HIV-1 Subtype distribution in Morocco based on national sentinel surveillance data 2004-2005

February 11th, 2012 by Abby Hitchcock | Tags: Data, Subtype Distribution

Background

Little is known about HIV-1 subtype distribution in Morocco. Some data suggest an emergence of new HIV subtypes. We conducted phylogenetic analysis on a nationally representative sample of 60 HIV-1 viral specimens collected during 2004-2005 through the Morocco national HIV sentinel surveillance survey.

Results

While subtype B is still the most prevalent, 23.3% of samples represented non-B subtypes, the majority of which were classified as CRF02_AG (15%). Molecular clock analysis confirmed that the initial introduction of HIV-1B in Morocco from Europe occurred in the early 1980s with strains consistent with trends in Europe and the United States.

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How Can Health IT Lead to a More Sustainable Health Care System?

February 10th, 2012 by Joseph Tishler | Tags: Care, Health Care

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Pierce Graham-Jones

Across the country, health care providers are making significant investments to redesign care processes and strengthen their health information technology (health IT) capabilities with the goal of achieving better care, better health, and lower costs. For the American health care system as a whole, the simultaneous pursuit of all three of these aims is essential to sustaining any one of them. <

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Healthier Looking Skin

February 9th, 2012 by Joseph Tishler |

My philosophy about aging mirrors my outlook about well being in general Simply put, I think that any sign of aging that bothers you should be addressed if theres a pragmatic and relatively safe way to do so Changes in skin appearance is one of the most obvious manifestations of advancing age Fortunately, there are a number of dietary supplements that address thinning skin, uneven pigmentation and wrinkling And, perhaps best of all, these nutritional aids also provide a host of side benefits for other aging organs and systems

Pycnogenol, an antioxidant-rich extract from pine bark, is the one of most promising anti-aging nutraceuticals A just published study involving 20 postmenopausal women found that supplementing with 75 mg/day of Pycnogenol for 12 weeks resulted in a 25% improvement in skin elasticity, an 8% hike in skin hydration and a 3% decline in skin wrinkling A previous trial examining the effects of 100 mg/day of Pycnogenol in 38 menopausal women determined that it also reduced symptoms of dryness and irritation such as itchy skin

Purified extracts from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree are frequently used to address cognitive deficits associated with aging Improvements in blood flow and protection against oxidative stress are a few of the primary mechanisms involved in ginkgos brain supportive activity According to two recent studies, these same beneficial traits may improve the appearance of aging skin by evening out pigmentation and increasing microcirculation to the liver and skin

An unlikely ally in the quest for healthier looking skin may be as close as your local dairy aisle A number of probiotics commonly found in kefir and yogurt may counter immune dysfunction and inflammation that damages skin The regular consumption of cultured foods and/or probiotic supplements featuring strains such as Lactobacillus Johnsonii and Lactobacillus Salivarius are linked to improvements in acne, atopic dermatitis and protection against UV radiation a leading cause of age spots and wrinkles

The above mentioned foods and supplements are suitable for men and women of all ages However, there are select herbal remedies that are specifically intended for older women Both red clover and soybean extracts possess naturally occurring phytoestrogens that address some of the symptoms associated with mid-life hormonal changes Current trials reveal that an extract of red clover standardized to 80 mg/day of isoflavones and soy providing 30 mg/day of S-equol improve various aspects of skin health in postmenopausal women including: dry scalp, skin moisture and texture, and wrinkle depth Previous research in an animal model of menopause reports that red clover isoflavones prevent skin changes caused by declining estrogen production

Healthy Dining Restaurant of the Month: Olive Garden

February 9th, 2012 by Abby Hitchcock | Tags: Garden, Olive Garden

Comprised of more than 750 local restaurants in North America, the inspiration behind Olive Garden is the warmth and hospitality of the Italian culture and people. Are you a lover of all things Italian, especially the food?

To tap into that Italian experience, Olive Garden development chefs regularly make trips to Italy to gain inspiration. Olive Garden also established a council of renowned chefs based in Italy who meet annually to collaborate with the Olive Garden chefs.

Additionally, Olive Garden established their Culinary Institute of Tuscany in the Tuscan village of Riserva di Fizzano.

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When It Comes to Super Foods, Are You Super Smart?

February 6th, 2012 by Declan Nguyen | Tags: Super, Super Foods

These so-called “super foods,” as certain experts call them, are nutritionally dense and provide boatloads of vitamins and minerals along with excellent calorie and fat profiles. Make it a point to include at least a few of these in your diet every day:

  • Salmon.
  • High in omega-3 fatty acids and a preventer of heart disease, salmon and other fatty fish such as halibut and rainbow trout can also help lower blood pressure and enhance brain function.

  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Chock-full of vitamin C, carotenoids, potassium, and fiber, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious. Slice and pan-fry sweet potatoes as a dinner side dish in place of French fries.

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