Anything Under The Sun

AIDS breakthrough as vaccine cuts infections for first time

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0000

BANGKOK (AFP) - – An experimental AIDS vaccine has for the first time cut the risk of infection in humans in what scientists Thursday called a "breakthrough" in the quarter-century fight against the epidemic.

The vaccine reduced the chance of being infected by a third, researchers announced after the world's largest trial of 16,000 volunteers, carried out by the US Army and Thailand's Ministry of Public Health.

The surprising result comes after years of fruitless attempts by the medical world to find an HIV vaccine, including one trial jab that apparently boosted infection rates.

"It is the first demonstration that a vaccine against HIV can protect against infection," Colonel Jerome Kim of the US military HIV research programme told a news conference in Bangkok via videolink.

"This is a very important scientific advance and gives us hope that a globally effective vaccine may be possible in the future," he said.

Thai Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said the "outcome of this study is a scientific breakthrough."

The vaccine was a combination of two older drugs that had not reduced infection on their own and the researchers said they were now studying why the two apparently worked together.

The study combined the canarypox vaccine ALVAC, manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis of France, and AIDSVAX, originally made by VaxGen Inc and now licensed to the non-profit Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases.

Researchers said the latest vaccine showed a 31.2 percent efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV infection.

"The outcome represents a breakthrough in HIV vaccine development because for the first time ever there is evidence that HIV vaccine has preventative efficacy," said the research team in a statement.

The vaccine was tested on volunteers -- all HIV negative men and women aged from 18 to 30 -- at average risk of infection in two Thai provinces near Bangkok starting in October 2003.

Half received the vaccine and the rest were given a placebo. Out of the placebo recipients 74 of 8,198 became infected compared with 51 of 8,197 who got the vaccine.

The World Health Organization and the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS congratulated the researchers for the "encouraging" results.

"The study results, representing a significant scientific advance, are the first demonstration that a vaccine can prevent HIV infection in a general adult population and are of great importance," they said in a statement. Experts' reactions

The UN said it may not be possible to get licensing permission for the drug at the moment based on the results, and that further studies were needed to determine if the vaccine has the same effect in other parts of the world.

AIDS first came to public notice in 1981 and has since killed at least 25 million people worldwide, and 33 million others are living with AIDS or the HIV virus.

Swift progress in identifying the virus that caused AIDS unleashed early optimism that a vaccine would quickly emerge. HIV destroys immune cells and exposes the body to opportunistic disease.

But out of the 50 candidates that have been evaluated among humans, only two vaccines have made it through all three phases of trials, and both were flops. About 30 vaccines remain in the pipeline.

Scientists were in 2007 forced to abandon two advanced clinical trials of a vaccine by pharmaceutical company Merck after it appeared to actually heighten the risk of AIDS infection.

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi-Aventis, said the results of the latest test, although "modest", were the first concrete demonstration that a vaccine "could one day become a reality."

The Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, an alliance of researchers, policymakers, donors and advocates that includes the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said it was a "historic day in the 26-year quest to develop an AIDS vaccine."

The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), an organisation that promotes the search for a vaccine, said the trial results were "very exciting and a significant scientific achievement."

The head of the US agency tasked with controlling the spread of infectious disease said it was an important breakthrough.

"These new findings represent an important step forward in HIV vaccine research," said Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the US National Institutes of Health, which provided major funding and logistical support for the study.

But a top AIDS scientist, France's Jean-Francois Delfraissy, warned that the results were "good news but the effect remains modest".

(SOURCE:)
Yahoo! News

BARBIE goes to Hollywood!

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Barbie is set to make her debut on the big screen in a family movie based on the iconic toy doll, entertainment industry press reported Thursday.

The 50-year-old figurine fashionista, reputedly the biggest selling toy of all time, will be brought to life by Universal Pictures following a deal between the studio and manufacturer Mattel, Variety reported.

"Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands," Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger said.

"So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity."

There was no word on who might play Barbie or love interest Ken, but producer Laurence Mark said her varied career -- 120 jobs ranging from astronaut to aspiring politician -- offered myriad storylines.

"Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud," Mark told Variety.

History:

Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy-company Mattel, Inc. and launched in March 1959. American businesswoman Ruth Handler (1916-2002) is credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration.

Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for fifty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle. In recent years, Barbie has faced increasing competition from the Bratz range of dolls.

Ruth Handler watched her daughter Barbara at play with paper dolls, and noticed that she often enjoyed giving them adult roles. At the time, most children's toy dolls were representations of infants. Realizing that there could be a gap in the market, Handler suggested the idea of an adult-bodied doll to her husband Elliot, a co-founder of the Mattel toy company. He was unenthusiastic about the idea, as were Mattel's directors.

During a trip to Europe in 1956 with her children Barbara and Kenneth, Ruth Handler came across German toy doll called Bild Lilli. The adult-figured doll was exactly what Handler had in mind, so she purchased three of them. She gave one to her daughter and took the others back to Mattel. The Lilli doll was based on a popular character appearing in a comic strip drawn by Reinhard Beuthin for the newspaper Die Bild-Zeitung. Lilli was a working girl who knew what she wanted and was not above using men to get it. The Lilli doll was first sold in Germany in 1955, and although it was initially sold to babies, it became popular with adults who enjoyed dressing her up in outfits that were available separately.

Upon her return to the United States, Handler reworked the design of the doll (with help from engineer Jack Ryan) and the doll was given a new name, Barbie, after Handler's daughter Barbara. The doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. This date is also used as Barbie's official birthday.

Mattel acquired the rights to the Bild Lilli doll in 1964 and production of Lilli was stopped. The first Barbie doll wore a black and white zebra striped swimsuit and signature topknot ponytail, and was available as either a blonde or brunette. The doll was marketed as a "Teen-age Fashion Model," with her clothes created by Mattel fashion designer Charlotte Johnson. The first Barbie dolls were manufactured in Japan, with their clothes hand-stitched by Japanese homeworkers. Around 350,000 Barbie dolls were sold during the first year of production.

Ruth Handler believed that it was important for Barbie to have an adult appearance, and early market research showed that some parents were unhappy about the doll's chest, which had distinct breasts. Barbie's appearance has been changed many times, most notably in 1971 when the doll's eyes were adjusted to look forwards rather than having the demure sideways glance of the original model.

Barbie was one of the first toys to have a marketing strategy based extensively on television and advertising, which has been copied widely by other toys. It is estimated that over a billion Barbie dolls have been sold worldwide in over 150 countries, with Mattel claiming that two Barbie dolls are sold every second.

The standard range of Barbie dolls and related accessories are manufactured to approximately 1/6th scale, which is also known as playscale. Barbie products include not only the range of dolls with their clothes and accessories, but also a huge range of Barbie branded goods such as books, fashion items and video games. Barbie has appeared in a series of animated films and made a brief guest appearance in the 1999 film Toy Story 2.

Barbie has become a cultural icon and has been given honors that are rare in the toy world. In 1974 a section of Times Square in New York City was renamed Barbie Boulevard for a week, In 1985 the artist Andy Warhol created a painting of Barbie.

(SOURCE:)

Agence France-Presse

Wikipedia

ARROYO - declares Sept. 7 and 21 as non-working holidays

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:53:00 +0000

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday declared September 7 and 21 as non-working holidays.

Malacañang said September 7 will be observed as a “national day of mourning" in honor of Iglesia ni Cristo’s executive minister Eraño Manalo, who passed away last Monday due to cardiopulmonary arrest.

Mrs. Arroyo said flags in government offices will be flown at half-mast for the spiritual leader’s burial.

The declaration of September 21 is in observance of the Muslim holiday of EID AL-FITR, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Both Sept. 7 and 21 are Mondays. - (Aie Balagtas)

Cris Brown sectenced to five years and six months...

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Twenty year old Cris Brown is known by his songs like Yo(Excuse me miss), With You, Forever, Say Goodbye, Take you down, Kiss Kiss, Wall to Wall has been sentenced to five years in probation and 6 months community oriented labor and a year of domestic violence counseling also he must stay away from his former girlfriend for the next five years due to assault case filed by Rihanna.

Brown was arrested Feb. 8, hours after he was accused of beating Rihanna.

The attack occurred in Los Angeles' Hancock Park neighborhood as Brown drove a rented sports car. A Los Angeles police detective described a brutal attack in a search warrant affidavit filed in the case, stating Brown hit, choked and bit Rihanna and tried at one point to push her from the car that left Rihanna nursing cuts and bruises to her face, forcing her to cancel a scheduled performance at the Grammys in Los Angeles.

Brown's career suffered after his arrest, with sponsors dropping him and radio stations refusing to play his music.

OMB Chief Resigns

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Edu Manzano has resigned as chairman of the Optical Media Board (OMB) (jonjonVicencio/photo), speculation that he is planning to seek an elective post in 2010. Goodluck!

Manzano is the second government official to resign this month but Malacanang had yet to confirm said resignation.

What happened to the issue where the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) allegedly did not turn over video replicating machines worth millions of pesos. These were seized during a joint operation conducted by PASG and OMB in Quezon City last April 2009. But PASG official denied the allegations.

So much for the dispute.... can be easily whitewashed now that Manzano had stepped down.

Rubik's returns with a new time-wasting challenge

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:55:00 +0000

If you have long-since beaten the Rubik’s Cube, now there’s another challenge for you. Rubik’s has released the Rubik’s 360, a spherical puzzle game containing six colored balls that you have to move from an inside sphere through another and finally out to matching-color domes on the outside sphere. The two inside spheres contain holes to allow the balls to pass between spheres. These two spheres are weighted opposite the holes, so the difficulty is increased and only eased by the ability to lock two of the three spheres together at a time. Great — another way to waste time! (info by: Wally Bahny)

I have rubik cube classics like 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5. But I seldom play with them, collection I guess. How about you guys out there, do you have other rubik cubes? Give your best time?

"NONITO DONAIRE won over RAFAEL CONCEPCION"

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 06:40:00 +0000

An outstanding performance by Donaire winning unanimous over Concepcion in the fight named “Pinoy Power 2” on August 16 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Concepcion suffered a cut in the eyebrow but still manage to land some blows to Donaire’s head. But combining his jobs and footwork Donaire managed to keep up with his charging opponent. He now holds WBA interim super flyweight crown and with 22-1, 14KOs he becomes two division champion.

Congratulations Doaire! You made your country proud.

Our Son's Disorder - ADHD....

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:16:00 +0000

Our son, Charles Rafael del Prado is a handful. Even in his pre-schooling did unusual things at his level. He tears his books, ran and roams in school, jump and climbing the furniture. His interest is easily diverted in a few minutes when playing or in an activity and he would often ran off without warning, seemingly unaware of the dangers in a crowded mall.

It was fatiguing for us but never been too concerned back then because we think, boy’s will be boys. But at his age 6.5 my wife, Jing can no longer control him. Jing is struggling for him to settle down and complete even the simplest tasks, from chores to homework. When his school, Christ Achievers Montessori (CAM) comments about his inattention and disruptive behavior in his class they subject him for an evaluation for behavioral test. The school counselor expressed that he maybe well off to a special school. They are giving him up so easily don't you think?

The school gave a letter indicating our son’s behavior and this was given to the developmental pediatric. It was advised that Charles can no longer attend to class without diagnosis of a Doctor because they can no longer handle him. The Doctor immediately run psychological and behavioral test for an hour and gave her findings.

Charles has Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity).

What are his symptoms that made him an ADHD?

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age. Those underlined phrases below are the symptoms of our son that made the doctor to conclude that he has the disorder.

Children who have symptoms of inattention may:

Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
Have difficulty focusing on one thing
Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
Not seem to listen when spoken to
Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
Struggle to follow instructions.

Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may:

Fidget and squirm in their seats
Talk nonstop
Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
Be constantly in motion
Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.

Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may:

Be very impatient
Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
Often interrupt conversations or others' activities.

ADHD has three subtypes:

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

Most symptoms (six or more) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories.
Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present, although inattention may still be present to some degree.

Predominantly inattentive

The majority of symptoms (six or more) are in the inattention category and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present, although hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be present to some degree.
Children with this subtype are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, the child may be overlooked, and parents and teachers may not notice that he or she has ADHD.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

Six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
Most children have the combined type of ADHD.

(According to research) What Causes ADHD?

· Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a large role. Like many other illnesses, ADHD probably results from a combination of factors. In addition to genetics, researchers are looking at possible environmental factors, and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and the social environment might contribute to ADHD.

· Genes. Inherited from our parents, genes are the "blueprints" for who we are. Results from several international studies of twins show that ADHD often runs in families. Researchers are looking at several genes that may make people more likely to develop the disorder. Knowing the genes involved may one day help researchers prevent the disorder before symptoms develop. Learning about specific genes could also lead to better treatments.

· Children with ADHD who carry a particular version of a certain gene have thinner brain tissue in the areas of the brain associated with attention. This NIMH research showed that the difference was not permanent, however, and as children with this gene grew up, the brain developed to a normal level of thickness. Their ADHD symptoms also improved.

·Environmental factors. Studies suggest a potential link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in children. In addition, preschoolers who are exposed to high levels of lead, which can sometimes be found in plumbing fixtures or paint in old buildings, may have a higher risk of developing ADHD.

· Brain injuries. Children who have suffered a brain injury may show some behaviors similar to those of ADHD. However, only a small percentage of children with ADHD have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

· Sugar. The idea that refined sugar causes ADHD or makes symptoms worse is popular, but more research discounts this theory than supports it. In one study, researchers gave children foods containing either sugar or a sugar substitute every other day. The children who received sugar showed no different behavior or learning capabilities than those who received the sugar substitute. Another study in which children were given higher than average amounts of sugar or sugar substitutes showed similar results.

· In another study, children who were considered sugar-sensitive by their mothers were given the sugar substitute aspartame, also known as Nutrasweet. Although all the children got aspartame, half their mothers were told their children were given sugar, and the other half were told their children were given aspartame. The mothers who thought their children had gotten sugar rated them as more hyperactive than the other children and were more critical of their behavior, compared to mothers who thought their children received aspartame.

· Food additives. Recent British research indicates a possible link between consumption of certain food additives like artificial colors or preservatives, and an increase in activity. Research is under way to confirm the findings and to learn more about how food additives may affect hyperactivity.

As to initial consultation, we are advised to send our son to attend a psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments includes medication. A medication called ‘stimulant’ to lower or reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, work, and learn. Medication also may improve physical coordination.

We are aware that all of medications imply side effects and specifically to his medication he might endure sleep problems and decrease in appetite. But we have our highest hope that our son will be well again through continued therapy and medication.

We hope and pray that during and after his time of treatment may we be given more strength, patience and understanding to what he is going through that he may feel love and care. We know that all of these behaviours he will be treated indifferently and even discriminated. But a little understanding is what we ask for those who do not know him that may this venue enlighten them.

We seek nothing but to give our son a chance ... a chance to live a normal life!

Acts of lasciviousness case was filed against Aljur Abrenica by NBI

noreply@blogger.com (R3PX4) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:22:00 +0000

After rigid investigation of two months, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has sided the cased filed by a 15yr old girl against Aljur Abrenica an Actor.

NBI claims that they have enough evidence to pursue the case of acts of lasciviousness against the 19yr old actor.

NBI said, the two met April 19, 2009 at Peuerto Galera , Oriental Mindoro when the actor is promoting a brand of liquor. In between their chat Aljur allegedly hold her hand, arms, and shoulder, the complainant narrated. He even touch my breast as he acted unknowingly said the complainant.

On April 11, the two again met and the same thing supposedly happened including things like touched her waist and bottom as detailed by the girl.

As of this time NBI recommendation on the case is still at the Chief State Prosecutor's office pending for a decision to pursue the case or not against Aljur.

Aljur consecutively denies the allegation that he did things inappropriate to the girl. He said, "As for myself, I will settle this until the truth will come out."

Hmmmm, something smells fishy here. Not that I side Mr. Aljur but as the complainant said allegedly she was touched at the firs encounter. Why did she meet him again on the second day and again supposedly took advantage of her?

I don't have the side story of Mr. Aljur so in this case I might presumed that the complainant chat with the actor with wine and food maybe just to spice their meeting. Maybe Aljur did something to her but the question is that, did she ever resisted? Did she said No? And at that following day she see him again, and same thing or much more allegedly happened that day.

If I was the girl, I might not see him anymore because im afraid he will again take advantage of me again. Unless I liked the way he touches me so what the heck, his gorgeous.... I want to see him again.

Just my two cents....