Umbilical cord stem cell

Over 70 diseases can already be successfully treated with hematopoietic (blood) stem cells and around 15 diseases are treated with non-hematopoietic stem cells. Considering ongoing experiments and clinical trials, the number of therapeutic applications is expected to increase in the future. These are some of the results an expert panel presented after the first ITERA consensus meeting on the use, efficacy and medical applications of umbilical cord stem cells. Eight of the leading scientists and clinicians from the field of stem cell research and stem cell therapy united in the course of the fourth ITERA workshop on October 14 and agreed on a consensus addressing six fundamental issues.

Umbilical stem cells can be easily obtained, stored for many years and are readily available

Umbilical cord stem cells can be obtained after the delivery of a child. All eight experts consented that the isolation of umbilical cord stem cells is harmless, easy and without risk for the mother or the child. They can be stored for many years and are immediately available when needed, possibly also for therapies that are still to be developed. Umbilical cord stem cells can potentially be used on the child itself (autologous use) or on a related family member or unrelated patients (related or unrelated allogeneic use). "Umbilical cord and the cord blood are the most easily accessible source of stem cells and are mostly uncompromised from environmental or ageing influences. They are considered to be more vital and in some cases have shown to be more powerful in treatments as compared to stem cells from other sources," said Colin McGuckin, Professor of Regenerative Medicine at Newcastle University and member of the consensus board.

Storage can be provided by so called private/family banks or, in some countries, by public banks. Both forms of banks have their specific merits. A more modern approach, so called public-shared banking, might offer a good solution to fulfil the needs of individuals as well as the general public, so the expert panel agreed.

The consensus will serve as guidance for clinicians and the public to support well-informed decision-making.

contact lens

A contact lens (also known simply as a contact) is a corrective, cosmetic, or therapeutic lens usually placed on the cornea of the eye. Modern soft contact lenses were invented by the Czech chemist Otto Wichterle and his assistant Drahoslav Lím, who also invented the first gel used for their production.

Contact lenses usually serve the same corrective purpose as glasses, but are lightweight and virtually invisible—many commercial lenses are tinted a faint blue to make them more visible when immersed in cleaning and storage solutions. Some cosmetic lenses are deliberately colored to alter the appearance of the eye. Lenses now have a slight bluish tint which is a thin UV coating; this reduces glare and cornea damage much like a pair of sunglasses.^{[citation needed]}

It has been estimated that 125 million people use contact lenses worldwide (2%),^[1] including 28 to 38 million in the United States^[1] and 13 million in Japan.^[2] The types of lenses used and prescribed vary markedly between countries, with rigid lenses accounting for over 20% of currently-prescribed lenses in Japan, the Netherlands and Germany but less than 5% in Scandinavia.^[1]

People choose to wear contact lenses for many reasons, often due to their appearance and practicality.^[3] When compared to spectacles, contact lenses are less affected by wet weather, do not steam up, and provide a wider field of vision. They are more suitable for a number of sporting activities. Additionally, ophthalmological conditions such as keratoconus and aniseikonia may not be accurately corrected with glasses.

Effect of plastic

Chemicals May Contaminate Food and Drinks in Reused Plastic Bottles
Studies have indicated that food and drinks stored in such containers—including those ubiquitous clear Nalgene water bottles hanging from just about every hiker’s backpack—can contain trace amount of Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical that interferes with the body’s natural hormonal messaging system.

Reused Plastic Bottles Can Leach Toxic Chemicals
The same studies found that repeated re-use of such bottles—which get dinged up through normal wear and tear and while being washed—increases the chance that chemicals will leak out of the tiny cracks and crevices that develop over time. According to the Environment California Research & Policy Center, which reviewed 130 studies on the topic, BPA has been linked to breast and uterine cancer, an increased risk of miscarriage, and decreased testosterone levels.

BPA can also wreak havoc on children’s developing systems. (Parents beware: Most baby bottles and sippy cups are made with plastics containing BPA.) Most experts agree that the amount of BPA that could leach into food and drinks through normal handling is probably very small, but there are concerns about the cumulative effect of small doses.

Even Plastic Water and Soda Bottles Should Not Be Reused
Health advocates also recommend not reusing bottles made from plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE), including most disposable water, soda and juice bottles. According to The Green Guide, such bottles may be safe for one-time use, but re-use should be avoided because studies indicate they may leach DEHP—another probable human carcinogen—when they are in less-than-perfect condition.

H1N1??

The 2009 flu pandemic is an A(H1N1) pandemic and a global outbreak of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, identified in April 2009, commonly referred to as "swine flu", which is transmitted between humans. It is thought to be a mutation—more specifically, a reassortment—of four known strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1: one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine). Experts now assume that the virus "most likely" emerged from pigs in Asia, and the virus was carried to North America by infected people. There is further evidence that the new strain has been circulating among pigs, possibly among multiple continents, for many years prior to its transmission to humans. Virtually all transmission is from human to human; cooked pork products are safe for humans and the virus cannot be transmitted from foods.

The outbreak began in Mexico, and there is evidence that Mexico was already in the midst of an epidemic for months before the outbreak was recognized. Soon after, their government closed down most of Mexico City's public and private offices and facilities to help contain the spread. In early June, as the virus spread globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a pandemic, while also noting that the virus has so far been of "moderate severity." WHO anticipates a bleaker picture, however, as the virus spreads to less developed countries with poorer health care systems. By July, the virus was continuing to spread worldwide, especially in Southern Hemisphere countries, where the winter flu season has started. On July 16, however, WHO announced that it would stop tracking swine flu cases and deaths around the world partly because data estimates, according to many experts, were becoming "meaningless" and laboratories were overwhelmed simply testing for the flu.^[58]

The virus typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu, and may include fever, sneezes, sore throat, coughs, headache, and muscle or joint pains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that most hospitalizations have been of people that also had underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system. In an attempt to slow the spread of the illness, a number of countries, especially in Asia, have enforced strict quarantines on travelers showing any symptoms, along with travelers seated nearby any infected persons. Some have even requested pre-screening passengers before they travel.

WHO does not expect to have a full vaccine before the end of 2009, and if any is available before that time the supply will be limited. However there have been reports in the UK that there will be a vaccine by August. ^[59] The CDC states that two or three vaccine injections will be required for maximum immunity from both the swine flu and seasonal flu. There is also concern that the virus could mutate later in the year and become more virulent and less susceptible to any new vaccine. This concern is partly due to the memory of the 1918 flu pandemic, which is thought to have killed between 40 million and 100 million people, and was preceded by a wave of milder cases in the spring.^[60]

Biofuel

Biofuel is simply taking plants that are alive today and using them to convert sunshine and CO2 into energy we can use. Using the sun's energy, they recycle the carbon that is already in the atmosphere - adding no new CO2 that will increase global climate change. There is certainly a place for biofuels in meeting our future energy needs. I am not, however in favor of using food products to produce biofuels. Today's agriculture takes nearly a gallon of fossil fuel to grow a gallon of biofuel. On top of that, it uses perfectly good food that could be used for humans or farm animals. However, there are some biofuels that make use of waste and do not compete with our food supply. Greasecars, already mentioned by one respondent, are great. Used fryer oil should never be dumped-it is a great resource; but how many cars can we actually run on it. The amount of fried food Americans consume is limited (and hopefully decreasing). Using another technology, called cellulosic ethanol production, straw, weeds, wood, and other fibrous plant matter are turned into fuel-grade alcohol with the help of bacterial enzymes. I think there's a lot of promise there. However, there are no big ag chemical companies lobbying for more research like they are for corn-based fuel. Could that be because, when the farmers are able to grow weeds for profit, the Monsantos of the world loose out? I also have hope that biodiesel and other fuels may someday be made from algae. Our local sewage treatment plant is experimenting with using algae for water purification. They allow wild algae to colonize ponds filled with treated effluent, document everything, and experiment with finding uses for the algae. Some researchers are trying to grow specially-hybridized -high-oil-producing algae under artificial light. There is something wrong with that picture. We need to be harnessing the free energy of the sun. (Even if the artificial light is produced via PV cells, they 1) aren't very efficient, and 2) take a lot of energy to build.)

SWEET MEMORIES OF H7P44

On the first day we met, everyone is so quiet.. I bit wondering, am I in the schema class?? Something 'pop' in my minds.. Owh my God,I will get through a very boring routine in the class..However,day by day,one by one shows their true colors.Then,we get closer to each other.They are very helpful expecially in studies.A lot sweet memories we shared together.The song 'We all in this together' from High School Musical give huge meaning to us.On the dinner night with the theme ''Glamerous and Mascurate'',we did a dance performance..I'm sure each one of us will remember this great moment forever!!One more thing, in my class,we have one disabled person,named Izzah..What make me proud is either boys or girls shared the responsible towards Izzah...I love u guys!..Expecially eg,pika,udin,zati,fariza and ikin...don't forget me k...

My Special Roomates

I have a great roomates when I was in JMC.I love them so much.We shared plenty of sweet memories together. Although only a short period in JMC, but I learnt many things from them.We are like a family.They are very supportive, hardworking, helpful and even ready to lend me their shoulders when I need.Although we are at our own path right know,but I'm sure our relationship will never ends..INFINITY..To my ex-roomates, ummi, dilla and syuhada, I pray you will success in your life.Be a great daughter, a true frenz, an excellent student and a future loyal wife..Insyaallah!!