Malaria : Drug as effective in low doses

A new study finds that lower doses of the drug primaquine are as effective at preventing transmission of malaria as standard doses.

Primaquine targets the transmission stages of the malaria parasite, the gametocytes, and is considered an important tool for malaria elimination .

The new study, led by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in the UK, is published in the latest online issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The findings are good news because there are not many drugs that target this stage of the disease, and unfortunately, at standard doses primaquine can reduce blood count in people with a red blood cell disorder caused by a deficiency in an enzyme called G6PD.

The inherited blood disorder is common in places where malaria is endemic and so has limited the use of primaquine in those areas.

Because of this side effect, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised that dosage of primaquine be reduced from 0.75 mg/kg to 0.25 mg/kg. However, until now, nobody had formally evaluated the effectiveness of the drug at lower doses. 

Lead author Dr. Alice Chi Eziefula, Wellcome Trust clinical research fellow at LSHTM, says:

"Until now, the use of primaquine was limited because of safety concerns, but lower doses had never been tested formally."

Half of standard dose just as effective

The study took place in Jinja, Uganda, where children without the red blood cell disorder were treated with a malaria drug either on its own or with one of three different doses of primaquine. 

The children were then monitored for 2 weeks to test their malaria gametocytes, and they were kept under observation for another 2 weeks. 

The resuls showed that a dose of 0.4 mg/kg of primaquine, or about half of the previously recommended (standard) dose, was as effective at reducing the transmission potential of individuals with malaria. 

Dr. Chi Eziefula says:

"More questions remain to be answered regarding the best operational strategy for the deployment of primaquine to block malaria transmission."

The next step is to evaluate the effectiveness of the current WHO-recommended 0.25 mg/kg dose of primaquine in people without the red blood cell disorder, and then to test the safety of such a dose in people with the blood disorder. 

Co-author Moses Kamya, a professor with the Infectious Disease Research Collaboration in Kampala, Uganda, says:

"This study provides important contemporary information that allows malaria control programmes in endemic countries in Africa to consider the use of primaquine as part of their efforts to deal with this killer disease."

Tips to choose scent for men

Your perfume speaks volumes about your style and personality. So read on to find out what they are. Fragrance aspiration: A scent is a blend of various notes and elements. And, each fragrance belongs to a certain family, like fruity, woody, natural, spice, etc. Find out to which fragrance family you belong the most. knowing the olfactory pyramid can help a lot in this!

Try and test: Before purchasing a scent, try a couple of them and then make your decision.

Give some time: After trying and testing, give it some time to see how it reacts with your body. Each scent creates different smell when it mixes with your body odour.

If, after an hour, you feel that you like the fragrance, then buy it.

Sotting the signs of serious illness

Headaches are extremely common and most of them aren't a cause for anxiety. Occasionally, though, a headache is a symptom of a serious illness, such as meningitis or a brain haemorrhage, and requires urgent medical attention. Tension headaches are the most common type. What are the causes?

About three out of four headaches are caused by tension in the scalp or neck muscles due to stress. Tension headaches tend to occur frequently and cause moderate pain, particularly at the back and front of the head. It's often described as a tight band encircling the head. Other common causes of headaches include hangovers, having irregular meals, long journeys, noise, a stuffy atmosphere, thundery weather, too much sleep, too much excitement, a fever, sinusitis and toothache.

A migraine is a one-sided severe headache with eye symptoms and possibly vomiting and can run in families. A severe headache with fever, a stiff neck and rash may be a sign of meningitis, a condition in which the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. 

A sudden headache that feels like a blow to the back of the head could be a subarachnoid haemorrhage, in which bleeding occurs between the membranes covering the brain. 

In elderly people, a headache with tenderness of the scalp or temple may be due to temporal arteritis, in which blood vessels in the head become inflamed. 

What might be done?

If your doctor suspects an underlying condition, you may require tests, such as CT scanning or MRI of your brain, and an opinion from a neurologist. 

What's the treatment?

The treatment depends on the cause of the headache. For example, a tension headache will usually clear up with rest and painkillers. Cluster headaches and migraines can be treated with drugs. Excess painkillers, especially those containing codeine, can actually cause a headache.

1.6 billion people on social networks

An estimated 1.61 billion people, more than one in five globally, will log in to social networking sites at least monthly this year, the research firm eMarketer said Tuesday. The study said the number was up14.2 percent from a year ago and growth will push that number up to 2.33 billion by 2017.

The highest penetration of social network users, according to eMarketer, is in the Netherlands, at 63.5 percent. Norway was second at 63.3 percent, followed by Sweden (56.4 percent), South Korea (54.4 percent), Denmark (53.3 percent), the United States (51.7 percent) and Finland (51.3 percent).

A majority of residents were also on social networks in Canada (51.2 percent) and Britain (50.2 percent, according to the report based on data from research firms, government agencies, media outlets and company reports.

The 1.61 billion figure represented 22 percent of the world's estimated population, the survey said.

The report said India is seeing the highest growth this year of 37.4 percent, though only 7.7 percent of the population uses social networks. Indonesia's numbers will climb 28.7 percent and Mexico will grow by 21.1 percent. e Marketer said.

Bangladesh-SL Tests from January 27

Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh, which was scheduled for February 2014, has been advanced by a few days to allow the Asia Cup to kick off on February 24. Bangladesh will now host Sri Lanka for two Tests starting on January 27, a week after Sri Lank's Test series against Pakistan in the UAE concludes. The teams will also play two Twenty20s and three ODIs during the series, which ends on February 22, two days before the Asia Cup begins in Bangladesh.

Mirpur and Chittagong will get a Test each, while the teams will also travel to Sylhet for the limited-overs games. The ODI in Sylhet, on February 17, will provide the BCB an opportunity to check how match-fit the ground is. The Twenty20 scheduled between Bangladesh and New Zealand here in November 2013 was shifted out, with the BCB scrambling to meet the ICC's deadline of November 30 to have the stadium fully ready for the World Twenty20. The Sri Lanka ODI will be the first International game at the venue since its completion. 

The two teams last faced off in March 2013, in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka won the two-Test series 1-0, the ODIs were tied 1-1, and the hosts won the one-off T20.

Labour leaders to work with garment owners to iplement new wages

Leaders of 52 labour organizations on Friday agreed to work together with garment owners for implementing new wages to be announced finally by wage board on November 21. The labor leaders expressed the view at a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) held at BGMEA Bhaban here, said a press release.

BGMEA president M Atiqul Islam presided over the meeting.

Vice-president M Shahidullah Azim, vice-president Riaz Bin Mahmud, former president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) AK Azad and former leaders of BGMEA attended the meeting. 

The labour leaders said there will be no vandalism of garment units centering the announcement of wages.

Owners and workers will work in a coordinated manner to carry the multi- billion dollar apparel industry forward, they observed.

Factory workers, who went on work stoppage, will also join their respective work places from Saturday and help smooth production at factories.

Rekha rejects offer to work with Amitabh Bachchan

Rekha, who debuted as a heroine in the successful kannada film Goa Dalli CID 999 opposite Rajkumar in 1989, has reportedly turned down an offer to work with Amitabh Bachchan. The two were last together in Yash Chopra's 1981 film Silsila. According to reports, filmmaker Anees Bazmi had his heart set on pairing the two stars in his film Welcome Back. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala and Anees created ripples when they revealed that they had approached Big B and Rekha to be a part of the film. While Amitabh is said to have signed, Rekha has, according to sources, turned it down as the dates clash with Indra Kumar's film, Super Nani.

Rekha plays Sharman Joshi's grandmother in Super Nani, which is a heartening tale about a woman trying to find respect as a senior citizen. The film also stars Anupam Kher and Randhir Kapoor.

Robot talks in 19 languages!

Designed for companionship, a new toddler-sized robot can hold a conversation in 19 different languages. Built by Paris-based robotics company Aldebaran and infused with language-learning software developed by voice-technology company Nuance, the robot has a voice that doesn't sound much older than it looks. The android can walk, brace itself if it falls and will develop its own personality as it gets better at speaking through repetition. 

"He lives his life on your side at home," Marine Fabrea, Aldebaran's head of communications, told Mashable in an email. " You can discuss with him, you can ask him to tell a story to your kids."

The difference between these robots and mindless machines is built-in emotional intelligence, according to Arnd Weil. Nuance's vice-president and general manager of automotives.

"What they are trying to do with the robot is mainly capturing what is the mood of that other person," he said. "It's more like somebody's coming home and he had a bad day, he's angry, so the robot should capture that.... and react accordingly."

The robot will be able to access a cloud of data that builds its vocabulary, as well as help it understand the flow of conversation, Weil added; this way, it can better react to users the more they interact with it, much like how Nuance's text-reading app develops language skills. 

Weil foresees the robots bringing out drinks, chatting with people who are waiting for appointments, acting as highly functional pets, and providing companionship to the elderly or children with disabilities.

"People do need somebody to talk to," he said. " A lot of people have animals or a dog or something, and this is just a new way of engaging with people."

The robots will be available next year.

Foods to fight immunity in winter

Here are a couple of super-foods that will protect you from cold and flu this winterA diet rich in a variety of produce like lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy products along with adequate sleep, moderate exercise and minimal stress contribute to a well-functioning immune system and may promote a faster recovery if you come down with a cold or a flu. 

• Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene carrots make an excellent base for soups, stews and risotto. Rich in vitamin A, carrots help fight cold and flu and also protect you from infections which are very common during the colder months. 

• Green tea and chamomile tea: Green tea is a powerful antioxidant and has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. Drinking approximately three to five cups of green tea a day keeps your immune system in check. Chamomile tea is also said to possess antioxidants that help fight against cold and flu during the winters.

• Mushrooms: Mushrooms are said to be immunity boosters. Mushrooms protect your system against cold and virus during winter. White mushrooms have significantly increased levels of natural killer cells - a vital component of the immune system.

• Garlic: Garlic is known to be the easiest home remedy to cure fever and cold. Western medicine has theorised that garlic has the ability to increase levels of enzymes that help the liver detoxify the blood that gives it special immune powers. Eating raw garlic provides maximum potency but if you cannot stomach the strong taste, you can have that cooked in food.

• Honey: Known to be the safest and the easiest way to cure cold and fever during winter. Honey is known for its anibacterial properties that help fight bacteria and virus. You can have honey every night before going to bed, or mix it in a cup of warm milk for added advantage.

Sex is not the secret to lasting love

Scientists have claimed that sex and having good communication can have a significant influence on relationships but factors like knowing partner's favourite pizza topping, being employed and ability to support yourself also matter. Scientists tested 2,201 participants, head to head, in seven "relationship competencies" that previous researchers had found to vital for promoting happiness in romantic relationships.

The researchers idea was to rank them in order of vitality to start building data on the aspects of relationships most important to keep them healthy.

The researchers, in addition to communication and conflict resolution, also looked out for love-making or romance, stress management, life skills, knowledge of partners and self-management to find the best predictors of relationship satisfaction. 

Couples were queried about their competency in these areas and then asked how satisfied they were in their relationships; the researchers then correlated each partner's strengths and weaknesses in each area with the relationship satisfaction of the person.

Couple, reporting communicating effectively, showed highest satisfaction with their relationships.

Study's lead author Robert Epstein, a professor of psychology at the University of the South Pacific, in Fiji, said that learning more about partner is also important for a successful relationship. Time Magazine reported.

He added that even more important was to know critical things like whether partner wants kids.

Cyclone Helen moves northwest

The severe cyclonic storm "Helen" over west-central Bay and adjoining area moved slightly northwestwards over the same area and was centred at 12 noon today.

It is about 1.185 kms southwest of Chittagong port. 1.140 kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port and 1.010 kms southwest of Mongla port, a Met Office weather bulletin said today. It is likely to intensify further and move in a west-northwesterly direction.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 kms of the storm centre is about 90 kph rising to 110 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the centre of the storm.

The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal No.two (r) two.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.

Joynal Abedin Faruk urges President to initiate talks in time

Opposition Chief Whip Joynal Abedin Faruk has urged the president to take an initiative in time to hold talks in a bid to arrange a free, fair and credible election. "Time has not ended yet and it is possible to reach a consensus between the ruling and the opposition parties for holding the next election under a non-party government. You are not President of Awami League rather than the guardian of country's 16 crore people", he said.

Joynal Abedin Faruk was speaking at a discussion on 'on-going crisis, role of President and our expectations' at the National Press Club on Thursday. 

He opined that the time of present parliament can be extended in a bid to restore the caretaker government system in the constitution if it is needed.

Still waiting for BNP : Obaidul Quader

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader has said we are still waiting for the main opposition BNP that it will join the polls-time interim government. Otherwise, the chance for BNP will slip away as no one will be allowed to join the polls-time government after the polls schedule. 

Obaidul Quader said this at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Thursday.

He urged the opposition to join the cabinet before the polls schedule and again offered that BNP would be given 10 to 12 ministries if it joins the cabinet.

Ten information about Paracetamol

10 information about Paracetamol:

1. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds and fevers.
2. Take this medicine exactly as directed on the label, or as  prescribed by doctor. An overdose of paracetamol can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of paracetamol for adults is 1000 mg per dose and 4000 mg per day.
3. Measure the liquid form of paracetamol with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. You may need to shake the liquid before each use.
4.  The paracetamol chewable tablet must be chewed thoroughly before you swallow it. Make sure your hands are dry when handling the paracetamol disintegrating tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
5. To use the paracetamol effervescent granules, dissolve one packet of the granules in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away.
6. Do not take a paracetamol rectal suppository by mouth. Wash your hands before and after inserting the suppository. Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the paracetamol suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.
7. For best results from the suppository, lie down and insert the suppository pointed tip first into the rectum. Hold in the suppository for a few minutes. It will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in. Avoid using the bathroom just after inserting the suppository. 
8. Before using paracetamol, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of alcoholism Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages pr day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis).
9. Before using paracetamol, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
10. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen or paracetamol. Stop using paracetamol and call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days of use or if you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, or any redness or swelling.

A sprain in the neck - when to consult

A sudden impact from a car crash or a bad fall can lead to a neck sprain. If you have any of these symptoms mentioned by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you should visit your doctor:

1. Neck pain, particularly pain at the back of the neck that worsens when you move.
2. Pain in the neck that becomes worse about a day after an injury.
3. Pain and muscle spasms in the upper area of the shoulder.
4. A headache that affects the back of the head.
5. A sore throat, feeling tired and irritable, or having trouble sleeping and concentrating.
6. Numb sensation in the hand or arm, or a tingling sensation or weak feeling affecting the arms.
7. Limited range of motion or stiffness in the neck.

Eat more nuts to cut risk of cancer and heart disease

Eat more nuts to cut risk of cancer and heart disease. Nut-eaters reduce their risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to a study published in the journal BMC Medicine.

The results suggested that people who eat more than three servings of nuts (1 serving - 28g or about an ounce ) a week had a 55% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 40% reduced risk of death from cancer.

Khaleda: 60 hour strike if no caretaker

Bangladesh opposition leader khaleda Zia says she and her allies will stage a three-day general strike from Sunday morning to back demands for a caretaker government made up of people from outside political parties to oversee elections due by early January.

Zia told a rally Friday that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has two days to agree to the demand, otherwise more protests will be announced.

Such a caretaker government has been used in the past but Hasina's government scrapped it in 2011, citing a Supreme Court ruling saying the provision was unconstitutional.

Hasina has proposed establishing an all-party government with herself as the leader to oversee the elections, but Zia, a former prime minister, rejected that.