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Variola virus, which causes Smallpox, stocks should be destroyed or not, will be decided in 64th World Health Assembly: Smallpox effects, causes, symptoms, history of vaccine

2012-01-22T23:49:00.002+05:30

Defeating smallpox has been labelled as one of science's greatest success stories.

The disease once killed 30% of those infected, but after a global vaccination campaign it was declared eradicated in 1980.

However the variola virus, which causes the infection, is not gone. It exists in two laboratories, one in the US and the other in Russia. The question is about to be asked, once again: should they kill their stocks?

Smallpox facts

Caused by the variola virus
The virus originated over 3,000 years ago in India or Egypt
Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, tiredness and the distinctive rash
It killed 30% of those infected
More than 300 million people were thought to have died from smallpox in the 20th century alone
Up to 80% of survivors were marked with deep pitted scars, mostly on the face

The World Health Organization (WHO) will come to a decision at the 64th World Health Assembly this week.

It is not the first time the issue has arisen, it was first discussed at the Assembly in 1986 and has been the source of debate ever since.

Are stocks still needed?

Destroying the remaining stocks is seen in parts as the final chapter in eradicating the disease, otherwise there is always the risk of accidental release.

Others including the US and Russia argue for more research in case smallpox returns, possibly as a biological weapon.

They fear vials of the virus could exist outside of their labs. The genomes of around 50 strains of the variola virus have also been fully sequenced, and research has already shown that a virus can be built from scratch with such a blueprint.

Professor Geoffrey Smith, from Imperial College London, has been following the latest research on smallpox. He says studies have been focused on three areas - tests to diagnose the infection quickly and accurately, antiviral drugs to treat it and safer vaccines to prevent it.

He led a review of the state of scientific research on behalf of the WHO, which was published at the end of 2010, and concluded there had been "remarkable advances" in tests for smallpox.

Nearly one in three people who caught smallpox died

But the same could not be said with certainty for smallpox drugs and vaccines. While new candidates have been developed, they cannot be clinically proven as there are no human smallpox patients to test them on. Without trials to prove a medicine works, the endpoint for research becomes harder to define.

Professor Smith said: "It is fair to say the committee had mixed views on whether the research was there or nearly there but not quite."

Keep or destroy

The US secretary of health Kathleen Sebelius says it would be premature to destroy remaining stores of the virus now.

She restated in a column for the New York Times her country's commitment to eventually destroy stocks, but not yet.

She wrote: "We have more work to do before these safe and highly effective vaccines and antiviral treatments are fully developed and approved for use.

"Destroying the virus now is merely a symbolic act that would slow our progress and could even stop it completely, leaving the world vulnerable."

But the man who led the WHO's smallpox eradication programme from 1966 until the last case in 1977 disagrees.

Dr DA Henderson told the BBC: "I think it's a very good idea to destroy. At this point the reasons for keeping it are very obscure. Group after group has looked at this and basically said there is no need to retain it.

Continue reading the main story

History of a vaccine

In 1796, Edward Jenner extracted pus from a cowpox pustule on a milkmaiden and inserted it into a cut in the arm of an eight-year-old boy, James Phipps.
He was working from rural folklore which said milkmaids who suffered cowpox never went onto develop smallpox.
Jenner then proved that having been inoculated with cowpox Phipps was immune to smallpox.
In 1959 the World Health Assembly passed a resolution to eradicate smallpox.
The last natural case of smallpox was in Somalia in October 1977.
In September 1978 Janet Parker, a medical photographer at the University of Birmingham died after being accidentally infected with smallpox.

"We have done all of the productive research that we can do. It has been discussed fully and thoroughly by people around the world. Now is the time to destroy the virus as a further deterrent to anybody ever again producing it or using it."

Professor John Oxford, a virologist at Queen Mary University of London, believes the bioterrorism threat is "a load of old tosh" but still argues in favour of keeping the virus.

He said the decision was "tricky" but added: "I don't think there's a strong argument to destroy stocks, just an instinctive feeling to do it, which is misplaced.

"It's eradicating a whole species and you never know what the future might hold."

The argument holds no weight with Professor Gareth Williams, whose book - Angel of Death - charts the history of smallpox.

"There is no point in keeping it really. It has been sequenced completely so it can be recreated in a test tube and if it comes back you've got as much virus as you could want.

"It's just a vague sense of political unease keeping stocks, it has nothing to do with the scientific argument."

The vote

No one knows what will happen when health ministers from the WHO's 193 member nations discuss the issue.

Professor David Heymann, a former assistant director general for health security and environment at the World Health Organization, said there had historically been a split between the industrialised and developing countries.

He said developing countries have felt it is more important to deal with "known risks" than unknown risks like smallpox, while industrialised nations have different priorities.

Resolutions from the World Health Assembly are not legally binding, so the US and Russia cannot be forced to destroy stocks even if the majority of nations wanted it to happen.

The Assembly could reach a consensus agreement, such as postponing the decision, rather than forcing a vote because, as Professor Heymann puts it, "nobody wants to see the World Health Organization lose power" if its rulings are ignored.

src: bbc

How to get rid of acne and pimples : Ten safe and effective home remedies for acne

2012-01-22T23:48:00.002+05:30

So, you have acne, now what ? How many over the counter, prescription, or surgical methods are there to treat this annoying skin breakout problem ? Well, there are countless products, but did you ever consider home remedies for acne flareups ?

You likely already know that acne is a skin disorder caused by increased hormones, the enlargement of sebaceous glands that are attached to the hair follicles, increased sebum or oil production and the presence of acne causing bacteria on the skin.

http://www.aimzilch.in/

For starters, consider using some of these acne home remedy methods to get rid of your pimples, blemish and blackheads etc:

It is advisable to consult your physician or dermatologist before doing anything, but here are ten safe and effective home remedies for acne that can be used and some possible dosages - however, do not go crazy and use too much of these natural acne treatments.

1. Vitamins - one of the safest home remedies for acne is treatment through vitamins such as niacin, vitamin A, and Vitamin E.

For effective results, you'll likely have to take at least 100 milligrams (mg) of niacin, 50,000 international units of vitamin A three times a day and 400 mg of vitamin E once daily for at least one month. Of course, check with your physician if you're not sure. http://www.aimzilch.in/

For starters, consider using some of these acne home remedy methods to get rid of your pimples, blemish and blackheads etc:

2. Zinc - the use of zinc in curing acne is becoming more popular in the field of nutrition and wellness nowadays. After showcasing impressive results in some acne cases, more and more people are now taking in zinc in therapeutic dosages of 50 mg one to three times daily. Try this daily for a month and then reduce the dose to 25 mg a day. Stop using it if you get undesirable side effects.

Available in tablet and in capsule forms, the acquisition of zinc is now related to the treatment of acne. In its tablet form, zinc can be purchased under the name Zinfet in 200 mg capsule form, or it can be bought under the name Ulseal at 220 mg a pill. The product may also be simply labelled Zinc and each drug store often has their own brand name, which can cost less than popular brands.

3. Orange peels - strange, but true, aside from being a good source of vitamin C, an orange peel has become a popular home remedy for curing acne. After pounding the peel with water on a piece of stone, the patient can apply the mixture on to the areas affected by acne.

4. Lemons - don't laugh, this is probably one of the simplest remedies you can do at home to cure your acne. By extracting the lemon fruit juice and applying it regularly on the skin, you can terminate persistence pimples that may cause acne.

For starters, consider using some of these acne home remedy methods to get rid of your pimples, blemish and blackheads etc:

5. Garlic - Contrary to common conception, the use of garlic is indeed one of the most effective ways to treat facial blemishes. By rubbing raw garlic on the affected area several times a day, it acts like an acne cleanser and you can achieve clearer skin in a short period of time. http://www.aimzilch.in/

And by eating at least three seeds of raw garlic daily for a month, you can purify your blood stream and cleanse it to keep problematic bacteria away. Of course, nobody will want to get near you, but that's just the price you might have to pay for a while - just kidding.

6. Coriander and mint juice - okay, we are not losing our minds here - some people have used this with success - another known effective home remedy for acne is the application of coriander juice, or mint and turmeric powder mixture on the face. Make sure that you cleanse your face thoroughly before applying it at night.

7. Fenugreek paste remedy - aside from using its seed to make curry powder, fenugreek, through its leaves, can be a useful treatment for acne. Making a paste out of its leaves, you can produce a facemask that can be applied at night to prevent pimples and blackheads.

8. The cucumber answer - grated cucumber is considered as the best toner for the skin. By applying grated cucumber slices on the face, eyes, and neck for 15 to 20 minutes a day for a week or so, you can eliminate persistent blackhead and pimples.

9. Fruit and a well balanced diet - eating fresh juicy fruits apples, pears, grapes, peaches, and pineapples and peaches combined with healthy vegetables can eliminate the possibility of developing acne.

10. Other home remedies for acne include exposure to the sun (in moderation and with proper sunscreen applied) and even a hot epsom salts bath.

The aforementioned home remedies for acne have worked for many people and they might work for you too. Good luck and check with your family doctor if you have any concerns or questions.

Six reasons why you must file your tax returns and then lists out the virtues of why you must not hide interest income earned while filing tax returns.

2012-01-22T23:47:00.002+05:30

When it comes to filing of income tax return, the most common views that we encounter as tax experts are thus:

My employer has deducted tax at source on the salary income received by me hence I don't need to file my income tax returns!
Government has stated that individuals who earn below Rs 5 lakh income need not file income tax returns!
I work hard & hardly find time. When spending time with family is rare, why waste time on filing income tax returns.
The deadline for filing tax returns is far away, why bother now!
I have anyway missed the deadline for filing tax returns (July 31), so now it does not matter whether I file the returns or not!

Though these are the very popular views people have, the truth is much different. Technically any person* who has total income in excess of the threshold exemption limit is mandatorily required to file her/his income tax return.
Here are six reasons why you must file your income tax returns
1. Early bird gets the best
In case you are of the opinion that the last date for filing, that is, July 31 is a far call now and you could afford to rest, beware. It's always best to finish of this chore at the earliest so that you do not get into the crosshairs of the last minute rush filers and make a mess of the tax return.
Begin your preparations and execute your return filing process as soon as possible.
2. A stitch in time saves nine
Even if you have missed the July 31 deadline, you can go ahead & file your tax return immediately without any further delay. Penal interest is applicable for delayed filing, ONLY IF you have any pending tax liability.
Suppose your entire tax liability has been paid up before March 31, 2011 then there is no penal interest liability for you to take care of at the time of filing your returns.
In case there is any pending tax liability as on March 31, 2011 then the penal interest increases with each month of delay in filing your tax returns.

3. Fail to file and pay the price
In case you fail to file your tax returns at least before March 31, 2012, you may be liable to pay a penalty of Rs 5,000.
Also, tax returns are subject to time barring provisions, that is, currently you cannot file tax returns for any years preceding financial year 2009-10.
Hence it becomes pertinent you start filing tax returns immediately.
4. Create history, file tax returns
When you file your tax returns every year, you manage to create your financial record with the tax department.
This financial / tax history is positively viewed and favourably used by most agencies with whom you may need to interact, such as when you avail any kind of loan (home, personal, vehicle loan, etc), when you apply for VISA etc.
5. Proof of (financial) life
Income tax return is essential for making any investment and goes to prove that you have a valid source of income to make such investment.
6. New rule, added confusion
The tax department has notified that individuals with salary income below Rs 5 lakh are not required to file their tax return subject to certain conditions* being met. Though this move would benefit the new entrants to employment, for others this rule is nothing but increased confusion in deciding whether to file tax return or not.
*Conditions for exemption from filing tax return under Rs 5 lakh rule
1. Single employer income
2. Savings account interest up to Rs 10,000
3. PAN should be correctly declared to the employer
4. Employer should have deducted tax on both salary & savings account interest
Accordingly, an individual who has income from multiple employers OR FD / term deposit interest OR house, wherein she/he is claiming interest deduction would need to file her/his tax return.
Considering the above pointers, filing your tax return seems to be a GOOD IDEA rather than saying, filing tax returns? NO IDEA.
src:rediff