Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Abbandonare la speranza, tutti voi che entri qui!
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here. These are the words enscribed on the entrence to hell in Dante's The Dinive Comedy. Dante was one of the Italy's best writers ever. He wrote such classics as the Divine Comedy and the Inferno as well as many other poems. 
CDC: New Respiratory Bug Has Killed 10
CDC Says New Respiratory Bug Has Killed 10 People, Sickened Scores in Last 18 Months.
A mutated version of a common cold virus has caused 10 deaths in the last 18 months, U.S. health officials said Thursday. Adenoviruses usually cause respiratory infections that aren't considered lethal. But a new variant has caused at least 140 illnesses in New York, Oregon, Washington and Texas, according to a report issued Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC officials don't consider the mutation to be a cause for alarm for most people, and they're not recommending any new precautions for the general public.
"It's an uncommon infection," said Dr. Larry Anderson, a CDC epidemiologist.
The illness made headlines in Texas earlier this year, when a so-called boot camp flu sickened hundreds at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. The most serious cases were blamed on the emerging virus and one 19-year-old trainee died.
"What really got people's attention is these are healthy young adults landing in the hospital and, in some cases, the ICU," said Dr. John Su, an infectious diseases investigator with the CDC.
There are more than 50 distinct types of adenoviruses tied to human illnesses. They are one cause of the common cold, and also trigger pneumonia and bronchitis. Severe illnesses are more likely in people with weaker immune systems.
Some adenoviruses have also been blamed for gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and cystitis.
There are no good antiviral medications for adenoviruses. Patients usually are treated with aspirin, liquids and bed rest.
Some people who get infected by the new bug probably would not suffer symptoms, and some may just feel a common cold. Sick people should see a doctor if they suffer a high fever or have trouble breathing, Anderson said.
In the CDC report, the earliest case of the mutated virus was found in an infant girl in New York City, who died last year. The child seemed healthy right after birth, but then became dehydrated and lost appetite. She died 12 days after she was born.
Tests found that she been infected with a form of adenovirus, called Ad14, but with some little differences, Su said.
It's not clear how the changes made it more lethal, said Linda Gooding, an Emory University researcher who specializes in adenoviruses.
Earlier this year, hundreds of trainees at Lackland became ill with respiratory infections. Tests showed a variety of adenoviruses in the trainees, but at least 106 and probably more had the mutated form of Ad14, including five who ended up in an intensive care unit
In April, Oregon health officials learned of a cluster of cases at a Portland-area hospital. They ultimately counted 31 cases, including seven who died with severe pneumonia. The next month, Washington state officials reported four hospitalized patients had the same mutated virus. One, who also had AIDS, died.
The Ad14 form of adenovirus was first identified in 1955. In 1969, it was blamed for a rash of illnesses in military recruits stationed in Europe, but it's been detected rarely since then. But it seems to growing more common.
The strain accounted for 6 percent of adenovirus samples collected in 22 medical facilities in 2006, while none was seen the previous two years, according to a study published this month in the medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
The new bug could have implications for the military. Other forms of adenoviruses have been a common cause of illness in recruits. Military officials are bringing back an adenovirus vaccine administered as a pill that was given to recruits from 1971 to 1999, CDC officials said.
A Barr Pharmaceuticals vaccine for the military, currently being tested, is expected to be licensed in 2009. Like the old pill, it focuses on adenovirus serotypes 4 and 7, because those bugs have been persistent problems, said Col. Art Brown, an Army physician involved in the product's development.
Some CDC officials said a vaccination against the mutant Ad14 might be needed. Brown said it isn't clear if the mutant Ad14 will be an enduring threat, but the military will monitor illness reports.
"If it persists, then we'd consider if the vaccine needs to be modified further," said Brown, of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity.
Special Thanks to abcnews.go.com
A mutated version of a common cold virus has caused 10 deaths in the last 18 months, U.S. health officials said Thursday. Adenoviruses usually cause respiratory infections that aren't considered lethal. But a new variant has caused at least 140 illnesses in New York, Oregon, Washington and Texas, according to a report issued Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC officials don't consider the mutation to be a cause for alarm for most people, and they're not recommending any new precautions for the general public.
"It's an uncommon infection," said Dr. Larry Anderson, a CDC epidemiologist.
The illness made headlines in Texas earlier this year, when a so-called boot camp flu sickened hundreds at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. The most serious cases were blamed on the emerging virus and one 19-year-old trainee died.
"What really got people's attention is these are healthy young adults landing in the hospital and, in some cases, the ICU," said Dr. John Su, an infectious diseases investigator with the CDC.
There are more than 50 distinct types of adenoviruses tied to human illnesses. They are one cause of the common cold, and also trigger pneumonia and bronchitis. Severe illnesses are more likely in people with weaker immune systems.
Some adenoviruses have also been blamed for gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and cystitis.
There are no good antiviral medications for adenoviruses. Patients usually are treated with aspirin, liquids and bed rest.
Some people who get infected by the new bug probably would not suffer symptoms, and some may just feel a common cold. Sick people should see a doctor if they suffer a high fever or have trouble breathing, Anderson said.
In the CDC report, the earliest case of the mutated virus was found in an infant girl in New York City, who died last year. The child seemed healthy right after birth, but then became dehydrated and lost appetite. She died 12 days after she was born.
Tests found that she been infected with a form of adenovirus, called Ad14, but with some little differences, Su said.
It's not clear how the changes made it more lethal, said Linda Gooding, an Emory University researcher who specializes in adenoviruses.
Earlier this year, hundreds of trainees at Lackland became ill with respiratory infections. Tests showed a variety of adenoviruses in the trainees, but at least 106 and probably more had the mutated form of Ad14, including five who ended up in an intensive care unit
In April, Oregon health officials learned of a cluster of cases at a Portland-area hospital. They ultimately counted 31 cases, including seven who died with severe pneumonia. The next month, Washington state officials reported four hospitalized patients had the same mutated virus. One, who also had AIDS, died.
The Ad14 form of adenovirus was first identified in 1955. In 1969, it was blamed for a rash of illnesses in military recruits stationed in Europe, but it's been detected rarely since then. But it seems to growing more common.
The strain accounted for 6 percent of adenovirus samples collected in 22 medical facilities in 2006, while none was seen the previous two years, according to a study published this month in the medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
The new bug could have implications for the military. Other forms of adenoviruses have been a common cause of illness in recruits. Military officials are bringing back an adenovirus vaccine administered as a pill that was given to recruits from 1971 to 1999, CDC officials said.
A Barr Pharmaceuticals vaccine for the military, currently being tested, is expected to be licensed in 2009. Like the old pill, it focuses on adenovirus serotypes 4 and 7, because those bugs have been persistent problems, said Col. Art Brown, an Army physician involved in the product's development.
Some CDC officials said a vaccination against the mutant Ad14 might be needed. Brown said it isn't clear if the mutant Ad14 will be an enduring threat, but the military will monitor illness reports.
"If it persists, then we'd consider if the vaccine needs to be modified further," said Brown, of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity.
Special Thanks to abcnews.go.com
ASIMO In The Swiss Skies
Château-d'Oex, Switzerland, January 23-27, 2008 - ASIMO will be in the small town of Château-d'Oex in Switzerland this week to celebrate the 30th year of the world famous International Balloon Festival and to demonstrate Honda's advanced technology. It's the first time the New ASIMO has travelled to the alpine country and the visit will be combined with a special presentation to the local school children.
This year Honda is taking part in the event with three distinctive hot-air balloons, joining more than 100 others flying over the Swiss Alps - one Honda ‘wing' balloon, representing Honda's motorcycle division and two remarkable balloons in the image of ASIMO. Taking part in this event demonstrates Honda's passion for dreaming and honours Soichiro Honda, the company's founder, whose secret dream was to fly.
Local and visiting school children will not only be able to see the ASIMO balloon in the sky, but will also be treated to a special educational presentation about ASIMO and Honda's development of humanoid robots in the town's cinema.
There will also be eight public shows over the weekend of 26-27 January with the new running version of ASIMO, introduced to Europe in Barcelona last September. These shows will take place in the town centre.
The International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex attracts over 30,000 visitors to this beautiful area per year. This is the third year Honda has taken part in the event.
1981 vs 2005
YEAR: 1981
1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope died.
YEAR: 2005
1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope died.
In the future, if Prince Charles decides to remarry, somebody
please warn the Pope!
1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope died.
YEAR: 2005
1. Prince Charles got married.
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes tournament.
4. Pope died.
In the future, if Prince Charles decides to remarry, somebody
please warn the Pope!
6+ Synthetics Fabrics to Watchout For
Fabric may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about living a healthier lifestyle, but it definitely should be considered. Even many "health nuts" don't realize that synthetic fabrics are teeming with chemicals and dyes that cannot be washed out, making them a potential health hazard.
Organic, all-natural fabrics like cotton, wool and linen may be the safest options when it comes to your health.
Toxins in Your Textiles
Most synthetic fabrics, from towels to dress shirts to bed linens, are treated with chemicals during and after processing. These chemicals not only leach into the environment, leaving an impact on groundwater, wildlife, air and soil, but they also may be absorbed or inhaled directly.
"The use of man-made chemicals is increasing, and at the same time we have warning signals that a variety of wildlife and human health problems are becoming more prevalent," says Dr. Richard Dixon, Head of the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) Scotland. "It is reckless to suggest there is no link between the two and give chemicals the benefit of the doubt. Urgent action is needed to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives especially in clothing and other consumer products."
WWF is so concerned about one fairly new clothing additive that, in 2004, they advised parents to check their children's clothing labels. If the chemical is on it, they advise switching to clothing made from natural fibers whenever possible.
Teflon in Your Trousers
The chemicals that the WWF was warning about are perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which include the non-stick additive Teflon. These chemicals are increasingly being added to clothing because it makes them last longer and also can make them wrinkle-free. Most clothing labeled "no-iron" contains PFCs.
The problem with PFcs?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that PFCs are cancer-causing compounds. However, "no-iron" and "wrinkle-free" pants have become a popular part of many schools' compulsory uniforms. Hardly the thing you'd like to send your child off to school in, but other options usually aren't provided.
PFCs in "wrinkle-free" pants, often used for school uniforms, may cause cancer, according to the EPA.
"Without knowing it, parents are exposing their children to toxic chemicals in clothing that could have serious future consequences for their health and the environment. Children are usually more vulnerable to the effects of chemicals than adults, so the presence of these substances in school clothing is particularly alarming,' says Dr. Dixon.
Your Clothing's Chemical Cocktail
You may be wondering when, and why, chemicals are applied to your clothing. The fact is, man-made fabrics are complex, and getting a soft pullover out of raw materials takes some measure of chemical manipulation. For instance:
Chemicals are used to make fibers suitable for spinning and weaving.
A formaldehyde product is often applied to prevent shrinkage. This product is applied with heat so it is trapped in the fiber permanently.
Petrochemical dyes, which pollute waterways, are used for color.
Chemicals are added to make clothing softer, wrinkle-free, fire-retardant, moth-repellant and stain-resistant.
Commonly used chemicals include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dioxin-producing bleach.
Nylon and polyester are made from petrochemicals, whose production creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that's 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Rayon is made from wood pulp that has been treated with chemicals, including caustic soda and sulphuric acid.
Dye fixatives used in fabrics often come from heavy metals and pollute water systems.
Acrylic fabrics are polycrylonitriles, which may be carcinogenic.
Clothing and fabric that is treated with flame-retardant chemicals, such as children's pajamas, emit formaldehyde gas.
The chemicals used in synthetic clothing have been linked to health problems including cancer, immune system damage, behavioral problems and hormone disruption.
Synthetic Fibers to Avoid
If at all possible, it's best to stay away from the following fabrics in lieu of more natural options:
Acrylic
Polyester
Rayon
Acetate
Triacetate
Nylon
Anything labeled static-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, permanent-press, no-iron, stain-proof or moth-repellant
Natural fabrics tend to breathe better than synthetic fibers and naturally wick moisture away from the body. These include:
Cotton
Linen
Wool
Cashmere
Silk
Hemp
If you are very sensitive to chemicals, you may want to seek out organic fabrics. Even natural fabrics, such as cotton, are treated with pesticides while they are grown, and some of those pesticides will remain in the fibers. Organic fabrics are becoming more widely available and can be found in health food markets, specialty shops and online.
More Safe Clothing Tips
Use Static Eliminator for
Soft, Non-Toxic Clothing
Typical dryer sheets are loaded with potentially toxic chemicals that can be transferred to your clothing. The Static Eliminator Reusable Dryer Sheet System is one of the most highly recommended products of all on SixWise.com because it is:
Completely Non-Toxic
Very Economical! Each box is highly effective for 500 loads of laundry!
100% Hypoallergenic
Softens Clothes & Eliminates Static -- without any harsh toxins
Safe for Even the Most Delicate Fabrics
Easier to Use & Reduces Waste -- unlike conventional dryer sheets
Won't Clog Up Your Dryer Vents
Learn more about Static Eliminator
and Order Yours Now!
Wash and dry synthetic fabrics three times before wearing them.
Do not use conventional dryer sheets, as they are loaded with toxic chemicals. An excellent alternative is Static Eliminator, a reusable dryer sheet system with woven sheets that take static cling out, and soften fabric without any toxic chemicals whatsoever.
Avoid dry cleaning your clothing, as perchloroethylene, the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning, is a VOC known to cause cancer in animals. There are environmentally friendly dry cleaners that do not use this chemical.
Wash your clothing in non-toxic detergent, such as the EnviroRite Laundry Detergent, which is non-caustic and free of petroleum solvents, fragrances and dyes.
Special Thanks to Sixwise.com
Organic, all-natural fabrics like cotton, wool and linen may be the safest options when it comes to your health.
Toxins in Your Textiles
Most synthetic fabrics, from towels to dress shirts to bed linens, are treated with chemicals during and after processing. These chemicals not only leach into the environment, leaving an impact on groundwater, wildlife, air and soil, but they also may be absorbed or inhaled directly.
"The use of man-made chemicals is increasing, and at the same time we have warning signals that a variety of wildlife and human health problems are becoming more prevalent," says Dr. Richard Dixon, Head of the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) Scotland. "It is reckless to suggest there is no link between the two and give chemicals the benefit of the doubt. Urgent action is needed to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives especially in clothing and other consumer products."
WWF is so concerned about one fairly new clothing additive that, in 2004, they advised parents to check their children's clothing labels. If the chemical is on it, they advise switching to clothing made from natural fibers whenever possible.
Teflon in Your Trousers
The chemicals that the WWF was warning about are perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which include the non-stick additive Teflon. These chemicals are increasingly being added to clothing because it makes them last longer and also can make them wrinkle-free. Most clothing labeled "no-iron" contains PFCs.
The problem with PFcs?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that PFCs are cancer-causing compounds. However, "no-iron" and "wrinkle-free" pants have become a popular part of many schools' compulsory uniforms. Hardly the thing you'd like to send your child off to school in, but other options usually aren't provided.
PFCs in "wrinkle-free" pants, often used for school uniforms, may cause cancer, according to the EPA.
"Without knowing it, parents are exposing their children to toxic chemicals in clothing that could have serious future consequences for their health and the environment. Children are usually more vulnerable to the effects of chemicals than adults, so the presence of these substances in school clothing is particularly alarming,' says Dr. Dixon.
Your Clothing's Chemical Cocktail
You may be wondering when, and why, chemicals are applied to your clothing. The fact is, man-made fabrics are complex, and getting a soft pullover out of raw materials takes some measure of chemical manipulation. For instance:
Chemicals are used to make fibers suitable for spinning and weaving.
A formaldehyde product is often applied to prevent shrinkage. This product is applied with heat so it is trapped in the fiber permanently.
Petrochemical dyes, which pollute waterways, are used for color.
Chemicals are added to make clothing softer, wrinkle-free, fire-retardant, moth-repellant and stain-resistant.
Commonly used chemicals include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dioxin-producing bleach.
Nylon and polyester are made from petrochemicals, whose production creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that's 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Rayon is made from wood pulp that has been treated with chemicals, including caustic soda and sulphuric acid.
Dye fixatives used in fabrics often come from heavy metals and pollute water systems.
Acrylic fabrics are polycrylonitriles, which may be carcinogenic.
Clothing and fabric that is treated with flame-retardant chemicals, such as children's pajamas, emit formaldehyde gas.
The chemicals used in synthetic clothing have been linked to health problems including cancer, immune system damage, behavioral problems and hormone disruption.
Synthetic Fibers to Avoid
If at all possible, it's best to stay away from the following fabrics in lieu of more natural options:
Acrylic
Polyester
Rayon
Acetate
Triacetate
Nylon
Anything labeled static-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, permanent-press, no-iron, stain-proof or moth-repellant
Natural fabrics tend to breathe better than synthetic fibers and naturally wick moisture away from the body. These include:
Cotton
Linen
Wool
Cashmere
Silk
Hemp
If you are very sensitive to chemicals, you may want to seek out organic fabrics. Even natural fabrics, such as cotton, are treated with pesticides while they are grown, and some of those pesticides will remain in the fibers. Organic fabrics are becoming more widely available and can be found in health food markets, specialty shops and online.
More Safe Clothing Tips
Use Static Eliminator for
Soft, Non-Toxic Clothing
Typical dryer sheets are loaded with potentially toxic chemicals that can be transferred to your clothing. The Static Eliminator Reusable Dryer Sheet System is one of the most highly recommended products of all on SixWise.com because it is:
Completely Non-Toxic
Very Economical! Each box is highly effective for 500 loads of laundry!
100% Hypoallergenic
Softens Clothes & Eliminates Static -- without any harsh toxins
Safe for Even the Most Delicate Fabrics
Easier to Use & Reduces Waste -- unlike conventional dryer sheets
Won't Clog Up Your Dryer Vents
Learn more about Static Eliminator
and Order Yours Now!
Wash and dry synthetic fabrics three times before wearing them.
Do not use conventional dryer sheets, as they are loaded with toxic chemicals. An excellent alternative is Static Eliminator, a reusable dryer sheet system with woven sheets that take static cling out, and soften fabric without any toxic chemicals whatsoever.
Avoid dry cleaning your clothing, as perchloroethylene, the chemical most widely used in dry cleaning, is a VOC known to cause cancer in animals. There are environmentally friendly dry cleaners that do not use this chemical.
Wash your clothing in non-toxic detergent, such as the EnviroRite Laundry Detergent, which is non-caustic and free of petroleum solvents, fragrances and dyes.
Special Thanks to Sixwise.com
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