Simian immunodeficiency virus

The Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), also known as the African Green Monkey virus, is a retrovirus able to infect at least 33 species of African primates. Based on analysis of strains found in four species of monkeys from Bioko Island, which was isolated from the mainland by rising sea levels about 11,000 years ago, it has been concluded that SIV has been present in monkeys and apes for at least 32,000 years, and probably much longer.

Virus strains from two of these primate species, SIVsmm in sooty mangabeys and SIVcpz in chimpanzees, are believed to have crossed the species barrier into humans, resulting in HIV-2 and HIV-1, respectively. The most likely route of transmission of HIV-1 to humans involves contact with the blood of chimps that are often hunted for bushmeat in Africa.
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It's Time to Hope and See Light Again

There are some things that remind me some years ago. This might be a sad story but maybe it will give insights to those who are victims of the so-called drug addiction. I just remember a neighbor before who is a drug addict and it was really a bad situation. That was around 20 years ago and I even don't know what happen to him now. In fact I also have a cousin who is also a drug addict. I can't imagine when he chased some neighbors with knife before and the story ended in the hospital as he stubbed one. He was imprisoned for that. I was still young during those times, in my elementary grades and I can't forget that scenery. Since I left my home country, my cousin already got married and have children. I am happy that he changed his life now and live together with his family.

Situation like this can be very tragic if there will be no immediate addiction treatment that will be given to the victim. We are happy nowadays that there are already rehabilitation centers who are able to help those victims back to normal life. There is still hope for them to see the light and live a normal life. Narconon Drug Rehab Program aims the same, to help drug addict victims get recovered with their anxiety of being slaved in drugs. They provide detoxification programs that help individuals to attain a normal and drug-free life. Their vitamin-rich regimen has a high rate of success compared to other drug rehab center. If ever you have know a friend or maybe a family member who have the same problem, don't hesitate to contact Narconon before it's too late. Live a happy and drug-free life!

Updates About Swine Flu

This is a subscribed email from arcamax.com. I am just sharing this article just to give you some information about the latest Swine Flu Virus that hit the whole world now. Keep reading and be informed! Happy Thursday

Swine flu not linked with today's pigs

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (UPI) -- A Purdue University veterinarian says flu viruses are named for the first animal in which they are found; the current swine flu was discovered in pigs in 1930.

That discovery is the only reason the current outbreak is called swine flu, said Purdue swine medicine expert Sandy Amass. "We don't even know if the virus found in humans will infect pigs."

No U.S. pigs have been found with swine flu (H1N1) in the current outbreak -- only humans -- but Amass says pork producers should take precautionary measures to protect their herds from being infected with any flu virus:

-- Do not permit people, including employees that have the flu or flu-like symptoms, in or around barns.

-- Do not allow any visitors to the farm, especially international visitors who have had contact with other livestock.

-- If pigs show flu symptoms -- coughing, runny nose, fever and a reduction in feed intake -- call a veterinarian and have them tested.

"It's important to make sure your biosecurity procedures are being followed," Amass said. "If you have any concern, work with your vet because they know your operation best."

Copyright 2009 by United Press International
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Change needed in end-of-life dementia care

MILTON KEYNES, England (UPI) -- British researchers say many improvements are needed in the care provided to people in the final stages of dementia.

Open University Professor Jan Draper and Clinical Nurse Specialist Deborah Birch reached that conclusion after reviewing 29 published studies conducted in nine nations during the past 10 years.

"We must act now to stop people with dementia from suffering from protracted, potentially uncomfortable and undignified deaths" said Draper. "Our review has reinforced the importance of providing appropriate palliative care to individuals suffering from end-stage dementia and clearly identified some of the barriers to extending such provision."

The recommendations include: communicating the diagnosis of dementia in a sensitive way; acknowledging the potential influence on treatment decisions on the beliefs and values of members of the healthcare team; and reconsidering aggressive medical treatments that have limited benefits and might cause further discomfort to dying patients.

The review appears in the Journal of Clinical Nursing.


Copyright 2008 by United Press International
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Study finds new aspect of sickle cell

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have found sickle cell patients' blood contains clumps, or aggregates, of red and white blood cells that might contribute to the disease.

It's been long known that patients with sickle cell disease have malformed, "sickle-shaped" red blood cells that can cause sudden painful episodes when they block small blood vessels.

Now, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have shown blood from sickle cell patients also contains clumps of red and white blood cells.

The scientists said their finding marks the first time aggregates made up of red blood cells and white blood cells have been found in whole blood from sickle cell patients. The study also shows how the red and white blood cells adhere to one another.

"If the blockages are caused by these chunks of aggregates that are circulating in the blood, and we know how the aggregates are sticking together, we potentially could design drugs to disrupt the aggregates so that they pass through the blood vessel more freely," Assistant Professor Julia Brittain said.

The study was published on-line April 18 in the British Journal of Hematology.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International
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New adult ADHD drug receives FDA approval

WASHINGTON (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first prodrug designed for once-daily treatment of adults with ADHD.

Although ADHD -- attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder -- is often thought of as a childhood malady, it's estimated 4.4 percent of U.S. adults ages 18-to-44 suffer from it. The new drug, Vyvanse, has been marketed in the United States since July 2007 for the treatment of ADHD in children 6-12 years of age.

The manufacturer, Shire PLC, a British-headquartered specialty biopharmaceutical company, said Vyvanse is the only once-daily prodrug stimulant approved to treat adults with ADHD. A prodrug is a medication designed to be inactive until it interacts with enzymes in the stomach, thereby making it difficult to be abused, a Shire spokesman said.

In a clinical study with adults, Vyvanse was shown to significantly improve ADHD symptoms, such as an inability to focus attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, within the first week of use, Shire officials said.

The company said Vyvanse is now available in dosage strengths of 30 mg, 50 mg and 70 mg. Additional dosage strengths of 20 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg are expected to become available later this year.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International
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