ScienceDaily (Mar. 16, 2012) — Scientists at the University of Toronto have found a molecular mechanism that plays a key role in the transition of Candida albicans yeast into disease-causing fungus — one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infection. The finding highlights the importance of heat in fungal growth, and provides a new target for drug therapies to counter Candida albicans infection.

Candida albicans is a normally harmless yeast that is present in all humans. It becomes infectious in various genetic and environmental conditions, with temperature as a key determinant. It can produce infections that are mild — persistent vaginal or gut infections, for example — or severe, such as systemic, potentially fatal bloodstream infections in patients with AIDS or those who have undergone chemotherapy (or even a simple round of antibiotics).

The molecular workings of Candida albicans were mapped for the first time in 2009 by Professor Leah Cowen of the University of Toronto’s Department of Molecular Genetics, whose lab showed that growth of the fungus is tied to the function of a "molecular chaperone" called heat- shock protein 90 (Hsp90). in a study that will appear in the March 20 edition of the journal Current Biology, Prof. Cowen and her colleagues detail a mechanism that controls response to elevated temperature through a protein named Hms1 in conjunction with a cyclin (another type of protein) and its partner protein called a cyclin-dependent kinase.

"This circuitry fundamentally influences how Candida albicans senses temperature, which is crucial for Candida’s ability to cause disease," said Prof. Cowen, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Microbial Genomics and Infectious Disease — a prestigious five-year award for which she was renewed this week.

"we were looking for a transcription factor at the end of a pathway we previously showed was key to the change in shape of the fungus that accompanies elevated temperature or compromise of Hsp90 function, and instead we found an entirely new pathway, with components that haven’t been characterized in Candida, so it was very surprising," said Prof. Cowen.

The researchers also showed that deletion of Hms1 inhibits Candida albicans infection, pointing toward a possible clinical therapy. "we observed those weaker disease phenotypes in an insect model system, but the results suggest it may also work in more complicated systems," said Prof. Cowen.

The source of pesky vaginal and gut infections, Candida albicans is a burgeoning problem on implanted medical devices — it’s fatal in roughly one-third of device-associated infections — and is the fourth-leading cause of hospital-acquired infection. The number of acquired fungal bloodstream infections has increased by more than 200% over the last twenty years, owing in part to growing numbers of AIDS and cancer survivors whose treatments have compromised their immune function.

On finding that the Hms1 pathway affects the growth and development of Candida albicans, and knowing of other key regulators through which Hsp90 operates and suspecting many more exist, Prof. Cowen and her lab examined other pathways and proteins that interact with Hsp90 in another study.

In collaboration with Professor Gary Bader at U of T’s Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Prof. Cowen’s group mapped a much larger portion of the chaperone network with which Hsp90 interacts through a "chemical genomics" approach that had never been applied to Candida albicans. "If we want to have a more global understanding of what Hsp90 is doing during the transition of this fungus between distinct morphological states with different disease causing properties, we need to take global approaches to determine what its interacting with," said Prof. Cowen.

Their results, published online today in the journal PLoS Genetics, showed 226 genetic interactors with Hsp90 in various conditions, such as different temperatures and during exposure to anti-fungal drugs. of those interactions, 224 were previously unknown. "That’s a lot," said Prof. Cowen. "we now have a myriad of new targets through which Hsp90 could be regulating morphogenesis and drug resistance in Candida."

As well, the researchers drew several predictive rules from their study that govern the Hsp90 chaperone network. Some interactors were only important in a small subset of stress conditions, and these are likely to function "downstream" of Hsp90 regulating specialized cellular processes. Other interactors were important in many stress conditions, and so are likely to work "upstream" of Hsp90 regulating its function.

"Hsp90 stabilizes many proteins, but previously nobody could predict what made an Hsp90 client. That we can make such predictions from the chaperone network is pretty cool and unanticipated, so we’re further ahead than we expected," said Prof. Cowen.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Toronto.

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Journal Reference:

1. Rebecca S. Shapiro, Adnane Sellam, Faiza Tebbji, Malcolm Whiteway, Andre Nantel, Leah E. Cowen. Pho85, Pcl1, and Hms1 Signaling Governs Candida albicans Morphogenesis Induced by High Temperature or Hsp90 Compromise. Current Biology, 2012; DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.01.062

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

A naturally occurring yeast, Candida may be found in the throat, the intestines, the mouth and the genitourinary tract. your immune system comprises good bacteria and bad bacteria. The good bacteria helps in breaking food particles and further assists in the process of digestion. When the good bacteria and the properly functioning immune system is absent then there may be some imbalance found that can result in Candida. However, Candida treatment is available and can effectively reduce the infection.

Paying a close attention to your diet can help in Candida treatment. Overgrowth of yeast can cause distasteful warning signs like fatigue, rash, anxiety, yeast infection and depression. this fungal infection can be treated with anti-fungal medication. in addition to the medical treatment, you must also take care of your diet. Create a dietary habit that enhances the prohibiting of the growth of such fungal yeasts. if you do not take care of your diet, then the problem with Candida may persist and may recur. Eliminate the consumption of refined sugar for Candida treatment. Refined sugar encourages the growth of yeast and hence you may avoid sources like corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, molasses and the common white granular sugar.

If you are infected with yeast and need Candida treatment, then make sure about the products that you buy. many of the brands may use refined sugar, which you need to avoid. Avoid the products that use these refined sugar when buying grocery from stores. Fruit juices, beer, wine, liquor contain sugar or may be fermented with yeast and you must avoid these if you don’t want to get affected with Candida. other things that need to be eliminated from your diet include breads, muffins, pastries, crackers, bagels and the like. some salad dressings may be made from yeast culture and hence should be avoided. in addition there are other food items like olives, mayonnaise, steak sauce, mustard and soy sauce may also be avoided.

If you want to get Candida treatment, you could increase the intake of garlic and other soluble fiber. again, you may also use a dose of acidophilus that can help line your intestinal track to be more acidic that ion turn helps in treating Candida. some of the supplements may include peppermint oil or oregano oil. De-stressing yourself is as important as having the right kind of diet. if you are stressed it is likely that you will be prone to many more diseases than otherwise. as the Candida treatment proceeds, you may find certain die-off symptoms. you do not have to worry about that. These symptoms are temporary and wear off soon. However, if they persist, it means you are consuming too much of medication. Consult with your doctor and get your medication reduced to the required amount.

Keeping a proper balance in your immune system is of utmost importance if you want to be healthy. There are anti-fungal medication available but remember to consult your doctor before you take any medication.

Candida is among the many micro-organisms that usually live inside a healthy human body. It is a yeast like fungus found in the mouth, intestines, the vagina, muscles and blood system. It also resides in lymph system, rectum, nervous system and digestive tract among other parts of the body.

When there is an imbalance between the yeast cells and bacteria that keeps it in check, the yeast cells can multiply aggressively and quickly and this could cause yeast infections. The imbalance can be due to a number of causes. They include antibiotics which can cause an imbalance that can allow bad bacteria to destroy good bacteria. other causes include use of contraceptive pills in women among others.

Symptoms of this infection could be physical or mental. some mental symptoms are chronic fatigue, nerve irritation and depression. Physical symptoms could include abdominal bloating, thrush, headaches and rashes among others.

This condition can be treated using various methods. Curing its root causes is important instead of treating only the symptoms. It is normally much safer to take a holistic approach. one could begin by changing his lifestyle, exercising more and changing his dietary habits. when this is done, a change in the chemistry of the body may occur which may prevent the growth of newer and harmful yeast.

An ideal diet is one that is rich in fiber plus protein. It should be complemented by complex carbohydrates and some fresh fruits. Examples are broccoli, celery, seed, fish, oats and rice, grape fruit and berries among others. The idea is to eat a nutritious diet that is well balanced. Limiting The first is use of appropriate diet. It is important to eliminate foods that feed yeast. such foods include refined carbohydrates and sugar found in the diet. taking plenty of water to clean up the system is also recommended.

Another method of treatment is using natural herbal remedies. such natural remedies usually handle the root causes of this problem and then eradicate it. They are thus quite effective and are normally safe to use since they are plant extracts with no side effects. They have ingredients which kill fungi so as to balance the levels of yeast in the body. They have also ingredients which help to detoxify the body and promote tissue repair.

Some conventional solutions for this problem are also available. you may sometimes get confused when trying to choose the best as they are numerous. some of them are suppositories, vaginal tablets, anti-fungal creams, tablets and oral rinses among others. you are required to follow the instructions provided when using them. such solutions deal with symptoms such as inflammation plus itching among others.

Success of Candida treatment could differ from one person to the other. this is basically because no two individuals are alike and each has a physiology that is unique plus different invisible problems. there are however products that eradicate the root causes of the ailment and also relief immediate symptoms. you can now purchase these products over the internet without necessarily leaving your home.

Candidiasis or yeast infection is a serious problem that requires immediate attention as it can have complications and can be fatal if left untreated. Candida treatment requires a combination of medication and a change in eating habits as well as overall lifestyle. Individuals experiencing this condition must understand that Candida cure takes time and some amount of self discipline in order to be effective.

Where does Candida come from?

Candida is a type of fungus that resides in many animals, including humans. they belong to a group of organisms that help the body ward off infection caused by foreign bodies seeking to inhabit different organs and cause diseases. It’s why Candida treatment is focused on controlling the number of the fungus rather than wiping them off entirely from the body.

What causes yeast infection?

In order to cure Candida, it’s important to know what causes it in the first place. As previously mentioned, Candida albicans is a fungus that belongs to the regular flora found inside the body. The only time they will cause trouble is when they multiply beyond their normal numbers, which is a sure sign of yeast infection.

Taking antibiotics is often viewed by experts as the main cause of the problem because they destroy good bacteria that control the presence of Candida. without these organisms, fungus can overpopulate that cause an imbalance which paves the way for symptoms of yeast infection to develop requiring treatment for Candidiasis.

Other factors also contribute to population explosion of fungus in the body. too much consumption of food products and beverages that contain sugar or yeast like bread, cookies, and beer play a huge part in encouraging the growth of Candida. It’s why diabetic individuals are also prone to having yeast infections.

Candidiasis treatment

Candida cure often involves two steps. first, symptoms must be treated before regulating the fungus’ presence. taking medications to combat itching and flu like symptoms are often recommended by physicians. When symptoms have subsided, the next step can begin which is to try to eliminate excess Candida in the body.

Candida treatment begins by identifying which food and substances are high in sugar and yeast. These items are then removed from or restricted in diet. in medical circles this is called the Candida cleanse diet. Results vary depending on the severity of the yeast infection but overall patients can expect a decrease in symptoms.

To aid in the healing process, doctors may prescribe anti-fungal drugs for extreme cases of infection. Lamisil and Nystatin are common over-the-counter medications which have been proven effective as a form of treatment for Candida. by carefully adjusting eating habits and consulting a doctor for fungus treatment, it is easy to cure Candida and live a yeast infection free life.

Candida is a syndrome or a disease that has for the longest time been something that is very stubborn and resistant to treatment and thus very hard to combat. this has made it very hard to treat and the fact is that most treatments for Candida on the market in addition to not being very effective also have a number of side effects some of which are quite unpleasant and can be very severe.

The problem may lie in the fact that there are currently over one hundred and fifty different species of Candida that are known to us and the problem with most Candida treatment by the regular drugs is that although they may be fast acting and in some cases do give instant relief, the condition is bound to flare up later and it usually does as most of these treatments suppress the bacteria and cure the symptoms rather than provide an effective removal of the Candida bacteria from the body. this is without even taking into account the side effects that we have already spoken of.

What are the main causes of Candida or at least the environmental factors that have been linked to a higher risk of Candida or a higher occurrence of the Candida bacteria?

The first is a very common problem that applies to most people in the modern society and is thus a huge threat. this is the lack of fibre in our diets. The high fat content and the predominance of processed foods that are also very fatty in the diets of almost all of us puts everyone at an increased risk of Candida.

Excess antibiotics use has also been linked to the occurrence of Candida bacteria. a high intake of antibiotics such as in people who have AIDS weakens the immune system of the human body and would remove the bacteria in our body that would normally fight and stave off Candida bacteria on their own.

Caffeine intake that is so prevalent in the west in the form of aerated beverages and sodas as well as coffee and even tea has also been linked to an increased prevalence of Candida and any Candida treatment requires a reduction of caffeine intake to be completely effective.

Chronic constipation or irregular bowel movements that lead to a build up of waste matter in the human body leads to an increase in harmful bacteria of all sorts including the various strains of Candida.

A persons body by natural means has a sort of yeast known as Candida albicans. Once the harmony of bacteria inside the body alterations, Candida yeast could possibly proliferate and overpower another healthy microorganisms. this creates Candida yeast infections. Candida yeast functions peacefully with other microorganisms most of the time, even though. It performs fundamental body capabilities.

Candida yeast often stays inside your mouth, colon, throat, and genitals. In some cases, Candida yeast creates toxins, as countless as 70 distinctive kinds. Lots of people usually are not quickly aware that they are developing or currently have Candida yeast infections. Yeast infection symptoms may be severe or could be unnoticeable. Candida yeast can also enter holes within your digestive tract, go into the body, and begin any organ in your body.

Having a suitable eating plan is definitely an integral portion of yeast infection treatment. Folks who’re prone to Candida overgrowth and so are at danger of yeast infections are advised to travel by way of certain diet program changes. Folks are suggested to lessen their complete daily consumption of carb. Based around the age, wellness, activity level, and food sensitivity, carbohydrate consumption is restricted to at the very least 60 grams each day or much less. a further thing that must be prevented is sugar, since it promotes yeast development. In place of carbohydrate-rich foods, non-starchy veggies, nuts, and meats like chicken and turkey are recommended. In case the individual feels the yeast infection symptoms subsiding, intake of carbs and sugar might be increased again.

As part from the yeast infection treatment, meals with yeast must be also temporarily removed in the diet regime. Ill-advised meals consist of bread produced with yeast, tomato paste, cheese, beer, mushrooms, and fermented foods. . the length of your time over a Candida eating plan is determined by how long a person encounters yeast infections and just how serious the yeast infection symptoms are. In the event the person has allergic attacks to fungi, practitioners believe that fungi foods have to even be eliminated.

However, it can be possible males to develop the signs of skin irritation of your organ from a candidiasis after sexual session with an infected partner. When symptoms can be, the most common symptoms of your male infection are irritation and soreness of the top of your organ severe itching on the top of your organ a white, clumpy discharge redness color on the top of the organ small blisters on the top of your organ. Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria which is found the particular organ and in the crotch. Natural candidiasis treatments have become popular because medicated treatments frequently don’t treat the underlying reason for  the infections. <a href=’candida-remedies.com/’ title=’yeast infection treatment’>yeast infection treatment</a>

Yeast microbes live within the moist and warm areas the actual mouth, the vagina, the bowels along with the rectum. Held away by probiotics, favorable microorganisms, yeast microbes have few uncomfortable side effects on a healthy person. these conditions are normally determined the particular subtype of the infection. for example antibiotics, pregnancy, contraceptive pills, or hormone replacement therapy may hasten vaginal candidiasis, whereas insufficient individual hygiene can bring on yeast infection of males. <a href=’candida-remedies.com/yeast-infections/’ title=’yeast infection home remedy’>yeast infection home remedy</a>

Yeast Infection Treatment – Typically, doctors will prescribe antibiotics for yeast infection treatment. The problem is that it only removes the symptoms will not nothing to promote increase of the healthy bacteria that are already living in the body and combating infection. It’s not unusual for women to start out experiencing these infections over and over even when they have taken the antibiotics prescribed by their doctor. There are natural infection treatments that will do this without posing a threat on the healthy bacteria. <a href=’candida-remedies.com/yeast-infections/what-is-the-ultimate-chronic-candida-cure/’ title=’candida cure’>candida cure</a>

To make matters even more complicated, some “natural” cures for yeast infections that you simply find the particular Internet can certainly push a infection up to your uterus and fallopian tubes, where it may possibly cause permanent damage. for this reason, it’s important to learn a lot as you’ll be able to about vaginal bacterial infections, as well as the other sorts of conditions that look just the identical, but should be treated differently. Adult humans have 3 to 4 pounds of beneficial bacteria, numbering about 70 trillion individual organisms, living inside our digestive system. The shear strength in numbers of the beneficial bacteria keeps yeast in order.

I absolutely understand what its like to have an awful candida infection because i struggled for years with my own before I uncovered the best solution that best suited me. so you could possibly be mindful there really are several different programs which can be tried for a candida infection or candida as it’s best known. my very own personal endorsement would be for a organic approach because i got the best results utilizing this kind of system.

Yeast infections could be a bit challenging to help remedy which means you should certainly know what brings about the problem to start with and how your daily activities could very well be contributing to the situation. In todays world we eat a lot more glucose than we ought to and that doesnt help in terms of addressing infections. You’ll discover several choices from your local chemists relating to candida treatment plans and these can get results to. as an added benefit it may be beneficial to adhere to a definite diet plan which removes any ingredients that yeast infections flourish on.

Integrating the right diet with a good all-natural treatment method will guarantee you can get rid of your candida albicans completely.

Yeast Infection Home Remedy

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan 20, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. /quotes/zigman/410958/quotes/nls/hot HOT +1.15% today announces the opening of the highly anticipated St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences, as St. Regis nearly triples its global portfolio in just five years. with this milestone, Starwood continues to lengthen its lead in luxury hospitality, with nearly 150 luxury hotels under its St. Regis, Luxury Collection and W Hotel brands, offering guests and residents exceptional levels of service and luxury experiences in a wide range of destinations around the world. St. Regis will continue its dynamic global growth with the upcoming openings of The St. Regis Doha, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi and The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, in addition to the debut of the newly renovated St. Regis Aspen Resort this year.

Celebrated for its dedication to refined elegance at the world’s best addresses, the debut of The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in the affluent Bal Harbour enclave heightens the appeal of this coveted international destination: at once a secluded escape with unrivaled amenities as well as a destination at the intersection of art, design and fashion all within reach of the vibrant energy of Miami Beach.

“With its incredible array of rich amenities and proximity to Miami Beach, Bal Harbour has long called for a world-class resort and the arrival of The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort now offers an ideal destination for affluent global travelers,” says Paul James, Global Brand Leader for St. Regis and The Luxury Collection. “With refined elegance infused throughout, this resort offers a return to glamour and we believe it is a befitting debut for St. Regis in this important international gateway city.”

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort offers guests a new dimension of bespoke luxury with 243 guest rooms and suites and 245 private residences, all offering expansive private balconies with ocean views, in three glass towers rising 27 stories above a sprawling stretch of beach. with exquisite design by world renowned interiors firm Yabu Pushelberg, the resort features intricate details including one-of-a-kind West African Movinque wood and Chinese God Flower Stone marble commissioned exclusively for the resort from a private quarry. The resort and residences also offer signature St. Regis Butler Service, a Remede Spa and a world class dining experience inspired by Jean-Georges at J&G Grill(R).

St. Regis’ commitment to art and design is brought to life at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort which showcases works throughout the property from Sawada Hirotoshi, Candida Hofer and Miami-based artist Santiago Rubino, who was commissioned to create a vibrant and whimsical mural as the focal point for the bar. The mural is symbolic of the brand’s evolution: a modern iteration of the iconic King Cole Mural at The St. Regis New York, commissioned by St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences

J&G Grill(R) is The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort’s signature restaurant conceived by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Featuring the exquisite cuisine of this international star, J&G Grill at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort sets new standards for Bal Harbour as a world-class dining destination.

The restaurant stays true to the chef’s concept of blending Asian and French cuisine, with a selection of dishes from his restaurants around the world. A contemporary bar and grill set in a convivial atmosphere, J&G Grill is a unique dining experience where guests, residents and locals can enjoy the highest quality meats and freshest fish, vegetables and fruit from the local market. Additionally, a remarkable, temperature-controlled Wine Vault will house one of the largest wine collections in South Florida showcasing 2,500 bottles of wine.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort also features an oceanfront grill for casual dining called Fresco focused on South American-influenced cuisine, as well as Atlantico, a breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant, with Mediterranean influence and an emphasis on seafood. Poolside cabana and beach services complement the resort’s private beach and pools, including an adults-only pool area with exclusive day cabanas.

Remede Spa, Fitness Center & St. Regis Children’s Club

The newest Remede Spa(R), exclusive to St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, features 14,000 square feet of luxurious surroundings, including 12 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, men’s and women’s lounges, sauna and steam rooms, and a high tech fitness center with an ocean view. Offering the latest in treatments, the tranquil spa allows customized indulgence that surpasses the discerning tastes of St. Regis guests.

A St. Regis Children’s Club is on-site to cater to the resort’s youngest guests, complete with educational programs and interactive games as well as an innovative teen program with exciting excursions.

The Residences at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

The Residences at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort offer exceptional private residences at the exclusive beachfront property. Spacious one to five bedroom residences, from roughly 1,700 square feet (165 square meters) to over 6,800 square feet (636 square meters), feature innovative designs, state-of-the-art kitchens, and private balconies boasting large outdoor living areas and breathtaking ocean views. Residents enjoy access to all of the incredible amenities of the Resort.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort and The Residences at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort are located in the chic and internationally renowned Village of Bal Harbour directly across from the Bal Harbour Shops, one of the finest designer shopping destinations in the world. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort spans nine acres on a pristine 1,000-foot stretch of white sandy beach. The exclusive enclave sits on the northern tip of Miami Beach, just minutes from energetic South Beach and downtown Miami, and is convenient to two international airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood.

For more information on The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort please visit stregisbalharbour.com . The Residences at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Sales Center is open on-site at 9703 Collins Avenue. Call 305-993-6000 or visit stregisbalharbourresidences.com to explore ownership opportunities of residences priced from $1.9 to over $10 million.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, the St. Regis brand of hotels and residences is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance in the best destinations worldwide. Plans for the brand to globally continue its legacy include long-awaited St. Regis US and Latin American hotels and resorts in Buenos Aires and the Riviera Maya. in Asia, St. Regis has also announced plans to open hotels in Changsha, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, Lijiang and Zhuhai. in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the St. Regis brand will continue to expand in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo, Doha and Mauritius. The distinctive trait of the St. Regis experience is customized service and attention to detail through signature St. Regis Butler Service, coveted locations and luxurious design. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit stregis.com and for the privilege of residential ownership, please visit stregis.com/residences .

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,071 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Meridien(R), Sheraton(R), four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and Element SM. The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit starwoodhotels.com .

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Meg Connolly Communications Meg Connolly/Slater Gillin, 212-505-8200 or St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Katie Roberts, 212-380-4049

Copyright Business Wire 2012

Tina Cook: will ride at CheltenhamCHELTENHAM UNVEIL ST PATRICK’S RIDERS

Cheltenham have announced the 12 riders that will take part in the St Patrick’s Derby at the Festival, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Over the past two years in excess of £400,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK at the Festival and the charity race, won last year by broadcast journalist Lorna Fowler on the Sir Henry Cecil trained Plato, will be the centrepiece of the fundraising for Cancer Research UK on St Patrick’s Thursday.

The 12 jockeys for the 2012 charity race, selected from almost a hundred applications, represent riders from the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland with a wide range of equestrian skills. Competitors from England include the daughter of legendary trainer Ginger McCain and London Olympic Games hopeful Tina Cook. Wendy Normile, who works for the all conquering Coolmore Stud, is one of the riders representing Ireland and opera singer Sh