- TDI-discuss - salilab.org

Chagas disease: an impediment in achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Latin America
by Dr. Alfonso J. Rodriguez 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-698X/7/7/abstract Chagas disease: an impediment in achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Latin America Carlos Franco-Paredes , Anna Von , Alicia Hidron , Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales , Ildefonso Tellez , Maribel Barragan , Danielle Jones , Cesar G Naquira and Jorge Mendez http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-698X/7/7/abstract BMC International Health and Human Rights 2007, 7:7doi:10.1186/1472-698X-7-7 Published: 28 August 2007 Abstract (provisional) Achieving sustainable economic and social growth through advances in health is crucial in Latin America within the framework of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Health-related goals need to incorporate a multidimensional approach addressing the specific epidemiologic profile for each region of the globe. In this regard, addressing the cycle of destitution and suffering associated with infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease of American trypanosomiasis, will play a key role to enable the most impoverished populations in Latin America the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Most cases of Chagas disease occur among forgotten populations because these diseases persist exclusively in the poorest and the most marginalized communities in Latin America. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-698X/7/7/abstract ____________________________________________________________________________________ Sé un Mejor Amante del Cine ¿Quieres saber cómo? ¡Deja que otras personas te ayuden! http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/reto/entretenimiento.html

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XVIII FLAP 2007 - Topicos e Invitados
by Dr. Alfonso J. Rodriguez 29 Sep '07

29 Sep '07

************************************************* XVIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Parasitología - FLAP 2007 http://www.congrex.com.ve/evitem.cfm?ID=1055&d=Eventos ************************************************* Faltan ya solo escasos dias, menos de un mes, para que se lleve a cabo el XVIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Parasitología - FLAP 2007, 21 Oct 2007 - 25 Oct 2007, Hotel Hilton Margarita, Porlamar - Isla de Margarita - Venezuela. Con variados temas y especialidades relacionadas cubiertas, el listado de tópicos es incluyente para todo aquel relacionado con el quehacer en la parasitología: TOPICOS: Genómica Proteómica Bioquímica Biología Celular Biología Molecular Inmunología Diagnostico Clínica Patología Quimioterapia Vacunas Epidemiología Vectores Sistemas de Información Geográfica Control Entre los invitados internacionales se encuentran: 1 Acosta Serrano Alvaro Reino Unido / Ven. 2 Aguilera Germán Colombia 3 Alonso Guillermo Argentina 4 Antunes Carlos Mauricio Brasil 5 Aparicio Pilar OMS 6 Apt Werner Chile 7 Ault Steven OPS / Estados Unidos 8 Bargués María Dolores España 9 Barrera Roberto CDC / Puerto Rico 10 Basso Beatriz Argentina 11 Benavides Efrain Colombia 12 Betancourt Lázaro Cuba 13 Botero David Colombia 14 Carlier Yves Bélgica 15 Casado Nieves España 16 Cazzaniga Néstor Argentina 17 Cimerman Benjamín Brasil 18 Coler Rhea Estados Unidos 19 Correa de Oliveira Rodrigo Brasil 20 Cruz Angela Brasil 21 Dávila Alberto Brasil 22 Do Campo Roberto Estados Unidos 23 Escobedo Angel Cuba 24 Espinel Mauricio Ecuador 25 Gasser Robin Australia 26 Gómez Marín Jorge Colombia 27 Gorla David Argentina 28 Gotuzzo Eduardo Perú 29 Guhl Felipe Colombia 30 Guillén Nancy Francia 31 Gusmao Renato OPS Venezuela 32 Guzmán Fanny Chile 33 Hoebeke Johan Bélgica 34 Jansen Ana María Brasil 35 Katz Naftale Brasil 36 Khan Rasul Canadá 37 Kitron Uriel Estados Unidos 38 Lazdins Janis TDR-WHO 39 Lenzi Enrique Brasil 40 López Manuel Carlos España 41 Lozano José Manuel Colombia 42 Mas Coma Santiago España 43 Martínez Palomo Adolfo México 44 Morera Pedro Costa Rica 45 Moretti Edgardo Argentina 46 Muro Antonio España 47 Navone Graciela Argentina 48 Nichols Santiago Colombia 49 Orozco Esther México 50 Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso Colombia 51 Patarroyo Manuel Elkin Colombia 52 Pattarroyo Joaquín Brasil 53 Pérez Oliver Cuba 54 Pointier Jean Pierre Francia 55 Ramsey Janine México 56 Reyes Patricia Colombia 57 Robello Carlos Uruguay 58 Rodríguez Betsabé Nicaragua 59 Rollinson David Reino Unido 60 Rozemberg Brani Brasil 61 Soto Jaime Colombia 62 Tarleton Rick Estados Unidos 63 Teixeira Carlos Graeff Brasil 64 Theron Andre Francia 65 Torres Patricio Chile 66 Valladares Basilio España 67 Vallejo Gustavo Colombia 68 Velásquez Luz Elena Colombia 69 Zeledón Rodrigo Costa Rica Inscripciones Profesionales: Bs. 600.000 Bs.F. 600,00 Estudiantes: Bs. 300.000 Bs.F. 300,00 Acompañante: Bs. 325.000 Bs.F. 325,00 Los costos de inscripción incluyen IVA. Para las inscripciones en línea a traves de déposito bancario o transferencia, debe realizar previamente la transacción en el Banco Mercantil Cta. Cte. 01050080021080473971 a nombre de Congrex Venezuela, C.A. para luego registrarse. En la web http://www.congrex.com.ve/evitem.cfm?ID=1055&d=Eventos se encuentra el vinculo para inscribirse en linea. ALOJAMIENTO: El lugar del evento se llevará a cabo en el Hotel Hilton Margarita, por lo que se han establecido tarifas especiales para todos aquellos delegados inscritos en el XVIII Congreso de la Federación Latinoamericana de Parasitología. Hotel Hilton Margarita Tipo de Habitación Costo de las Habitaciones Sencilla con Desayuno Bs. 277.350,oo Bs.F. 277,35 Doble con Desayuno Bs. 298.850,oo Bs.F. 298,85 Triple con Desayuno Bs. 320.350,oo Bs.F. 320,35 Los costos de alojamiento incluyen IVA. Las tarifas incluyen desayunos Desayunos Buffet en el restaurante. Estas tarifas no incluyen: Propinas Botones Bs. 6.450,oo / Bs.F. 6,45 In/Out p/p Propinas Camareras Bs. 1.612,50 / Bs.F. 1,61 p/p/ p/n Hora de Check-In: 04:00 p.m. / Hora de Check-Out: 01:00 p.m. Las Habitaciones se entregan a partir de las 04:00 p.m., antes de esta hora solo se podrán entregar habitaciones sujeto a disponibilidad. Para los check-out después de la 1:00 p.m., se cobrará un recargo del 50% y después de las 06:00 p.m., se cobrará el 100%. No obstante el participante es libre de escoger otras opciones en las cercanías del lugar del evento que le facilite el llegar a tiempo a las instalaciones del hotel Hilton Margarita. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.- EXHIBICIÓN COMERCIAL: Simultáneamente a las actividades científicas, se exhibirán los más recientes avances en medicamentos, equipos, literatura y servicios en la especialidad. Si desea participar en el área comercial contáctenos directamente a través de exhibiciones(a)congrex.com.ve Para mayor información: Contacto: CONGREX Teléfono: +58-212-263-97-33 (12 Líneas) Página Web Relacionada: http://www.flap2007.com/portal/ Correo-e: info(a)congrex.com.ve ______________________________________________ Pregunta, Responde, Descubre. Comparte tus consejos y opiniones con los usuarios de Yahoo! Respuestas http://es.answers.yahoo.com/info/welcome

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Mouthguards - Uses and Types
by Michael Rosellini 06 Oct '06

06 Oct '06

Your message here...

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The Stress and Gum Disease Connection
by Michael Rosellini 08 Sep '06

08 Sep '06

The Stress and Gum Disease Connection You’ve heard the headlines. It seems like each day people in white lab coats discover some new health anomaly is linked to stress. Now you can add one more to the list: stress is bad for your teeth. (Just one more reason to go on that vacation you’ve put off!) According to a study printed in the Journal of Periodontology, short term psychological stress can lead to elevated plaque levels, while physical stress is linked to gingivitis (gum disease). What’s more, caregivers helping people under these physical and emotional stresses are also at increased risk for gum disease. -So, how does stress lead to elevated plaque levels and gum disease? Experts believe chronic stress may lead to a malfunction of some biological functions. Also, those who are struggling with stress and those who care for them often become depressed and slide on oral hygiene, if not giving up on themselves altogether. -Enough of the scientific jargon. How does this affect me? Virtually all of us find ourselves dealing with excessive stress now and again, and some must deal with it day in and day out for years. It is important that you are aware of the risks associated with this stress so that you can prevent them from wrecking havoc on your teeth (not to mention the rest of you!) -What can I do to prevent gum disease? Gum disease leads to more than bleeding gums. It can affect the integrity of your teeth and the bone that supports them. If unchecked, gingivitis can lead to loose and missing teeth. When this happens, teeth can often shift. It can be uncomfortable and painful for your bite (not to mention your smile). Brushing at least twice a day and flossing each night are the first step toward protecting yourself from gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial. If you’ve missed an appointment or would like us to create a care schedule for you, call our office at (972)227-1160. While these steps can help reduce the risk of stress-related periodontal disease, they don’t resolve the key problem – stress! Exercising and eating right can help, and developing a hobby can be a fantastic release. Talking about it can help as well. As always, your health is our primary concern. Do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions about periodontal disease, or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health!

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FOSS, Science, and Public activism
by proclus＠gnu-darwin.org 01 Jul '06

01 Jul '06

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 (Sorry if you get more than one copy of this message, but I felt that it was urgent to get this important info out.) The values of freedom and openness are crucial to understanding itself, so that civilization and public welfare now depend on them, as I argue below. These values may find their best expression in the free and open source software (FOSS) movement, and the foresightful example of FOSS developers should now be beneficially applied to many other disciplines in the context of a global and public Internet. It is crucial that we occasionally take time to discuss the reasons _why_ we release our source code, and this is one of those occasions. There are good reasons for the freedom and openness which are characteristics of FOSS development, reasons which should receive wider attention now that they can be readily communicated to other arenas. The consequences of doing otherwise are often catastrophic. For example, it incomprehensible that Genentech could consider withdrawing a cheap cure for blindness (ARMD) from the market. http://lists.essential.org/pipermail/random-bits/2006-june/001374.html The mechanism of this drug is public knowledge. http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/forum.php?thread_id=14183567&forum_id=60… This abhorrent situation is a great example of the kind of thing that will happen if people don't get behind the values of freedom and openness that we are espousing. Please let Genentech know that you find what they are doing offensive. Publicize the mechanism so that new compounds can be obtained as replacements. For the future, continued vociferous public activism is required to prevent such outrages from occurring in the future. It becomes clear that the compounds which come from common roots, fruits, and vegetables are a shared human heritage and the free and open source of the future. Tannins are another interesting case in point, because as molecules, and as anti-oxidents, they are similar to resveratrol (resV), and that molecular mechanism has been anchored to the public domain via a prior art declaration. It is a so-called CR-memetic, which may increase healthy human longevity by many decades. Here are some links about it. Resveratrol mechanism posts from GNU-Darwin list http://proclus.gnu-darwin.org/gdposts.html CR protocol for human bodies http://proclus.gnu-darwin.org/bootstrap.html Here is some important recent news about it. http://www.imminst.org/forum/index.php?s=&act=print&client=printer&f=237&t=… It is exciting to suppose that people can get off the pharmaceuticals that they are taking with calorie restriction or CR-memetics. I personally am trying to get off the cholesterol drug Pravachol, a statin compound, starting a few of weeks ago. Write me, and I'll let you know how it turns out. From the article... "Fontana says ... evidence of "younger" hearts in people on calorie restriction, suggest that humans on CR have the same adaptive responses as did animals whose rates of aging were slowed by CR." I think that it is time to look at the tannins in tobacco leaves. There may be other treasures lurking there too. As you may be aware there is ample public research into any possible beneficial compounds that may be obtained from tobacco leaves. The mechanisms are there waiting to be discovered. If you want to post them, just reply to me and I'd be delighted to host them. The public establishment of prior art is a time-honed method of entering inventions into the public domain. We now have other methods at our disposal as well. If you are planning to establish prior art against future CR-memetic related patents, you might want to have a look at www.creativecommons.org. Perhaps it goes without saying at this point that you should please choose a license that provides for free and broad public access to your memetic. In that way you will assure that the public health is served by anchoring them to the public common, where they cannot be exploited by those who would withhold them for their own profit. The DRM situation is precisely analogous to this. Can you imagine doing science in a world where your ability to read and write your data is filtered through secret protocols that are hidden from you? I recommend the Defective By Design campaign to fight the outrage of DRM, which is incompatible with the scientific pursuit. http://www.defectivebydesign.org/ It is clear that scientific tools must be demonstrably and penetratingly understood, or else our claims will likely be skewed and called into question. Free and open source software is a great example of how to make your science verifiable to the public. Establishing prior art against future patents is another good one, which is precisely analogous in method, making the result explicit to the public, free and open to all. Thank goodness for the free and open software movement, which gave us such a great example of how to serve the public in this manner. I am willing to grant that there are particular exceptions to these rules of freedom and openness, and such exceptions may be relatively harmless; however, let us posit the opposite, that freedom and openness are _not_ crucial to understanding. Think of the implications. When people are compelled to learn, they do not receive the intended message. It is not understood correctly or completely. When crucial facts are withheld from the people you are trying to teach they become paranoid, possibly unteachable. Freedom and openness are obviously the best approach to understanding. This is not a metaphor for the pursuit of science, but a fact. We are learning from nature, and it is ultimately required that our tools be demonstrably and penetratingly understood, or else we will receive incorrect lessons from nature. Clearly this requires public access to the source code and more. This is why many of us are pressing for public access to scientific publications. Moreover FOSS tools are becoming ever more important to the pursuit of the scientific endeavor itself. In our biophysics department we are obsolescing proprietary hardware and software in favor of open standards and free software, which is a widespread phenomenon in the science sector, and sure to continue. We build most of the workstations ourselves with commodity hardware, but we also have some clusters running Debian and FedoraCore. Some of you will know that I am the lead developer for the GNU-Darwin distribution. GNU-Darwin has a FOSS operating system, which is getting alot of press these days. Here is an example How Apple and Microsoft are advancing desktop Linux http://www.desktopLinux.com/news/ns7294331817.html I see the article as counter-productive against building a FOSS coalition that includes democracy, freedom, and public access activists, Apple, GNU-Darwin, GNU, and GNU/Linux all linked together in spectrum. It is important to alert the whole FOSS community that Darwin cannot be classified as a free or open source operation system as of the Darwin-8 revision, because AppleACPIplatform-39 which is required to boot the system is proprietary. It is notable that only the current version of Darwin from Apple is a non-free OS. GNU-Darwin has a free version, an earlier revision that includes the source code. It is FOSS, and we call upon Apple to maintain Darwin as such, as it has been in the past. We hope that the current situation with the kernel and ACPI driver will soon be remedied so that Darwin will continue as a FOSS OS. We are asking for free software developers to please write to the *nix core of Darwin, which is the core OS for both Mac OS X and GNU-Darwin OS. Darwin OS, which underlies both systems, comprises parts from GNU, the BSD's, mach, plus Apple's substantial contributions to the free software community. Be consistent with your philosophy and avoid linkage to proprietary binaries, such as OpenGL and CoreAudio, except when it is imperatively required in order to lead users to the values of software freedom. Under that principle, another reason to maintain compatibility with the *nix core, is so that your code will be readily portable to new platforms and usable by free-software-only aficionados too. GNU-Darwin OS is not an obsolete implementation of Darwin OS, or to be superseded by Mac OS X. We are trying to lead users to freedom, not away from it. By maintaining Darwin core compatibility your code will remain valuable as the marketplace and industry continues to evolve (trust me here), particularly as DRM-related problems continue to come forward. Of course, that means releasing your source code under a FOSS license, such as APSL. Darwin OS is a free and open source operating system that is not going away, so try to focus your coding towards supporting that standard instead of proprietary software. Here is the essence of the current problem with Darwin OS. Apple replaced working boot code with the following proprietary drivers, which are required for the system to boot. Darwin-7: AppleAPIC.kext/ Applei386genericplatform.kext/ Darwin-8: AppleACPIplatform In addition the kernel (xnu) has been taken proprietary in the recent revisions. We are not asking for Apple to give away such things, but rather to continue maintaining Darwin OS as FOSS, which it already was. After repeated attempts by many FOSS developers to get this situation remedied, nothing has happened. It is now time for us to better use the measures at our disposal in order to assure that Darwin OS remains free and open. If you are unhappy that xnu and the boot drivers have not been released, I would encourage you to spread your dissatisfaction to other forums, so that Apple will take notice and commit to a workable free and open Darwin OS from now on. Moving on to coalition strategy now, some of you may not know that GNU/Linux system administration is one of my day jobs. I manage a wide range of systems. Here is a screen-shot of my work desktop, so that you can see I use the same tools at work that I use at home at night on GNU-Darwin. (weekends too, so please read I am your friend) http://proclus.gnu-darwin.org/debian.html The only time that I ever use proprietary software is when I am trying to help other users learn free and open source free software. I'm a long time Apple and GNU/Linux user, and here is the old proof doc ;-}. http://proclus.tripod.com/indulge.html Now, it is embarrassing but, I want you to have a look at my cv. http://biophysics.med.jhmi.edu/love/thesis/cv6.html In all my years I have never used Microsoft Windows. There are only two exceptions to this statement, where I was helping Windows users to access our servers at Hopkins. Clearly, you can get a few things done without it ;-}. One of the primary reasons for founding GNU-Darwin was to help people to put Microsoft behind them, and it is definitely possible to do it now. You have many resources at your disposal to help you leave Microsoft behind. Look at the link below to see what you can do with free software. Apple, GNU-Darwin, GNU.org, and GNU/Linux will all help, and we are largely all helping together, because we have a shared foundation of free software. http://www.gnu-darwin.org/gdc/ Microsoft is only one example. That is why we are so insistent that Apple keep true to free and open source software principles. We should ultimately try to leave all proprietary software behind us, so that we can participate fully in the freedom and openness of the internet culture and public domain. What more do we need, when we have such a rich store of information and so many capable people at our sides? Finally, as a scientist, it is obvious to me that this situation is relevant current and ongoing discussion in the scientific community, and as such, it is also clear that many members of the various lists would be interested in the current state of Darwin with respect to FOSS and with respect to science. Here is the crucial point. The principles of FOSS and scientific inquiry converge. In practical terms, how else can you know is what happening in your experiments? Free and open source software, open standards, best promote the scientific endeavor by mirroring its method, but also they assure that the work is accessible to the public. Freedom and openness are crucial to understanding, and foundational to the scientific endeavor, and they should not be compromised. There are a few examples of exceptions, but clearly, this matter will find further debate in the appropriate forums. We should not quell debate because a few people are offended or complaining. - From a scientific perspective that would be incorrect. On that last point, I would suggest that Apple get on the right side of the debate, and they will make tremendous headway. Now is the time. Some people will find this message annoying and divisive, and the delete button is ready at hand for them, but other people will find it interesting and engaging. All as you like. Let us not quell discussion because a few people are annoyed. Some will call this a troll, but I hope that folks will see through such name-calling. Trolls are mythological creatures, so don't believe in them. Everyone has a right to have their opinion heard, even if those opinions are divisive or unpopular. It is clear that the idea of trolls is being used to attack freedom of expression. In fact, freedom of expression demands that we listen to the so-called-trolls sometimes, and if you are civil, it helps, so don't resort to name-calling. On cross-posting; when there are matters of urgent importance that affect a broad range of subscriber lists, courtesy must sometimes take a back seat, and cross-posting is an example of that. Cross-posting is to be encouraged when the subject of the post is on topic. Each of the various lists will respond in the way that seems appropriate to the people in that forum, and the threads on the various lists will diverge accordingly. As the threads diverge, the cross-posting addresses should be removed as needed. Relevance to all people is an unattainable goal, but messages of the broadest applicability should have the broadest reach, and discussion should not be stymied because some find it irrelevant. I have given this method due consideration; it is not trolling, not spam, not off-topic, and cross-posting is an example of something that is sometimes required according to the felt importance and relevance of a given subject matter. In summary, Freedom and openness are now the bedrock of our civilization and public welfare depends on these values, so that we should actively engage ourselves in preserving and making them happen. In keeping with these principles it is crucial to note that there are exceptions to etiquette, otherwise free expression will be overly channeled, damped, and ultimately suppressed in our forums. This notion of courtesy will certainly receive additional consideration, but meanwhile, let us together get to work on the activism now. Duly, I am amenable to valid criticism and able to respond, but please reply with kindness. Obviously, feel free to write back, copy, or send these comments along to anyone else as you see fit. Regards, Michael L. Love Ph.D Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry School of Medicine Johns Hopkins University 725 N. Wolfe Street Room 608B WBSB Baltimore MD 21205-2185 Interoffice Mail: 608B WBSB, SoM office: 410-614-2267 lab: 410-614-3179 fax: 410-502-6910 cell: 443-824-3451 http://www.gnu-darwin.org/ -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.1 (Darwin) iD8DBQFEpIl6u0oI3iz5oZcRAtpQAJ9X7D6kq1vmWKXkG/3LBvx3gGrK1QCZAbgI 8Ww6QABLiZtmFmS9Ekea5nI= =a0Oy -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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TDI update!
by Marc A. Marti-Renom 13 Dec '05

13 Dec '05

Dear all, Here at TDI (http://www.tropicaldisease.org and http:// thesynapticleap.org/malaria/) have gone through some exciting and substantial changes. Most of the changes went unnoticed in the mailing list (tdi-discuss(a)tropicaldisease.org) for several reasons including the fact that the software that controls the mailing list was not working for a while. We apology for it. However, I am happy to inform you of those changes and hope that your interest in the TDI has not diminished. Here are the news: - TDI has partnership with "The Synaptic Leap" (TSL, a non-profit organization) for the development of our portals to the community. They people behind TSL are professionals of portal development for communities (read more here http://thesynapticleap.org) and they make a superb contribution to TDI. TDI and TSL have decided to take the "Malaria community" as an initial pilot project to see what are the needs of such communities or researchers. TDI and TSL will be extending to new communities covering other tropical diseases or areas in the future. - The Malaria community at TSL has already some projects that are active or in development (http://thesynapticleap.org/malaria/? q=projects). We highly encourage your involvement or use on those projects to make a contribution to the community. Please, take a moment to register in TSL (http://thesynapticleap.org/malaria/?q=user/ register) and start posting your comments in the discussion forum, create your blog or simply keep up-to-date with the development of the projects in malaria (or future ones in other diseases). We believe that this new venue is more powerful than the discussion- forum we had so far. - We would really like to see some active and vivid (malaria) community in TSL. For that, we encourage you to discuss possible future projects to be implemented in TDI/TSL by posting your comments in the discussion forum for projects (http://thesynapticleap.org/ malaria/?q=node/23). As example of a project, some member of the community could start a project for finding ALL proteases in the malaria genome. One could use the GeneCard project (http:// thesynapticleap.org/malaria/?q=projects/GC which will be activated before the end of the month) to find for what is known in the malaria genome and do an initial search on the remaining hypothetical or non- annotated genes in the search for new proteases. The personal blogs, discussion forums and the Gene Annotation project (http:// thesynapticleap.org/malaria/?q=projects/GA which will be activated in early 2006) would be the best place to exchange the results of such search with the rest of the community. This global collaboration will help the goal of fast and reliable analysis of the data produced in the project. Do not forget to visit the news pages of TDI (http:// www.tropicaldisease.org/?page=news) and TSL (http:// thesynapticleap.org/malaria/?q=news) for more info. Thanks to all for your participation in the TDI! Marc ------- Marc A. Marti-Renom, Adj. Assistant Professor Departments of Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Chemistry and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research Mission Bay QB3. University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, CA 94143-2552 (94158 for courier delivery) Tel 1 (415) 514-4232; Fax 1 (415) 514-4231 Email marcius(a)salilab.org; Web http://salilab.org/~marcius ...

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Testing the discussion forum site for TDI
by Marc A. Marti-Renom 13 Dec '05

13 Dec '05

Please, discard this e-mail. Just for testing proposes. TDI-discussion forum

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Most malaria affects 'unlucky few'
by Dr. Alfonso J. Rodriguez 29 Nov '05

29 Nov '05

http://www.nature.com/news/2005/051121/full/051121-7.html News Published online: 23 November 2005; | doi:10.1038/news051121-7 Most malaria affects 'unlucky few' Some people are more susceptible because of their smell or location. Michael Hopkin Most cases of malaria hit a relatively small proportion of a given population, according to an analysis of health data from sub-Sarahan Africa. Identifying these high-risk people could lead to better use of public-health resources, say the authors of the study. Just 20% of people in a given area account for 80% of all infections, says a research group led by David Smith of the US National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. The next problem is to work out just who they are. There are some obvious factors that make people more susceptible, such as living in poor homes without nets, close to stagnant ponds where mosquitoes tend to breed, Smith says. But other factors, such as the chemicals given off in breath, sweat and dirty linen may also play a role that is not yet well understood. "People often say, 'I'm one of those people that mosquitoes love to bite'," Smith adds. "Now we've shown that it's worth taking this biting pattern seriously." The analysis, which uses existing data on malaria incidence in more than 90 populations of African children, shows the extent of this person-to-person variation. And the results, reported in Nature1, could help to direct efforts to combat malaria, Smith argues. "If we can find these people we can target them," he says. Weak links Malaria currently infects some 300 million people a year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. It has proven difficult or impossible to distribute enough drugs, vaccines and mosquito-proof bednets to everyone at risk. Smith argues that identifying the most vulnerable should help to concentrate resources where they are needed. But others argue that the best way to do this is to target efforts at those who present themselves with malaria, rather than searching for a mysterious sub-section of the population who are most at risk. The patterns spotted by Smith's group might be useful in urban areas, says Charles Delacollette, a coordinator in the World Health Organization's Roll Back Malaria Department. Here, the at-risk 20% will probably be identified as those living in poor housing, close to known sites of mosquito breeding, he suggests. But in remote villages, he argues, the main problem is simply getting supplies to the villagers at all, let alone determining the 20% within each community who are most at risk. "Those most at risk are those who cannot access health services. This is where the major problem is," he says. Smith counters that the most effective protections against malaria are expensive. So identifying the people most in need of it will be important in reducing the overall public-health burden of malaria, he argues. "If we get these people right we'll be protecting everyone else too." References Smith D. L., Dushoff J., Snow R. W.& Hay I.. Nature, 438. 492 - 495 (2005). | Article | <http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/nature04024> http://www.nature.com/news/2005/051121/full/051121-7.html ______________________________________________ Renovamos el Correo Yahoo! Nuevos servicios, más seguridad http://correo.yahoo.es

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TRYPANOSOMIASIS, FOODBORNE - SOUTH AMERICA
by Dr. Alfonso J. Rodriguez 29 Nov '05

29 Nov '05

Archive Number 20050327.0884 Published Date 27-MAR-2005 Subject PRO> Trypanosomiasis, foodborne - South America (03) TRYPANOSOMIASIS, FOODBORNE - SOUTH AMERICA (03) *********************************************** A ProMED-mail post <http://www.promedmail.org> ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases <http://www.isid.org> Date: Sun 27 Mar 2005 From: Luiz Jacintho da Silva <luiz_jacintho(a)uol.com.br> Source: Fiocruz.br [translated from Portuguese by Mod.LJS, edited] <http://www.fiocruz.br/ccs/novidades/dez04/chagas_fer.htm> Study confirms a different form of Chagas? disease transmission ----------------------------------------------- When one hears of the transmission of the protozoan _Trypanosoma cruzi_, the 1st thing that comes to the mind is the Reduviid bug vector. This insect, when biting an individual, eliminates parasite-contaminated feces that, as the individual scratches himself, penetrates through abraded skin or mucosa [intact]. This is the most common route, but the occurrence of certain outbreaks has led scientists to consider the possibility of oral transmission of _T.cruzi_. A study by the Goncalo Muniz Research Center, a FIOCRUZ unit in Bahia, presents evidence that this protozoan can indeed be transmitted by the ingestion of contaminated food [or beverages]. On Sun 20 Mar 2005, an episode in Santa Catarina confirmed the results of the research. The deaths of 3 [now 5] persons, and the report of another 15 cases of the disease in the state, have led health authorities in the state to prohibit the sale of sugarcane juice. The infection seems to have been transmitted by this beverage. In 1968, a member of a farming community in Teotonia (Rio Grande do Sul) fell ill with a severe febrile illness. No one suspected Chagas disease, as there were no Reduviid bug vectors in the local dwellings. After much investigation, food borne transmission through vegetables served in the common dining-room was accepted as the cause. Possibly, marsupials had contaminated the vegetables by droppings from their anal glands, usually rich in _T.cruzi_. Years later [1986], another outbreak occurred, this time in Catole do Rocha (Paraiba). A large wedding anniversary party had been held on a farm. Days later, some of the guests fell ill with a febrile illness, similar to the one in Teotonia. Sugarcane juice and other foodstuffs or beverages had been contaminated by animal droppings. The couple that had celebrated their 50th anniversary eventually died as a consequence of Chagas disease acquired at the party. Recently, oral transmission of _T. cruzi_ has been responsible for small outbreaks in the state of Para. Entire families acquired Chagas disease in the absence of insect vectors in their homes. These insects live in palm trees and, attracted by the lights, fall into the machinery used to grind acai to obtain juice (much the way sugarcane juice is obtained). The insects are ground and contaminate the juice with _T. cruzi_, transmitting the infection to those drinking it. All of these cases in Rio Grande do Sul, Paraiba and Para attracted the attention of scientists. The question which was brought forward was why didn't gastric juice destroy _T. cruzi_? The physician Sonia Gomes Andrade from CPqGM, who specializes in experimental pathology, formulated an experiment: - We introduced _T. cruzi_ through a tube directly into the stomach of mice, she says. She studied the strains isolated from cases in Paraiba and Para. - We observed that the parasite not only survived gastric juice but was able to infect the mice. They developed disease identical to the one produced when mice are infected directly via the bloodstream. The findings of the researcher confirm that _T. cruzi_, when swallowed, can cause infection through the digestive system. - In the most common manner of infection, scratching, _T. cruzi_ is able to penetrate the skin. [It is easy to] imagine [that], when someone ingests a large quantity of parasites, the [infection] will be more severe, says Sonia. The researcher stated that there is no reason to stop eating vegetables or drinking sugarcane or acai juice. - The problem lies not with the kind of food but with _T. cruzi_. These are mainly parasites of biodem type III -- from wildlife -- that are able to cause infection through the digestive system. A biodem is a group of [genetically close] _T.cruzi_ strains with similar characteristics. Biodem type III strains are, as a rule, highly pathogenic. In the experiment, a strain of this type showed a higher capacity to cross the gastric barrier and cause infection in mice than strains from biodems I and II. - It is significant to point out that biodem III strains are associated with wildlife disease cycles, causing outbreaks in places where Reduviid bugs are not domiciled. -- ProMED-mail <promed(a)promedmail.org> [It seems beyond doubt that _T. cruzi_ can infect hosts, including humans, by the oral route, but it still remains unclear how important this route of transmission is for maintaining infections in humans and causing outbreaks like the present one. The mouse experiment cited above confirms previous reports [cited in ProMED-mail, Trypanosomiasis, foodborne - South America 20050324.0847; Hoft et al. Infect Immun 1996,64:3800-10] that _T. cruzi_ can indeed infect the host through the gastric mucosa. The key question is how long a time _T. cruzi_ can survive in feces outside the triatomid bug, and how long a time in different forms of fluids after the triatomid bugs have been crushed. Oral transmission, either from bug feces or from crushed bugs, presumes that _T. cruzi_ can survive for at least several hours, possibly days, in juice. Information on this survival time is key to determining whether the present outbreak is a rare coincidence or just part of a more widespread problem. - Mod.EP] [see also: Trypanosomiasis, foodborne - South America (02) 20050325.0870 Trypanosomiasis, foodborne - South America 20050324.0847 1998 ---- Trypanosomiasis - Brazil: RFI 19980306.0426 1997 ---- Chagas disease - Latin America 19970114.0066 Chagas disease vector (05) 19970118.0105 1996 ---- Trypanosomes, New World, Symposium - Guyana 1996 19960830.1493] ...............ep/msp/lm *##########################################################* ************************************************************ ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the information, and of any statements or opinions based thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID and its associated service providers shall not be held responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted or archived material. ************************************************************ Visit ProMED-mail's web site at <http://www.promedmail.org>. Send all items for posting to: promed(a)promedmail.org (NOT to an individual moderator). If you do not give your full name and affiliation, it may not be posted. Send commands to subscribe/unsubscribe, get archives, help, etc. to: majordomo(a)promedmail.org. For assistance from a human being send mail to: owner-promed(a)promedmail.org. ############################################################ ############################################################ ______________________________________________ Renovamos el Correo Yahoo!: ¡250 MB GRATIS! Nuevos servicios, más seguridad http://correo.yahoo.es

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Kinetoplastid Diseases 2006
by Dr. Alfonso J. Rodriguez 25 Sep '05

25 Sep '05

From: Anthony F. England, Ph.D. To: england(a)mangosee.com Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 12:00 AM Subject: Conference Announcement - Kinetoplastid Diseases 2006 - Trypanosomiasis & Leishmaniasis Dear Colleagues -- It's my pleasure to announce the dates and details of Kinetoplastid Diseases 2006, in this first call for participants and presenters of both oral and poster contributions for what will be a uniquely styled and very special international research meeting to be held in West Africa next spring: KINETOPLASTID DISEASES 2006 - Starts on Saturday March 11th, 2006 in Dakar, Senegal Meeting Details are on the Internet - http://www.mangosee.com/mangosteen/kinetoplastids2006/kinetoplastids2006.htm A True Forum for Discussion in 3 Parts, in 2 Venues, spanning 2 Neighbouring Nations and 2 very different Faces of Modern Africa: Part 1 - Saturday, March 11th to Monday March 13th, 2006 in amongst the concrete and bustling activity of the big city - in the centre of Dakar, Senegal's capital. Part 2 - Tuesday, March 14th and Wednesday, March 15th, 2006 also in Dakar's city centre. Part 3 - Thursday, March 16th to Sunday, March 19th, 2006 in amongst the trees and tranquility of the countryside - in Tendaba, in The Gambia's heartland Much obliged, Anthony England ============================================== Anthony F. England, Ph.D. Mangosteen Grote Rozenstraat 76B 9712 TJ Groningen The Netherlands Tel -- +31 50 313 0292 E-mail -- england(a)mangosee.com Mangosteen Home Page -- http://www.mangosee.com ============================================== ______________________________________________ Renovamos el Correo Yahoo! Nuevos servicios, más seguridad http://correo.yahoo.es

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