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In Vitro Antibody Production Enables HIV Infection Detection In Window Period -- Key To Safer Blood
Researchers in Israel and Kenya have shown that the contribution of variable degrees of immune suppression, either due to existing chronic infections such as parasitemias and/or nutrition, in different populations may influence and prolong the serological-diagnostic window period of HIV. However, the immunosuppression can be overcome, by in-vitro enhancement of antibody production (termed- Stimmunology). The results, which appear in the August 2009 issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine, show that pre-treating the whole blood sample in the SMARTube™ containing immune potentiating agents promoted the synthesis and release of antibodies against HIV-1 prior to their detection in corresponding plasma samples in a group of donors who would otherwise be classified as HIV-1 seronegative blood donors. The identification of techniques that can lead to detection of HIV infection during this window period is of obvious public health importance especially in re poor settings highlighting the importance of these findings. Overcoming the suppression, in-vitro, led to the production of detectable levels of anti-HIV antibodies in the whole blood sample and to the detection of potentially infectious blood units which were missed by regular HIV serology. Interestingly, the ratio of missed infections among the total HIV infected blood donors was higher among the younger (high-school) donors versus adult donors.

Potent "Tomato Pill" Launched As New Approach To Treatment Of High Cholesterol
A new pill that contains a potent version of the naturally occurring compound lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes and other fruits and
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Slight Majority Of U.S. Residents Call Themselves 'Pro-life;' 76% Say Abortion Should Be Legal, Poll Shows
Seventy-six percent of U.S. residents believe that abortion should be legal, a finding in keeping with public opinion over the past three decades, according to a Gallup poll released on Saturday, the AP/Boston Globe reports (AP/Boston Globe, 5/16). However, 51% of respondents identified themselves as "pro-life," while 42% said they are "pro-choice" (Gallup poll, 5/16). The finding marks the first time since Gallup began asking about abortion rights in 1995 that a majority of respondents said they consider themselves "pro-life" (Nadeau, Boston Herald, 5/16). Last year"s poll showed that 50% of respondents consider themselves "pro-choice," compared with 44% who said they are "pro-life" (Abcarian, Los Angeles Times, 5/16).The new poll found that 53% of respondents believe abortion should be legal under some circumstances, 23% believe it should be legal under any circumstances and 22% believe it should be illegal under any circumstances (Boston Herald, 5/16). The percentage of respondents who oppose abortion rights in all cases rose slightly from last year, while those who support abortion rights in all cases decreased slightly. The Los Angeles Times reports that the percentage of respondents who oppose abortion rights in all circumstances and those who support abortion rights in all circumstances is "a virtual tie." The results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points.Respondents who labeled themselves as moderates and Republicans accounted for most of the change in views compared with past polls, as Democrats" views remained consistent with previous years, according to the Los Angeles Times. Gallup in its analysis wrote that it is "possible" that President Obama "has pushed the public"s understanding of what it means to be "pro-choice" slightly to the left, politically" (Los Angeles Times, 5/16). The survey was conducted between May 7 and May 10 (AP/Boston Globe, 5/16).Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said, "I am pretty confident that Americans really don"t want Roe v. Wade overturned." She added that the increase in respondents identifying as "pro-life" does not "square with what has happened in the last several elections," noting that voters have rejected several antiabortion-rights ballot measures in South Dakota, California, Oregon and Colorado since 2005. However, Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life, said, "It tracks pretty much with what we"ve always known: People generally are pro-life depending on how you ask the question" (Los Angeles Times, 5/16).
Sexual Health

UK Charity Tackles Health Risk For Children - Engaging Website Launches To Educate Children At A Crucial Age In Bone Development

Research from the National Osteoporosis Society has revealed that almost half (49%)* of young people do not know that there are steps they can take to keep their bones healthy. This knowledge gap puts them at risk of osteoporosis and fractures in later life. In response to this research, the charity has developed an exciting online project that will educate UK children about bone health and provide inspiring res for school teachers and parents. Bones4life.org gives vital health messages to young people while their bone strength is still being built. Through knowledge enhancing, creativity developing activity, the new website will help to prevent children risking their future health. Lesley Millard, Education Officer for the National Osteoporosis Society, has over 30 years experience working with children. Her experience as a Head Teacher has provided inspiration for the res. "Our YouGov research highlighted massive shortfalls in knowledge around bone health in young people," she said. "Children don"t realise the damage that unhealthy lifestyles can have on their bones in later life. The majority were unaware that exercise can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and one in three did not know about the positive role diet can play. Bones4life.org is launching at a time when electronic and interactive res could not be more valuable to the curriculum. We want to make sure children take care of their bones for the future so we"ve involved young people and teachers throughout the development of Bones4life.org to help us achieve this." The website is tailored to the requirements of the national curriculum for 7-10 year olds and is particularly relevant for information technology and health and fitness. It teaches children about the importance of building healthy bones from a young age, to protect this living tissue. Divided in to two sections, the children"s part of the website includes a flash game, fun educational quizzes and a gallery where their work can be posted. The adult section hosts a variety of res including lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, film clips, photos, re lists and music. There will also be a link to the charity"s main web site for forum discussions. Illustrating the site are three characters that children can interact with, developed by the charity to represent the three main elements required to look after your bones. "Sneakers", the exercise lover, knows that weight-bearing exercise is important for general health and strengthening bones; "Munch" loves healthy eating and calcium rich foods; "Blaze" gets power from sunlight, which enables the body to produce bone-healthy vitamin D. Simon Brown, a teacher at Christchurch Primary School in Wiltshire, welcomes the new website: "It is great to find a re that both educates and entertains. The children love the fun characters and games that help them learn all about their bones. I"m keen to incorporate Bones4life into my lesson plans." Christchurch Primary School helped to test-drive the site and provided valuable feedback for its development. Sophie, year 5 said, "The website is really fun - especially the game which is challenging. I really like the characters as well." Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases in the UK, and more than a thousand people per month die as a result of hip fracture. 70,000 hip fractures occur every year, costing the UK healthcare system and government ÷£2.3 billion - approximately ÷£6 million a day. Younger people need to "bank" strong bone before they reach 30 in order to reduce the risks of osteoporosis and poor bone health. Often called the "silent disease" osteoporosis has no specific symptoms and can go undetected until the time of a first broken bone. The National Osteoporosis Society


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