�Since the 1990s, Africa has made steady progress in controlling iodine inadequacy disorders (IDD), but countries need to intensify elimination efforts, advises the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo.
IDD refers to a wide range of health problems associated with inadequate consumption of i such as goitre, still birth, stunted growth, thyroid deficiency and mental defects. Pregnant women and thomas Young children living in iodine-deficient areas are particularly at risk.
"Although no country in the Region has severe IDD, insufficient or excessive tincture of iodine intake nevertheless persists in many countries," Dr Sambo says in a report presented Tuesday at the fifty-eighth session of the meeting of health ministers of the WHO African Region in Yaound� Cameroon.
The percentage of households using iodinated salt in the Region increased by 20% between 1997 and 2007, he says, but he adds that due to reduced IDD command efforts, 15% of the increase in the use of iodinated salt occurred between 1997 and 2000. Only a 5% increase was recorded between 2001 and 2007. This shows that the rate of uptake of IDD interventions has slowed down well in recent years so member states will need to refocus and catch up on lost gains for better outcomes.
Dr Sambo proposes concrete steps which African countries should take to achieve elimination of IDD in rules of order to increment children's cognitive development; reduce stillbirths and stunted growing; contribute to improving the quality of primary education; reduce child mortality, under nutrition and miscarriages; and, generally, improve maternal health.
These proposed actions include mobilization of political support and commitment at all levels through continuous advocacy and effective partnerships; reviewing, updating and enforcing existing legislation and policies on salt iodization; establishing or strengthening national multi-sectoral structures; capacity building; and mobilizing communities and public health authorities.
The Regional Director also recommended the integration of coaction with key stakeholders; reinforcement of public-private partnerships; expansion of common salt iodization programmes to get to populations at risk; mobilization of fiscal resources; and development of communication strategies.
Due attention also inevitably to be given to measuring advance towards the goals of IDD elimination through unconstipated monitoring, supply of substantive elements for IDD surveillance, and up quality control systems.
Salt iodization is relatively cheesy, according to WHO, which estimates that the cost of iodised salt is about US$ .07 per person per year, and of iodized oil, US$ .20 per year. An investment of US$ 1.00 in IDD prevention leads to a return of US$ 28.00, but administration and bestower funds are limited, as IDD programmes must contend with former priority health problems.
Currently, only Nigeria has been certified as having achieved the goal of sustained elimination of IDD in the African Region. This achievement has been possible because of a decentralized monitoring system, an efficient ultra-modern analytic laboratory, a sanitized table salt market, strict inspection and enforcement of universal iodization laws, intensive mass communication, social selling, public-private partnerships, collaboration with international organizations, and high-ranking advocacy.
http://www.afro.who.int
More info
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Monday, 18 August 2008
Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Found In California
�In the first statewide study of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) in the United States, California officials have identified 18 cases of the dangerous and difficult-to-treat disease betwixt 1993 and 2006, and 77 cases that were one whole step away from XDR TB. The study appears in the August 15 government issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.
California reports most 3,000 cases of tuberculosis per annum, the largest number of TB cases of whatever U.S. state. California has also lED the country since 2002 in the number of multidrug-resistant t.B. (MDR TB) cases-those that are resistant to isoniazid and rifadin, the 2 antibiotics that form the backbone of TB treatment. XDR TB is immune to fifty-fifty more classes of antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones and one of three injectable second-line drugs. The authors of the new study evaluated drug susceptibility data of MDR TB cases identified by the California TB Registry betwixt 1993 and 2006, looking for cases that fit the XDR TB definition.
Of the 424 MDR TB cases, 4 pct were XDR and 18 percent were pre-XDR, which are ane drug out from XDR TB. The proportion of patients with pre-XDR isolates increased from 7 per centum in 1993 to 32 percent in 2005. XDR TB occurred due to inadequate handling of MDR TB, XDR TB transmission within California, and transmission of persons with XDR strains prior to U.S. arrival.
Over the course of study of the study, TB outcomes improved. Deaths declined among XDR TB cases identified subsequently 2000. However, the authors wrote, strategies must be implemented to identify and cure MDR and pre-XDR TB cases before they develop into XDR TB. Modeling studies suggest that unless phylogenesis of MDR into XDR is slowed, XDR cases could growth exponentially. Prevention is more cost-effective than treatment, they noted.
"Globally, XDR TB has resulted from a combination of poor TB control practices, poor adhesion to medications, inappropriate manipulation of second-line drugs, want of laboratory capacity to culture TB or assess drug susceptibleness, and high HIV prevalence," said lead author Ritu Banerjee, MD, PhD of the University of California at San Francisco. "In order to prevent an escalation in XDR TB we need to insure adherence to the cornerstones of TB management, which include directly observed therapy, isolation of infectious cases, and contact investigations. We also need to institute routine, rapid, and similar methods to assess drug susceptibility of TB isolates," she over.
Founded in 1979, Clinical Infectious Diseases publishes clinical articles doubly monthly in a variety of areas of infectious disease, and is i of the most extremely regarded journals in this specialty. It is published under the auspices of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Based in Arlington, Virginia, IDSA is a professional lodge representing more than 8,000 physicians and scientists who speciate in infectious diseases.
Infectious Diseases Society of America
More info
California reports most 3,000 cases of tuberculosis per annum, the largest number of TB cases of whatever U.S. state. California has also lED the country since 2002 in the number of multidrug-resistant t.B. (MDR TB) cases-those that are resistant to isoniazid and rifadin, the 2 antibiotics that form the backbone of TB treatment. XDR TB is immune to fifty-fifty more classes of antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones and one of three injectable second-line drugs. The authors of the new study evaluated drug susceptibility data of MDR TB cases identified by the California TB Registry betwixt 1993 and 2006, looking for cases that fit the XDR TB definition.
Of the 424 MDR TB cases, 4 pct were XDR and 18 percent were pre-XDR, which are ane drug out from XDR TB. The proportion of patients with pre-XDR isolates increased from 7 per centum in 1993 to 32 percent in 2005. XDR TB occurred due to inadequate handling of MDR TB, XDR TB transmission within California, and transmission of persons with XDR strains prior to U.S. arrival.
Over the course of study of the study, TB outcomes improved. Deaths declined among XDR TB cases identified subsequently 2000. However, the authors wrote, strategies must be implemented to identify and cure MDR and pre-XDR TB cases before they develop into XDR TB. Modeling studies suggest that unless phylogenesis of MDR into XDR is slowed, XDR cases could growth exponentially. Prevention is more cost-effective than treatment, they noted.
"Globally, XDR TB has resulted from a combination of poor TB control practices, poor adhesion to medications, inappropriate manipulation of second-line drugs, want of laboratory capacity to culture TB or assess drug susceptibleness, and high HIV prevalence," said lead author Ritu Banerjee, MD, PhD of the University of California at San Francisco. "In order to prevent an escalation in XDR TB we need to insure adherence to the cornerstones of TB management, which include directly observed therapy, isolation of infectious cases, and contact investigations. We also need to institute routine, rapid, and similar methods to assess drug susceptibility of TB isolates," she over.
Founded in 1979, Clinical Infectious Diseases publishes clinical articles doubly monthly in a variety of areas of infectious disease, and is i of the most extremely regarded journals in this specialty. It is published under the auspices of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Based in Arlington, Virginia, IDSA is a professional lodge representing more than 8,000 physicians and scientists who speciate in infectious diseases.
Infectious Diseases Society of America
More info
Friday, 8 August 2008
Sarah Harding: 'Amy Winehouse Should Leave London'
Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding thinks Amy Winehouse should foreswear London in a offer to sort her life out.
Harding, world Health Organization is set to leave alone London and move to the countryside, believes the troubled Rehab hitmaker should get a fresh set off away from her place in Camden, North London.
She tells Britain's Daily Star newspaper, "I can't wait to get out of Camden. I just hatred being endorse there now. It brings back so many unhappy memories.
"I'm looking for a new seat in Buckinghamshire now. It's lovely around there. I think the Camden thing had its time and you have to run on.
"It could do Amy good to get out of thither and make a fresh start and perspective."
Amy's padre, Mitch, and husband, Blake, recently aforesaid the star topology needs to leave the capital and start a new animation in the countryside.
More info
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Amy Winehouse punches Glastonbury fan - report
Amy Winehouse reportedly punched a fan while performing at British music festival Glastonbury.
News agency Associated Press reported the troubled soul singer climbed down from the stage, jumped into the crowd and scuffled with a fan.
It is not clear what sparked the incident.
Winehouse sang for about an hour at Glastonbury, following her comeback show at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations.
She has been hospitalised for the past week for what her father said was emphysema bought on by drug use.
This has been denied by Winehouse's reps.
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Saturday, 14 June 2008
Swayze not letting cancer interfere with TV role
By Kimberly Nordyke
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Pancreatic cancer is not
slowing Patrick Swayze.
The "Dirty Dancing" veteran stars in the cop drama "The
Beast," which has just been picked up by cable's A&E Network.
Swayze plays an unorthodox but effective FBI veteran who
trains a new partner (Travis Fimmel) in his hard-edged and
psychologically clever style of agenting while being pursued by
a secret Internal Affairs team.
"I have searched for quite a long time to find a character
that is this multilayered, unpredictable and downright
entertaining as well as a project this current and
cutting-edged," Swayze said in a statement.
The statement did not address his health, but network
executives confirmed that his doctors have cleared him to
resume work. They have ordered 13 hour-long episodes to go into
production this summer in Chicago, with a premiere set for
early 2009.
Swayze, 55, was diagnosed with cancer in March, and has
been receiving treatment at Stanford University Medical Center,
near San Francisco.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Pancreatic cancer is not
slowing Patrick Swayze.
The "Dirty Dancing" veteran stars in the cop drama "The
Beast," which has just been picked up by cable's A&E Network.
Swayze plays an unorthodox but effective FBI veteran who
trains a new partner (Travis Fimmel) in his hard-edged and
psychologically clever style of agenting while being pursued by
a secret Internal Affairs team.
"I have searched for quite a long time to find a character
that is this multilayered, unpredictable and downright
entertaining as well as a project this current and
cutting-edged," Swayze said in a statement.
The statement did not address his health, but network
executives confirmed that his doctors have cleared him to
resume work. They have ordered 13 hour-long episodes to go into
production this summer in Chicago, with a premiere set for
early 2009.
Swayze, 55, was diagnosed with cancer in March, and has
been receiving treatment at Stanford University Medical Center,
near San Francisco.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
Sunday, 8 June 2008
B.G. The Prince Of Rap
Artist: B.G. The Prince Of Rap
Genre(s):
Rap: Hip-Hop
Discography:
The Power of Rhythm
Year: 1991
Tracks: 13
The Time Is Now
Year:
Tracks: 12
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Rihanna plays down Chris Brown rumours
Singer Rihanna has dismissed reports which suggest that she is dating R&B star Chris Brown, claiming that they are "like brother and sister".
Speaking to MTV News, Rihanna said: "We are best friends, honestly, like brother and sister."
"I won't say that we're just friends - me and Chris are really best, best friends. If he was a boyfriend, I would say that," she said.
Brown said: "They keep asking me, 'What's the deal?' I'm like, 'There's no deal. No deal.' We're just friends."
Speaking to MTV News, Rihanna said: "We are best friends, honestly, like brother and sister."
"I won't say that we're just friends - me and Chris are really best, best friends. If he was a boyfriend, I would say that," she said.
Brown said: "They keep asking me, 'What's the deal?' I'm like, 'There's no deal. No deal.' We're just friends."
Amy Winehouse's Jail Break
Just hours after being released on police bail, Amy Winehouse was roaming the streets of London as though no arrest had been made.
Police investigating footage of Amy allegedly smoking crack cocaine that was made public earlier this year arrested the beehived singer for drug possession yesterday after she voluntarily attended a police station.
However, she didn’t let her date with the cops put a downer on her spirits. A few hours after being released on bail, the 24-year old made an emergency dash to a petrol station in Camden where she collected supplies including magazine and drinks.
Amy also chatted happily to photographers, asking them what tattoo they think she should get next. Perhaps she should be more concerned about going to jail instead of worrying about getting inked?
Do you think Amy should go to jail? Be sure to leave your comments below.
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JESSE McCARTNEY
Departure (Hollywood): B
Our kids grow up so fast. One day they’re singing about daddy’s little girl and unrequited love; next thing you know they’re whispering in their bedmate’s ear, “I wanna see you when I wake up, ’cuz you look good without makeup.” The birds and the bees are buzzing all over this grown-up “Departure” by one-time tween heartthrob McCartney. A Maroon 5-like vibe carries through these 12 tunes, including the killer first single “Leavin’ ” and the hook-laden song to download: “How Do You Sleep”
Our kids grow up so fast. One day they’re singing about daddy’s little girl and unrequited love; next thing you know they’re whispering in their bedmate’s ear, “I wanna see you when I wake up, ’cuz you look good without makeup.” The birds and the bees are buzzing all over this grown-up “Departure” by one-time tween heartthrob McCartney. A Maroon 5-like vibe carries through these 12 tunes, including the killer first single “Leavin’ ” and the hook-laden song to download: “How Do You Sleep”
Featured Photos: R.E.M. at the Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA - May 2008
R.E.M. [ tickets ] is touring behind their critically-acclaimed 2008 album "Accelerate," and drawing the sort of raves for the live show that they collected on the album release.LiveDaily's Tim Mosenfelder shot a recent show in Berkeley, CA.The tour continues through June at this point, though at least one festival date, the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans, has been plotted for later in the year.
Kanye West - Rappers Sued By Late Jazz Legends Estate
Rap superstars KANYE WEST, METHOD MAN, REDMAN and COMMON have been accused of using late jazz legend JOE FARRELL's music without permission.
Farrell's daughter, Kathleen Firrantello, filed a lawsuit against the hip hop stars and their representing record labels - all owned by Universal Music Group - in New York's U.S. District Court on Thursday (22May08).
The lawsuit accuses the rappers, and their labels, of using segments of Farrell's 1974 composition Upon This Rock in three different songs without seeking approval from the late singer's estate.
The songs at the centre of the lawsuit are West's 2005 track Gone from his Late Registration album, Common's Chi-City from 2005's Be LP, which was co-written and produced by West, and Run 4 Cover, a 1999 collaboration between rappers Method Man and Redman for their Blackout LP.
A spokesman for the stars was unavailable.
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Has Justin Ever Heard Jessica Sing?
Does Justin Timberlake know that his girlfriend, Jessica Biel, once tried to make it as a singer?
Sadly, however, Biel didn't get far�at least not in college.
The...
"Panic in Level 4": even stranger than science fiction
A bizarre disease called Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome causes its victims to bite off their own fingers and lips, puncture their eyes and disfigure their faces. Most of the victims are intelligent and sociable young males (it's transmitted only in male chromosomes) who die at an early age. It's one of many genetic disorders doctors call "orphan diseases," in that hardly anyone is studying them, and it's one of the topics in Richard Preston's new book, "Panic in Level 4: Cannibals, Killer Viruses, and Other Journeys to the Edge of Science" (Random House, 240 pp., $26). Preston's readers get to know some of the likable victims of Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome and some of the doctors specializing in it.
This is a collection of six stories originally published in The New Yorker, updated and expanded for the book. It includes an article on the killer virus called Ebola, the subject of Preston's 1994 best-seller, "The Hot Zone," which reports on the continuing efforts to track down the horrific virus in Central Africa, and the self-sacrificing bravery of Ebola caregivers.
Each topic is interwoven with a common theme, that of scientific research. In "The Human Kabbalah," Preston relates the dogfight nature of competition between government and corporate researchers to reveal the structure of human DNA and to publish the first reliable map of the human genome.
In a good-humored and emotional story he calls "The Mountains of Pi," Preston profiles two wonderfully eccentric brothers, David and Gregory Chudnovsky, "a single mathematician who happened to inhabit two bodies." They built the world's most powerful computer in a New York apartment, from mail-order catalogs. They used it to set a world's record for computing pi, the transcendentally mysterious equation defining the circumference of a circle. They surveyed pi to 2,260,321,336 digits, hoping to find a numerical pattern. There was none.
A Seattle angle to the story: The Ukrainian-born Chudnovskys, acknowledged as two of the world's best mathematicians, were persecuted by the Soviet KGB in the 1970s. They were allowed to leave the Soviet Union only through intervention by the late Sen. Henry "Scoop" Jackson and University of Washington mathematician Ed Hewitt.
In "A Death in the Forest," Preston reports on the losing struggle to save the tallest trees of America's Eastern forests from a voracious insect called the hemlock woolly adelgid, an Asian import for which there are no known predators in this country, nor — so far — any practical chemical controls.
Exhibiting the range of his reporting interests, Preston also tells the story of seven ancient tapestries known as the "Hunt of the Unicorn" that hang in the Cloisters museum in New York City. He recounts the scientific challenge of producing a precisely accurate photograph of the tapestries, for which the museum hired the amazing Chudnovsky brothers and their world-renowned homegrown computer.
The book's title is drawn from the author's experience at Level Four of the U.S. Ebola research headquarters in Atlanta. Preston relates his own barely controlled panic in discovering an open zipper on the super-protective suit he was wearing in a laboratory where live Ebola viruses are kept.
The "panic" event is part of a 30-page introduction based on the journalist's personal experiences. It includes a short primer on literary journalism, in which Preston explains his reporting techniques, down to the type of pencil and notebook he uses. Little of this material appears to be especially unusual or important. His first-person writing seems awkwardly self-conscious, in contrast to the bright, compelling voice in which Preston tells other-person stories of high scientific adventure.
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Woody Allen fears for Scarlett Johansson
Veteran film director Woody Allen is fearful that Scarlett Johansson will ruin her promising acting career by indulging in the party lifestyle.
The director, who has worked with Johansson on a number of movies, has said she is one of the most talented stars of her generation and has advised her to follow Meryl Streep's example.
He told the New York Post's gossip column Page Six: "(Johansson) is so beautiful and so sexy and so gifted... she can do anything, but she has to make the right choices of films and she's got to not go the Page Six party route.
"I don't want to read about her in the paper with this boyfriend or that boyfriend, or in rehab or taking pills. I don't think she's always made great choices. She has to take her acting seriously... the way someone like Meryl Streep did it."
The director, who has worked with Johansson on a number of movies, has said she is one of the most talented stars of her generation and has advised her to follow Meryl Streep's example.
He told the New York Post's gossip column Page Six: "(Johansson) is so beautiful and so sexy and so gifted... she can do anything, but she has to make the right choices of films and she's got to not go the Page Six party route.
"I don't want to read about her in the paper with this boyfriend or that boyfriend, or in rehab or taking pills. I don't think she's always made great choices. She has to take her acting seriously... the way someone like Meryl Streep did it."
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