Bariatric surgery substantially reduces the risk of diabetes

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Bariatric surgery reduces the long-term risk of developing diabetes by over 80 % among people with obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has published the results of a study conducted at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

A study conducted by Professor Lars Sj?str?m, Professor Lena Carlsson and their team at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, has found that bariatric surgery is considerably more effective than traditional care and lifestyle changes in preventing diabetes among people with obesity.

The treatment group consisted of 1,658 subjects who had undergone bariatric surgery, while the control group consisted of 1,771 equally obese people who had received traditional care. During 15-year follow-up, 392 people in the control group and only 110 people in the treatment group developed diabetes.

"Our results show that bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by more than 80 %", Professor Sj?str?m says. "This is an extremely high figure."

The study is based on an extensive study entitled Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS), which has given rise to more than 90 scientific articles and demonstrated that bariatric surgery is also highly beneficial when it comes to cancer, cardiovascular disease, total mortality and health-related quality of life.

"Both women and men benefited in terms of diabetes", Professor Sj?str?m says, "but the degree of obesity at baseline did not affect the results."

The article, "Bariatric Surgery and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in Swedish Obese Persons" was published in the August 23 issue of NEJM.

###

University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english

Thanks to University of Gothenburg for this article.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/123586/Bariatric_surgery_substantially_reduces_the_risk_of_diabetes

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Our Guide To Coffee-Drinking In Philadelphia: Local Roasters ...

Philadelphia's coffee scene is steaming up more than ever, with spots like La Colombe and Old City Coffee on the fore of the national scene and local roasters bringing Philly-bred beans straight to coffee lovers' cups. (Photo credits: bottom left by M. Kennedy for GPTMC, all others by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Calling all caffeine addicts: coffee in Philadelphia is having a moment.

From national-headlines-making and celebrity-partnering La Colombe to unique coffee-roaster-cum-recording-studio Milkboy Coffee, coffee shops in Philadelphia really surpass the average. Even the New York Times has taken note.

As summer wanes and cold weather hovers over the (far, far away) horizon, check out our guide to coffee-drinking in Philadelphia.

Signature Premium Beans

? Rival Bros Coffee: Jonathan Adams, executive chef of both Pub & Kitchen and The Diving Horse in Avalon, NJ, and Damien Pileggi, an artisanal coffee expert, teamed up this time last year to launch Rival Bros Coffee, a small-batch, custom coffee roaster that encompasses an e-store and mobile coffee shop, The Rival Bros Truck. The Rival Bros Truck, a ?coffee shop on wheels,? features built-in pour-over stations, a La Marzocco two-group espresso machine with pre-infusion paddles, a Fetco extractor brewer and Italian-made Mazzer espresso coffee grinders. Catch them at 33rd and Arch Streets in West Philly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and Wednesday 7 a.m.-1 p.m. See inside the truck in this Philly 101 video.

? Old City Coffee: This Arabica coffee house can be found in the Reading Terminal Market in addition to its namesake location. With more than 25 years experience, these guys know the secrets of fine coffee farming, shade tree growing, roasting, grinding, etc. ? they follow their beans from the seedling to your cup to ensure you receive only the best.

? Federal Donuts: Thanks to the fact that two of its founders are BODHi Coffee owners Thomas Henneman and Bob Logue, Federal Donuts, the supremely popular donuts and fried chicken shop in Pennsport, also offers up finely crafted coffee. They?ve got custom-blend Federal Donuts beans, available by the cup and as wholesale. Happily, they?re just around the corner from opening a second location right in Center City at 16th and Sansom Streets.

? Chestnut Hill Coffee Company: Passion, devotion and commitment: all words of love by true coffee craftsmen. This upscale espresso bar prides itself for meticulously home-roasting what they hope will be the best coffee you can find in Chestnut Hill.

? Garces Trading Company: Celebrity chef Jose Garces?s Euro-style cafe hits the hammer on the head for authenticity. If it wasn?t the customized coffee blend, the extensive cheese menu, the charcuterie, or the mouth-watering meat and fish menu that gave it away, the full bar was the key indicator that these guys mean business. Check out its Philly 101 stardom.

? La Colombe: Machiattos, cappuccinos, espressos ? the best of the Italian caffeination. La Colombe does it traditional and doesn?t stray from its strict brewing principles and environmental standards. Bonus: there are now two locations in Philly, Rittenhouse Square plus Dilworth Plaza across from City Hall. La Colombe supplies top coffee roasts to the best restaurants and gourmet outlets in America. Co-founder Todd Carmichael, who?s brought La Colombe?s deliciousness around the planet and was named one of Esquire?s ?Top 20 Americans of the Year? in 2011, will host a new TV show on Travel Channel, Dangerous Grounds, premiering Monday, November 5 at 10 p.m. Boom.

? Rocket Cat Caf?: Fair trade roasting by Fonseca of Norristowm meets delicious vegan food options, a gorgeous Shepard Fairey mural and support from local artists ? it?s no wonder they have such a regular following.

? Burlap and Bean: This is a coffee house, not a coffee shop. They stress the difference: they have an anti-stress remedy for you that works on comfort, hominess and fine, Fair Trade coffee.

? Nook Bakery & Coffee Bar: Coffee is available via French press or hand-pour, using freshly roasted local or regionally-roasted coffee. Nook?s house coffee and espresso blend is micro-roasted in 20 pound batches, utilizing meticulously sourced and freshly harvested coffee. Um? yum.

Sustainable Sips

? BODHi Coffee: Featuring local organic foods and the direct trade coffee of Stumptown Roasters, Bodhi Coffee in Society Hill nails it with an extensive list of pour-over selections and artisan salads, sandwiches and decadent baked goods.

? Good Karma Caf?: Lucky you, this total bo-ho coffee house has a serious dedication to Fair trade and certified organic. Owner David Arrell stresses social responsibility, green construction and corn-based plastics. Bonus: they offer fresh-squeezed juices, protein shakes and even fine cheese plates. There are two locations, in Rittenhouse and Fitler Squares.

? Grindcore House: Simply offering soy is so outdated, and this Pennsport vegan-friendly hangout has done more than point that out. They also serve rice milk, almond milk and coconut milk. That and a slew of vegan pastries and sandwiches. This place has a serious following, and it?s no wonder why.

? Mugshots: Located in Brewerytown and its fresh new Fairmount home, Mugshots sticks to sustainability by using recyclable packaging and supporting local agriculture. In fact, their philosophy is pretty much flawless, and many will say the same for their vegan, vegetarian and organic snacks as well as the fair-trade coffee.

? One Shot Coffee: This coffee shop was literally built on sustainability. No Libs? One Shot Coffee leisure suite is made of reclaimed wood and tile and of course offers Stumptown?s direct trade brew as well as exquisite, often locally-grown organic food. Hint: the brand new fall menu they just launched is a winner. Check out the Philly 101 video!

Much more, below.

Mocha and Music

? Gryphon Caf?: This is the quintessential coffee house experience in Wayne: open mic-nights, live bands, cozy couches and friendly baristas, not to mention the super caffeinated and delicious coffee.

? Milkboy Philly: Center City has fallen in love with Milkboy in the last year after its Ardmore and Bryn Mawr outposts branched into downtown. Not sure what?s most impressive ? the coffee, the vegetarian options, the full bar or the phenomenal live music acts. Philly 101 star alert!

Sip and Snack

? Odd Fellows Cafe: Renowned and beloved Spruce Street Espresso relocated from 11th and Spruce up a block to 12th and Spruce, and became Odd Fellows Cafe. Counter Culture is the house roaster, and the new spot (open since February) has a spacious kitchen that makes for a full, delicious menu of perfect-for-coffee-pairing eats. Think pumpkin pecan biscott, Cuban sandwiches, fish tacos and more.

? Chhaya Cafe: Working off the organic, fair trade, small-batch, hand-roasted legacy, East Passyunk?s Chhaya has the perfect ingredients for metropolitan cafe charm. And not only do they have brunch of weekends, but the mouth-watering daily menu offers a deliciously eclectic mix of sweet and savory breakfast and lunch, vegan-friendly or non.

? High Point Caf?: Quiches, croissants, made-to-order crepes and coffee are just a few of their favorite things at this charming, French-inspired cafe off the beaten path of one of the most beautiful drives in Mt. Airy.

? Town Hall Coffee Co.: This coffee house prides itself on its expert espresso-making. You can be the judge any time your commute takes you out to Merion Station. Pear and chocolate scones, croissant bread pudding and New York-style bagels are the ideal accompaniment.

? Capriccio at Cafe Cret: Capriccio at Cafe Cret on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee, panini or ice cream cone along one of this season?s hottest streets. Capriccio Cafe, launched more than 20 years ago, is proud to be one of Philadelphia?s longest running locally owned and operated cafe brands.

Express Espresso

? HubBub Coffee: The shiny red caffeine truck known as HubBub Coffee purveys Stumptown espresso drinks drawn out of swank La Marzocco machines, as well as muffin tops, cinnamon rolls and cookies. Catch them at 38th and Spruce Streets, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

? Lovers and Madmen: We might not know exactly what it is or how it works, but we do know that A La Marzocco FB80 knowns something about how to whip up a short-pulled espresso. If you need a nice chill spot in University City, ignore the crazy name and enjoy caffeinated relaxation.

? Shot Tower Coffee: The unique-to-Shot Tower La Marzocco machine churns out the best of Queen Village coffee while keeping the place happening with events like latte art competitions, artist talks, story-telling and more. Grab and go for a quick kick in the pants.

? Ultimo: Craig Laban last year voted the espresso here to be the best the city has to offer, and this mom-and-pop shop gets a vote from us not only for coffee perfection but also for their partnership with BREW, a boutique bottle shop located just a short walk away.

? Elixr Coffee: Elixr, which gets its magical beans from a secret location in Kansas and is the exclusive supplier for Sbraga restaurant, has recently relocated to a new bigger and better location between 15th and 16th Streets below Walnut. Whether foamy, dripped or iced, the coffee at Elixr is divine. We like the espresso best. Bonus: Elixr won ?KRUPS Best Brew Awards 2012.? Huzzah!

Multicultural Brews

? Ants Pants Caf?: Australian coffees in Graduate Hospital? And brunch? Ants Pants is easily missed; the dining room is about the size of the average bedroom. But it shouldn?t be; you will taste the love in everything from the espresso ice cubes in the iced coffees to the cr?me brulee-battered french toast.

? Caf? Fulya: The go-to spot for Turkish coffee, manti and pastries serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Another fun fact: Cafe Fulya is a BYOB. No fooling.

? Ray?s Caf? and Tea House: They skipped about a dozen amazing authentic Asian menu items with that title, but this Chinatown gem serves international by-the-cup Hario siphoned coffees and exotic teas from here to Taiwan.

Source: http://www.uwishunu.com/2012/09/our-guide-to-coffee-drinking-in-philadelphia-local-roasters-sustainable-sips-award-winning-espresso-and-more/

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Zynga to acquire A Bit Lucky to roll out more complex games

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Army tests body armor tailored for female soldiers

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) ? Female soldiers from Fort Campbell deploying to Afghanistan will field the first Army body armor that is shorter and better tailored specifically to fit women's physiques.

Members of a female engagement team from the 101st Airborne Division, who will be directly interacting with Afghan women during the upcoming deployment, have been equipped with the female prototypes of the newest generation of Army tactical vests.

On Tuesday at the Army installation on the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, the female soldiers showed the new features of the vests during qualification trials with their M4A1 rifles.

The 101st Airborne Division first suggested the idea of a better fitting vest for women in 2009 after female soldiers said that they often had trouble bending over, getting in and out of tight spaces like military vehicles, or positioning their rifles against their shoulders, said Maj. Joel Dillon, the Army's assistant product manager for the vests.

Dillon said the long plates inside the vests would rub against their hips and cut into their thighs when they sit down.

After a lot of testing and measurements, the Army came up with a vest that is shorter to accommodate smaller torsos and have tailoring to fit closer to women's chests. The new vest eliminates gaps between the material and the body and can be fitted with smaller side ballistic inserts for small waist sizes.

"With a vest that is too long, if they lay their rifle on the ground or drop it, it's very hard to bend over to pick it up because that plate digs into their side. Now they can bend down and touch their toes and so they are more mobile and therefore you can get additional safety because you can perform better," he said.

The vest has a lighter feel because it won't rest on the female soldier's shoulders like the male versions do, Dillion said.

The need for better fitting armor became clear as women in the Army have been fighting on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan for years, Dillon said. He noted that women now make up 14 percent of the Army and are closer to combat than they have been previously.

"These female engagement team soldiers will be going on patrol with infantry units, engaging with the female populace. Because of that, they are going to be on the front lines, so we want them to be the first to be fitted with this new armor," he said.

Based on comments from 19 female soldiers wearing the new body armor, the Army will continue to make adjustments before going into large scale production for the rest of the Army.

Spc. Gilliann Campbell, 22, called the new body armor "a dream" compared to the old vests. A former gymnast, Campbell said she feels much more flexible in the new vests and demonstrated that with a couple of cartwheels.

"I remember as a joke, my friends tipped me upside down and my old armor fell right off me. It didn't fit me at all. But with this, I did a cartwheel when I first got it and it did not move at all," she said.

Small differences in the vests, like having enough space on her shoulder to set her rifle or being able to get the armor on quickly, can be critical when you only have seconds to react in combat, Campbell said.

"I feel safer in my own abilities because it lets me do what I need to do as a soldier," she said. "With my other armor, I felt a fear in my head that I was not able to perform to the best of my abilities. Now I can."

Spc. Sarah Sutphin, 32, said women in the Army had to make adjustments to work around the limitations of the male-designed body armor. She said the benefits of a better fit became clear during their marksmanship training Tuesday. Previously they would have to shift the vests while firing their rifles, or move gear around on the vest so they could lie closer to ground, she said.

She said she didn't even realize how ill-fitting the old vests were until they started trying out the new vests for the last couple of weeks.

"We need to be protected and still do our jobs and be able to fire our weapons the same," she said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/army-tests-body-armor-tailored-female-soldiers-002953017.html

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