Read Time: 7 Minutes

By Tom Gregoire

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Increase Brain Volume
While Reversing Neurologic Aging

The cardioprotective power of omega-3 fatty acids has been thoroughly documented in clinical literature. Less well known is their paramount role in optimizing many facets of brain function, from depression, cognition, and memory to mental health.
Recent research has opened up a new horizon in our understanding of omega-3s’ profound ability to halt age-related decline and pathology, shattering the long-held medical belief that brain shrinkage and nerve cell death is progressive and irreversible. Omega-3s have been shown to possess antidepressant and neuroprotective properties. One recent landmark study found that aging humans who consumed more omega-3s had increased gray matter brain volume and that most new tissue development was observed in the part of the brain associated with happiness.1
Similar findings appeared in the prestigious journal Lancet.2 In one of the largest studies of its kind, scientists analyzing the diets of 12,000 pregnant women found that children of those who consumed the least omega-3 were 48% more likely to score in the lowest quartile on IQ tests.
In this article, the latest research on these essential fatty acids’ importance to the growth, development, and function of the human brain is detailed. You will learn about their intrinsic power to preserve cognition and memory and reverse age-related loss of brain function. You will also discover exciting findings on their unique capacity to combat multiple forms of mental illness, neuropsychiatric disorders, and aberrant behavior, from Alzheimer’s disease and aggression to bipolar disorder and depression.
Key Nutrient from the Cradle to the Grave
Approximately 8% of the brain’s weight is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids3—the building block for an estimated 100 billion neurons.4 Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) play a host of vital roles in neuronal structure and function, protecting them from oxidative damage, inflammation, and the cumulative destruction inflicted by other chronic insults.5,6

Embedded in the omega-3-rich neuronal membrane are numerous proteins and complex molecules required for electrochemical transmission and signal reception.4 Scientists have recently shown that the precise balance of fatty acids in brain cells helps determine whether a given nerve cell will be protected against injury or inflammation, or whether it will instead succumb to the injury.7
Omega-3s accumulate in the human brain during fetal development. The amount of the omega-3 DHA has been closely tied to intelligence and cognitive performance in infancy and childhood.8 But the omega-3 content of brain cell membranes involved in essential memory-processing areas diminishes with advancing age and in certain chronic brain disorders.9
These findings have led scientists to suspect a role for omega-3 deterioration in development of typical age-related cognitive decline such as that seen in Alzheimer’s and chronic disease.10
Early developmental deficits in brain content of omega-3s have been associated with poor brain maturation and neurocognitive dysfunction.11 These are manifested especially in the area of attention, increasing the risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral disturbances.8 Later in life, declining levels of DHA and EPA may contribute to development of aggression, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementia, and a variety of other mental health and even criminal conditions.12-17
Scientists are having great success at reversing many of the fundamental age-related decreases in brain function correlated with omega-3 deficiency.10 ADHD and related conditions can be prevented or mitigated by supplementing infants and nursing mothers with DHA.8,18 Young rats supplemented with DHA show increased plasticity, or flexibility of function, in their developing brain cells, with highly invigorated development of synapses, the electrochemical junctions where nerve signals are relayed.9 In aged rats, omega-3 supplementation reverses age-related neuronal changes and maintains learning and memory performance that arise from powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.9
A remarkable animal study has just revealed that omega-3 fatty acids halt the age-related loss of brain cell receptors vital to memory production, and show potential for increasing neuronal growth.19
A Natural Crime Fighter?
Recent findings suggest that some criminal and aggressive behaviors are closely correlated with low serum omega-3 levels, which are linked to lower levels of altruism, honesty, and self-discipline.13 These effects may be related to alterations in serotonin turnover, which controls impulsivity and aggression-hostility behaviors.13
There’s solid data indicating that optimal omega-3 intake at all ages is a promising avenue for subduing aggression and hostility.20,21 For example, 1.5 grams of omega-3 supplementation (containing 840 mg EPA and 700 mg of DHA) in autistic children with severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior produced significant improvements compared with placebo, without adverse effects.22 And stressed but otherwise healthy volunteers given 1,500 mg/day of DHA reported a significantly improved rate of stress reduction compared to a no-treatment group, suggesting an adaptogenic role for omega-3s (adaptogens help the body respond to imposed stress in a variety of ways).23

In a group of substance abusers, supplementation with 2,225 mg EPA and 500 mg DHA for 3 months produced significant decreases in anger and anxiety scores compared to placebo recipients.16 Amazingly, the two nutrients complemented each other, with EPA increases being most robustly associated with lowered anxiety scores, and DHA increases with lowered anger scores. Similarly, in young adult prison inmates, multi-supplements featuring omega-3s produced significant reductions in antisocial, violent, aggressive, and transgressive (rule-breaking) behavior.24,25
More Potent than Prozac®

Large epidemiological studies repeatedly demonstrate that depressed people have significantly reduced levels of DHA and EPA in red blood cell membranes or serum.26,27 One autopsy study revealed lower amount of omega-3s in the brains of those who’d suffered depression compared to those who did not.28 Low omega-3 status is frequently found in people who have attempted or committed suicide.29-31 In fact, seasonal variations in blood levels of omega-3s have been shown to closely parallel similar variations in violent suicide deaths.7 Patients with deficient omega-3 status also had reduced expression of the vital transporter complex responsible for moving serotonin at nerve cell junctions.7
People who get more omega-3s actually have bigger, more functional brains.
In fact, the serotonin-related benefits of omega-3 supplementation are powerful enough to stand up to a head-to-head comparison with fluoxetine (Prozac®), a common and highly effective member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) category of modern antidepressants.32 In that study, 50% of subjects responded well to fluoxetine alone, 56% to EPA supplementation (1,000 mg), and an impressive 81% in people who took both forms of treatment.32
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: REVERSE BRAIN AGING
•

• Lipids comprise a significant portion of the brain. Of these lipids, omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important.
• Omega-3 fatty acids exert profound anti-aging effects on brain structure and function, from cognition and memory to mental health and Alzheimer’s prevention.
• They have recently been associated with increased volume of the brain’s gray matter, especially in those regions associated with happiness, and they boost intelligence through enhanced function from birth onwards.
• They support brain cell structure, increase the production of vital neurotransmitters, and blunt oxidative and inflammatory damage.
• Ranges of 1,000-3,000 mg of EPA and 1,000-1,500 mg of DHA have been shown to yield significant improvements in symptoms of depression, aggression, and other mental disorders, as well as protection against early cognitive decline and even early Alzheimer’s disease.
At doses above 2,000 mg, results are uniformly dramatic. Double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are revealing substantial superiority of omega-3 therapy to placebo, using standard depression assessment scales.33 Numerous other studies are further validating these dramatic effects on depression in a host of other contexts: depressive symptoms were alleviated in patients with Parkinson’s disease, and in pregnant women with major depressive disorder.34,35 A particularly powerful effect was shown in middle-aged women experiencing psychological distress and depressive symptoms during the menopausal transition.36 In one Israeli study, omega-3 supplementation in children with major depression provided significant improvement across all indices of measurement.37
A Novel Intervention for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, continues to be a perplexing condition for psychiatrists. In bipolar disorder, patients may “cycle” between periods of profound depression and periods of elation and excessive activity (mania). But some cycle rapidly, and others more slowly, while some patients who meet criteria for the conditions have little or no manic component at all.
As with depression, cell membrane deficiencies in omega-3s are associated with bipolar disorder, and people with higher seafood intakes appear to be relatively protected against bipolar symptoms.38,39 An autopsy study of the brains of people with bipolar disorder revealed significant deficits in DHA content of brain cell membranes, with concomitant elevations of inflammatory products that would have been suppressed by normal levels of omega-3s.40
Omega-3 fatty acids are showing encouraging results in treating some patients with bipolar disorder. In one study, patients supplemented with 9,600 mg omega-3 fatty acids daily showed significantly longer periods of remission than did placebo recipients, and the treatment was well-tolerated.41 A study using MRI scanning revealed profoundly favorable cell membrane alterations in brain tissue induced by very high dose omega-3 supplementation (approximately 9,700 mg daily).42 In general omega-3s appear to be more successful at managing the depressive phases of bipolar disorder than the manic phases,25,43-46 a feature they share with many prescription medications. Several small studies demonstrated that supplementation could also reduce the frequency of manic episodes. One dramatic example is a 2009 study of children with bipolar disorder, in which both manic and depressive symptoms were significantly mitigated by combined DHA (1,560 mg daily) and EPA (360 mg daily) supplementation for 6 weeks, according to clinician ratings as well as parent ratings.47

Most studies showing the greatest effectiveness in bipolar disorder involve combinations of DHA and EPA.48 And as we saw with depression, higher daily doses, on the order of 1,000-1,500 mg of DHA and up to 2,000-3,000 mg of EPA, are optimal for bipolar management.49
Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
Omega-3 intake is strongly associated with many different measures of cognition and memory in numerous epidemiological studies, and there’s compelling evidence for potent neuroprotection over long time periods.5,50-52 Insufficient omega-3 intake is strongly correlated with diminished adaptability of brain synapses and impaired learning and memory.53 People with lower omega-3 levels may be more likely to suffer from a host of cognitive impairments including dyslexia, ADHD, and cognitive decline.54-56
Laboratory and animal studies shed light on these observations, suggesting that omega-3 treatment and supplementation may enhance brain function through increased production of the membrane-rich neurites required for new synapse formation.57,58 Other protective and cognition-enhancing effects include improved neuronal cell membrane characteristics resulting in enhanced neurotransmission, increased synaptic release of vital neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and neuroprotection from inflammation and oxidant-related damage including those induced by antipsychotic medications.51,53,59 DHA is also protective against several risk factors for dementia including head trauma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.51

In healthy adults, increased omega-3 intake is positively associated with greater brain volume in regions associated with emotional arousal and regulation of behavior. People who get more omega-3s have bigger, more functional brains.1 A 2009 study found that omega-3-supplemented adults made fewer risk-averse decisions, but did not show increased impulsiveness.60
In other words, the omega-3 group appeared better able to take appropriate risks in problem-solving, without dangerous impulsivity—skills that are especially relevant in people with depression, who often withdraw and become fearful of even everyday risk taking.
Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most intransigent of age-related neuropathologies. Oxidative damage and inflammation underlie the progressive loss of memory and disorientation that typify the disease, resulting in the term “inflammaging” to describe the complex events that lead to clinically important symptoms.61,62 Omega-3s have been shown to favorably alter some of the characteristic changes associated with the disease.
DHA (1,700 mg daily combined with 600 mg EPA) in Alzheimer’s patients significantly reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines circulating in their blood, suggesting that some of the brain tissue inflammation might be mitigated.63,64 Omega-3 supplementation, again with 1,700 mg DHA and 600 mg EPA, in Alzheimer’s patients with mild-to-moderate disease improved appetite and produced significant beneficial increases in body weight after 6 and 12 months of treatment, while placebo patients showed no change in weight.65 These findings have led to calls by experts for increased use of omega-3s as a preventive strategy—calls made all the more urgent by the observation that supplementation is most effective in slowing or reversing mild Alzheimer’s disease and early age-related cognitive decline.66-69

The molecular basis for this early intervention strategy lies in the cellular pathology at the core of Alzheimer’s: omega-3 treatment of cultured brain cells suppresses many of the early signs of damage triggered by the inflammatory Alzheimer’s protein known as beta-amyloid.70 And animal studies suggest that oral supplementation with DHA may enhance the formation of new synapses and their vital dentritic spines, all of which can improve cognitive function.58 In fact, learning and memory in animal models of Alzheimer’s are improved by DHA supplementation, and in humans fewer learning errors were made by people with age-related cognitive decline after six months on DHA (900 mg daily).66

Summary
An estimated 8% of brain matter is composed of omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids exert profound anti-aging effects on brain structure and function, from cognition and memory to mental health and Alzheimer’s prevention. They have recently been associated with increased volume of the brain’s gray matter, especially in those regions associated with happiness, and they also boost intelligence through enhanced function from birth onwards. They support brain cell structure, increase the production of vital neurotransmitters and blunt oxidative and inflammatory damage. Ranges of 1,000-3,000 mg of EPA and 1,000-1,500 mg of DHA have been shown to yield significant improvements in symptoms of depression, aggression, and other mental disorders, as well as protection against early cognitive decline and even early Alzheimer’s disease.
References
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40. McNamara RK, Jandacek R, Rider T, et al. Deficits in docosahexaenoic acid and associated elevations in the metabolism of arachidonic acid and saturated fatty acids in the postmortem orbitofrontal cortex of patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatry Res. 2008 Sep 30;160(3):285-99.
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Read Time : 3 minutes

By Tom Gregoire

The tiny bean is a nutritional giant, packed with antioxidants, fiber and protein.

Those who eat beans regularly tend to have smaller waist sizes and a 22 percent lower risk of obesity.

But to get some people to eat them, you may have to be sneaky.

Luckily, beans are just as healthy when they’re blended up and hidden in some favorite treats, dips and snacks, said registered dietitian Connie Bendel, of Nutrition Consultants of Tulsa.

“Beans are a nutritional powerhouse. There’s a reason they’re in the food pyramid in two places, because they’re high in protein and they’re in the vegetable group because of their nutrient content.”

Beans contain loads of antioxidants (more than blueberries and blackberries), and are a great source of protein for meals — without all the cholesterol and saturated fat contained in meat.

One cup of beans provides about 13 grams of fiber, 15 grams of protein and nutrients such as calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Puree white beans or garbanzos for dips and sandwich spreads, or make quesadillas with fat-free refried beans and some cheese.

You can even substitute some of the chicken broth in your favorite soup recipe for a can of refried beans –and no one will be able to tell.

“It increases the fiber and protein,”  It also helps you stretch your budget, because beans are cheap.

The author recommends keeping a few cans of beans on hand for side dishes, soups, salads –

even baked goods and smoothies.

You can sneak drained, rinsed navy beans into smoothies and black beans into brownie mix and no one will be the wiser (just healthier).

Black beans in brownies?

“I’ve had those before and they are really good,”  “Just don’t tell someone before they try it.”

Black bean brownies? Puree a can of black beans (juice and all), and add to your favorite brownie mix in place of oil and eggs.

We tried it with a box of Duncan Hines dark chocolate brownie mix and a can of Bush’s reduced-sodium black beans, and our testers agreed — the brownies are fudgy, moist and don’t taste like beans. Just chocolatey goodness.

You’ll cut about 6 grams of fat from each serving and substantially increase the protein and fiber.

Bean benefits Studies tie bean consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and breast and colon cancers.

Red, pinto and kidney beans have some of the highest amounts of antioxidants in any food, beating out both blueberries and cranberries.

Blend away: About 1/4 cup of pureed white beans can easily be added to most batters and mixes without affecting taste and consistency.

The low-fat or fat-free cream cheese gives the dip a less grainy texture. From the Smitten Kitchen.

WHITE BEAN ROASTED RED PEPPER DIP

1 (15-ounce) can of white cannelini or navy beans 1 small jar roasted red peppers (about 1 cup), drained 3 ounces low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, softened 1 clove garlic, minced Juice from half a lemon Salt and pepper to taste

1. Puree everything in a food processor until smooth.

2. Serve with baked pita chips or vegetables.

BERRY BEAN BLAST

Serves 4

1 can (15 ounces) navy beans or great northern beans 1 1/2 cups orange juice 2 cups quartered strawberries 2 to 3 tablespoons honey 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 6 to 8 ice cubes

1. Process all ingredients, except ice cubes, in blender until smooth.

2. Add ice cubes and blend until smooth. Serve in glasses.

By Tom Gegoire

Dear Friends,

I will share with you my hearts desire. That is to open A-Sante, both here in the states and Southern France.

Here is my Mission Statement.

A- Sante

Mission Statement

A life Changing Experience, Come stay with us a week and leave five years younger.

To transform hopelessness to a state of abundance, to a rich, and rewarding lifestyle.

To make a difference in a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

The Spa Services I will include are:

For the Anti aging medical side we will have chelation, Hyberbaric Oxygen Chambers, and everyone one will arrive with their In depth blood test panels. Our Physicians will be from the best Medical Schools.

We will also be staffed with the best herbologist and homepaths from around the world.

By Tom Gregoire

Medical Jobs at UCSF posted at the bottom of this post. Thanks for coming by

Please feel free to visit the A-Sante Alternative medicine store  featuring

click here  (  http://astore.amazon.com/asan05-20   )

Acupuncture
Ayurveda
Flower Essences
Light Therapy
Magnetic Field Therapy
Manipulation Therapies
Oxygen Therapy
Single Homeopathic Remedies
Sound Therapy

Read Time : 4 minutes

Each day, every cell in the human body must withstand an estimated 10,000 individual assaults from externally introduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals.1

The progressive, system-wide destruction wrought by this continuous biochemical onslaught has been thoroughly documented in the scientific literature. In the older cells of aging animals, to take one example, researchers have found that one out of every three proteins is rendered dysfunctional by unchecked free radical damage.2

In the search for optimal defense against free radicals, scientists have focused intensely on berry extracts. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that berry polyphenols’ antioxidant capacity powerfully targets numerous degenerative diseases, from cancer and atherosclerosis to impaired glucose control and blood lipid abnormalities.3-11

Touted commercially for years as a “superfood,” only recently has the açaí berry gained compelling scientific validation as an antioxidant powerhouse. Among the most recent findings:

• After consuming a blend of açaí polyphenols, researchers recorded a three-fold increase in antioxidant capacity in the blood of healthy human volunteers.12
• Antioxidants found specifically in freeze-dried açaí extract have been shown to enter human cells in a fully functional form and effectively neutralize free radicals at very low doses.13
• Similarly, freeze-dried açaí extract has demonstrated unrivalled scavenging capacity against two of the most damaging reactive oxygen species, the superoxide and peroxyl radicals.14

In this article, you will learn how the antioxidant potency of açaí and other foods is assessed, using a measurement known as oxygen radical absorbance capacity, or ORAC.15,16 You will find out the most recent research indicating that the full polyphenolic profile of açaí affords optimal antioxidant protection. You will also gain insight into the specific health benefits of açaí and similarly potent fruits and vegetables—and their unrivalled power to combat free radical damage and the killer diseases of aging.

Assessing Antioxidant Potency

The standard index for determining the antioxidant value of various organic compounds is known as oxygen radical absorbance capacity, or ORAC.17-19 Developed by scientists at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts, the ORAC test is considered one of the most sensitive and reliable methods for measuring the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals. While other analytic methodologies may be used, ORAC is often considered preferable because of its biological relevance to antioxidant action in vivo (in living organisms).20 It measures both the degree and speed with which a certain food inhibits the action of an oxidizing agent, then integrates these two measurements into a single value, producing an accurate assessment of different types of antioxidants of different strengths.21,22

The ORAC value of a given food is proportional to its polyphenol content. Fruits and vegetables with a higher ORAC value—or richer color—have been shown to suppress free radicals more effectively than lightly pigmented foods.23 Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture advise that we ingest foods equivalent to 3,000-5,000 ORAC units per day in order to maintain optimal antioxidant protection in bodily tissues and plasma 24,25—a number that may be too low.

Unrivalled Free Radical Defense

The açaí (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) is a species of palm tree indigenous to the area surrounding the Amazon in South America. Its berries resemble grapes and ripen seasonally in similar fashion, progressing from green to a deep purple color.30 They have long served as a critical nutritional source for the native peoples of Central and South America. Modern scientific analysis revealed that the açaí berry’s complete polyphenolic profile boasts a formidable array of beneficial compounds, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (11.1% and 60.2%, respectively), along with 19 health-promoting amino acids.31

Click here to view

Celebrated in traditional cultures for its life-sustaining power, the magnitude of açaí’s antioxidant capability only recently emerged in scientific studies.32 Açaí powerfully counteracts several of the most destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals. In freeze-dried form, it has been shown to effectively inhibit the ROS superoxide in assays, and excels against the peroxyl radical in particular, with the highest reported total ORAC score of any fruit or vegetable.33 Açaí was also found to be active against the peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals in ORAC assays.34,35 It has also been identified recently as a potent COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor, which may give it the ability to provide relief from pain and inflammation.36

A study designed to evaluate total free radical scavenging capacity among various antioxidant foods revealed that when compared to common European fruit and vegetable juices, all the açaí samples studied ranked in the top class of peroxyl radical scavengers.37 The authors found the samples to be so high in antioxidant capacity that the numbers could only be estimated. Another study found that human plasma antioxidant activity is significantly increased after the consumption of açaí pulp and juice, observing individual increases in plasma antioxidant activity of up to 2.3-3-fold, respectively.38

Its potent antioxidant properties and highly beneficial polyphenolic profile endow açaí with a singular ability to combat cellular aging and oxidative damage. The latest research reveals the potential for significant beneficial effects on longevity and incidence of chronic disease. A study on the life span and survival of Drosophila melanogaster flies found that dietary supplementation of 2% açaí increased the life span of females fed a high-fat diet by approximately 20%, compared to controls fed a high-fat diet without açaí.39 Açaí was noted to promote the activation of important stress-response pathways, alleviate the oxidative stress of aging, and protect against the negative effects of dietary fats.40,41

Evidence is also building for açaí as a major cancer fighter. Polyphenolic mixtures of açaí pulp and oil extracts inhibited the proliferation of human colon cancer cells in the lab by up to 90.7%42 and a study on human leukemia cells found açaí polyphenols reduced cell proliferation from 56-86%.43 Açaí pulp was also found to be protective when administered to mice prior to the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin.44

Açaí is also emerging as a major cardiovascular protector.45 In one study, açaí extract induced long-lasting endothelium-dependent vasodilation (relaxing of the arterial wall) in the abdominal vascular tissue of rats.46 Supplementation with açaí berries has also been shown to reduce total and non-HDL cholesterol in animals with experimentally induced high cholesterol.47

Açaí’s high antioxidant capacity also benefits brain function, with potential implications for the treatment of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Research has shown that pre-treatment of brain tissue from the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus with açaí decreased ROS-induced damage of lipids and proteins in all brain tissues tested.48

Anthocyanins: Broad-Spectrum Disease Protection

The most powerful antioxidant berries to emerge in recent studies contain a class of polyphenols (plant-based compounds) known as anthocyanins. These nutrients produce the deep red, blue, and purple pigments found throughout the plant kingdom.

Fruits and vegetables bearing these colors—blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates, black currants, beets, and açaí—are especially rich in anthocyanins. Although present only in minute quantities, they are readily absorbed into the blood upon ingestion, where they initiate a physiological response in the body that quells free radical activity.

The most up-to-date research indicates that anthocyanins confer a broad array of health benefits, including:

• inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in several cancer cell lines49-52
• reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease53-55
• enhancing glucose tolerance and lipid profiles56,57
• improving eye function58,59
• limiting cellular oxidative DNA damage.60,61

An 8-week, randomized, placebo-controlled study published this year confirmed not only that they are highly bioavailable—they can also significantly increase levels of other beneficial polyphenols in the blood.62

In addition to açaí, anthocyanins are distributed widely among nature’s most brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

Blueberry

Blueberries have been shown to enhance cognitive performance, and are abundant in polyphenols that can cross the blood-brain barrier and localize in regions critical to learning and memory.63 Blueberries protect the myocardium from ischemic damage and prevent post-myocardial infarction heart failure.64 They have also been found to improve insulin resistance and thus glucose control in pre-clinical models.65 Taken together with probiotics, they may help counteract colitis (inflammation of the large intestine).66

Bilberry

This relative of the blueberry may provide a frontline defense against cardiovascular disease. Researchers have found that bilberry significantly inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, which contributes to hypertension by promoting dangerous narrowing of the arteries (vasoconstriction).67 Bilberries enhance short-term memory in animal models, suggesting they may have potential to help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.68 Like many anthocyanin-rich foods, bilberries also inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis in animal models.69 They improve insulin sensitivity, helping to prevent diabetes.70 Bilberry extract helps to upregulate enzymes that defend against ocular oxidative stress as well, suggesting it may be beneficial for protecting the eyes against age-related disorders, like macular degeneration.71

Black Currant

Black currant boasts potent anti-viral activity72 and has been shown to relax the aorta by enhancing the synthesis of nitric oxide.73 Black currant also reduced the oxidative stress induced by exercise and may enhance immune responsiveness to pathogens.74 One study found that black currant extract improved volunteers’ ability to adapt to the symptoms of tired eyes.75 Black currant has also been shown to stop the growth of certain harmful bacteria.76

Cranberry

Cranberries are probably best known for the support they provide the urinary tract, by inhibiting the adherence of E. coli to the urethra and bladder.77 They’re also proven fighters of oxidative stress. An 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 65 healthy women found that 1,200 mg of cranberry extract per day prompted a significant decrease in serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products—a key measure of oxidative stress.78 Cranberries also display anti-proliferative activity against several types of cancer in vitro and in vivo, including gastric cancer79 and esophageal adenocarcinoma.80 They may also help to fend off ulcers by preventing Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium which causes peptic ulcers, from adhering to the stomach lining.81,82

Elderberry

Like black currant, elderberry is a natural anti-viral that shows promise in protecting against both seasonal and H1N1 swine influenza. Elderberry anthocyanins have been found to bind to H1N1 and block the ability of the virus to infect host cells. Researchers have favorably compared its activity to that of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®).83 A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on a standardized elderberry product found that it reduced the duration of the flu symptoms to just 3-4 days.84 The study also showed it to be effective against 10 different strains of influenza. Elderberry also reduces lipid peroxides, neutralizes lipid peroxyl radicals, inhibits LDL oxidation,85 and offers significant protection to endothelial cells against oxidative stress.86

Pomegranate

Pomegranate provides broad-spectrum benefits across many physiological systems. Extracts of pomegranate have shown promise in reducing the potential for metastasis in breast cancer.87 They initiate programmed cell death and inhibit the proliferation of prostate, lung, colon, and other cancers.88-91 The fruit has also been shown to reduce inflammation in colitis92 and suppress inflammation and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis,93 not to mention its status as a known cardiovascular tonic.94

Other Beneficial Pigmented Plants

A rich variety of additional brightly pigmented foods afford similar health benefits.

Raspberries protect against DNA damage95 in HT-29 colon cancer cells, and inhibit HT-115 colon cancer invasion, in vitro.96 In combination with other berry extracts, raspberry extracts have shown efficacy against oral, breast, and prostate cancers in the lab.97 The antioxidant capacity of aronia or chokeberries have yielded some of the highest ORAC values recorded;98 drinking the juice of these berries reduces exercise-induced oxidative damage to red blood cells99 and in one study, a cholesterol-lowering effect was observed in animals with experimentally induced high cholesterol.100 Aronia has also been found to decrease lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.101

Grapes and grape seeds have been shown to inhibit colon cancer cell invasion102 and decrease LDL oxidation and platelet aggregation, among other cardioprotective activities.103 Grapes have also been found to extend the life span of fruit flies, and may help combat Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.104

Strawberry extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of oral, colon, and prostate cancer cells,105 improve lipid profiles and peroxidation106 and lower the risk of coronary artery disease.107

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Blackberries have shown themselves to be extremely beneficial in the management of inflammation, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal models. Blackberry extracts also show potential in inhibiting the growth of human colon cancer cells in the laboratory, suggesting a potential role in cancer prevention.108

Cherries have been found to reduce blood lipid abnormalities109 and glucose intolerance and abdominal obesity in mice.110,111 Tart cherries have been found effective in suppressing inflammation-induced pain.112

The benefits of anthocyanins are not limited to fruits: studies have shown that the black soybean shows promise in fighting colon cancer113 and insulin resistance,114 and promotes wound healing in skin cells and reduces inflammation in endothelial cells.115

Purple corn possesses anti-mutagenic effects, reducing expression of genes involved in proliferation of tumor cells.116,117

Summary

Each day, every cell in the human body withstands 10,000 individual strikes by free radicals, a leading factor in aging and degenerative disease onset. In the search for optimal defense against free radicals, scientists have focused intensely on berry extracts for their potent antioxidant capacity. Although promoted commercially for years as a nutritionally dense food, the deep purple açaí berry has only recently gained compelling scientific validation. In a recent clinical study, a blend of complete açaí polyphenols increased antioxidant capacity three-fold in the blood of healthy human volunteers. Antioxidants found specifically in freeze-dried açaí extract have been shown to enter human cells in a fully functional form and effectively neutralize free radicals at very low doses. Freeze-dried açaí extract is also extraordinarily effective against the most damaging reactive oxygen species, the superoxide and peroxyl radicals. Scientific research suggests that together with similarly pigmented foods rich in anthocyanins (blueberries, black currant, and raspberries), açaí may serve as a frontline defense against multiple diseases of aging.

Here are the Medical jobs at UCSF as of 6/9/10

Campus
SCIENTIST, CLINICAL LAB
32924BR SFGH Clinical Laboratory
The University of California Regents has implemented pay reductions and furloughs due to the State of
California budget crisis. This position may be subject to the pay reductions through August 31, 2010.
Performs all routine and special hematology, coagulation, urinalysis and blood gas testing; responsible for
the proper operation of instruments, including maintenance, troubleshooting and quality control; must be
able to work independently, recognize problems, identify cause and determine solutions; must be able to
work under pressure and maintain a high level of organization, accuracy and efficiency; incumbent will also
perform other duties as assigned. Note: $5,000 sign-on bonus.
Graduation from college with a major in an appropriate scientific field, possession of a clinical laboratory
scientist license or a similar license of equal or higher level issued by the State Department of Health; and
knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of duties assigned to the position; able to
work independently, under pressure; recognize and resolve problems while maintaining a high level of
organization; excellent verbal and written English communication skills. Note: Start date is contingent upon
proof of TB testing within the past year. Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
Administrative Support
_____ASSISTANT III
32995BR Surgery
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. Given the significant increase in funding and projects in the Breast Care Center
(BCC) and the BCC Research Program, an administrative analyst is required to support the financial and
administrative work in the BCC; the incumbent will primarily serve to provide analytical and administrative
management support to the Research Programs Director and overflow support for the BCC Executive
Director; the position will contribute substantively to the development and implementation of the overall
administrative organization, procedures, and special projects – especially related to the new I-SPY Program;
the incumbent will provide analytical and administrative support for a variety of activities throughout the
BCC, and perform other duties as assigned.
High school graduation and four years of related administrative experience; or an equivalent combination of
education and experience; knowledge of or experience with basic techniques or methods required by the
position; excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interface with all
levels of staff and leadership; ability to work in fast paced, team based, dynamic environment; ability to
meet deadlines, multi-task, and work under pressure; high degree of commitment, flexibility, selfmotivation,
self-confidence, assertiveness, and high tolerance of ambiguity; excellent problem solving
ability; self-starter with the ability to work both independently and with teams; ability to interpret and apply
policies and regulations; demonstrated ability to be self directed with excellent organizational, analytical,
and detail; Orientation inter-personal and project related skills; demonstrated reliability and attendance;
knowledge of breast cancer terminology in order to assist with grant review documentation and submission;
experience working in an academic and research unit in order to provide academic support to researchers
and Administrative Directors; experience coordinating meetings and events with academic or research
institutions; experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), survey/meeting
planning tools (e.g., Survey Monkey), and research publication tools (PubMed and Endnote).
Requirements
Job Summary
33024BR S/D PRDS
Job Summary
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 3 of 13

Medical Center
Administrative Support
_____ASSISTANT II
33030BR Pediatric BMT
Under the general direction of the BMT Clinical Office Analyst, incumbent will provide comprehensive
administrative support to the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant service: schedule clinic appointments for
new and follow-up patients using IDX, schedule/arrange all post-transplant patient evaluations, compile all
necessary lab work and evaluations for clinic using STOR and schedule interpreters as needed; handle
phones including triaging of many messages; interact with patients, families, referring physicians, and billing
office; work with financial counselor to obtain insurance authorizations; maintain patient records and charts;
perform data entry in Peds BMT specialized database; transcribe and edit medical documents including
weekly conference agendas, letters and memos; and perform other duties as assigned.
· High School graduate or equivalent with three years related experience; · Ability to use good
judgment and work independently, at times under the pressure of deadlines · Ability to asses situations,
prioritize workload, develop solutions and make recommendations. · Excellent customer service and
communication/interpersonal skills, both over the telephone and directly. · Basic math skills
required. · Strong computer skills, including basic keyboarding skills, and experience with at least
two Office-type software programs (i.e., Word or Excel). · Proven ability to deal with a wide variety
of individuals; · Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients. · Excellent
organizational and problem-solving skills. · Demonstrated administrative/office coordination skills;
Requirements
Job Summary
Nursing – Advanced Practice|Nursing – Perioperativ
NURSE, ANESTHETIST, SR
33015BR SOM Anesthesia
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is responsible to administer anesthesia to patients undergoing
surgical and obstetrical procedures at the Mount Zion and/or Parnassus site operating rooms, or to patients
undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures outside the OR, under the supervision of a faculty member
of the Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Care at the UCSF Medical Center. Duties Include: 1.
Determines the condition of patients prior to a procedure by reviewing medical records, assessing patient’s
status, conducting a thorough preoperative evaluation, and physical exam of the patient. 2. Plans for and
administers anesthetics, including inhalation, intravenous, and regional techniques. 3. Observes, monitors,
and records vital signs and other parameters. 4. Inserts invasive monitoring lines for an anesthetic, and for
interpretation of physiologic data. 5. Maintains patients in a surgical anesthetic state. 6. Determines the need
for, and administers fluids, blood products, and adjunct drugs. 7. Keeps the surgeon and responsible
anesthesiologist informed of the patient’s condition. 8. Takes necessary remedial action to correct
unacceptable changes in vital signs. 9. Documents anesthetic in accordance with legal requirements; records
type of anesthetic used. 10. Performs post-operative follow-up in the recovery room. 11. Communicates with
the assigned anesthesia faculty member, as needed, before, during, and after surgery. 12. When not assigned
to a case, is available for work as needed, determined by the responsible anesthesia faculty physician. 13.
Provides anesthesia care to patients at all the UCSF locations where anesthesia services are currently used,
and where anesthesia services will be required in the future. Prior to the date of hire, the incumbent will be
required to complete a credentialing process which may take up to 60 days.
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and possession of the legal requirements to practice as a
Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing • Graduation from a school
of anesthesia accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Schools of Anesthesia • Certification by the
Council for Certification of Nurse Anesthetists • Knowledge and activities essential to the successful
Requirements
Job Summary
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 12 of 13

Allied Health
____ASSISTANT, HOSPITAL I
33002BR SFGH Clinical Laboratory – Specimen Collection and
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The incumbent will answer multi line phone system and transfer calls as required;
accurately and clearly communicate information obtained from the laboratory manual and the laboratory
computer system to hospital staff, patients and telephone healthcare providers to report specimen problems
and critical patient results; provide specimen containers and gives collection instructions as necessary;
receive, timestamp, and document specimens into the laboratory for testing; prioritize blood, urine, stool,
and body fluid specimens for routine or priority handling; determine suitability of specimens; centrifuge
specific blood and non-blood; specimens; use pneumatic tube for sending and receiving specimens; and
perform other duties as assigned. For questions, please send email to sallie.holloway@ucsf.edu.
High school graduation or GED, and one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of
education/experience; knowledge of medical/clinical laboratory terminology; ability to communicate clearly
in the English language both verbally and written; strong interpersonal skills and demonstrate willingness to
be a team player; knowledge of computers; start date is contingent upon proof of TB testing within the past
year. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities B

Other Nursing
NURSE, CLINICAL II
33000BR Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other
types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) is an
interdisciplinary Center with the goal to shepherd new approaches to cancer prevention, detection, and
treatment into clinical and population settings. A Research Program Nurse is needed to provide clinical
resources for a team of 8-10 Analyst I-II, Clinical Research Coordinators; liaise with inpatient hospital units
(including the ICU); establish procedures for studies conducted in the inpatient environment; translate
protocols to medical orders, conduct in-service education meetings ensuring that training competencies have
been accomplished; coordinate training with the HDFCCC CRC training program, led by the Nurse
Educator; work closely with Lead CRC to monitor; collaborate with the HDFCCC clinical research unit in
the day-to-day training, assure that CRC’s utilize the system consistently, manage time appropriately and
collect data according to GCP’s. The incumbent will assist with projects, patient coverage, and other RN
duties as needed and whenever necessary. One of the goals for this position is the accomplishment of data
management issues by facilitating effective, timely reporting either at weekly scheduled protocol review
meetings or one-on-one meetings with CRC staff; and will perform other duties as assigned.
Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board
of Registered Nursing and six months of clinical experience; previous experience in the recruitment of
potential clinical study participants in a busy multi-practice university setting; a minimum of two years of
experience in research or oncology nursing; a minimum of two years Clinical Research experience with
experience in recruitment of subjects; demonstrated knowledge of the ICH guidelines for Good Clinical
Practice; Institutional Review process; Federal Code of Regulation that pertain to human clinical research
and JACHO policies for in-patient and out-patient hospital areas; team player.
Requirements
Job Summary
Professional and Managerial
ANALYST I
32999BR Medicine – Hematology/Oncology
The University of California Regents has implemented pay reductions and furloughs due to the State of
California budget crisis. This position may be subject to the pay reductions through August 31, 2010. The
GI Oncology Program is a dynamic and growing multidisciplinary team focused on cancer research;
program members are involved in conducting translational research including studies authored by Program
Investigators and collaborative research projects with multiple cancer centers, private companies in biotech,
philanthropies and pharmaceutical industries. Under the general direction of the Program Leaders, the
Program Analyst will provide regulatory administration, data and project management, development and
administrative support for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Neuroendocrine Outcomes
Database; the incumbent’s responsibilities will include: responsible for the collection, management, and
review of patient clinical data and interfacing with Program Investigators, and study sponsors; clinical data
and database project management activities will include careful and timely maintenance of accurate database
files; interpreting; abstracting data from various medical record sources and report generation; and
performing other duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in Biology or health care or a related field and one year of experience in administrative
analysis or operations research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; demonstrated
proficiency in medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology; proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and
other Microsoft Office applications; ability to think independently and work within a team-based and
dynamic environment; excellent organizational skills; excellent verbal/written communication and analytical
skills; ability to relate effectively in person and on the telephone with physicians, nurses, data managers, as
well as medical records and information science departments required; requires bending, climbing stairs;

ANALYST III
33021BR Human Research Protection Program
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. Under the supervision of the Associate Director, the Cancer Center
Assistant Coordinator will work within the HRPP and in close liaison with UCSF’s Helen Diller Family
Comprehensive Cancer Center and especially the Cancer Center’s Investigational Therapeutics Initiative
(ITI) to facilitate the review and approval of human research applications submitted by Cancer Center
faculty. As guided by broad priorities established by HRPP and the Cancer Center, incumbent will analyze
and evaluate proposed projects and programs involving human research subjects as well as specific
applications to the Committee on Human Research; determine which projects and applications need
incumbent’s attention; and provide advice to faculty and staff on how the projects, programs, and
applications can best comply with ethical, regulatory, and procedural requirements for human research
approval. As needed, incumbent may provide training to individuals or groups of staff in the preparation of
applications; attend Cancer Center meetings as needed to remain familiar with Cancer Center concerns and
provide advice related to human subjects protections; screen and edit applications for CHR approval and
return them to researchers for changes; prepare template forms that can serve as models for numerous
applications; attend CHR meetings where high priority studies are reviewed; consult with CHR chairs and
vice chairs regarding concerns and priorities; draft correspondence conveying CHR concerns to
investigators; screen researchers’ responses to CHR correspondence; advise researchers on steps needed to
obtain final approval; and ensure rapid handling by HRPP of high priority Cancer Center applications.
Incumbent will maintain and apply broad knowledge of Cancer Center research activities and priorities and
IRB standards, policies, and procedures. Incumbent will also coordinate UCSF correspondence and IRB
Facilitated Reviews with the National Cancer Institute’s Central IRBs to ensure UCSF Cancer Center faculty
can fully participate in national cooperative group studies; and will perform other duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in life, physical, social sciences or related field and three years of experience in
administrative analysis or operations research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
minimum 3 years work experience in the human subject protection program or in clinical research; sufficient
professional experience, adequate education, and sound judgment to comprehend, interpret and analyze
publications and reports concerning applicable policies, procedures, and regulations and California laws; a
proven working knowledge of a significant body of scientific and medical concepts and terminology; ability
to work both independently and cooperatively in a high-pressure environment; demonstrated ability to retain
confidentiality, exercise judgment and make sound decisions; demonstrated ability to communicate clearly
and effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to write general committee correspondence and summary
analysis; ability to investigate and analyze scientific topics on the internet and in biomedical journals; strong
organization skills; must multi-task, be organized, able to re-prioritize tasks as needed, and be flexible;
ability to work well with a wide variety of customers, including faculty members, committee members and
chair persons, committee staff, senior academic administrators, federal regulatory officials and funding
agency auditors in a thoroughly and consistently professional manner; flexibility and willingness to provide
backup as needed, for assigned projects; proficiency with MS operations, including advanced skills in Word
and Excel. Note: This is a critical position; fingerprinting and a background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
33029BR Research
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The Contracts and Grants Division is the office of record for all contracts
and grants for research, training, and public service proposed and received by UCSF; it is responsible for
contract and grant analysis and implementation, review and submission of all contract and grant proposals,
negotiation of award terms and conditions, and certain post-award activities including close-out; Contracts
and Grants is directly responsible for the accurate review and processing of all extramural funds received at
UCSF including federal and private non-profit grants, federal, state, and municipal contracts and fellowship
awards; additionally, the Division works with UCSF faculty and staff as well as funding agency officials to ensure compliance with University and external regulations. This Pre-Award Analyst reviews federal and
non-profit grant and fellowship proposals as well as federal, state and city contracts for compliance with
University and awarding agency requirements, proper facilities and administrative cost application, budget
analysis, CAS/A21 review, and inclusions of compliance certifications as needed, etc.; serves as point of
contact with campus research administrators and advises departmental staff/faculty on proposal preparation
and proper interpretation of federal and non-profit award terms; post-award administration activities include
review/processing of re-budgeting actions, review of federal agency terms and conditions for University
acceptance, and reviewing/correcting proposal information entered into electronic Research Administration
system for federal proposals and awards; the Pre-Award Analyst is expected to develop the requisite
knowledge and expertise to be granted signature authority for sponsored agreements and perform other
duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and three years of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; ability to obtain assigned levels of
signature authority on behalf of the University; able to comprehend and interpret complex language related
to federal, non-profit and University regulations in order to ensure that research practices are in accordance
with regulatory requirements and ethical standards; knowledge of grant submission process including
preparing, completing, and collecting required information for federal and non-federal grant applications;
ability to work independently and cooperatively in a high-pressure environment, with time sensitive
deadlines; ability to manage several projects simultaneously; ability to work independently and
cooperatively in a high-pressure environment, with time sensitive deadlines; ability to manage several
projects simultaneously; excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential to interact
effectively with diverse internal and external professional groups and sponsors; word processing experience
and the ability to learn database systems and use electronic portals for proposal submissions; previous
administrative experience working with grants/contracts required or similar complex administrative
experience. Background Check and Fingerprinting Required for this critical position.

FUNDRAISER II
32972BR University Development and Alumni Relations
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The UCSF Foundation and the Office of University Development and
Alumni Relations (UDAR) are responsible for fostering and strengthening the campus outreach efforts to
UCSF constituents and for garnering private support for the campus. In raising private support, UDAR
identifies, qualifies, solicits and stewards donors for the schools, medical centers, departments and programs
on campus; for formal acceptance and administration of all private gifts to the university through The
Regents or the UCSF Foundation; and for managing all alumni relations activities, campus support group
activities and campus events. The office is also responsible for the design and implementation of
fundraising campaigns for UCSF. The Director, Annual and Special Giving is a key member of UCSF’s
Children’s Hospital and Health program; will help managing the strategic planning process for the central
Annual Giving campaigns for the Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital. Clients/stakeholders
therefore include the Chancellor, dean of the School of Medicine, and the Medical Center CEO. The
incumbent will work with the CEO of the Medical Center, Dean of the School of Medicine, Chair of
Pediatrics, the Executive Director of Development, Children’s Hospital, the Senior Director, Annual and
Special Giving, and the Director of Development Marketing to create annual strategic and operating plans
for integrated direct mail and telemarketing campaigns; set annual fundraising goals, identify key casebuilding
messages, and develop segmentation strategies and work closely with all clients/stakeholders,
Senior Director, Annual and Special Giving, and the Director of Development Marketing, manage the
creative development process; will also work to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects in the
range of $100,000.
Bachelor’s degree and experience in non-profit institutional development or an equivalent combination of
education and experience; considerable experience in Annual Giving and/or direct response marketing is
required; superb writing skills and excellent creative judgment; well-developed interpersonal skills,
including a strong service orientation and the ability to supervise staff; ability to work independently with
minimal supervision in a complex and challenging environment. Note: Fingerprinting and background
check required for this critical position.
Requirements
PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE III
32997BR Microbiology and Immunology
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is a basic science
department within the School of Medicine. We perform scientific research and training. The Department is
home to two Graduate Programs, the Immunology Program and the Microbial Pathogenesis Program, and
has a central mission to teach Microbiology and Immunology to professional students in the Schools of
Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry and to graduate students pursuing their Ph.D. degree. This position is
being created to independently coordinate all of the Department’s Teaching and Graduate Program
activities. The job duties will include producing course syllabi, maintaining program websites, overseeing
classroom assignments, coordinating two seminar series, coordinating two journal clubs, coordinating two
program retreats per year, preparing course materials and coordinating all classroom data collection (i.e.
absences, evaluations, exams). A major responsibility for this position will be to revamp the current
administrative processes for the Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis programs. The current
administrative structure is not working and this position will be responsible for evaluating the current
systems, as well as designing and implementing new systems and procedure; perform other duties as
assigned. The success of the administration of these programs will rest with this position.
Graduation from college and three years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education
and experience; demonstrated course organization and administration experience; excellent analytical,
interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to complete all tasks with detail and
precision; demonstrated organizational, analytical and coordinating skills; ability to longitudinal plans for
parallel completion of multiple tasks; ability to anticipate needs and problems; proven ability to work
effectively with a wide variety of individuals and perform as part of a team; excellent demonstrated record
of attendance and reliability; excellent computer skills including use of Internet and e-mail, Microsoft Excel,
Word, PowerPoint, PhotoShop and Illustrator; strong writing skills that include the ability to compose, edit,
and proof a wide variety of documents, including confidential documents such as faculty evaluations and
student grades, with attention to detail; ability to use good judgment and discretion, and work independently
under the pressure of deadlines; ability to adapt with the evolving needs and responsibilities of faculty
supervisors and the courses and programs they direct.
Requirements
Job Summary
Professional and Managerial|Research and Scientifi
ANALYST IV
33003BR Family and Community Medicine
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The mission of the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) is to
educate students and residents in family practice with an emphasis on meeting the needs of the economically
disadvantaged and the medically underserved; to advance knowledge in family and community medicine;
and to develop methods of primary care that are effective, efficient, and accessible to all people; the
Department of Family and Community Medicine is internationally recognized for our pioneering research
programs in primary care and community health. The Center on Social Disparities in Health (the Center),
which is housed in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, has funding from the William K.
Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) for a nine-month planning phase of a proposed major project designed to
improve African-American birth outcomes and infant survival in California by directly and intensively
targeting social determinants of infant and maternal health; the funds requested will support the development
of the specific intervention protocols, project implementation strategies, and overall evaluation plans for that
larger project, which is currently under review at WKKF. The purpose of this position will be to act as
Project Coordinator of the planning phase, and ultimately of the larger project should it be funded; the
Project Coordinator will play a lead role during the initial 9-month planning period in developing protocol
and training materials for the two interventions featured in the full project: a group-based curriculum that
focuses on promoting financial management capacity among California Black Infant Health (BIH) program
Job Summary
Tuesday, JuneJob Summary
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 UCSF Employment
Job Summary
Tuesday, June

Read Time: 2 minutes

Bonus for readership ( The latest medical jobs at UCSF at bottom of today’s post)

by Tom Gregoire

Many women experiencing hot flashes, night sweats and other uncomfortable symptoms of menopause can get relief from some common Chinese herbal remedies that have been used for centuries.

One in particular, called Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, is composed of eight Chinese herbs. It is frequently used by licensed providers of acupuncture and Asian medicine to address “change of life” symptoms. Chinese Foxglove and Cornelian Cherry are two components of this traditional remedy. Often dispensed in a tea, pills or small granules, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan is just one of many possibilities for women seeking alternatives or supplemental care to conventional Western care.

Traditional Chinese medicine offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, often used in combination. In addition to herbal care, acupuncture can address pain, nausea, fatigue and other symptoms of hormonal imbalance affecting menstruating and menopausal women.

In addition to menopause treatment, many women in the United States are increasingly using acupuncture and Asian medicine for additional gynecological problems, including fertility support. To find a licensed provider, always look for the “L.Ac.” credential, which stands for Licensed Acupuncturist.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, reproductive function is governed by the kidneys. Sufficient energy in a woman’s kidneys is necessary for fertility, libido, regeneration of the entire body, and tissue elasticity and strength.

At puberty, a woman’s kidney energy increases, sending excess blood to the uterus. During her reproductive years, the kidneys supply enough blood for fertility, but as a woman matures, the blood flow from her kidneys diminishes, leading to menopause. Menopausal problems occur when kidney energy is depleted and cannot sustain the rest of the body. In other words, the body’s vital life energy, or qi, (in particular the kidney energy) is out of balance.

During the perimenopausal years the Chinese believe that there is an increase in the active, dry, hot element called yang energy. Before thirty-five, a woman is more yin (moist, receptive, passive) but during the change of life her yang begins to express itself She becomes more passionate about ideas, quicker to anger, faster to defend herself or others. As more “hot” yang energy begins to move through the acupuncture meridians, at first the flow is kind of jerky as we get accustomed to using the new energy. Those jerky manifestations of rising yang give rise to hot flashes. But as the meridians open to the yang energy and we get used to using it, so the theory goes, the flow stabilizes.

According to the forty-nine different cultural traditions that base their medicine on life-force energy, when we have a lot of stress, either through poor diet and lack of exercise, or because of poor coping skills, the life-force energy can’t flow smoothly through the meridians. In that case the flow of energy would have a hard time stabilizing and hot flashes would persist.

This imbalance may be corrected by any combination of herbal therapy, acupuncture, moxibustion, dietary changes, and qigong. Hot flashes and anxiety are considered a weakness of the heart; irregular menstrual flow and irritability a weakness of the liver; heavy menstrual bleeding and food cravings a weakness of the spleen.

In traditional Chinese medicine, numerous herbal formulas reportedly can alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and menstrual irregularities. In TCM, herbal formulas resorted to for hot flash relief- such as Two Immortal Decoction, Rehmannia Six Formula, and Geng Nian Formula-aren’t employed simply for the relief of an isolated symptom, it is used to treat the whole person. Traditionally, the prescribing of these formulas is based on a constellation of signs and symptoms that a person presents. For a woman complaining of hot flashes, a recommended formula might depend upon whether she also displayed an agitated or subdued manner, a pale or pink tongue, robustness or weakness, and numerous other features that indicate her overall health.

Most Chinese formulas are available in pill form and contain natural ingredients such as rehmannia (a yam species), dong quai, oyster shell mineral, white peony (from the tree), and ophiopogon (a variety of asparagus root). Their mixtures have been handed down, generation to generation, for centuries, but they have received little scrutiny from Western medicine.

Chinese herbs commonly used for menopause include:

Chinese herbs are often prescribed in combination mixtures that are individualized to the patient’s situation.

Acupuncture is particularly effective in easing annoying hot flashes and night sweats.

A traditional Chinese physician will perform an extensive examination, which often includes questioning, an analysis of the diet, feeling the pulse, and examining the tongue. Then he or she will tailor a menopause treatment program specifically for you. Do not undertake self treatment without first consulting a qualified physician.

Here s your bonus.

The latest medical jobs at UCSF

TECHNICIAN, ANIMAL, SR
32685BR Laboratory Animal Resource Center
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) supports the research
programs of the faculty by providing all services associated with the care and use of laboratory animals
including the purchasing/receiving, daily care and monitoring of the health of all species; the Senior Animal
Technician is responsible for the daily care of animals in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; in
addition to the routine husbandry tasks (changing cages and racks, delivering food and water in accordance
to established procedures, maintaining equipment and animal housing areas according to standard operating
procedures and federal and state regulations), the incumbent provides training to new employees/transfers,
provides advanced technical assistance to Animal Health Technicians, veterinary staff, enrichment staff, and
participates in special projects as assigned; perform record keeping duties such as per-diems records, animal
health surveillance, feed logs, temperature/humidity charts, animal receipt and disposition logs; the Senior
Animal Technician works with minimal supervision and may be assigned lead responsibilities on a regular
or as needed basis and perform other duties as assigned.
Graduation from high school, completion of training equivalent to the Laboratory Animal Technician
certification of the AALAS, and two years of animal care experience; or high school graduation and three
years of animal care experience in the care of an animal species appropriate to the particular job; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience; two years of college level education in the sciences or
related field with 4 years animal care ALAT certification or certification completed during probationary
period; minimum 3 years experience with multiple species including non- human primates, rodent, and other
small animals in a academic/laboratory/biomedical research environment with responsibility for collection
of biological samples, performance of diagnostic tests (fecals or similar), injections, or ability to assist with
rodent program protocols (genotyping, breeding regimens); knowledge of OSHA, USDA, AAALAC, NIH,
state, local and UCSF requirements in housing and care of animals in teaching and biomedical research to
ensure the highest standard for animal welfare; must be comfortable with the use of animals in biomedical
research; good verbal and written communication skills including ability to read and write English, maintain
legible records and communicate with researchers and veterinary staff; pre-employment health screen and
annual follow-up; participation in department’s occupational health program; valid California driver’s
license and participation in the Department of Transportation Pull-Notice may be required; ability to bend,
squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to 7hrs/day; ability to
safely move and/or lift 60 pounds; position includes a range of assignments based on daily husbandry needs
of operation; may rotate to various locations to provide regular or back-up support; incumbent must be able
to handle a variety of different assignments based on the needs of the organization; may be required to work
Holidays; be respectful and professional with others and adhere to UC Campus Code of Conduct at all
times; requires bending, squatting; reaching above shoulder level;, walking; carrying/lifting 31-60 pounds;
gripping/grasping; repetitive movements of upper and lower extremities. Fingerprinting and Background
Check Required for this critical position.
Requirements
Job Summary
Medical Center
Allied Health
TECHNOLOGIST, RADIOLOGIC, SR
32684BR Radiology MRI/CT
A licensed technologist performs cross sectional.imaging in CT or MRI. Requires certification in injection
procedures. Develops films or processes images on appropriate archival systems. Participates in
performance improvement activities in the department. Maintains appropriate quality control records and
participates in routine equipment testing and maintenance. Requires CRT.
Requirements
Job Summary
Campus
Administrative Support
_____ASSISTANT I
32652BR Psychiatry
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. This position is part of two federally-funded research grants to adapt a clinic-based
treatment for children with attention and behavior concerns to school settings and evaluate the efficacy of a
behavioral intervention for ADHD; the duties of this position support various aspects of the project and are
intended to assist the project coordinators and PI with the successful execution of the project; will also
perform other duties as assigned.
High School graduate/GED and two years of related administrative experience or an equivalent combination
of education and experience; the ability to work both independently and as part of a large multidisciplinary
team; expertise with Windows-based PC programs, including databases; ability to learn other computer
programs and audio-visual equipment as required; strong organizational skills, including the abilities to set
priorities, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously; strong interpersonal and
communication skills; ability to work flexible hours, which could include early evenings and weekends;
demonstrated excellent attendance and reliability. Physical Demands: requires bending, squatting, climbing
stairs; pushing/pulling 0-20 pounds; reaching at and below shoulder level; sitting, standing, walking;
carrying/lifting 0-20 pounds; gripping/grasping; repetitive movements of upper extremities and differentiate
color. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
_____ASSISTANT III
32678BR Medicine
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. Provide administrative support for the Business & Finance and the Human
Resources units of the Department of Medicine Central Administration at Laurel Heights; coordinate
administrative activities critical to the daily operations and facilitate the flow of information between the
Department and Divisions at other sites; objectives include organized, efficient operations of the Laurel
Heights suite, timely and effective support for the directors, review and validation of financial activity,
receiving and processing cash receipts, timely and accurate processing of receipts in the procurement
system, consistent point of communication for visitors, faculty, and staff, and completion of special projects;
Human Resources projects focus on review and reconciliation of time recording and reporting, project
support in the automation of time reporting, review/coding/data entry for all types of OLPPS transactions,
and special projects related to HR operations and implementation of systems changes; will also perform
other duties assigned.
High school diploma and four years of related administrative experience or an equivalent combination of
education and experience; demonstrated ability to work independently, to balance competing demands of
multiple projects/tasks, to made independent judgments about priorities, and to know when to seek
managerial guidance about priorities; demonstrated basic math skills and consistent accuracy with high
volume of detail (alpha and numeric); demonstrated strong work habits, including flexibility and problem
identification and resolution; excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with people at
all levels; demonstrated ability to learn quickly and to produce error-free work; demonstrated proficiency
with computers, spreadsheets, word-processing programs, email and the internet (basic Excel, Word);
excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer
service and effectively communicate “bad news” to customer, like the need for revisions, error corrections
or additional documentation; ability to learn and to apply moderately complex personnel policies;
Requirements
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 3 of 17Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF

demonstrated record of reliability and attendance; excellent professional references. Physical Demands:
requires bending, squatting, climbing stairs; pushing/pulling up to 30 pounds; reaching at shoulder level;
sitting, standing, walking; carrying/lifting up to 30 pounds; gripping/grasping; repetitive movements of
upper extremities; waist twisting, kneeling and crawling; may be exposed to loud noises and ; differentiate
color. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
32694BR Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. This AAIII position serves as the Client Services Coordinator in the Department of
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, PT Wellness Center at Mission Bay; the incumbent is
responsible for maintaining positive communication between clients, staff and providers while facilitating
the smooth flow of client services and administrative needs of the Center and the Physical Therapists; the
Client Services Coordinator reports to the Department Manager and is responsible for accurate and timely
completion of all required administrative and cashiering functions; the Client Services Coordinator will
provide assistance in the Faculty Practice as needed to cover sick leave absences, vacations, leaves on an
intermittent basis; and will perform other duties as assigned.
High school graduation and four years of related administrative experience; or an equivalent combination of
education and experience; excellent interpersonal skills and sensitivity in working with a varied client
population; must be comfortable operating fitness equipment; maintain compliance with UCSF
Accounting – cash collection and depositing policies; computer literacy in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft
word and web-based programs. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
Allied Health
LABORATORY ASST II
32732BR Radiology and Biomedical Imaging
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The Laboratory Assistant will help to support the Imaging Laboratory whose
research focus is brain imaging in fetuses using advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques;
responsibilities include assisting with lab management, which includes database management, MR imaging
data acquisition and perform other duties as assigned.
Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two
years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory
experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential
to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position; PC or MAC literacy with working
knowledge of MS Word and Excel; and familiarity working with databases; ability to work independently
with minimal supervision; excellent demonstrated communication skills (verbal and written), attendance and
reliability; proven ability to work independently and keen attention to details and numbers; self-motivated
with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines; experience with basic scientific
methodology and medical data analysis. Physical Demands: requires bending, squatting, climbing stairs,
reaching up to shoulder height; pushing/pulling 0-20 pounds; sitting, standing, walking; carrying/lifting 0-20
pounds; gripping/grasping, fine/gross finger manipulation; repetitive movements of upper extremities; waist
twisting, kneeling, crawling; may be exposed to chemical agents; tuberculosis, blood, body fluids or tissue,
and radiological materials; latex, dust, fumes or gases; loud noises; differentiate color. Note: Fingerprinting
and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
NURSE, CLINICAL I
32733BR Radiology & Biomedical Imaging
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 4 of 17

measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The Clinical Nurse I for the department of Radiology’s Breast Imaging Center at
Mt. Zion will prepare patient protocols, monitor clinical data for research trials, screen patients for eligibility
to participate in research studies, and provide nursing care for patients; patient care will include but is not
limited to screening for contradictions, obtaining informed consent, collection of clinical data, insertion of
intravenous lines using IV or Port-A-Cath; administration of contrast media, patient monitoring during MRI
procedures and other duties as assigned.
Current Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of California and less than six months of recent clinical
experience as an RN in a critical care unit, recovery room, and/or emergency department; experience with
management of clinical trials including patient screening, collection of clinical and research data; excellent
computer skills with Macintosh or PC; demonstrated record of reliability & excellent attendance. Physical
Demands: requires bending, squatting, climbing stairs, reaching up to shoulder height; pushing/pulling up to
20 pounds; sitting, standing, walking; carrying/lifting up to and over 60 pounds; gripping/grasping,
fine/gross finger manipulation; repetitive movements of upper extremities; waist twisting, kneeling,
crawling; may be exposed to latex, dust, fumes or gases; loud noises; differentiate color and use of
protective equipment. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Human Resources
_____ASSISTANT III
32713BR FAS HR Service Center
Note: The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. Incumbent will assist HR professionals with advanced HR processes and
procedures, such as coordinating workers’ compensation, FMLA, disability and other leaves of absences,
administering lifecycle personnel actions such as probationary evaluations, new employee benefits
enrollments, and other actions; resolves HR processing issues; maintains and recommends improvements to
internal employee record keeping systems; independently advises employees on standard HR practices and
procedures; receives guidance on new complex assignments without readily available guidelines; may
provide leadership to other HR Assistants; involves recommending, developing, implementing,
administering, coordinating, and/or evaluating Human Resources policies, labor contracts, statutes,
programs and procedures covering several of the following: recruitment, compensation, employee relations,
labor relations, payroll, benefits, welfare programs, training and development, visa procurement, intercampus
transfers, and employee services; and perform other duties as assigned. There are Two Positions
Available.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and four years of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; high school graduation and; advanced
knowledge of HR processes for date entry into OLPPS; advanced knowledge of HR processes and
procedures including but not limited to: maintenance and purging of personnel files; time and attendance
rules, classification and recruitment, payroll, FMLA, and other HR processes as required; skill in managing
sensitive and confidential information regarding bargaining unit issues; attention to detail and accuracy;
demonstrated skill in providing excellent customer service in the HR field. Note: Fingerprinting and
background check required for this critical position.
Requirements
Job Summary
HR GENERALIST 3
32702BR FAS HR Service Center
Note: The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. Leads strategic and operational initiatives in support of assigned
functional areas of service center operations. Incumbent may direct the work of up to 5 HR Generalist
overseeing project plans and ensuring that all deliverables are completed on time. Incumbent identifies
priorities and develops schedules and check lists to ensure quality and timeliness of assigned deliverables.
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 5 of 17

The lead generalist identifies potential resource shortages resulting from competing deadlines and works
with manager to develop solutions. Involves recommending, developing, implementing, administering,
coordinating, and/or evaluating Human Resources policies, labor contracts, statutes, programs and
procedures covering several of the following: recruitment, compensation, employee relations, labor
relations, payroll, benefits, welfare programs, training and development, visa procurement, inter-campus
transfers, and employee services and perform other duties as assigned. There are Three Positions Available.
Bachelors degree with a major in related field and four years of experience in administrative analysis
operations research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience/training.; possesses strong
analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problemsolving
skills; has thorough knowledge of campus policies and procedures; knowledge of functional area
and understands how work may impact other areas; has thorough knowledge of human resources concepts,
policies and procedures, employment practices, labor relations, salary administration, training and other
areas of human resources; has working understanding of related business software programs and systems; is
skilled in communicating clearly and effectively verbally and in writing; demonstrates skill in prioritizing
competing work assignments, employing political acumen and integrating information to determine
appropriate courses of action and their implications; possesses strong analytical, active listening and critical
thinking skills; Demonstrated ability to handle very difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively;
Prior experience working in a human resources service department. Fingerprinting and Background Check
Required for this critical position.
Requirements
HR GENERALIST 4
32704BR FAS HR Service Center
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. Acts as a business partner by embedding FAS HR strategy and providing
professional HR guidance and support to client groups with the objective to add value to the business; the
incumbent is responsible for providing assigned client group(s) with tools and resources for achieving
continuous improvements in the areas of customer service, cost management, and stewardship for all matters
of employment service; the business partner works closely with Central HR and the FAS service center and
ensures that shared employment processes are completed timely and accurately; the position provides
customer focused service to an FAS department or combination of departments with approximately 500 to
900 employees including all levels of management, unrepresented staff, and multiple bargaining units;
involves recommending, developing, implementing, administering, coordinating, and/or evaluating Human
Resources policies, labor contracts, statutes, programs and procedures covering several of the following:
recruitment, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, payroll, benefits, welfare programs, training
and development, visa procurement, inter-campus transfers, diversity & affirmative action, and employee
services and perform other duties as assigned. There are two Positions Available.
Bachelors degree with a major in related field and seven years of experience in administrative analysis or
operations research; or equivalent combination of education and experience/training; possesses advanced
analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problemsolving
skills; demonstrates advanced knowledge of campus policies and procedures; advanced knowledge
of functional area and understands how work impacts other areas in Human Resources and the campus; has
advanced knowledge of Human Resources concepts, policies and procedures including employment
practices, labor relations, salary administration, training and other areas of Human Resources as well as
campus initiatives relating to and/or impacting human resources; has in-depth knowledge of related business
software programs and systems; is highly skilled in communicating clearly and effectively verbally and in
writing; possesses well developed active listening and critical thinking skills; demonstrated by high levels of
customer satisfaction; demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations/individuals
effectively; prior experience managing and leading a service oriented Human Resources department.
Fingerprinting and Background Check Required is required for this position.
Requirements
Job Summary
Professional and Managerial
ANALYST I
32680BR Biochemistry and Biophysics
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 6 of 17

32680BR Biochemistry and Biophysics
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. Under close supervision: Administrative support of Department
Postdoctoral Fellows Program. Incumbent will analyze and interpret campus policy and procedures related
to postdoctoral activity and incorporate them into department directives; support the pre-award and postaward
activities of extramural funds; under the oversight of an Analyst IV incumbent will support the
administrative, operational and fiscal functions for the Department’s Postdoctoral Scholars Program;
administer and update postdoc appointments, input the their payroll data and updates on OLPPS; with
oversight by the departments Pre-Award Manager will process all fellowship applications ensuring
compliance with the granting agency as well as UCSF Contracts and Grants policies; in liaison for
Department Foreign Scholars Program will oversee and process all departmental requests for J-1 and H-1B
visas; and will perform other duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and one year of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; excellent analytical skills; strong
interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills; ability to handle confidential materials with
discretion; demonstrated ability to effectively handle a high volume of work with multiple priorities and time
constraints; FileMaker; RAS, P2P and PeopleSoft experience; familiar with fellowship applications and
process. This position is deadline driven, timeliness is crucial and therefore, requires excellent attendance
and reliability. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required for this critical position.
Requirements
Job Summary
32695BR Medicine/SFGH
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The Medical Informatics Group (MIG) at the UCSF Positive Health Program is a
single site research study group with a focus on providing technical support and solutions to patients with
HIV/AIDS in the clinic at San Francisco General Hospital; we presently have solutions for following
patients with HIV-infection and who are receiving care and treatment; we seek to improve the treatment and
outcomes for HIV infected persons. UCSF is a major contributor of data for consortium work as well as
NIH or AHRQ funded research projects; we are presently seeking a Data Analyst to assist in patient
enrollment data in our clinical electronic medical record system that will use a Customer Relation
Management (CRM) that will test if short message system (SMS) for texts to cell phones will improve
patient care; the candidate will work within a team that consists of two to four faculty members and six
senior staff both at the San Francisco General Hospital and the MIG off-site office location located in the
Mission district and within walking distance of the hospital. The incumbent will be responsible for a
randomized study of SMS texts; the position is based at San Francisco and does not require international
travel; the incumbent will work under the supervision of the principal investigator (PI) or his designee to
develop and revise protocols, operations manuals, questionnaires, and data collection forms; work with
patients to obtain consent in the clinic and review patient diagnoses and medications; work with
programmers who manage a complex relational database holding both biological and behavioral-based
variables, perform data analyses, prepare tables, charts and graphs of study data for use in publications and
presentations; will be the liaison between the MIG and the PI and clinicians in the HIV/AIDS clinic at San
Francisco General Hospital; coordinate pilot testing of various measurements and questionnaires; assist in
grant writing or submitting protocols based on the CNICS data to the UCSF Committee for Human
Research, as well as writing renewal applications; and will perform other duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and one year of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; demonstrated experience in
statistics/statistical analysis; use of statistical software; knowledge of CRM (Customer Relationship
Management System) work and how to apply CRM applications; knowledge of medical terminology and
specifically HIV/AIDS diagnoses and medications; detail-oriented and strong organizational skills, selfmotivated
and assertive. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
32705BR Surgery
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 7 of 17

The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other
types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The Department of Surgery is seeking a Financial Analyst to provide financial
analytical support in the area of divisional financial account reconciliation and reporting of contracts and
grants, foundation/gift funds, research and clinical trial accounts; incumbent will analyze ledgers, assist in
creating budget projections and forecasts develop ad hoc and standardized reports in support of financial
funds for the Division Chief’s and Division Administrators review; manage invoicing of outside contracts;
create and submit travel expense reimbursements, check requests and purchasing; incumbent will also
provide analytical academic support as required and perform other duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and one year of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; extensive understanding of the UC
academic accounting system as a means to report on the financials with a minimum of 3 years providing
financial reporting; two plus year of reconciling accounts including grant, clinical trial and/or foundation
(gift) accounts; minimum of 1 year data collections and analysis; able to collect, sort, and process large
volumes of data and provide quality; must have knowledge of institutional administrative, purchasing, travel,
entertainment, human resources, and budget policies; minimum of 3 years of executive level support;
preferably in an academic setting; ability to work independently and with minimal supervision; effective
communication skills both written and verbal; experience dealing with high confidential information
requiring tact and discretion; excellent attendance and reliability; advanced Excel, specifically in developing
reports, creating complex spreadsheets, pivot tables, graphs, etc.; Microsoft Office Suite; requires bending,
squatting, waist twisting, kneeling crawling, climbing ladders, climbing stairs; pushing/pulling up to31-60
pounds; reaching above shoulder level; sitting, standing, walking; carrying/lifting 20-60 pounds;
gripping/grasping; repetitive movements of upper and lower extremities; pulling 21-60 pounds, finger/gross
manipulation. Fingerprinting and Background Check Required.
Requirements
Job Summary
ANALYST II
32675BR Neurological Surgery
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The Department of Neurosurgery is a highly active clinical and research department
in the School of Medicine, with annual patient charges of over $45M with annual collections of $14,500
million year; the Department currently has 47 full time faculty working as clinicians and/or basic research
scientists, 3 recall faculty, 94 volunteer faculty, 31 non-faculty academics, 40 postdoctoral scholars, 18
residents, 6 graduate students and approximately 78 administrative and research staff. In addition, there are
38 Neurosurgery medical center staff, for a total of over 300 employees within the department as a whole;
The Department of Neurological Surgery is one the largest recipients of Federal grant funds in the School of
Medicine, UCSF and is number one in NIH funding for the 5th year in a row; the department conducts its
clinical, teaching and research activities at four UCSF campuses: Parnassus, Mt. Zion, Veteran’s
Administration Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital and the Helen Diller Cancer Building at
Mission Bay; the department will have a new outreach clinic in American Canyon with plans for expansion
to other Bay Area locations. The Executive Assistant to the Chair is a key and critical position for the
Department of Neurosurgery; the Executive Assistant supports the department chair’s immediate academic,
clinical and research activities as well as additional duties that support the department’s overall mission; the
incumbent will act as an Executive Liaison on behalf of the Department Chair of Neurosurgery within the
School of Medicine and Medical Center in daily interactions with the public, faculty, physicians, patients,
staff, donors and all levels of UCSF and system-wide, as well as outside constituencies; the incumbent will
work with all levels throughout the Department, School of Medicine, Campus and outside entities to ensure
the timely resolution of affairs that affect the Chair and the Department; under minimal direction, provides
all levels of executive assistance, other analytical projects required coupled with management of one’s own
load with that of the Chair’s transcription assistant, and will perform other duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and two years of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; experience performing technical,
specialized, complex and difficult office administrative work requiring the use of demonstrated independent
and analytical judgment; demonstrated experience in analyzing, managing and resolving office
Requirements
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 8 of 17

administrative and procedural problems; demonstrated experience in organizing own work, coordinating
projects, setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimal direction
coupled with organizing the work of additional administrative assistants that support the department chair
and other activities that support department activities (e.g., academic, clinical and research related
activities); superior skills with grammar, spelling, punctuation of the English language as they relate to the
preparation of business correspondence prepared on behalf of the chair and the department as a whole;
demonstrated communication skills to effectively work with co-workers, subordinates, superiors, the general
public, campus representatives and outside entities to exchange and convey information; demonstrated time
management and customer service skills; advanced computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook;
demonstrated experience with managing calendars, meetings and making travel arrangements for senior
executive or academic faculty; physical requirements include sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending,
waist twisting, kneeling, crawling, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, reaching shoulder height, reaching
below shoulder height, lifting 0-20 lbs, carrying 0-30 lbs, pulling 0-20 lbs, simple grasp, repetitive hand/arm
use, exposure to loud noises, dust, fumes or gases, latex, must be able to differentiate color, and verbally
communicate. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
ANALYST III
32631BR Medicine
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The UCSF Shared Microarray Core Facility serves as a genomics resource for
investigators who wish to use DNA microarray technology to address a wide range of questions relevant to
human disease; application of this technology requires a substantial investment of time, effort, and funds; the
facility supports several commercial microarray platforms and provides support for various types of array
applications including: gene expression analysis, microRNA analysis, CGH analysis and chIP-chip analysis;
core staff assist investigators with project planning, experimental design, sample preparation and
hybridization methods, bioinformatics, and data analysis. The individual hired will become a key member
of the Genomics Core Laboratories and will provide statistical support for array studies performed by Core
staff and participating investigators; under direct supervision, the incumbent will work closely with
biologists to help analyze microarray experiments; incumbent will use existing analysis packages; will also
interact closely with core lab members and collaborate with other biostatisticians doing similar work at
UCSF and elsewhere; and perform other duties as assigned.
College Degree with a major in statistics, biology, mathematics or a related field and two years of
experience in administrative analysis or operations research or an equivalent combination of education and
work experience; one year of previous work experience involving quantitative analysis, and experience with
analysis of large data sets; outstanding communication skills; good working knowledge of biology.
Requirements
Job Summary
32666BR School of Medicine, Academy of Medical Educators
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The Academy of Medical Educators is a school-wide honor and service
organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding teaching excellence, supporting educators, and fostering
curricular innovation. The Academy has 81 members from 20 different academic departments, and our
programs impact, recognize and support faculty school-wide, requiring the incumbent to work with faculty,
staff and leadership from most of the departments in the School of Medicine. Under the general supervision
of the Academy manager, the incumbent is responsible for leading a range of high-level and high-profile
projects that impact faculty and staff across the school. The incumbent is expected to independently
formulate innovative solutions and creative approaches to a range of complex administrative projects,
interacting professionally with constituents and stakeholders school-wide and nationally and collaborating
closely with Academy members to accomplish programmatic goals. Using well-developed program
management and analysis skills, this position is independently responsible for: 1) administering all aspects
of a complex, school-wide intramural grants program, funding up to $250,000 per year in faculty-led
curricular projects. 2) managing a competitive and rigorous membership application process involving
SOM faculty at all levels and external evaluators from across the country. 3) implementing and coordinating
the scientific program development for an annual, school-wide educational research symposium, interacting
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 9 of 17

effectively and seamlessly with students, residents, faculty and administrators school-wide, as well as event
planning staff, to ensure a successful event. 4) handling related communications and contributing to
development and dissemination of collateral materials. 5) serving as primary financial analyst,
independently monitoring Academy financial affairs, overseeing reconciliation and contributing to annual
budget process. 6) serving as technology specialist, recommending and implementing technological tools to
streamline and refine systems and processes. 7) cross-training on essential tasks in order to provide backup
to other team members and ensure continuity of service to members and departments.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and three years of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; superior verbal and written
communications skills; detail oriented and accurate; well-developed technical skills with a demonstrated
ability to learn and apply new technologies; advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office,especially Excel,
and database software; excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills; demonstrated project
management abilities; ability to set and meet deadlines, multitask and prioritize among competing priorities;
ability to work discreetly with confidential and sensitive information, exercise excellent judgment and work
cooperatively and collaboratively with a spectrum of faculty, staff and learners, exercising a high degree of
political acumen and diplomacy. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required for this critical
position.<b/>
Requirements
CHANCELLOR, ASST (FUNC AREA)
32698BR Chancellor’s Office
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. Provide senior level staff support to the Chancellor, assuring that she has
all that she needs to function effectively on a day-to-day basis; provide general oversight of the Chancellor’s
schedule, appearances, presentations, events and correspondence; prepare and edit speeches, presentations,
other communications and background materials; collaborate with and facilitate communication between
senior leaders and staff as necessary to support the Chancellor in advancing her goals and priorities; identify
issues and provide analytical support on a broad range of complex subjects and perform other duties as
assigned.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience; excellent communication, planning and
organizational skills; ability to create professional presentations for a variety of audiences, while
maintaining an overall consistent message and voice; excellent judgment, political acumen and ability to
maintain confidentiality; ability to collaborate and interact successfully with a variety of senior leaders.
Fingerprinting and Background Check Required for this critical position.
Requirements
Job Summary
HR GENERALIST 2
32699BR Fas HR Service Center
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate
processing of HR transactions as a member of a cross-functional team of HR professionals; will understand
and provide professional advice on all aspects of HR administration at UCSF; work with employees and
supervisors ensuring that their needs are met quickly and accurately within the boundaries of all applicable
policy and law. Involves recommending, developing, implementing, administering, coordinating, and/or
evaluating Human Resources policies, labor contracts, statutes, programs and procedures covering several of
the following: recruitment, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, payroll, benefits, welfare
programs, training and development, visa procurement, inter-campus transfers, and employee services; and
will perform other duties as assigned. NOTE: The goal of the initial recruitment will be to fill three
positions. Additional positions may be filled as business needs are assessed.<b/>
BA/BS with a major in a related field and two years of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; analytical skills to conduct analysis and
develop recommendations; organizational and proven-solving skills; possess basic knowledge of human
Requirements
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 10 of 17

resources policies and programs and campus policies and procedures; proficient in communicating clearly
and effectively verbally and in writing and in integrating information in the completion of assignments;
demonstrated ability to handle difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively; prior experience
working in a human resources service department; able to manage multiple competing deadlines while
maintaining excellent customer service. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required for this
critical position.<b/>
32700BR Fas HR Service Center
The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other
types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate processing
of HR transactions as a member of a cross-functional team of HR professionals; will understand and provide
professional advice on all aspects of HR administration at UCSF; work with employees and supervisors
ensuring that their needs are met quickly and accurately within the boundaries of all applicable policy and
law. Involves recommending, developing, implementing, administering, coordinating, and/or evaluating
Human Resources policies, labor contracts, statutes, programs and procedures covering several of the
following: recruitment, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, payroll, benefits, welfare
programs, training and development, visa procurement, intercampus transfers, and employee services; and
will perform other duties as assigned. NOTE: The goal of the initial recruitment will be to fill three
positions. Additional positions may be filled as business needs are assessed.<b/>
BA/BS with a major in a related field and two years of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; analytical skills to conduct analysis and
develop recommendations; organizational and proven-solving skills; possess basic knowledge of human
resources policies and programs and campus policies and procedures; proficient in communicating clearly
and effectively verbally and in writing and in integrating information in the completion of assignments;
demonstrated ability to handle difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively; prior experience
working in a human resources service department; able to manage multiple competing deadlines while
maintaining excellent customer service. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.<b/>
Requirements
Job Summary
32701BR Fas HR Service Center
The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other
types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate processing
of HR transactions as a member of a cross-functional team of HR professionals; will understand and provide
professional advice on all aspects of HR administration at UCSF; work with employees and supervisors
ensuring that their needs are met quickly and accurately within the boundaries of all applicable policy and
law. Involves recommending, developing, implementing, administering, coordinating, and/or evaluating
Human Resources policies, labor contracts, statutes, programs and procedures covering several of the
following: recruitment, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, payroll, benefits, welfare
programs, training and development, visa procurement, intercampus transfers, and employee services; and
will perform other duties as assigned. NOTE: The goal of the initial recruitment will be to fill three
positions. Additional positions may be filled as business needs are assessed.<b/>
BA/BS with a major in a related field and two years of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; analytical skills to conduct analysis and
develop recommendations; organizational and proven-solving skills; possess basic knowledge of human
resources policies and programs and campus policies and procedures; proficient in communicating clearly
and effectively verbally and in writing and in integrating information in the completion of assignments;
demonstrated ability to handle difficult or volatile situations/individuals effectively; prior experience
working in a human resources service department; able to manage multiple competing deadlines while
maintaining excellent customer service. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.<b/>
Requirements
Job Summary
Professional and Managerial|Research and Scientifi
ANALYST I
Mo3nd2a6y5, 8MBayR 10, 201O0 B/GYN and R USCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 11 of 17

32658BR OB/GYN and R S
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. Reporting directly to the Women’s Health Clinical Research Center (WHCRC)
Clinical Research Supervisor, the candidate will provide recruitment, computer and research support and
assist with ongoing and upcoming clinical research studies, including studies of urinary incontinence and
menopausal symptoms in women; this is a variable percent position; the individual recruited for this position
will be responsible primarily for recruiting, screening, conducting study visits and retaining participants,
data management, and providing general research and administrative support; this individual will work with
the project team to maintain efficient and accurate collection of data, maintain participant confidentiality and
follow good clinical practice; duties may include, but are not limited to, managing recruitment activities such
as placing newspaper ads and posting flyers, phone screening of potential study participants, interviewing
participants, explaining study requirements, eliciting informed consent, making required study
measurements, reviewing data collected at study visits to insure completeness and correctness, recording
information in case report forms, faxing forms to the Coordinating Center or delivering to the designated
research team member, resolving data queries, packaging and shipping study related supplies and lab
samples, and maintaining study logs; this individual must be comfortable working independently, must be
able to develop excellent rapport with study participants, must have experience with direct patient care and
interacting with participants in clinical research studies, and must be sensitive to issues related to
gynecological and other health issues for women, particularly older women, incumbent will also perform
other duties as assigned. Note: This position will end 6 months from date of hire with possibility of
extension depending on funding.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and one year of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; proficiency with Microsoft Office,
Word, Excel and Access computer software; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work
as part of a multidisciplinary research team; ability to work independently with minimal supervision and
exercise discretion, making sound decisions when evaluating urgent situations; strong knowledge of
scientific and medical terminology related to women’s health; knowledge of quality assurance theory and/or
Good Clinical Practice and FDA regulations regarding conducting clinical trials; demonstrated record of
excellent attendance, attention to detail, and reliability; work experience in a healthcare and/or clinical
research environment sufficient to understand medical records, confidentiality, and common healthcare
information procedures; experience with screening, interviewing, eliciting informed consent, scheduling and
explaining study requirements to participants in clinical interventional trials; experience with taking blood
pressure, pulse, height, and weight measurements in a clinical research or patient care setting; experience
with directly administering questionnaires or conducting in-person interviews to collect data for clinical
research; experience assessing sensitive urogynecologic conditions (i.e., urinary incontinence, pelvic floor
dysfunction) in a clinical research or patient care setting; experience assessing and documenting Adverse
and Serious Adverse Events in clinical interventional studies, according to FDA requirements; experience
working with electronic databases and teleform data transmission systems in clinical research; experience
administering or reviewing bladder/incontinence diaries in a clinical research or patient care setting;
experience with slow-paced respiration as a treatment modality in a clinical research or patient care setting;
this position also involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching shoulder height, reaching below
shoulder height, lifting 0-20 lbs, carrying 0-20 lbs, fine finger manipulation, gross manipulation, simple
grasp, repetitive hand/arm use, the ability to differentiate color, and the use of protective equipment. Note:
Fingerprinting and back ground check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
Research and Scientific
STAFF RESEARCH ASSOC I
32676BR Laboratory Medicine
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. Under direct supervision the incumbent will perform routine PCR assays for
mutation analyses; cloning and sequencing routine assays; standard flow cytometry measurements of
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 12 of 17

hematopoietic cell populations; assist with sorting and analysis of lymphocyte populations and animal
experiments; assists with laboratory organization, ordering supplies, preparing buffer solutions, assists with
maintenance of a clean and safe work environment; assists with laboratory safety compliance and laboratory
safety training; will also perform other duties as assigned.
BS in Biology or a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods
required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; documented experience
with Flow cytometry: leukemia and lymphoma phenotyping; documented experience with PCR and Gel
electrophoresis; documented experience with Immunoperoxidase and in situ hybridization staining
techniques; documented experience with laboratory safety regulations; documented experience with animal
experimentation. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
32696BR Radiology
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The incumbent will work on research focusing on osteoarthritis and joint loading
behaviors utilizing MRI and motion analysis systems; the tasks will be diverse and will include oversight of
MRI data acquisitions, data transfer and image processing, data analysis and reporting, collecting and
preparing specimens, acquisition of motion analysis data, processing and data management, working with a
variety of subjects including pediatrics and geriatrics and will perform other duties as assigned.
BA/BS in engineering, science, or a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic
techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
excellent communication skills, written and verbal; excellent computer skills with Macintosh, PC, Excel,
Database, UNIX; demonstrated record of reliability and excellent attendance; self-motivated with the ability
to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines; proven ability to work independently and keen attention
to detail; Proficient in shell scripting (eg. Perl, bash, python); previous exposure to a biomedical research
laboratory environment; experience with basic scientific methodology and anatomy; prior experience with
medical imaging; physical requirements include sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, waist twisting,
kneeling, crawling, pulling 0-20 lbs, fine finger manipulation, gross manipulation, simple grasp, power
grasp, climbing stairs, lifting 0-30 lbs, exposure to loud noises, dust, fumes or gases, chemical or toxic
substances, latex, must have the ability to differentiate color, verbally communicate, and use protective
equipment. Background check and fingerprinting required.
Requirements
Job Summary
32708BR Urology
The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other
types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The Department of Urology in the School of Medicine educates medical students,
residents, and clinical and postdoctoral fellows in urology; conducts basic science, clinical, and
epidemiological research, including clinical trials; and provides professional patient care services. The
Department conducts its teaching, research, and patient care activities at five major sites: the Parnassus
campus, Mount Zion, San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH), the San Francisco Veterans Administration
Medical Center (SFVAMC), and the Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland (CHO). Incumbent
will be involved in research with genetically engineered mice to study how deregulations in protein synthesis
lead to cancer initiation and progression and all aspects of secretarial skills. Accurate and prompt
preparation of grants, manuscripts, fellowship applications, abstracts, reviews, slides, posters, publication
lists, curriculum vitae, biographical sketches, scientific report contributions, and correspondence in routinely
provided, often under stringent deadlines. Scheduling meetings, interviews, speaker and candidate
itineraries, travel arrangements, check requests and reimbursements, telephones and perform other duties as
assigned. In addition the incumbent will be involved in journal club organization, material transfer
agreements, purchasing, and organizing a laboratory-purchasing database and perform other duties as
assigned.
BA/BS in related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by
the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; humanistic or scientific discipline
with research experience; knowledge of software programs to include FileMaker Pro, Excel, MS Word,
Requirements
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 13 of 17

calendaring software, PowerPoint and internet search tools; experience with PC and Macintosh systems;
well-developed communication and interpersonal skills; excellent command of English language, grammar,
proofreading and editing; ability to perform multiple tasks with high degree of accuracy and detail; ability to
exercise sound judgment, maintains confidentiality , and work with a broad range of personnel and external
contacts; ability to work independently; good time management and ability to be flexible with changing
priorities; excellent problem-solving skills; solution- oriented; team oriented; technical proficiency and
experience with electronic and communication devices such as telephones, mobile phones, computers,
laptops and PDA’s; editing experience of large manuscripts and/or grants; requires bending, squatting,
climbing stairs; pushing/pulling up to 60 pounds; reaching above shoulder level; sitting, standing, walking;
carrying/lifting 21-60 pounds; gripping/grasping; repetitive movements of upper and lower extremities;
finger manipulation; waist twisting; gross manipulation, loud noise; ability to differentiate color; verbal
communication. <Fingerprinting and Background Check Required.
STAFF RESEARCH ASSOC II
32646BR Surgery
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The Staff Research Associate position will provide support to the thoracic oncology
research projects for the Principle Investigator; this position will be responsible for human tissue processing;
maintenance of tissue cultures and cell lines; handling mice and implementing in vivo experiments; assists
post docs and other senior members of the lab performing in vitro molecular and cell-based assays; and data
management; he or she will weekly report project progress, results, and other related issues to the PI, and
perform other duties as assigned.
SRAI: BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods
required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. experience and
demonstrated knowledge of cancer development in order to perform related cancer research techniques;
prior experience in maintenance of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma tissue cultures and cell lines; knowledge
of the role of inflammation in cancer development; experience in vitro molecular and cell-based assays;
prior experience handling mice and implementing in vivo experiments, including small animal surgery;
demonstrated ability to follow strict procedures/protocols; demonstrated excellent and accurate data
collection, data entry, data recording, and reporting of research data; physical requirements include sitting,
standing, walking, bending, waist twisting, kneeling, climbing stairs, reaching shoulder height, reaching
below shoulder height, lifting 0-20 lbs, lulling 0-20 lbs, fine finger manipulation, gross manipulation, simple
grasp, power grasp, repetitive hand/arm use, exposure to loud noises, dust, fumes, or gases, chemicals or
toxic substances, latex, and posses the ability to differentiate colors. SRA II: In addition to the above, one
or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion, utilizing the
techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Note: Classification and salary will depend on the qualifications of the applicant.
Requirements
Job Summary
32667BR Laboratory Medicine
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The position will involve the culturing and maintenance as well as the generation of
immortlized airway epithelial cells; in addition, studies on the generation and characterization of induced
pluripotent stem cells will be undertaken; proficiency in airway epithelial cell and molecular biology, gene
targeting, virus production, vector construction, pluripotent stem cell biology, microinjection, PCR analysis
and imunocyto chemical analysis are essential; PhD level experience is preferred; will also perform other
duties as assigned.
BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience following
degree completion, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent
combination of education and experience; human epithelial cell culture, transformation, characterization,
Microinjection, PCR, RT-PCR, vector construction, ion transport analysis, radiobiology; generation and
characterization of iPS cells, hES cell culture, In situ hybridization, cell survival assays; Oligonucleotide
gene targeting, DNA repair analysis. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 14 of 17

32689BR Medicine-Nephrology Division
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The purpose of this position is to support the research projects of the lab specifically
to support the high-throughput screening (HTS) team to support the Drug Discovery programs in the lab;
serve as cell culture technician to provide cell lines and transfected cells to lab personnel for small-molecule
drug discovery projects and cell biology studies of chloride and water channels; generation of stable cell
lines expressing target proteins. Immunostaining and western blot analysis of transfected cell lines.
Generation of cell lines by viral infection. Molecular biology techniques including PCR, RT-PCR,
subcloning, and plasmid preparation; responsible for screening of drugs and compounds using cell,
biochemical, and other screening based assays and for converting assays to a HTS format; with initial
supervision, perform experiments using fluorescence plate reader assays and basic immunofluorescence;
attend weekly lab meetings; order supplies for research projects; and perform other duties as assigned.
BS in Biology, Cell biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related science and one or more years of recent,
directly related work experience following degree completion, utilizing the techniques or methods required
by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; experience with cell culture
techniques including maintenance of cell lines and transfection techniques; ability to work independently
and to assess need for interaction with supervising researcher; excellent verbal and written communication
skills, organizational and record keeping skills; experience in mammalian cell culture; experience with
molecular biology and biochemistry techniques including PCR, RT-PCR, plasmid preparation, RNA
extraction, site directed mutagenesis and vector design and construction, ELISA, Western blot, transfection,
transformation, cloning and immunofluorescence. Physical Demands: requires bending, squatting, climbing
ladders, climbing stairs; pushing/pulling up to 30 pounds; reaching at and below shoulder level; sitting,
standing, walking; carrying/lifting 31-60 pounds; gripping/grasping; repetitive movements of upper
extremities; waist twisting, kneeling, crawling; may be exposed to loud noises, dust fumes or gases, chemical
agents; tuberculosis, blood, body fluids or tissue, latex and radiological materials; differentiate color. Note:
Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
32693BR Medicine-Nephrology Division
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The purpose of the position is to support research on the neurological disease
Neuromyelitis Optica and related research on aquaporin water channels; serve as cell culture technician to
provide cell lines and transfected cells to lab personnel performing cell biology studies of chloride channels,
water channels and receptors; basic experiments on mouse models involving tissue harvesting and
physiological measurements; responsible for animal safety and compliance; controlled substances and
biological substances; protocol adherence and timely updates to the animal protocols; incumbent will
determine what supplies are needed for cultures and organize their storage and use; they will also assist with
material transfers and safe shipping; attend weekly laboratory meetings unless in direct time conflict with
ongoing research/experiments; will also perform other duties as assigned.
BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience following
degree completion, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent
combination of education and experience; experience with cell culture techniques including maintenance of
cell lines and transfection techniques; ability to work independently and to assess need for interaction with
supervising researcher; excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational and record keeping
skills; experience working on mouse models; experience in mammalian cell culture; experience with
molecular biology and biochemistry techniques including PCR, RT-PCR, plasmid preparation, RNA
extraction, site directed mutagenesis and vector design and construction, ELISA, Western blot, transfection,
transformation, cloning and immunofluorescence. Physical Demands: requires bending, squatting, climbing
stairs, climbing ladders reaching up to shoulder height; pushing/pulling up to 30 pounds; sitting, standing,
walking; carrying/lifting up to and over 60 pounds; gripping/grasping; repetitive movements of upper
extremities; waist twisting, kneeling, crawling; may be exposed to chemical agents; tuberculosis, blood,
body fluids or tissue, and radiological materials; latex, dust, fumes, gases; loud noises; differentiate color.
Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 15 of 17

TECHNICIAN, ANIMAL, SR
32685BR Laboratory Animal Resource Center
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) supports the research
programs of the faculty by providing all services associated with the care and use of laboratory animals
including the purchasing/receiving, daily care and monitoring of the health of all species; the Senior Animal
Technician is responsible for the daily care of animals in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; in
addition to the routine husbandry tasks (changing cages and racks, delivering food and water in accordance
to established procedures, maintaining equipment and animal housing areas according to standard operating
procedures and federal and state regulations), the incumbent provides training to new employees/transfers,
provides advanced technical assistance to Animal Health Technicians, veterinary staff, enrichment staff, and
participates in special projects as assigned; perform record keeping duties such as per-diems records, animal
health surveillance, feed logs, temperature/humidity charts, animal receipt and disposition logs; the Senior
Animal Technician works with minimal supervision and may be assigned lead responsibilities on a regular
or as needed basis and perform other duties as assigned.
Graduation from high school, completion of training equivalent to the Laboratory Animal Technician
certification of the AALAS, and two years of animal care experience; or high school graduation and three
years of animal care experience in the care of an animal species appropriate to the particular job; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience; two years of college level education in the sciences or
related field with 4 years animal care ALAT certification or certification completed during probationary
period; minimum 3 years experience with multiple species including non- human primates, rodent, and other
small animals in a academic/laboratory/biomedical research environment with responsibility for collection
of biological samples, performance of diagnostic tests (fecals or similar), injections, or ability to assist with
rodent program protocols (genotyping, breeding regimens); knowledge of OSHA, USDA, AAALAC, NIH,
state, local and UCSF requirements in housing and care of animals in teaching and biomedical research to
ensure the highest standard for animal welfare; must be comfortable with the use of animals in biomedical
research; good verbal and written communication skills including ability to read and write English, maintain
legible records and communicate with researchers and veterinary staff; pre-employment health screen and
annual follow-up; participation in department’s occupational health program; valid California driver’s
license and participation in the Department of Transportation Pull-Notice may be required; ability to bend,
squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to 7hrs/day; ability to
safely move and/or lift 60 pounds; position includes a range of assignments based on daily husbandry needs
of operation; may rotate to various locations to provide regular or back-up support; incumbent must be able
to handle a variety of different assignments based on the needs of the organization; may be required to work
Holidays; be respectful and professional with others and adhere to UC Campus Code of Conduct at all
times; requires bending, squatting; reaching above shoulder level;, walking; carrying/lifting 31-60 pounds;
gripping/grasping; repetitive movements of upper and lower extremities. Fingerprinting and Background
Check Required for this critical position.
Requirements
Job Summary
Medical Center
Allied Health
TECHNOLOGIST, RADIOLOGIC, SR
32684BR Radiology MRI/CT
A licensed technologist performs cross sectional.imaging in CT or MRI. Requires certification in injection
procedures. Develops films or processes images on appropriate archival systems. Participates in
performance improvement activities in the department. Maintains appropriate quality control records and
participates in routine equipment testing and maintenance. Requires CRT.
Requirements
Job Summary
Monday, May 10, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 16 of 17

Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 16 of 17

Read Time: 4 minutes

Donation Appeal:

To the reader. I am a full time, 50+ year old student at University of Phoenix taking my Undergrad in Health Care Administration.My Goal is to open and Anti Aging Medical Center in the Napa Valley, Palm Springs and/or The Villages in Northern Florida. Currently it is student  crunch time. I have to come up with $1000. Tuition or I will be dropped from my classes. I am appealing to all those who believe we have to ability to live longer more vibrant life’s as we age by employing “Age Management Medicine”. Any donation of $5.00, or more would be most greatly appreciated. I will specially address and health issues on my blog for those who are kind enough to donate. My student ID and my grades are just at the bottom of this post.

Thank you so much

New research illuminates the many ways these largely unheralded dietary components help maintain optimal health. Some of these include: reduction of chronic inflammation,37-39 thwarting viral infection,40,41 improving glycemic control among diabetics, and decreasing insulin resistance.26,42 The data regarding cancer protection are particularly compelling. As one researcher noted, “Experi-mental evidence in animals has shown clear anticarcinogenic effects of flaxseed or pure lignans in many types of cancer.”43
Join me as we explore the often overlooked benefits of these important nutrients.
More than 500 lignans are known to exist in the plant kingdom.

The Lowdown on Lignans
Lignans represent one of the four major classes of chemical compounds referred to collectively as phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds structurally similar to estradiol, which is the primary estrogen hormone in humans. Phytoestrogens weakly engage estrogen receptors, figuratively flipping certain cellular “switches” on or off. These switches, or receptors, stud tissues located throughout the body, in both men and women. They affect everything from arterial health, to brain function, sexual maturation and reproduction. Under certain conditions, they play a direct role in promoting, or defusing, aggressive cancer growth. It is hypothesized that the interplay between natural estradiol and other estrogens, and plant-derived phytoestrogens, is a prerequisite for optimal health.44 Although much remains to be investigated, a preponderance of evidence indicates that dietary phytoestrogens exert positive, protective effects in humans.

Isoflavones, for instance, are another major class of phytoestrogens. Together, isoflavones and lignans are the most common phytoestrogens in the diet.45 Numerous studies have documented the link between a high intake of soy isoflavones and a reduced incidence of heart disease, osteo-porosis and certain cancers.46-53 Soy phytoestrogens have been shown to significantly reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels. And a high intake of phytoestrogens—particularly lignans—has recently been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women.16 Another recent study found that Scottish men with the highest intake of lignans have the lowest incidence of prostate cancer.7 Animal studies have generally echoed these findings. While there is still some controversy regarding the overall role of phytoestrogens in health, scientists generally acknowledge that a higher intake of phyto-estrogens appears to be associated with a reduced risk of various diseases.7, 16, 48, 54-59
Lignan Lineage

Significant quantities of lignans are present in foods ranging from whole grains (rye, wheat, oat, and barley) to berries, vegetables, legumes, and other fruits.60 Sesame is a rich source of the lignan, sesamin. And new research indicates that a “novel synergistic effect” of newly discovered lignans interacting with vitamin E accounts for “the anti-aging effect of sesame.” The lignans evidently help prevent the decomposition of sesame tocopherols (vitamin E compounds), preserving the antioxidant potency of the vitamin E. According to a Japanese review of sesame research, “Sesame lignans also showed other useful functions, such as acceleration of alcohol decomposition in the liver, antihypertensive activity, immunoregulatory activities, anticarcinogenic activity, and others.”61
The primary lignan in flaxseed is secoisolariciresinol. Other lignans bear equally tongue-twisting names, but only two lignans are of ultimate significance to human health: enterodiol and enterolactone. These biologically active lignans are known as enterolignans, or “mammalian lignans.” They are formed in the human digestive tract through the interaction of gut-dwelling bacteria with dietary lignans. Plant-based lignans are considered precursors, then, to the bioactive mammalian lignans.
Anti-Cancer Activity
While extra virgin olive oil is widely recognized as a heart-healthy oil, it also contains lignans, which further contribute to the beneficial nutritional profile of this functional food. Recently published research indicates that olive oil lignans, among other olive oil chemicals, may play an active role in protecting against breast cancer. This was demonstrated recently by Spanish researchers working with breast cancer cells that overexpress a protein known as Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (commonly abbreviated as HER2/neu).62,63 HER2 is a protein associated with highly aggressive growth by certain breast cancers, so thwarting this protein is especially desirable. In fact, Spanish researchers wrote recently, “…Humans have safely been ingesting…lignans as long as they have been consuming olives and olive oil, [supporting] the notion that…these phytochemicals might provide an excellent and safe platform for the design of new HER2-targeting agents.”63

Diets including plenty of whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are loaded with lignans, and such diets have been consistently associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
One well-studied lignan, podophyllotoxin, is so effective at targeting cancer cells for destruction it has been modified for use in chemotherapy. Its semi-synthetic derivatives, etoposide, teniposide, and etoposide phosphate, are routinely used to combat deadly lung cancer, among other malignancies.5,64 Korean researchers showed recently that a lignan derived from an Asian medicinal plant, Daphne genkwa, arrested growth and induced apoptosis of promyelocytic leukemia cells in the laboratory. The lignan, researchers concluded, “may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer.”13
In animal models of human breast cancer, dietary lignans, which are converted to entero-lactone, have been shown to inhibit or delay the growth of breast cancer.2 This effect is believed to be due to enterolactone’s ability to modulate estrogen signaling. This protective effect evidently extends well beyond breast cancer, however. Experimental evidence suggests that dietary lignans also offer significant protection against tumors of the liver, prostate, skin, colon and other organs.1,5,6,8,11,19-22,64

A Dutch case-control study found a clear association between a high intake of lignans and a reduced risk of colorectal adenomas, which are considered to be precursors to colon cancer. “We observed a substantial reduction in colorectal adenoma risk among subjects with high plasma concentrations of enterolignans,” investigators concluded.14
Of course, animal models are one thing, while actual effects in humans are another. But a variety of studies on human subjects support the conclusion that dietary lignans protect us against numerous cancers. For instance, French researchers conducted a prospective study of more than 58,000 postmenopausal women, who were followed for an average of 7.7 years. Statistical analysis revealed that a greater intake of dietary lignans was clearly associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. “High dietary intakes of plant lignans and high exposure to enterolignans were associated with reduced risks of estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-positive postmenopausal breast cancer…” researchers concluded.23 A Swedish study reached a similar conclusion. After studying nearly 52,000 women, researchers concluded: “A significant 17% risk reduction for breast cancer overall in the high lignan quartile was observed…”11

Cardiovascular Protection
Diets including plenty of whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are loaded with lignans, and such diets have been consistently associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Of course, such diets also contain a host of other phytonutrients, so this cardioprotective effect would not necessarily be owed solely to the high lignan content. But studies that have investigated this question appear to confirm an important role for lignans in cardiovascular protection.32,34-37,65
In 1998, for example, Canadian researchers addressed the issue by examining the effects of two different types of flaxseed on markers of atherosclerosis in rabbits. One group received flaxseed high in both lignans and the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). A second group received a type of flaxseed, called Type II, which is high in lignans but virtually devoid of fatty acids. Both types of flaxseed reduced atherosclerosis. Type II flaxseed reduced the development of atherosclerosis by 69%. Researchers concluded that the reduction in atherosclerosis by the low-omega-3 flaxseed was due to a decrease in serum total cholesterol and LDL. “In conclusion,” they wrote, “[the atherosclerosis-reducing] activity of Type II flaxseed is not due to alpha-linolenic acid.”36
Several clinical trials have reported a link between flaxseed consumption and modest, but significant, reductions in LDL levels. Subjects experienced from 8 to 14% reductions in levels of this “bad” lipid.34,35,65 Of course, the importance of lowering LDL for optimal heart health is widely documented. More recently, US scientists conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of the relationship between flaxseed consumption and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with high cholesterol.
Subjects consumed 40 grams ground flaxseed per day, or placebo, for 10 weeks. Compared to placebo (wheat), flax significantly reduced LDL levels at five weeks. Average reductions were 13%. By 10 weeks, reductions were approximately 7%. “Ground flaxseed has a modest but short lived LDL-cholesterol lowering effect,” researchers concluded. Additionally, levels of lipoprotein (a) were significantly reduced, by about 14%, and insulin sensitivity was significantly increased.30 High levels of lipoprotein (a) are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, which is a root cause of most heart disease.66
Fostering Bone Health

Osteoporosis threatens the health of both aging men and women, but it is especially troublesome for elderly women. In the United States, approximately 10 million Americans are affected by osteoporosis, and the financial impact of the disease is estimated to be at least $17.9 billion per year.52 Characterized by a progressive loss of bone mass through a process known as demineralization, osteoporosis increases bone fragility, thus increasing the risk of fracture.10 Among women, estrogen deficiency following menopause plays an enormous role in the development of bone fragility.67 Observational studies have shown that populations with a high intake of soy isoflavones experience a lower incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures compared to Western populations.49

Researchers examined data from more than 70 studies for a 2003 review of the evidence regarding phytoestrogens (including lignans) and bone health. These included studies involving bone cells grown in the laboratory, investigations using animal models of human postmenopausal osteoporosis, and human observational/epidemiologic and human dietary intervention studies. “On balance,” wrote the authors of the review, “the collective data suggest that diets rich in phytoestrogens have bone-sparing effects in the long term…”50 More recently, Chinese researchers conducted a meta-analysis, in which data from numerous clinical trials is combined and statistically analyzed. After examining data from ten trials, involving more than 600 subjects, they wrote: “The spine bone mineral density in subjects who consumed isoflavones increased significantly…in comparison to that in subjects who did not consume isoflavones.”51
These investigators concluded: “Isoflavone intervention significantly attenuates bone loss of the spine in menopausal women. These favorable effects become more significant when more than 90 mg/day of isoflavones are consumed.” Furthermore, wrote the Beijing-based scientists, “…Soy isoflavone consumption for six months can be enough to exert beneficial effects on bone in menopausal women.”51 Thus it is possible to protect bone health even later in life, by increasing phytoestrogen intake

.
While many of these studies have considered the bone-sparing effects of isoflavone phytoestrogens, rather than lignans in particular, there is strong evidence that lignans are equally effective at protecting against osteoporosis. For example, Japanese researchers conducted an experiment on female rats, removing their ovaries to simulate the effects of menopause on women. The bones of test animals that received the lignan, isotaxiresinol, for six weeks were compared to the bones of rats that did not receive the lignan. Both bone mineral content and bone mineral density were increased in test animals as compared to control rats, and decreases of three bone strength indexes, induced by the removal of the animals’ ovaries, were prevented. “Biochemical markers for bone remodeling revealed that isotaxiresinol slightly increased bone formation and significantly inhibited bone resorption [bone loss] without side effect on uterine tissue,” wrote the scientists.53
Summary
Lignans may not often make headlines, but chances are they’ve been protecting you from a variety of degenerative conditions for as long as you have been consuming whole grains, legumes, vegetables, soy and/or flaxseed. Life Extension® members consume potent lignan concentrates in the supplements they use every day. A plethora of evidence shows that these important phytochemicals work in a variety of ways to prevent cancer, protect the cardiovascular system, ward off viral infection, and maintain bone health.

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References
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2. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Jul;51(7):857-66.
3. Int J Cancer. 2008 Sep 1;123(5):1196-204.
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6. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 May;52(5):567-80.
7. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jan;60(1):129-35.
8. Cancer Sci. 2007 Sep;98(9):1447-53.
9. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2008 May;110(1-2):176-85.
10. Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Jun;31(6):1067-70.
11. Br J Cancer. 2008 Feb 12;98(3):636-40.
12. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Aug 27;56(16):6928-35.
13. Int Immunopharmacol. 2008 Jul;8(7):967-73.
14. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006 Jun;15(6):1132-6.
15. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008 Nov;17(11):3241-51.
16. Cancer Causes Control. 2008 Apr;19(3):259-72.
17. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2006 Oct;99(3):309-11.
18. Nutr Cancer. 2000;36(2):207-16.
19. Acta Ophthalmol. 2008 Nov;86 Thesis 435-41.
20. Anticancer Res. 2005 May;25(3B):2269-76.
21. J Nat Prod. 2007 Feb;70(2):283-6.
22. J Nat Prod. 2007 Oct;70(10):1687-9.
23. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007 Mar 21;99(6):475-86.
24. Proteomics. 2007 Sep;7(18):3278-88.
25. Nutrition. 2008 Jan;24(1):23-30.
26. Br J Nutr. 2008 Jun;99(6):1301-1309.
27. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008 Oct;72(10):2750-5.
28. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Aug;84(2):400-5.
29. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2008 Apr;17(3):355-66.
30. J Am Coll Nutr. 2008 Feb;27(1):65-74.
31. Atherosclerosis. 2005 Apr;179(2):269-75.
32. J Nutr. 2008 Jul;138(7):1263-8.
33. Arch Intern Med. 2003 May 12;163(9):1099-104.
34. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Mar;69(3):395-402.
35. Nutr Res. 1998;18:1203-14.
36. Atherosclerosis. 1998 Feb;136(2):367-75.
37. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2009 Feb 1;19(3):937-40.
38. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2008 Sep;18(7):497-502.
39. Br J Nutr. 2009 Apr;101(8):1145-9.
40. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2008 Oct;8(11):1106-33.
41. Planta Med. 2008 Sep;74(11):1323-37.
42. PLoS One. 2007;2(11):e1148.
43. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2007;44(5-6):483-525.
44. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2002 Sep 25;777(1-2):289-309.
45. Eur J Cancer. 2008 Sep;44(13):1799-806.
46. Toxicol Lett. 2004 Apr 15;150(1):43-56.
47. Br J Nutr. 2003 Jun;89 Suppl 1S25-S30.
48. J Br Menopause Soc. 2006 Jun;12(2):49-56.
49. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Sep;78(3 Suppl):593S-609S.
50. Inflammopharmacology. 2008 Oct;16(5):213-5.
51. Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb;27(1):57-64.
52. J Nutr. 2008 Jan;138(1):172S-7S.
53. Phytomedicine. 2006 Jan;13(1-2):37-42.
54. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2008 Sep;233(9):1066-80.
55. Gend Med. 2008;5 Suppl AS76-S90.
56. J Med Food. 2007 Dec;10(4):571-80.
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58. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007 Mar;16(3):538-45.
59. BMJ. 2004 May 29;328(7451):1285.
60. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 21;55(4):1337-46.
61. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2007;47(7):651-73.
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63. BMC Cancer. 2008;8377.
64. Phytochemistry. 2000 May;54(2):115-20.
65. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995 Jan;61(1):62-8.
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67. Osteoporos Int. 1990 Oct;1(1):7-13.

By Tom Gregoire

Read Time : 2 minutes

Turmeric
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties have been known in Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicines for thousands of years. It is the active ingredient of turmeric, which is a component of the curry preparations used daily in Indian and other South Asian cuisines. Since those cuisines have infiltrated the west, modern science has also been investigating the health benefits of turmeric and curcumin.

Curcumin/Turmeric Health Benefits

Don’t confuse curry powder with turmeric. Turmeric is the substance that gives curry its yellowish color, while curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric that offers the health benefits known in earlier medical traditions and that is being discovered now in western nutritional medicine. Curcumin comprises five percent of turmeric.

Curcumin is both an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Epidemiological studies of people who have a high dietary intake of turmeric show a lower incidence of cancer among them.

Dr. Russell Blaylock included curcumin extract supplements in his post vaccination first aid kit to minimize the possibility of inflammation and cytokine storm from a vaccination. Curcumin has proven even better for relieving arthritis pains and stiffness than expensive pharmaceuticals, without side effects. It has also been proven to protect the liver and gallbladder.

Many other tests with curcumin extracts have been documented with in vitro (petri dish/test tube) and in vivo (living organisms) trials that show how amyloid plaque, considered a cause of Alzheimer’s, is suppressed by curcumin. There have also been many trials, mostly in vitro, that indicate curcumin helps impede cancer cells’ growth.

Curcumin extracts have been used as an adjunct with orthodox cancer treatments to reduce dosages of toxic cancer drugs.

Curcumin is considered non-toxic. Up to six grams of curcumin daily for extreme cases, such as cancer, has shown no toxic side effects. Since only five percent of turmeric is curcumin, this allows for consuming a good deal of turmeric.

How to Take Curcumin

Curcumin as part of turmeric powder is very beneficial as a daily regimen if taken properly. The problem with curcumin is similar to that of resveratrol: The stomach won’t let it pass through to the small intestines enough to appear significantly in blood serum, where it has to be for cellular nourishment.

That’s easily resolved with turmeric by combining it with fats. Cold pressed oils, coconut oil, organic butter, ghee, raw milk, and organic cottage cheese are optimum choices.

It has also been discovered that heat helps absorption without decomposing the curcumin in turmeric. Some users mix turmeric in warm milk. After all, curry involves cooking with some sort of fat.

The curcumin extract capsules, used for extreme conditions or by those who can afford the convenience, pose the same absorption problems with a different set of solutions. This extract is usually in capsules. Enteric coating needs to be used to keep the capsule intact in the stomach yet to allow it to break down in the small intestines, allowing for immediate absorption into the blood.

Enteric coatings are used commonly by Big Pharma, but not by natural supplement providers. So you need to look for that on the label or you’re wasting your money and time.

Some curcumin extract providers insert piperine, an extract of black pepper, to help absorb the curcumin. But curcumin supplements using piperine can cause problems with pharmaceutical medications. So if you are on pharmaceuticals, avoid curcumin extracts with piperine.

Unless your situation warrants higher supplementation, consuming turmeric at one to three teaspoons full per day with fats to get the curcumin into your bloodstream provides an inexpensive, safe,* and efficacious anti-inflammatory, anti-aging boost to your health.

*Those afflicted with hepatitis or gallbladder stones need to use caution.

By Tom Gregoire

Read Time: 7 Minutes

Five Natural Compounds Simulate Caloric Restriction

The most scientifically validated way to extend life span—from single-celled organisms to mammals—is caloric restriction.1 This technique has been shown to boost life span by nearly 100% in some species.2

Reducing the number of ingested calories—while maintaining healthy intake of essential nutrients—triggers a cascade of anti-aging mechanisms in the body. More than 70 years of research have established its life-extending power.3

Modern science has only recently begun to unravel the mystery behind how calorie restriction so radically extends life span. At its core lies favorable alterations in gene expression—one of the body’s adaptive responses to reduced calorie intake. By activating certain genes and disabling others, caloric restriction dramatically slows aging.

This retardation of aging delays the onset of degenerative disease while improving biomarkers of youth, ranging from metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity to cardiac health and cognitive function.4

By the same token, the consequences of caloric overconsumption are equally profound. Every excess calorie brings you one step closer to age-related illness and death.

This is true at any stage of life, whether you’re lean or overweight, regardless of your health or nutritional status.5-7

Eating more than your body needs (excessive energy intake) can load the blood with triglycerides, glucose, homocysteine, and pro-inflammatory chemicals. The results are accelerated aging processes, prompting deterioration across multiple biomarkers of health.8

Most humans find it difficult to submit to a sufficiently rigorous dietary regimen, leaving the benefits of calorie restriction tantalizingly out of reach. Until now!

In this article you will discover the most compelling evidence to date on the effects of caloric restriction. In a milestone 20-year study of Rhesus monkeys—our close genetic relatives—a modestly restricted diet resulted in a three-fold reduction in the risk of age-related disease!9

You will also learn about five natural compounds that favorably modulate gene expression to support a more youthful health profile. These “caloric restriction mimics” simulate many of the beneficial effects of caloric restriction through multiple pathways.

Aging individuals may now enjoy some of the youth-promoting, disease-fighting mechanisms of caloric restriction—without strict dietary measures.

A Milestone in Longevity Research

In 1989, a group of anti-aging researchers launched what would prove to be the most comprehensive study of caloric restriction (CR) to date.10 Rhesus monkeys were chosen as subjects because they exhibit biological and aging characteristics strikingly similar to humans. The results, published in 2009 in the prestigious journal Science,9 provide compelling evidence of CR’s age-delaying, disease-fighting power.

The monkeys were split into two groups. Half were allowed to eat naturally, without restraint; the other half subsisted on a nutrient-replete diet 30% lower in total calories than they would normally consume. After 20 years, 37% of controls had died of age-related causes, as opposed to just 13% in the calorie-restricted group. In other words, caloric restriction cut degenerative disease risk by a factor of three.9

This study’s findings are even more tantalizing when one sees that it did not require severe lowering of calorie intake to produce these striking results. Americans typically consume 100% more calories than they need. It only required a calorie reduction of 30% to achieve the remarkable benefits in this study.

The Rhesus monkey study also conclusively demonstrated caloric restriction’s protective power. Over the course of 20 years, virtually all measured biomarkers of health were superior in the CR group.9

These findings have profound implications for humans. Rhesus monkeys are as vulnerable to chronic, age-related disease as we are. They lose their strength over time. Many become obese, fall prey to metabolic syndrome, and succumb to diabetes. They develop cardiovascular disease and cancer. And like aging humans, their brains shrink as they get older.

Yet among the calorie-restricted group, incidence of cardiovascular disease was half the rate of­controls. Not one member exhibited any symptoms of impaired glucose control or diabetes, whereas 40% of monkeys who ate as much as they wanted had become diabetic or pre-diabetic.9

Calorie-restricted monkeys lost fat weight, but did not sustain loss of muscle mass observed in the control group. CR also inhibited reduction in brain volume, especially in areas governing cognitive and motor function.9

The robust health of the CR group compared to controls is clearly evident in photographs of the monkeys from the control and CR groups.9 (See figure 1 below.)

Benefits of Calorie Restriction in Humans

All available data indicate that calorie restriction also slows aging and reduces the risk of killer diseases in humans as well. Individuals who impose a 20% reduction in their calorie consumption for 2-6 years lose fat weight and show significant improvement in their markers of aging, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose control.11

Even brief periods of caloric restriction can temporarily improve core body temperature and insulin sensitivity, which happen to be markers of longevity.11,12 In clinical studies, short intervals of caloric restriction have reduced systemic inflammation—an underlying factor of so many chronic, degenerative diseases.

More youthful heart muscle performance13 has also been observed—caloric restriction appears to increase the number of vital energy-producing mitochondria in heart and skeletal muscle, reducing the oxidative damage that accelerates aging.14-16

No other intervention documented in the scientific literature can compete with caloric restriction as a candidate for slowing aging and supporting youthful health in humans.

It is regrettable that most aging individuals don’t lower calorie intake by the 20-30% reduction required to reap the benefits of caloric restriction, as it can dramatically lower disease risk and add years to their lives.

Caloric Restriction “Mimics” and Gene Expression

The problem many people have in sufficiently reducing their calorie intake has led to a novel scientific solution.

Researchers have identified a select group of nutrients that trigger many of the same underlying mechanisms of action as caloric restriction. Among the most promising of these caloric restriction mimics and enhancers are resveratrol, pterostilbene, quercetin, and grape seed extract, along with black tea extract. These nutraceuticals have been shown to generate many of the same effects in the body as caloric restriction, without significant dietary modification. In particular, they “mimic” caloric restriction’s favorable impact on genes that influence the aging process.

Genes have the capacity to directly affect life span by regulating a broad spectrum of aging factors, from inflammation and metabolic function to immune response. Calorie restriction exerts a beneficial effect on the activity of gene expression, supporting healthy cellular function through numerous physiological pathways. This includes:

• Blocking inflammatory factors
• Optimizing fat and carbohydrate metabolism
• Lowering serum glucose
• Supporting endothelial function
• Inhibiting cancer development and proliferation

Compounds that mimic caloric restriction bring about favorable changes in gene expression and improve the primary biomarkers of aging.

Controlling Nuclear Factor-Kappa B

Calorie restriction sharply limits expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB). In the cells, NF-kB is a critical gene regulator that governs response to pro-inflammatory cytokines, free radicals, cholesterol levels, immune function, and cancer prevention.17-24

The nutrients that mimic caloric restriction also act to stabilize NF-kB regulation and help combat the age-related conditions associated with unfavorable NF-kB activity.

Resveratrol activates sirtuins,25 a powerful family of “information regulator” proteins that inhibit NF-kB, reducing inflammation throughout the body, such as that caused by second-hand cigarette smoke.24 Resveratrol also prevents inflammatory mast cells from releasing the histamines that trigger asthma and allergic reactions.26

Resveratrol radically decreases production of the adhesion molecules that attract inflammatory cells to vascular walls, one of the principal mechanisms of atherosclerosis.27,28 Adhesion molecules also permit cancer cells to invade tissue and metastasize. Resveratrol’s influence over NF-kB has also enhanced beneficial UV-induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) in skin cancer cells.29

Found in blueberries, pterostilbene is a polyphenol closely related to resveratrol.30 It limits NF-kB activity through multiple complementary mechanisms.31 In vitro, pterostilbene suppresses invasive tumor activity and enhances therapeutic destruction of cancer cells.32,33

Quercetin’s ability to protect against chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and arthritis is due in part to its capacity for NF-kB inhibition.34,35

Grape seed extract also disrupts cellular inflammation signaling by blocking NF-kB.36 Its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine production in fat cells may even help combat obesity and type 2 diabetes.37

Black tea extract’s influence on NF-kB activity has been shown to specifically protect cells from damage associated with inflammation,38 cancer,39,40 Parkinson’s disease,41 and stroke.42

Suppressing Inflammatory Cytokines

Caloric restriction inhibits expression of genes that produce inflammatory cytokines—such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)—that are powerfully implicated in the onset of cancer, atherosclerosis, and chronic inflammation.43-46

Resveratrol and pterostilbene block the release of a host of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes found throughout the body—particularly tissues and organs stressed by environmental factors, infection, or trauma.22,47,48 Pterostilbene powerfully suppresses the expression of inflammatory COX-2,31,49 helping lower the risk of cancer as well as a host of inflammatory diseases.50,51

Quercetin inhibits the COX-2 enzyme involved in early-stage colon cancer, and suppresses numerous cytokines involved in allergies and autoimmune disorders.34,35,53

Grape seed extract specifically prevents fatty tissue from releasing inflammatory cytokines and adipokines that would otherwise provoke insulin resistance and atherosclerosis associated with metabolic syndrome.37 By downregulating reactive cytokines, grape seed extract has been shown in animals to protect organs from ischemia-reperfusion damage (injury caused by the return of blood flow after a period of restriction).54

Black tea extract reduces levels of STAT-1, a protein which “tells” the cell nucleus to activate genes that produce inflammatory cytokines.55

Cancer Prevention

Calorie restriction (CR) upregulates genes that suppress cancer and downregulates genes that permit cancers to form or spread. CR prevents cancer cell reproduction and proliferation, while inhibiting the blood vessel growth cancer cells require to develop and metastasize.46,56-62

Resveratrol and pterostilbene mirror these effects. They combat cancer at every stage of development, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a variety of human cancer types, while preserving healthy cells.32,63-66 Resveratrol also suppresses cancer proliferation by modulating expression of proteins involved in the reproductive cycle of abnormal cells.67,68

Quercetin activates “executioner” proteins while inhibiting survival proteins in human cancer cells, blocking their reproduction.69-71 Quercetin and resveratrol have also been shown to block the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an effect that may help starve tumors of their blood supply.72

Grape seed extract induces expression of a protein that arrests cancer cells early in their reproductive cycle, preventing further development and destroying them.73 Similar to quercetin, grape seed extract fights angiogenesis by suppressing the VEGF signaling pathway.74

Black tea extract reduces expression of genes that cancer cells use to proliferate, survive, infiltrate healthy tissue, supply themselves with blood, and metastasize to other organs.75 It has also been shown to upregulate expression of proteins that arrest the cell reproductive cycle and induce cellular death specifically in cancers.76

Enhanced Glucose Control

Caloric restriction enhances glucose control.77,78 Recall that not one of the Rhesus monkeys in the study discussed earlier developed diabetes or exhibited symptoms of impaired glucose control.9 Caloric restriction triggers gene regulators called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), a class of proteins responsible for healthy fat and carbohydrate metabolism. They also play key roles in optimizing mitochondrial health57,59 and thwarting the onset of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.79

Resveratrol80 and pterostilbene81,82 upregulate the production and activity of PPAR, launching a set of cellular processes that support a youthful metabolic profile. The PPAR activator resveratrol has been shown to:

• Prevent fat cells from absorbing sugar and converting it to fat83
• Reduce inflammation and insulin resistance in fat cells84
• Boost mitochondrial function 85

Grape seed extract modulates a different set of PPARs that regulate fat storage. Grape seed extract induces fat metabolism while inhibiting the development of new fat cells.86.87 It also protects endothelial cells by preventing the inflammatory response to proteins damaged by glucose (the age-accelerating process known as glycation).88

Resveratrol further exerts a favorable influence on blood sugar metabolism at the cellular level, reducing glucose production in liver cells in a way that mimics prolonged calorie restriction.89 In diabetic animals, resveratrol has been shown to help restore blood sugar to normal by modulating the activity of several enzymes involved in sugar metabolism.90

Pterostilbene and grape seed extract generate similar beneficial changes that help promote healthy blood sugar levels.91,92 Grape seed extract activates genes that trigger glucose uptake. This assists cells in the absorption and removal of glucose from circulation.92

Quercetin has been shown to stimulate the proliferation of pancreatic cells that help modulate blood glucose levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic animal models.93 It also markedly reduces expression of the enzyme that produces sorbitol, a sugar alcohol known to cause cataracts and blindess.94

Black tea extract polyphenols inhibit lipase,95 an enzyme that breaks down fat in the stomach and small intestines. This helps block absorption of fat into the bloodstream.96

In animal models, the theaflavins in black tea extract prevent after-meal elevations in blood glucose and may protect against the metabolic syndrome.97,98 This effect may help increase signaling for a powerful longevity factor called FOXO1a.99

Summary

Caloric restriction (CR) is the most scientifically validated method shown to reliably extend life span in multiple species, from microorganisms to mammals.

A milestone 20-year study provides the most conclusive evidence to date of its efficacy in Rhesus monkeys, our close genetic relatives. The discovery of calorie restriction-mimicking nutrients makes it possible for aging humans to emulate some of CR’s beneficial mechanisms of action, especially as an adjunct to modestly reducing one’s overall calorie intake.100 The unique ability of these nutrients to modulate gene expression exerts system-wide effects that, in addition to influencing many of the same pathways activated by calorie restriction, can also significantly reduce degenerative disease risk.

By Tom Gregoire

Imagine your dental treatment being performed by highly qualified dentists at a fraction of cost than what you would be paying in your own country and combine this with the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of India. Sounds too good to be true?

With the growth of medical tourism, this dream is now a reality. Medical tourism, broadly defined, is a term used to describe the process whereby patients travel to countries other than their own to obtain medical, dental and /or surgical treatments at a far cheaper price, typically combining their trip with a vacation in the country of visit. Usually the savings made on the healthcare funds the vacation and still allows some money to be left over. Today it is a multi billion dollar industry and growing at a rapid rate world wide.
Growth of Medical Tourism

A combination of multiple factors has contributed to the recent increase in popularity of medical tourism. High cost of healthcare in the industrialized nations and the dramatic reduction in cost of international travel together has created a market for medical tourism. At the same time a destination is needed for these medical tourists. In the recent years, the medical technology and standards of healthcare in many developing countries has seen a revolution. Today, countries like India, the East Indies, South America and South East Asia offer treatment facilities at par with international standards at just a fraction of cost. Also, these countries offer numerous options for touring, sight-seeing, shopping, and exploring. With the current growth rate of medical tourism it is expected that destinations for medical tourists will also increase rapidly as healthcare facilities improve around the world.
India as a medical tourism destination

“Health is Wealth.” Today, everyone around the world knows and accepts the importance of Health. This changing attitude and way of living of people are the primary reasons why the healthcare industry across the globe has caught up in the limelight and gaining it’s momentum as days pass by.
Unlike in other Industries, in the healthcare industry, it’s not merely machines or technology that matters. A lot depends on the skill and clinical judgments of the doctors. India, as we all know, is already very well known for its high level of professionalism and knowledge in the health care and medical Industry. Though there are other countries where medical tourism is already being actively promoted such as Greece, South Africa, Jordan, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, India is fast emerging as the most preferred, competent and cost effective contender in the world with respect to medical tourism. Long recognized for its cultural and scenic beauty, India is now being put up on international map as a haven for those seeking quality and affordable healthcare.

Why India?

The availability of numerous Hospitals and Clinics in each and every part of India, whether urban, semi-urban, or rural, with 24 Hours medical facilities and well qualified staff prevents the problems of waiting lists as seen in American, Canadian or European hospitals. In addition, the one on one attention as seen in most Indian Hospitals and the availability of professionally trained personal nurses and 24 hour servants are the unimaginable luxuries for people coming from most developed countries.

The treatment in India is cost effective and very efficient. This is a major factor that attracts medical tourists from all around the globe particularly in the field of dentistry. But on a personal level, Indian doctors and hospitals are globally known for their kindness and personal care towards their patients. The language barrier creates only a small hurdle as most of the doctors and hospitals speak and understand English and the Prescriptions are written in English.

It is said that “Faith is the best healer.” The strong confidence people have in Indian medical systems and practices attracts them to India. Its reputation precedes it. Finally, leisure tourism is already very much in demand in India as the country offers diverse cultural and scenic beauty. India has almost all sorts of destinations like high mountains, vast deserts, scenic beaches, historical monuments, religious temples etc. Known for its hospitality for tourists, the country has opened doors to welcome with the same hospitality the medical patients.

So, if you require medical treatments of any kind consider becoming a medical tourist and get a free vacation with the savings on your treatment bills with no compromise in quality!

Go to India or Inquire with a post and we will get you directed to the right country and the right Doctor

Sea weed, Mans best friend
Killer carbs, marching into your mouth without your knowledge

FYI

I apologize for the misspelling in the heading. I am still trying to find out out to get back in and edit it.

By Tom Gregoire

Read Time: 7 Minutes

With today’s sophisticated culinary marketplace. Food producers are looking for ways to reduce their cost while attempting to remain competitive. One way Food Companies increase their profit is to place chemicals and carbohydrates as fillers.

Unless your reading every label, you are participating albeit un-willingly.

If you’re an American over 20 years old, you may already suffer from some form of impaired glucose control.

According to 2007 data from the National Institutes of Health, 25% of Americans 20 years and older had abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood—a pre-diabetic state. That number leapt to 35% in individuals 60 and older. Extrapolating from the total US population, nearly 60 million American adults may now be pre-diabetic.1

These statistics make it clear that the glut of excess carbohydrate calories lurking in the Western diet undermines our best efforts to maintain healthy metabolic function and body weight.

Far too many people have lost their metabolic capacity to properly process carbohydrates. The result is a looming public health disaster, as impaired glucose control initiates a series of metabolic disorders that sharply increases disease risk.

To reverse this lethal epidemic of impaired glucose control, aging individuals often require more aggressive measures than merely limiting carbohydrate intake.

Fortunately, researchers have discovered proven methods to limit one’s exposure to carbohydrate calories without dramatic changes in diet. It centers on a group of natural compounds called enzyme inhibitors.

These interventions block the action of sucrase, amylase, and glucosidase, digestive enzymes responsible for the breakdown of various forms of carbohydrate. Instead of absorbing and converting these sugars into higher than desired blood glucose levels, you may be able to safely eliminate many of these excess carbohydrate calories.

These natural “carb-blockers” provide a practical approach to help lower glucose levels, improve age-related markers of health, and regain glycemic control.2

Combating the Scourge of Sucrose

Starting in early childhood, most Americans are exposed to far too much refined carbohydrates in the form of sucrose (table sugar). It is virtually omni-present in processed foods. It also happens to be an enemy to human health and an age-accelerator.

Many individuals do not even knowingly ingest it. According to a 2009 study in the Journal of Nutrition, only 3% of dietary sucrose is deliberately added by consumers; 82% is added by manufacturers.3 And while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that sucrose comprise only 10% of total energy intake, many people substantially exceed this level from the earliest years of life—usually at the expense of key nutrients.3,4

Manufacturers know that most people will consistently choose sweetened over unsweetened foods and beverages.5 People will often continue to do so at the expense of their own health. After years of chronic exposure to sucrose, physiological processes not unlike addiction take hold. Rapid absorption of sugars from a high-sucrose meal triggers a dangerous sequence of unfavorable hormonal and metabolic alterations that promote still greater consumption, especially in overweight individuals.6,7 The result is the dangerously high incidence of metabolic disease we see today—obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.8-10

This alarming trend has led to a set of novel, evidence-based solutions. Aging individuals now have practical means at their disposal to slow or reverse the long-term consequences of chronic sucrose overexposure.

Sucrose is composed of two simple sugar molecules, glucose and fructose. It is poorly absorbed in the intestine in this form. In order to be utilized, it must first be broken down by the digestive enzyme sucrase. Blocking the enzymatic action of sucrase therefore limits uptake of sucrose.

L-arabinose

Researchers have identified a potent sucrase inhibitor called L-arabinose. Although it is a simple plant sugar, L-arabinose is indigestible and cannot be absorbed into the blood. Instead it remains in the digestive tract and is eventually excreted.11,12 By blocking metabolism of sucrose, L-arabinose inhibits the spike in blood sugar and fat synthesis that would otherwise follow a sugar-rich meal.12 In animal models, L-arabinose virtually eliminates the rise in blood sugar following administration of sucrose, with blood glucose levels rising only 2% higher than in control animals that did not receive sucrose. L-arabinose did not exert any effect on serum glucose levels in control animals that did not receive sucrose.13

L-arabinose has been proven safe in both short- and long-term studies, and may contribute to lowered levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1C),14 a measure of chronic exposure to sugar in the blood. A study combining L-arabinose and white bean extract (see next page) not only smoothed out postprandial glucose spikes and reduced insulin levels—it lowered systolic blood pressure.14

Chromium

The trace element chromium is another potent aid in the management of healthy blood sugar levels. Scientists have known for years that chromium aids in the management of type 2 diabetes, where it not only helps control blood glucose but also reduces total cholesterol levels.15-17 The combination of chromium with L-arabinose attacks multiple targets to prevent sucrose-induced blood sugar elevation and reduce sugar calorie exposure.

Complex Carbohydrate Enzyme Inhibitors

White Bean Extract

Extracts from the common white kidney bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, are powerful blockers of the enzyme alpha-amylase, which is secreted by the pancreas.18,19 Alpha-amylase breaks down long-chain, complex starch molecules into simple sugars and short-chain oligosaccharides for absorption in the small intestine. Blocking alpha-amylase inhibits the metabolism of starches and slows the rate at which free sugars are absorbed.

White bean extract shows enormous potential for preventing the blood sugar and insulin spikes that are associated with many chronic health disorders.13 Slowing starch digestion also prolongs the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty its contents, further reducing the amount of carbohydrate calories released at any one time into the intestine.20

White bean extracts operate along numerous overlapping pathways in multiple, related physiological systems. Laboratory research shows that supplementation with white bean extract promotes weight loss in obese animals, with dramatic reduction in fat accumulation without loss of muscle mass.21,22 Plasma insulin levels also dropped substantially following a high-carbohydrate meal including white bean extract in pre-clinical studies, reflecting a much more gradual rise in blood sugar levels.22

Amylase inhibition with white bean extract has proven particularly effective in reducing glycemia (sugar load in the blood) in studies on diabetic animals. Supplementation in diabetic rats not only substantially lowered mean blood sugar levels; it also reduced the animals’ total food and water intake (water intake is increased in untreated diabetes because of the amount lost in sugar-laden urine).23 White bean extract has also been shown to boost levels of an intestinal hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK), which produces the sensation of satiety following a meal and reduces the urge to continue eating.24 Research further indicates it can restore overactive intestinal sugar-digesting enzymes to nearly normal levels, further reducing the sugar load.23

White bean extract has yielded equally compelling results in human studies. It has been shown to diminish the effects of high-glycemic index foods (like white bread) that are notorious for producing sharp, potentially dangerous postprandial blood sugar spikes, helping to alleviate metabolic burden throughout the body.25 In obese but otherwise healthy patients, supplementation with white bean extract produces weight loss more than twice as fast as in controls.26 Even in people who are only slightly overweight, white bean extract reduces body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, fat tissue thickness, and waist circumference, while maintaining lean body mass27—key elements that are linked with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk.

White bean extract is highly effective even in aging individuals whose diets contain the highest amounts of carbohydrates.28 By blocking amylase and slowing starch digestion, it increases the amount of intact carbohydrates reaching the lower bowel, where they are consumed by beneficial intestinal bacteria.19 It has also been shown to induce a three-fold reduction in serum triglycerides compared to controls.26

White bean extract has an excellent safety profile, even at high doses.29 As with all the carbohydrate inhibitors reviewed here, it does not reduce blood sugar to below normal levels—an important feature for diabetics in whom large swings in glucose levels are especially dangerous.13

It should be noted that ingestion of white bean extract may result in minor intestinal protein losses, requiring additional protein intake.30

Irvingia

Extract of the wild African mango Irvingia gabonensis can produce weight loss by inhibiting calorie absorption and storage through multiple mechanisms. It also exerts potent anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects.31 Studies from Africa in the mid-1980’s showed that Irvingia extract normalized blood sugar in diabetic patients while increasing the activity of enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism.32 Irvingia extract also lowers blood levels of dangerous LDL and VLDL in diabetics, while increasing beneficial HDL levels.33 It mobilizes liver enzyme activity in favor of glucose storage and away from its release into the bloodstream, thereby improving glucose control.31

Irvingia works in part by inhibiting the amylase enzyme, and thus provides support for those attempting to restrict their total carbohydrate exposure and lose weight.31 In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study of obese but otherwise healthy adults, one month of supplementation produced a 5.3% body weight loss in supplemented patients, compared with only a 1.3% loss in the control group.34 These individuals also saw significant improvement in their lipid profiles. Additional studies confirm these findings, demonstrating significant reductions in body fat content, waist circumference, blood sugar levels, and markers of fat tissue regulation.35,36

White bean extract… has been shown to diminish the effects of high-glycemic index foods that produce sharp, potentially dangerous postprandial blood sugar spikes.

In addition to blocking amylase activity, Irvingia extract acts directly on fat cells to reduce lipid formation and storage.31,37 Its operation is multi-modal—downregulating genes that promote fat production—while upregulating factors that suppress it, including adiponectin,36,37 a glucose-regulating hormone that lowers fat-mediated inflammation and enhances insulin sensitivity.38 Adiponectin levels correlate with a reduction in risk for metabolic syndrome.39,40

Seaweed Extracts

Extracts from several seaweed species (actually the complex algae known as kelp) are potent inhibitors of amylase and another digestive enzyme called alpha-glucosidase. They have proven to be cost-effective means of preventing the progression of diabetes in pre-clinical models.41 In particular, extracts of Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum are known to help lower blood glucose in normal and diabetic animals.42,43

A recent detailed study of a seaweed compound containing extracts from both Fucus and Ascophyllum offers insights into their mechanisms and benefits. The combination was given to laboratory rats prior to a meal with a high glycemic index.44 Such meals typically produce a rapid rise in both glucose and insulin levels in the blood, with an equally rapid drop within 60 minutes. The glucose spike contributes to excessive formation of dangerous advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). The insulin spike contributes to paradoxically low blood sugar at about 90 minutes, which can create a sensation of hunger, prompting excess food consumption.

The seaweed combination cut postprandial sugar spikes by 90% compared with untreated animals.44 That in turn reduced the insulin spike by 40%, which completely eliminated the period of low blood sugar that followed the meal in untreated rats.

In response to this seaweed combination, postprandial glucose and insulin profiles were modified to levels resembling meals with a much lower glycemic load. Blood sugar rose more slowly, achieved a shorter and more modest peak level, and then declined more gradually without ever “bottoming out” at an abnormally low level.

A recently completed human clinical trial produced similarly promising results. In this randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted at Laval University, 23 healthy volunteers consumed 500 mg of a Fucus-Ascophyllum combination along with a high-glycemic index meal of white bread. The seaweed combination produced a 44% reduction in the glycemic response that normally follows ingestion of such a meal. The seaweed combination also produced a 22% reduction in the initial insulin production following the meal, and an overall 5.9% reduction in the area under the curve of the insulin response. The study results will be presented at the Experimental Biology meeting in Anaheim in April, 2010.45

The findings suggest that in humans, the Fucus-Ascophyllum compound may lead to earlier satiety, longer intervals between meals, fewer urges to snack, and lower total calorie intake.

Green Tea Extract

Raising basal metabolic rate is another effective mechanism for offsetting excess carbohydrate intake. Green tea extract boosts the “resting” metabolism by inhibiting an enzyme called catechol-O-methyl transferase or COMT that breaks down noradrenaline, an adrenaline-like hormone that sustains energy production.55 The resulting higher levels of metabolic activity help to burn off excess calories.56

In a large clinical trial, a patented green tea phytosome extract produced exceptional weight loss in obese individuals. Supplemented subjects lost almost 31 lbs over 3 months, while controls lost just 11 pounds!57 Both groups followed a low calorie diet. Multiple studies of overweight and obese adults indicate that green tea extracts can reduce abdominal fat as well as total cholesterol, LDL, and fasting triglyceride levels.58,59

Green tea provides another benefit in helping to alleviate the metabolic burden imposed by excess calorie ingestion. It has been shown to inhibit the lipase digestive enzyme that breaks down dietary fats for absorption into the blood.60

Summary

Roughly 1 in 5 Americans are pre-diabetic, a result of excess calorie consumption and normal aging. Sucrase, amylase, and glucosidase are digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, and lipase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down fat, facilitating absorption of excess calories into the blood.

As humans age, the impact of chronic caloric overload enabled by these digestive enzymes can lead to an array of life-threatening conditions ranging from high blood sugar and insulin to type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Natural compounds have been shown to effectively inhibit these digestive enzymes and impede the absorption of excess carbohydrate. L-arabinose neutralizes sucrase, reducing uptake of sugar (as sucrose) into the blood. Extracts of white bean, Irvingia gabonensis, and certain seaweeds block amylase and glucosidase activity, further reducing the number of ingested carbohydrate calories that are absorbed. Green or black tea extract can help reduce the activity of lipase, a digestive enzyme that helps break down fat in the gastrointestinal tract.

These natural compounds have been shown to effectively lower excess calorie absorption while reducing postprandial (post-meal) blood sugar and blood fat (triglyceride) spikes.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension® Health Advisor at 1-866-864-3027.

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33. Adamson I, Okafor C, Abu-Bakare A. A supplement of Dikanut (Irvingia gabonesis) improves treatment of type II diabetics. West Afr J Med. 1990 Apr-Jun;9(2):108-15.

34. Ngondi JL, Oben JE, Minka SR. The effect of Irvingia gabonensis seeds on body weight and blood lipids of obese subjects in Cameroon. Lipids Health Dis. 2005;4:12.

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The above article was taken from Life extension magazine, February, 2009 author Dr. Julius Goepp