Maniolas

The fiery taste of chili peppers could benefit the gut.©Peter Bernik / shutterstock.com (Relaxnews) – The active ingredient in chili peppers is called dietary capsaicin and researchers at the University of California in San Diego say it could provoke chronic activation of the intestinal lining, reducing the risk for colorectal tumors. Sensory neurons on the tongue contain a molecular pain receptor known as TRPV1 that distinguishes heat, acidity and spice. “These are all potentially harmful stimuli to cells,” says Eyal Raz, MD, professor of medicine and senior author of the study. “Thus, TRPV1 was quickly described as a molecular ‘pain receptor.’ This can be considered to be its conventional function, which all takes place in the nervous system.” In their study, which was conducted on mice, Raz and his team found that TRPV1 appears in the intestinal lining. Here, according to Raz, it gets activated by an element that encourages skin cell reproduction called EGFR. This is important because the epithelial lining of the intestine gets replaced every four to six days, even faster than the skin on the outside of the body, which replaces itself approximately once per month. In the study, which was conducted on mice, researchers found that intestinal tumors can appear when the balance of the two is offset. “A basic level of EGFR activity is required to maintain the normal cell turnover in the gut,” says Petrus de Jong, MD, first author of the study. “However, if EGFR signaling is left unrestrained, the risk of Read More …

LONDON, United Kingdom  – ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC) explores the rich and varied stories of Pinoy expatriates in Europe in a new, monthly magazine program, Juan EU Konek. Airing every first Sunday of the month on TFC in Europe and Middle East and on TFC.tv worldwide,Juan EU Konek brings to life the passions, adventures and success stories of the Filipinos in Europe, in a 45-minute program hosted by ABS-CBN Europe’s news team of seasoned journalists – Danny Buenafe, Rose Eclarinal and Gene Alcantara. TFC Europe’s first foray into long-form, magazine reporting, Juan EU Konek delves deeper into the lives of Europe-based Filipinos, tackling both their political and social concerns, including immigration matters, as well as their lighter moments. ABS-CBN Europe and Middle East News Bureau Chief Danny Buenafe investigates the big issues that affect the Filipinos in Europe or the European Pinoy, such as the plight of migrant domestic workers in the UK and the impact of Spain’s economic crisis on Filipino families there. Senior Correspondent Rose Eclarinal, who also produces the show, shines a light on the lifestyles and success stories of the Filipinos in Europe, animating their triumphs and struggles to make it on the continent. Whether following the new Filipino leads of the West End revival of the hit musical “Miss Saigon”, or probing the psyche of Pinoy transsexuals in the UK, Eclarinal offers revealing portraits of Filipino life in Europe. Legal consultant and long-time community leader Gene Alcantara, meanwhile, hosts “Immigration 101”, a segment dedicated to immigration concerns for Europe-based Filipinos. The first Read More …

Students pray on the first day of classes at Casili Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal province, east of Manila June 2, 2014. Around 23 million students were present for the opening of the new school year in the Philippines, the Department of Education reported on Monday. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Ten percent of Filipino pupils have eye problems, but few of these are detected early, the Department of Health said Monday. Thus, as part of this month’s celebration of Sight Saving Month, the DOH is championing a program for school children to undergo vision screening to detect potential problems in their vision. Of the pupils with eye problems, one fourth which have amblyopia or “lazy eye,” and the rest have main error of refraction (EOR), said DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag. The National Survey of Blindness 2004 and PERI-DOH Vision Screening Preliminary Data 2014 showed the prevalence of amblyopia is from 1-3 percent; and EOR, from 3-15 percent. Amplyopia, Tayag said, is a condition of abnormal visual development in infancy and in early childhood. The affected eye will not develop normally if not treated before the child reaches age 7, and may even go blind. Underscoring the importance of the campaign for early and thorough visual screening for all children, Tayag said: “Vision is one of the, if not the most important of our senses.  Most of the information from the outside world is integrated through the visual pathways.  Vision problems can limit the ability of a child to Read More …

Ms. Hasmin Mama, one of the 37 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Syria, expresses gratitude to the Philippine government and Embassy personnel who helped them come home. These 37 female OFWs arrived Friday (March 7) afternoon via EK 332 of Emirates Airlines at the Gate 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.(MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) — At least 95 overseas Filipino workers are due to return from strife-torn Libya, and have crossed the Tunisian border of Ras Ajdir last July 31, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday. The DFA said Secretary Albert del Rosario met Friday with some of the OFWs, who it said are ready to be repatriated. “This current batch of Filipino evacuees crossed the Tunisian border of Ras Ajdir on July 31. They were bused to the Island of Djerba, over 120 kilometers from the border, where they are being temporarily hosteled, while awaiting their flights to Manila on Sunday,” the DFA said. During the meeting, del Rosario assured the OFWs of the government’s continuing assistance for them. A Philippine government rapid response team has representatives from the DFA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine foreign service posts in surrounding areas. Meanwhile, del Rosario urged the OFWs to convince their friends and co-workers still in Libya to avail of mandatory evacuation undertaken by the government. He also noted the border crossing between Tunisia and Libya was closed due to the shooting incident on July 31. Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III hands-over the Saber to Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. during the Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters grandstand of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo last July 18. Retiring AFP Chief Emmanuel Bautista has been replaced by Lt. General Catapang (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – House Defense Committee chairman Rodolfo Biazon wants more evidence on the alleged destabilization plot against President Aquino, saying it is unfair to link retired military officers supposedly loyal to former President Arroyo of involvement in the plot. Biazon said he does not see a need for his panel to conduct an investigation on the alleged destabilization. However, he said he will start the investigation if a congressman files a resolution to that effect. “Sa mga coup attempts, marami nasira ang buhay diyan. It will be unfair for those living peaceful lives to be dragged into this. It is unfair to those so-called Arroyo generals. Not all of them did anything to be serving under President Arroyo. Kaya sila andun, yun trabaho nila eh. Yung walang kakibo-kibo, nababanggit pangalan. Kung meron tayong sapat na ebidensiya, dapat yan lumabas para yung nababanggit na walang kamuwang, kailangan malaman natin kung meron yan,” he said. Biazon, a former Armed Forces chief, said he made some inquiries and saw there was no reason for the military to go against the current commander in chief. He noted that President Benigno Aquino III has poured more money into the Armed Forces Read More …