. When she finally leaves her sister and sleeping, very, very pregnant mother behind in the apartment, the boys are gone, with only Lisa(Jeanne Disson), a girl of her age, left behind in their wake. Laure introduces herself as Mikael and they run after them together, so they can join in the fun. With that simple, elegant setup, writer-director Celine Sciamma tells an evocative and naturalistic genderblender with a very belieable sibling relationship. Sadly, the movie eventually runs straight into a narrative wall. Until then, Laure is not just being a tomboy; she is passing as a boy but not 24/7, so we'll keep to the feminine pronouns.(Actually, it is not until later that she is revealed not to be a boy.) She does this to enjoy the freedoms that boys enjoy but is too young to realize the minefield of gender that she has just walked into. That's where parents come in, as the movie smartly shows how parents help to shape their children's gender.

November 29, 2011

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tomboy_2011/

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Plan would lift wages of home care workers (AP)

WASHINGTON ? The Obama administration announced a plan Thursday to extend minimum wage and overtime protections to home health care workers, a move that would boost living standards for nearly 2 million domestic employees but could mean higher costs for the elderly and disabled.

President Barack Obama said it's inexcusable for in-home care employees to be paid less because "they're still lumped in the category as teenage baby sitters."

"They deserve to be treated fairly," Obama said at a White House ceremony surrounded by more than a dozen home health care workers. "They deserve to be paid fairly for a service that many older Americans couldn't live without."

It was the latest step taken by Obama to try to boost the economy without going through Congress.

Home health care aides have been exempt from federal wage laws since 1974, when they were considered companions to the elderly and compared to neighborhood baby sitters. But the number of full-time home care workers has surged, along with the growing number of retirees who need help with a range of daily tasks, from taking the right medication to getting cleaned and dressed.

Currently, 29 states don't require minimum wage or overtime for home health care workers.

"These are real jobs as part of a huge and growing industry," said Steve Edelstein, National Policy Director for the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute in New York. "They deserve same basic labor protections that other workers enjoy."

Unions and advocacy groups say nearly half of all home care workers live at or below the poverty level and receive public benefits such as food stamps and Medicaid. Poor working conditions, low wages and high turnover make it challenging to meet the growing demand to provide care for the elderly in their homes instead of in institutions.

More than 90 percent of home care workers are women. About 30 percent are black, and 12 percent are Hispanic.

With the size of the U.S. population over 65 expected to nearly double in the next 20 years, millions more will rely on long-term health care from domestic workers.

Health services companies that employ home care workers have opposed efforts to expand hour and wage laws, arguing that it would drive up costs for elderly clients who can ill afford it.

"We are in full support of adequate and fair wages of those doing such admirable work," said Jordan Lindsey, a spokesman for the California Association for Health Services at Home. "However, it needs to be carefully balanced with the unique needs of seniors and people with disabilities who need home care and keeping that type of care affordable."

For a patient with dementia who needs 24-hour care, for example, a family is currently allowed to pay home aides at a flat hourly rate. If overtime rules apply, Lindsey said, it could triple the cost of care.

Once the Labor Department formally proposes the new rules to extend wage laws to home health workers, there will be a 60-day period for public comments. The rules could take effect early next year.

The Clinton administration initially tried to extend federal wage rules to home aides, but President George W. Bush stopped the effort.

___

Follow Sam Hananel on Twitter at http://twitter.com/shananel

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/obama/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111215/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_home_health_care

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Reese Witherspoon to star in West Memphis 3 movie (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) ? Reese Witherspoon will star in "Devil's Knot," Atom Egoyan's movie about the West Memphis Three, one of the film's producers told TheWrap on Thursday.

The Weinstein Co.'s Dimension Films has been developing the "Devil's Knot" project for years. The West Memphis Three were also the subjects of a three-part HBO documentary, "Paradise Lost."

In the new film, Witherspoon will play Pam Hobbs, the mother of three 8-year-old boys who were brutally murdered in West Memphis, Ark., in May 1993.

Hobbs had been among those who accused Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin of committing the infamous murders. In November 2007, she said new evidence had changed her mind.

"Did I really believe it, no, not 100 percent that they did it," she told Jonesboro, Ark.-based KAIT-TV. "I didn't believe they were capable enough or smart enough to have committed the crime, cleaned the scene up and be guilty for it."

After spending 17 years in prison, Echols, Misskelley and Baldwin were released from prison in August as part of a plea deal.

Over the years, Eddie Vedder, Henry Rollins and other prominent musicians had raised money in support of the West Memphis Three, who had maintained their innocence all along.

Dimension acquired the rights to journalist Mara Leveritt's book "Devil's Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three" in 2006, and hired Scott Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman to write the script.

Richard Saperstein, Elizabeth Fowler, Boardman and Clark Peterson will produce Dimension's movie.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/celebrity/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20111216/film_nm/us_reesewitherspoon

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Lindsey Vonn Denies She's Dating Tim Tebow

Combine one Olympic beauty with the talk of the NFL and you get massive dating-rumor fodder. Lindsey Vonn generated speculation that she's dating Denver quarterback Tim Tebow by merely popping up in the family's box at Sunday's Bronco game.

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/lindsey-vonn-denies-shes-dating-tim-tebow/1-a-411173?dst=iv%3AiVillage%3Alindsey-vonn-denies-shes-dating-tim-tebow-411173

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