Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The etiology of most anxiety disorders, although not fully understood, has come into sharper focus in the last decade. In broad terms, the likelihood of developing anxiety involves a combination of life experiences, psychological traits, and/or genetic factors. The anxiety disorders are so heterogeneous that the relative roles of these factors are likely to differ. Some anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, appear to have a stronger genetic basis than others (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 1998), although actual genes have not been identified. Other anxiety disorders are more rooted in stressful life events.
It is not clear why females have higher rates than males of most anxiety disorders, although some theories have suggested a role for the gonadal steroids. Other research on women's responses to stress also suggests that women experience a wider range of life events (e.g., those happening to friends) as stressful as compared with men who react to a more limited range of stressful events, specifically those affecting themselves or close family members (Maciejewski et al., 1999).
It is not clear why females have higher rates than males of most anxiety disorders, although some theories have suggested a role for the gonadal steroids. Other research on women's responses to stress also suggests that women experience a wider range of life events (e.g., those happening to friends) as stressful as compared with men who react to a more limited range of stressful events, specifically those affecting themselves or close family members (Maciejewski et al., 1999).
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Protein interactions are important for understanding of biological function, and for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Our research focuses on antibody-antigen and ligand-receptor interactions. We identify novel human monoclonal antibodies, characterize and improve their properties, elucidate their mechanisms of interactions with viruses and cancer-related antigens, investigate antibody-mediated modulation of ligand-receptor interactions, and apply the knowledge gained to solve biomedical problems. Our major long-term goal is to develop antibody-based therapeutics including small engineered antibody fragments (nanoantibodies) and antibody-guided nanoparticles against cancer and viruses. Currently, we identify, engineer and characterize antibodies against components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system and other cancer-related antigens, HIV, and emerging and biodefense-related viruses including Nipah and Hendra viruses. We also study mechanisms of escape from antibody-mediated neutralization of viruses and cancer cells with applications to the development of vaccines and therapeutics against HIV and cancer.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Healthcare-associated infections are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting. Healthcare-associated infections are one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. As the nation's health protection agency, CDC is committed to helping all Americans receive the best and safest care when they are treated at a hospital or other healthcare facility.
