Ace music producer, Del B just dropped us a new song “COMSA” with the sensational “reggae blues” singer, Harrysong. The track was Produce...
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by a buildup of fat within the cells of the liver. Although having fat in the liver is normal, if there is an excessive amount, it can lead to liver scarring and cirrhosis .
Cirrhosis describes a process during which liver cells are gradually replaced by scar tissue, hindering the liver’s capacity to work effectively.
NAFLD is estimated to affect 20 to 30 percent of people in the Western world, and this level appears to be on the rise.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes and morbid
obesity are among the worst affected; in these groups, the rates of NAFLD are 70 and 90 percent, respectively.
Although some of the risk factors are understood, it is not always clear why one person develops NAFLD while another, similar person, does not. Because of the rising prevalence of NAFLD, a great deal of research is currently under way that attempts to generate an understanding of the pathways behind the condition.
The latest research comes from a team headed up by Dr. Michael Thompson, Ph.D., a pediatric
endocrinology fellow at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio. The results are presented today at the Experimental Biology 2017 meeting, held in Chicago, IL.
Using a mouse model, the research explores the effect, if any, of a maternal high-fat diet on the offspring’s liver health.
Dr. Thompson explains the reasons for his decision to embark on the current project: “Complications of obesity are a significant cost burden for the medical system, especially given the prevalence of obesity. Understanding how maternal exposures impact obesity-related disease such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will allow us to develop lower-cost preventative therapies to utilize up front rather than awaiting complications down the road.”
Does a mother ‘ s diet increase their offspring ‘ s risk for NAFLD ?
Once the data had been analyzed, they found that exposure to a high-fat diet during development produced changes in the liver that persisted through to adulthood. These changes remained even if the offspring were fed a low-fat diet after birth.
If this effect is confirmed in humans, it would mean that someone of a healthy weight could still be at risk for NAFLD if their mother had been obese during pregnancy.
When the team looked further into the data, they found that levels of bile acid and the genes involved in its regulation were altered in the offspring of obese mothers. This suggests that the offspring might have cholestasis, a condition in which the normal flow of bile is interrupted.
The results will need to be confirmed, but they open the door to a raft of new questions. Thompson and his team are now planning research to further investigate the risk of disease progression. Using the same mouse model, they are also designing studies that will examine preventative therapies able to be administered during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
Due to the rising rates of NAFLD, research in this vein is likely to continue at breakneck pace. Preventing or slowing this condition could have huge health benefits for the population at large.
Source: Medical News Today
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by a buildup of fat within the cells of the liver. Although having fat in the liv...
Why is exfoliation so important? Because our skin makes new cells all the time and simultaneously deposits the dead ones on its surface. These dead cells build up, especially without proper exfoliation, preventing the new ones from realising their full potential, causing pore blockages, breakouts, and contributing to the appearance of wrinkles, uneven skin, dulness and fine lines. Exfoliation, simply put, removes the dead skin cell buildup, helping your skin breathe, retain more moisture and produce more healthy, new cells. Regular exfoliation can help create wonderful, sooth, glowing and radiant complexion. Here are 5 things about exfoliating your face that you might find interesting.
1. Manual/phisical exfoliation
Manual or physical exfoliation is one of the three types of exfoliation and perhaps the most popular one, because anyone can do it at home. You can use brushes, loofahs, washcloths, sponges and shower gloves, or things like rice bran or ground coffee. Besides being the simplest way of exfoliation and easy to do at home, it is very effective on normal skin type. However, there’s one word of caution that dermatologists have and it has to do with abrasiveness. For certain skin types, especially redness prone and sensitive skin, the loofah is too harsh and abrasive. Also, as a general rule, experts do not recommend crushed apricot seeds or other similar substances for exfoliation, because they can irritate the skin and cause redness. So, choose your exfoliation tools wisely.
2. Chemical exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation works in a different way – it stimulates the production of new skin cells and facilitates the detachment of dead ones from the surface of the skin. Most frequently, this exfoliation technique involves one of two kinds of acid – alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy, derived from natural sources such as sour milk, apples, grapes and sugar cane. Among the advantages of these exfoliating creams and lotions is that they are great for acne-stricken skin, where manual exfoliation can be very painful. They also work great on dry skin, which tends to get easily irritated by friction. Chemical exfoliation, however, must be followed by sunblock application, because it increases the skin’s vulnerability to solar radiation. Chemical exfoliators also contain retinol, a form of vitamin A, which the skin converts into a special acid that rejuvenates and nourishes it.
3. Enzyme exfoliation
Enzyme exfoliation is what science has come up with for sensitive skin, where neither manual, nor chemical exfoliation can’t do, because of extreme skin sensitivity. These exfoliating products are based on the enzymes contained in fruits, commonly papaya, pumpkin and pineapple, which work by decomposing the proteins in the dead skin cells, and literally disintegrating them. This is perhaps the gentlest form of exfoliation you can imagine, and it can also easily be done at home. You can just mash some pineapple and/or papaya and make a face mask, it’s that easy! The added benefits are like the ones you get from every fruit treatment: you get a full set of very important vitamins, such as A and C, which keep the skin youthful and supple, and you can also be sure that no chemicals are involved.
4. Exfoliating tools
Since manual exfoliation is one the most popular ones (but don’t forget enzymes), let’s focus on the tools you might choose to use to remove the buildup of dead skin cells from your face. A soft-bristled brush is a good choice, if your skin is not too sensitive, and so is a washcloth. You can use them with just water, or you can add your favorite exfoliating product or scrub or natural oil. Loofahs are not suitable for facial exfoliation, understandably. For the body, you can use the loofah or a special exfoliating glove. Whatever your preferred tool, this is how it’s done: massage the skin with gentle, circular motions, making sure not to press too hard. If you want to try chemical exfoliation in the comfort of your own home, you can get a set of glycolic masks – paper masks that you put on your face, let stay for a while, then remove, rinse; and, voila, your face has been exfoliated.
5. Some commonly used exfoliants
These are gently abrasive substances that are put in ready-made scrubs or can be found in every kitchen for homemade exfoliation. Fruit pits are one of these abrasives, but as we said they can be a bit too rough. Baking soda, salt and sugar can also be used as exfoliants in homemade masks, also including natural oils and honey, for example. Rice bran, as we’ve already mentioned, and oatmeal need to be mentioned too. They both make for a great, gentle exfoliant and can be used in homemade facial masks. In addition to the exfoliating effect, these natural exfoliants also nourish the skin, stimulating its moisture-retaining properties and boosting the production of new skin cells. The same, as we saw, is true of chemical exfoliants that you can also buy at the grocery store. Just mash the fruit and apply, let it stay for five or ten minutes, then rinse gently.
Stay beautiful!
Source: Beauty and Tips
Why is exfoliation so important? Because our skin makes new cells all the time and simultaneously deposits the dead ones on its surface. The...
Winner of the 2017 edition of the Mr and Miss Imo state pageant, Unachukwu Samuel hails originally from Ikeduru in the East but lived most of his life in Lagos and Ghana.
Mr Unachukwu was born on the 14th of May and graduated from Project Management Technology from the prestigious Federal University of Technology Owerri FUTO in 2013.
He is a model and an entrepreneur. His hobbies are football which he started
at a very young age playing for a top team and a dedicated fitness fanatic.
Mr and Miss Imo State Nigeria kicked off on the 1st of April with a one week intensive boot camp for all the 40 finalists in the city of Owerri.
The 7th Edition of the event was organised by the CEO of Chris Events, Mr Ikoku Chris Amakor and was very successful with a big turnout of politicians, companies, beauty kings and queens and notable people in the industry.
The 40 finalists where chosen from over 700 contestants who auditioned across different states. Unachukwu Samuel was declared the winner of Mr Imo State 2017 with his role to represent Nigeria not only in Nigeria itself but also internationally.
Mr Unachukwu was given the keys to a brand new Top of the Range black Ford Edge and a grand prize of 2 million Naira amongst many other prizes.
Winner of the 2017 edition of the Mr and Miss Imo state pageant, Unachukwu Samuel hails originally from Ikeduru in the East but lived most o...
Canada-based Nigerian singer, Stephanie Otobo has released a video of her song, “ I Depend on You “.
She is the alleged lover of Apostle Johnson Suleman who was arrested and detained in Nigeria for demanding that Suleman fulfill his promise to marry her.
Hit Play below!
Source: Bellanaija
Canada-based Nigerian singer, Stephanie Otobo has released a video of her song, “ I Depend on You “. She is the alleged lover of Apostle Jo...
Nigerian actress, Olayode Julianna popularly known as Toyo Baby for her role in popular sitcom, Jenifa’ Diary has slammed reports that she is currently at loggerheads with her boss and mentor, Funke Akindele.
The clarified the rumours on her social media minutes ago with a photo with Funke.
See below:
Nigerian actress, Olayode Julianna popularly known as Toyo Baby for her role in popular sitcom, Jenifa’ Diary has slammed reports that she i...
The Federal government has been charged to come out with the truth regarding the recovered $43.4 million loot at Osborne Towers Lagos and other areas across the nation, Naij.com reports.
Oil and solid mineral producing communities of the Niger Delta region made the call under the aegis of Oil and Solid Mineral Producing Area Landlords’ Association of Nigeria (OMPALAN).
OMPALAN warned the Federal Government not to delay in furnishing Nigerians with the true state of the recovered funds or risk what they termed the ticking bomb in the Niger Delta region.
Vanguard reports that the group, speaking through its national leader, Bishop Udo Uzogu, said that the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta region have been watching the ongoing investigations of recovered loots with keen interest and warned that government should never undermine the outcome by not coming out clean on the probe.
“The $43.4 million and other monies stashed in 7B Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, is a ticking bomb in Niger Delta region. Oil producing communities of the Niger Delta region are watching ongoing investigation of the Osborne Towers loot with keen interest.
“The Federal Government should not underrate the devastating consequences of not coming out with the whole truth surrounding the mysterious loot as only the truth can save Nigeria now.
“The ugly development is a dangerous bomb ticking to explode any time. God Almighty has exposed the real enemies of Nigeria.”
“They are not jobless youths accused of bombing oil installations to protest abject neglect of the oil-rich region but, the corrupt elite class, which alone can afford the luxury of Osborne Towers with massive loot from the convulsing and impoverished oil-rich Niger Delta region,” said Uzogu.
NAIJ.com earlier reported that the Presidential Investigative Committee probing the recovery of $43.4million at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos commenced its work on Monday, April 24 at the Vice President’s Wing of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
But there is a twist in the committee’s work as one of its member, Major-General Babagana Monguno, who is also the National Security Adviser (NSA) has been indicted, The Nation reports.
The NSA was indicted by the suspended Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayo Oke, who told the committee members that Monguno knew about the recovered fund.
According to Oke, he wrote a memo to the NSA on the custody of the $43.4million for covert operations.
A source quoted in the report, said the DG maintained his stand that he informed Monguno about the money. NAIJ.com gathered that Oke told the committee about the covert operations and projects executed by the agency.
The source added: “Oke gave a spirited defence of his career and said there was no ill-motive behind the cash.”
At the end of it all, Oke was heard saying “I did my best before the committee. I have left the rest to God.”
- 02:49
“Produce the truth about $43.4m Osborne loot, or Niger Delta will be destroyed”- Group to FG
The Federal government has been charged to come out with the truth regarding the recovered $43.4 million loot at Osborne Towers Lagos and ot...
Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi west Senatorial District, who performed a song ‘Ajekun Iya’ to mock his ‘enemies’ during his certificate scandal, has remixed the popular song along with a Live Band.
Source: Naij.com
Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi west Senatorial District, who performed a song ‘Ajekun Iya’ to mock his ‘enemies’ during his certif...
Veteran star actor, Olumide Bakare died after suffering from lung and heart disease for several years.
He died on Saturday April 22, while he was being rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) by his personal assistant.
Below are 5 things you should know about the veteran actor.
1. He was born on November 26, 1953.
2. He began his full time acting career from Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as Chief Koko, in the popular sitcom, Koko Close.
3. Bakare had three children from two women.
4. After 30 years, he stopped smoking Indian Hemp in 1998.
5. Olumide died from a disease diagnosed as Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm and Pulmonary Embolism.
Veteran star actor, Olumide Bakare died after suffering from lung and heart disease for several years. He died on Saturday April 22, while ...
According to a report by Naij.com, the World Bank has applauded Babatunde Fashola, the minister of power, works and housing for his power sector recovery plan and has promised to provide financial support.
Kemi Adeosun who is the minister of finance made this known when she led Nigeria’s delegation to World Bank, IMF meetings in Washington.
Fashola was said to have presented the power plan, which was approved by the federal executive council and secured the support of the financial institutions.
Adeosun said the multilateral agencies said the plan is realistic and that the minister would be getting a lot of support.
She said: “What the power sector recovery plan has done is to look at all the problems really honestly. The multilateral agencies have looked at the plan we have put together and they like it because, as they said — it is realistic.”
“We have really dimensioned all the issues from GenCos to DisCos to end users to metering, and one thing that everybody is very clear of is that it is a big problem.
“So it is a large problem that will take some time to solve, but the most important thing is that there are milestones of what we are expecting to see.
“The multilateral agencies have pledged their support financially, because those investments are tied to certain results. For example, if you look at the issues around the transmission, power is generated, but cant be evacuated because the transmission capacity is not there. So, just investing in the transmission capacity in certain areas will change the power outlook.”
“From the impression I got yesterday from the meeting, they were optimistic that if we actually implement what we’ve planned, and the minister of power works and housing was very emphatic that he is going to drive the implementation”.
“I feel quite optimistic that it is realistic. We are not saying throw away your generator by December, it is a realistic plan, but it is going to take time.
“If we have power, a lot of factories that have closed down can re-open. So, it ties with our Economic and Recovery Growth Plan.”
According to a report by Naij.com, the World Bank has applauded Babatunde Fashola, the minister of power, works and housing for his power se...
Strong, healthy and beautiful nails are one of the most important attributes of beautiful feminine hands. Often, after damaging our nails with gel and acrylic enhancements, our nails acquire yellowish tone and become prone to breakages and chipping. Today, let’s look at some beauty recipes that can help you to strengthen your nails (you won’t need anything more, than natural beauty ingredients that you can find right in your kitchen).
1) How to strengthen your nails using lemon juice and sea salt?
Mix 1 table spoon of sea salt and 1 table spoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice with half litter of warm water and place your bare nails into this natural, nail beauty bath for about 15 minutes, then, rinse well and apply hydrating hand cream or nourishing oil on your hands (you can also use Shea butter). If you do this treatment every other day during about 2 weeks, your nails should look more healthy, get stronger and the nail color should become lighter.
You can add rose petals and one or two drops of rose essential oil into your nail beauty bath for decorative and aromatic enhancement.
2) How to strengthen your nails using olive oil, honey and an egg?
Mix 4 table spoons of slightly warmed olive oil (it shouldn’t be hot, the oil should be comfortable to touch) with 2 table spoons of row honey and 1 whisked egg; mix well all the ingredients and dip your bare nails into this treatment for 10-15 minutes, then wash your hands with warm water (without using a soap). If you do this natural nail care treatment about 2 times a week during 2-3 weeks, your nails should become stronger, more elastic and less brittle. This homemade nail beauty bath will also help hydrate your hands.
3) How to strengthen your nails using lemon juice and olive oil?
Lemon juice and olive oil treatment can help strengthen your nails and prevent chipping. To prepare this treatment mix 3 table spoons of olive oil with 1 table spoon of lemon juice; place your bare nails into this nail beauty bath for about 10-15 minutes and then, rinse with water. Use this treatment once or twice a week during 3 weeks and see your nails get healthier, stronger and free from chipping.
4) Simply, olive oil
Actually, if you aren’t in the mood for experimenting and creating sophisticated nail care treatments or you just don’t have any other ingredients, than our simple old friend – olive oil, you can still strengthen your nails, using only this ingredient. Olive oil is extremely nourishing and moisturizing, it can easily be absorbed into the skin and nails. Just soak your nails in a bowl of olive oil once or twice a week for about 15-20 minutes (then rinse with water and pat dry) and see your nails get stronger, healthier and brighter. After you’ve made this olive oil nail care treatment your can massage your nails and cuticles with liquid Vitamin E (which you can buy in pharmacies), it will nourish, restore and powerfully strengthen your nails.
(Make sure your are not allergic to the ingredients of these beauty recipes before doing the treatments).
Source: Beauty and Tips
Strong, healthy and beautiful nails are one of the most important attributes of beautiful feminine hands. Often, after damaging our nails wi...
Former campaign aides, fundraisers and others with ties to President Trump and Vice President Pence have attracted dozens of new lobbying clients in Washington, raking in more than $2.2 million in lobbying fees in the first months of the administration, a USA TODAY analysis shows.
Brian Ballard, a longtime Florida lobbyist and a fundraiser for both Trump’s campaign and inaugural committee, appears to lead the pack, signing up 20 federal clients since opening his Washington lobbying operation this year. His company, Ballard Partners, has earned more than $1.1 million in a three-month period, new lobbying reports show.
Ballard is one of more than a dozen White House allies launching new firms, taking new jobs in lobbying firms or signing up new clients this year as companies and other interests look for ways to shape policy in the Trump administration. During the campaign, Trump repeatedly promised to drain the special-interest swamp in Washington.
In a statement, the White House said that Trump had a “great number of highly talented people working on his campaign. It isn’t a surprise those who did not choose to join the administration are highly successful in whatever endeavor they undertake.”
“There is no legal restriction from former campaign aides having positive relationships inside and outside the White House,” the statement said.
Ballard’s federal clients include the private prison firm, GEO Group, which recently won a $110 million federal contract to build the first immigration-detention facility of the new administration.
In addition, Ballard’s firm has landed lucrative deals to represent two foreign interests – the ruling Socialist Party of Albania and the Dominican Republic. His firm will collect $900,000 for its one-year contract with the Dominican government and $240,000 over a year from the Albanians, according to documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Ballard said his decision to expand to Washington was driven by his longstanding Florida clients, saying ‘Would you please open an office in Washington? We want to understand how the administration operates, how it works, what are the thought processes of the people behind it.’ ”
Ballard, who sits on the Republican National Committee’s finance committee, said knowing key administration players is “helpful” but he said his firm’s reputation as Florida’s largest lobbyist operation helped spur its rapid growth. He would not discuss his work for specific clients or whether he’s had contact with Trump or another administration officials. “We don’t talk about how we do our business,” Ballard said.
Fred Wertheimer, president of the watchdog group Democracy 21, said the lobbying activity by Trump allies demonstrates one “way Washington works to the disadvantage of the American people. You have individuals with close ties to elected officials who cash in on their relationships.”
“This represents the complete opposite of what candidate Trump repeatedly claimed he would do something about,” Wertheimer said of Trump’s repeated campaign pledge to “drain the swamp” in the nation’s capital.
‘GREAT TIME’ AT THE WHITE HOUSE
One lobbying and consulting startup makes no secret of its ties to the administration: Avenue Strategies, started last year by Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s first campaign manager, and other campaign advisers.
The firm’s website touts Lewandowski’s campaign role, describing him as overseeing “all aspects of a historic presidential campaign where Donald J. Trump won 38 Republican primaries and caucuses and received more votes than any presidential candidate in the history of the Republican Party.”
Lewandowski is not a registered federal lobbyist but others in the firm are. Avenue Strategies reported earning $140,000 during the first quarter of the year from five clients. They include the government of Puerto Rico, where a federally appointed board is charged with overseeing the territory’s efforts to dig out of its deep economic crisis.
Firm co-founder Barry Bennett, a former Trump campaign adviser who managed the presidential campaign of Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Ben Carson, said Avenue Strategies has dozens of other clients, who have hired the firm for consulting work that does not count as federal lobbying. More are in the pipeline, he said.
“Of course, it helps,” Bennett said of the principals’ ties to the Trump administration, “but I’ve been in town for almost 30 years as well. I think it’s probably a combo.”
Lewandowski continues to highlight his relationship to the president. On Wednesday, for instance, he tweeted a picture from the White House’s South Lawn. “Great time at the WH today with @realDonaldTrump and the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots!” he wrote.
Other pro-Trump lobbyists adding clients to their rosters include Bill Smith, who served as Pence’s chief of staff in Congress and the Indiana governor’s office. Smith’s firm reported earning $125,000 during the first three months of 2017 to represent five new corporate clients, including Microsoft and telecom giant AT&T.
Pence’s office is the only federal agency Smith has reported lobbying on clients’ behalf.
Among Smith’s tasks: Helping AT&T shape a planned cybersecurity executive order from Trump and working on the telecom giant’s proposed $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner, which requires antitrust approval from the Justice Department. As a candidate, Trump voiced opposition to the merger, calling it an “example of the power structure I’m fighting.”
AT&T has spent nearly $4.6 million on federal lobbying in the first quarter. It also donated $2 million to help underwrite Trump’s inaugural festivities, according to a recently filed inaugural committee fundraising report.
Neither Smith nor AT&T responded to interview requests.
Robert Grand, a veteran Indiana lobbyist and Pence supporter, added a dozen new Washington clients this year. So far, they have paid more than $600,000 in lobbying fees to his law and lobbying firm, Barnes & Thornburg, where he is managing partner. Clients include CVS Health, Ernst & Young and gun maker Sig Sauer, congressional records show.
Grand, a longtime GOP fundraiser, helped raise money for Trump’s inauguration and this month was named one of the Republican National Committee’s top regional fundraisers.
“When you have a Republican administration, the logical conclusion would be Republicans would have some increase in their practice,” Grand said in an interview. He said he hasn’t spoken with Pence about any of the issues on which he’s working.
More spending with Trump-aligned lobbyists is likely in the months ahead.
Stuart Jolly, who worked as Trump’s field director in the primaries, recently became president of the Sonoran Policy Group, and the firm has added New Zealand and the Czech Republic as international clients.
Indiana’s former Commerce secretary Victor Smith is a newly minted lobbyist and has signed up four clients so far in 2017. Gotham Government Relations, a Long Island lobbying and public relations firm that has done work for Trump for years and helped manage his presidential campaign announcement, registered five new federal clients in March and April.
Former campaign aides, fundraisers and others with ties to President Trump and Vice President Pence have attracted dozens of new lobbying cl...
Many women postpone pregnancy for various reasons like wanting a carefree young life, developing their career or traveling with their spouse before starting a family. All of these reasons contradict the many theories claiming the ideal age to have children is during your 20s.
But, these theories are changing and evolving. Scientists are now saying something different from what everyone has heard before.
What is the ideal age?
Contrary to popular belief, a study led by Dr. John Mirowsky, a sociologist at the University of Texas, revealed the perfect time for women to bear children is actually age 34.
Here are the facts
The women’s health expert stated women should have children at ages 34 and 35 because some areas of the body can develop diseases or health conditions during a woman’s 20s. At 34, a woman’s body is at optimal health to prepare for and carry a healthy child full-term.
Mirowsky also points out that women should be cautious about having children in their late 30s. As the female body ages, the chances of contracting certain diseases and complications of the reproductive system increases.
Other psychologists are contributing to reaffirm Dr. Mirowsky’s theory: women who are 34-35 generally have a solid relationship with their partner, have an ideal amount of energy and vitality, have achieved a certain level of professionalism and are mature enough to effectively raise another person. All of these experiences make the mid 30s an optimal time to conceive a child.
All in all, it’s perfectly fine and encouraged to have children in your 30s. Just remember, bringing a new person into this world is a life-changing decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Plan ahead so you will be prepared for the moment you decide to become a mother.
Source: Family Share
Many women postpone pregnancy for various reasons like wanting a carefree young life, developing their career or traveling with their spouse...