Eye Fungus

SERIOUS EYE FUNGUS IS TIED TO CONTACT LENS SOLUTION

New information indicates that the popular contact lens solution ReNu with MoistureLoc is linked to a rare and painful fungal disease in the eye. Although this product was recently pulled from store shelves worldwide, “if you or someone you know is still using this product, it should be discarded immediately,” said Dr. Robert Maloney, Los Angeles LASIK eye surgeon. “This infection, called fusarium keratitis, is extremely serious. It can cause cornea scarring or blindness,” Dr. Maloney said. The following symptoms can indicate fusarium infection in a contact lens wearer:



Sudden onset of blurred or fuzzy vision.
Red, irritated eyes lasting hours after contacts are removed.
Pain in and around the eyes.
Increased light sensitivity.
Excessive tearing or discharge


Fusarium infection has only been associated with soft contact lens wear with the ReNu with MoistureLoc solution. Los Angeles LASIK patients are not at increased risk. Other ReNu products made by Bausch & Lomb have not been associated with fusarium and may be used safely.

Eye doctors may place their patients on antibiotics pending results of laboratory tests, Dr Robert Maloney said. Should fungal treatment be warranted, topical or oral anti-fungal agents may be used. In some cases surgical intervention is necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal Food & Drug Administration issued a global recall of the product after the agencies investigated ReNu with MoistureLoc following multiple reports of fusarium keratitis across the country. The product once had a 41 percent share of the U.S. market. The American Optometric Association says there are more than 30 million contact lens wearers.

Until now the corneal disease, which is caused by a fungal organism, rarely has been reported in the contact lens wearing population. It typically occurs after trauma associated with plant matter or in immuno-compromised individuals. The higher incidence of fungal keratitis among normal contact lens wearers is a new finding.

“Our interest in the MoistureLoc product has been based on the disproportionate number of cases of fusarium keratitis associated with ReNu with MoistureLoc compared to the overall product market share,” an FDA spokesman said.

Bausch & Lomb officials discovered that “unique characteristics of the formulation…in certain unusual circumstances can increase the risk of fusarium infection” and have ceased production of the product. In its product recall announcement the FDA also said that “data available do not indicate a problem” with Bausch & Lomb’s ReNu MultiPlus or ReNu Multi-Purpose contact lens cleaning solutions.


The CDC continues to study the cause of the increased incidence of the disease and the FDA said it will continue to review cultures and epidemiological data.

For more information on Dr. Robert Maloney, laser eye surgery in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills , including the cost of LASIK eye surgery, visit http://www.maloneyvision.com/.



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Excellent Financial Service

'This move falls within the framework of a series of joined-upprojects between SABB and HSBC Middle East, that aims at enhancingthe services offered to customers all over the world, utilizing -by all possible ways and means - the excellent and closerelationship between the two banks. Through this new Call Centre,SABB will receive Arabic incoming calls from HSBC customers fromall over the Middle East, related to credit cards and other bankingservices enquiries, in addition to answering questions related tomarketing campaigns, and contact with prospective and potentialcustomers.

This unit is expected to handle 3000 calls per day byyear end.' He further added: 'This project is a clear indication of HSBCGroup's confidence in SABB's ability to offer excellent financialservices, which meet the highest international standards. We feelconfident that more efforts will be exerted to create new anddiverse opportunities to enhance and strengthen our businesspartnership.' Also commenting on the launch, Mr. Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO ofPersonal Financial Services, HSBC Middle East said, 'The new callcentre is part of our ongoing effort to consolidate call centreoperations in the Middle East. Our evaluations have shown thatsubstantial operating efficiencies can be achieved by operating ourregional call centre in Riyadh, especially when considering theadministration, training and technology required to operate aworld-class centre.' SABB's current call centre operations have won global recognition,being among the world's best.

At the '2007 World Call CentresAwards', SABB won the silver medal for best call centre in Europe,the Middle East and Africa, and the silver medal for 'Best CallCentre' among medium sized operations, in addition to the award of'Best Outbound Campaign'.

When Criminal Became Cops

The Police is supposed to be the keeper of law and order in any state but under the rule of Mulayam Singh Yadav, neither law nor order was followed in recruitment of personnel for this force. Any inquiry report into the appointment of 22,000 odd personnel during Yadav's reign shows that in most cases, neither past criminal record nor failure to meet statutory medical requirements came in the way of selection

Natural or Man Made

Introduction

The image is satellite photographs of the “Palk Straight” - The ocean passage between South India and Sri lanka. The ocean floor here is shallow and is not navigable and so no ships navigate via this region. All ships which want to move from western world to the eastern world or vice versa via the Indian ocean currently take a longer route of going around the country of sri lanka. Even the ships of India which have to move between the western and Indian coastlines of India take this longer route of going around Srilanka.ocean passage between South India and Sri lanka. The ocean floor here is shallow and is not navigable and so no ships navigate via this region. All ships which want to move from western world to the eastern world or vice versa via the Indian ocean currently take a longer route of going around the country of sri lanka. Even the ships of India which have to move between the western and Indian coastlines of India take this longer route of going around Srilanka.

The Project

Now, the government of India has come up with a project (in fact it is a project which was suggested long back during the British age itself, but has reached the definitive stages of implementation only now), called the “Sethu Samudram” Project.

The intentions of the project are good. To remove a silt of about 48 million cubic meters in the palk straight at a cost of Rs 2,427 Crore (24,270 million), and create a channel 167 km long to make the sea in this region navigable. This will shorten the distance between the east and west coasts by about 780 km for the ships! They no longer will have to take the longer route around Srilanka. This will also be a source of greater financial income to India as all international shipment now can pass through the Indian seas in this region with the benefit of this shorter distance, saving about 30 hours of time!

This new canal construction is also said to increase the Naval security of India due to the obvious reasons of making the connections between western and eastern naval sectors of India shorter and easier and more importantly independent of dependency on Srilanka!

Ancient India

Now a bit about ancient India. The ancient Indian text Ramayana talks about a bridge being built in the seas of Palk Straight by the then king Rama of North India who wanted to take an army to the kingdom of Srilanka. This bridge is said to have been built from “Dhanushkodi”, a place in South Indian coastal region near the sea facing Srilanka, to Mannar in Srilanka.

Satellite Photographs

The satellite photographs at the top of this article are of the “Palk Straight”. Clearly visible to a naked human eye can be seen a line connecting the main land of India to Srilanka in these photographs. This is exactly at the same place where Ramayana talks about a bridge being constructed by Rama and his army to cross over into Srilanka. It is visible from Dhanushkodi of India to Mannar in Northwest Srilanka and is about 48 kilometers long.

Controversy

The Hindus call this bridge “Ram Sethu” and is a sacred structure for them since it is mentioned in their ancient texts. The proposed Sethu Samudram project is going to destroy this structure. It is a different question as to whether this is a man made or god made or natural structure. (Well, for a hindu everything natural is God made!). The issue here is that this project in its current proposed format is definitely going to destroy this structure. The controversy is that do we need to have economic progress at the cost of our cultural heritage? In this materialistic world some people might look at everything in terms of money. But the spiritual center of the world, the Indian masses don’t look at it that way.

Let me make it clear, it is totally a different question as to whether this bridge is man made or is it a natural formation, the answer for that question has to come from a thorough unbiased scientific investigation by a committee of national and international experts on the subject. The need to save this structure is that it has been mentioned in the ancient texts and hence definitely is of a cultural value and has historical significance.

Coins

Coin Shortage leads to chocolate sales

The sale of fifty paise chocolates in the city has picked up manifold not because of people's sudden love for it, but to tide over acute shortage of 50 paise coins. The chocolates are given in some government and private buses, canteens, hotels, drug stores and parking places in place of coins and sholesale dealers.

Some scrap dealers attribute this shortage to mas purchase of coins by blade manufactures in Mumbai for making high quality razor blades. The dealers said they were paying two rupees for one rupee coin and one rupee for a 50 paise coin. The companies in turn would pay more margin to the scrap dealers.

Though the business was at a peak till a month ago, there's a shortage of coins at present, they had a deal with employees who were managing the vehicle parking areas and some bus conductors to supply coins. But they too were facing proglems in procuring the coins now.

The branded chocolates are selling bottles of chocolate instead of one bottle. Even in hospital canteens, where a cup of coffee or tea costs Rs. 3.50, chocolates were given for 50 paise balance. Conductor or a parking site employee whould earn about Rs. 15.00 if he is able to use a bottle of chocolates for the purpose of giving the change.

In some city buses chocolates are given without authorisation. The corporation officials had approached some co-operative banks and temples to provide 50 paise coins. The scaracity of 50 paise coins are artificial. Chocolates are being thrust on the people. It is a ploy of the chocolate dealers to sell their product.

I think that there should be an immediate action on this

Zimbabwean tills

Obsolete coins cause chaos at Zimbabwean tills

Facing stratospheric inflation in the millions of percentile, the central bank has cut 10 Zeros from the currency

Zimbabweans hunted out coins squirreled away years agon in jars and cupboards and headed for the shops, where lines built up as overburdened tellers used to counting mounds of hyper-inflated dollar notes instead were juggling silver.

The central bank, overwhelmed by stratospheric inflation in the millions of percentile, this week cut 10 zeros from the currency and reintroduced coins made obsolete in 2002 when they became worthless. A one-doller coin now is worth 10 billian of the old dollars.

On Friday, about 20 one-dollar coins or 200 billion Zimbabwe dollars could buy a loaf of scarce bread if it could be found in a downtown supermarket. That is about (US)$5 at the official rate and $2 at the black market rate that better reflects the value of the courrency.

It has been a chaotic day a teller filling plastic banking bags with coins at a small supermarket at closing time. Customers have been digging out their old coins. Lines built up as staff counted the coins.

It's a bonous for anyone like me who didn't know what to do with coins and didn't throw them away, says businessman, who carried a cookie jar full that bought him a small sachet of powdered milk.

Mr. Chikomba said he received a few new 10 and 20 dollar notes issued by banks. But most purchasers still used coins, old notes or checks. The old currency remains effective until December, being used alongside new bills in the revalued currency rate introuced.

The biggest new bill is $500, equivalent to 5 trillion in the old denominations. Two weeks ago, the bank had introduced a $100 billion dollar note.

Bank executives said many branches still were waiting for deliveries of new currency from the central bank from the first day of issue. In setting prices on its menu, a downtown cafe mistakenly slashed nine zeros from its prices instead of the required 10. Until December, prices must be quoted in both new dollars and old dollars, accordingly to a central bank directive. Everyone is totally confused. May be things will settle down in a few days. Its farcical at the moment, said the cafe manager, who asked not to be identified for fear of repercussions

Inflation, the highest in the world, is offically running at 2.2 million percent in Zimbabwe but independent economists say it is coloser to 12.5 million percent. Analysts say the slashing of the 10 Zeros and the issue of new lower denomination notes failed to address the root causes of inflation, and in real terms zeros will soon return unless inflation is slowed.

Hydro Therapy

If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms Arthritis, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Aching Joints, Back Pain, Fatigue, Insomnia, Circulation, Stress, Muscular pain, Stiffness, Cramps or Tension, see how Hydrotherapy can target these problems very effectively.

Pain Relief -

Hydrotherapy is proven to be a highly effective form of natural therapy which works by stimulating the endorphins which in turn helps you to control pain and alleviate tension. The hydro-bath works by releasing millions of large bubbles, which relaxes your muscular tension and helps to reduce swollen joints giving you increased mobility and more importantly lessens your pain. The hydro-bath also releases very fine bubbles, this has a soothing tranquil effect on your body which helps relieve your stress and tension.

Circulation -

our hydro-bath has a remarkable and almost magical ability to improve circulation. Your blood flow takes oxygen and nourishment to all your cells and tissues. When working correctly, this forms the basis of a healthy life. Good circulation also brings the benefit of good lymph drainage which helps to clear the body of toxins.

Immune System -

detoxifying regularly, leads to a stronger immune system which is able to cope with controlling viruses, bacteria and infections. Your immune system is your internal police force and when working efficiently, helps you overcome minor infections ranging from the common cold right up to deadly diseases.

Stress -

hydrotherapy can provide you with the vital key to breaking the stress cycle of everyday modern life. In today's busy world you can be prone to stress related illnesses which can cause a wide range of physical and psychological problems. For example, high blood pressure, headaches, digestive complaints, insomnia, depression, anxiety attacks, the list is endless. Unfortunately stress not only affects the mind but more importantly your immune system.

Complexion -

the hydro-bath helps to regulate your body's temperature control by improving the efficiency of your perspiration glands. This releases the toxins from your body and leaves you with a healthy glowing complexion. If you look better you will feel better. The oxygen flow is increased by the effect of the millions of bubbles and this activity can also help reduce fluid retention and even have a dramatic effect on other ailments such as cellulite. In short, Hydrotherapy offers an excellent way for you to regain and maintain a healthy and painless body. Any natural treatment that can help you to revitalize and de-stress, without producing the detrimental side effects of some of today's modern drugs has got to be the way forward.

What happens to you during Hydrotherapy?

When you are in pain or under stress, chemical changes in your body can cause the blood pressure and pulse rate to increase, Having regular hydrotherapy treatments can help you to reduce these symptoms by relieving swollen joints and slowing down the process of stress reaction. This will help you to relax and unwind, which is easier for you, helping you to deal with your pain.

In your first treatment :

After 5 minutes - your blood pressure and pulse rates start to drop.

After 10 minutes - your circulation improves in your hands and feet making them warmer.

After 15 minutes - your muscles will relax becoming more receptive to passive exercise , fibrous tissue becomes more pliable and responsive to stretching encouraging the release of lactic acid and other toxins from your system.

After 20 minutes - your aches and pains will experience a temporary decrease in severity.

Further Treatments :

After 3 treatments - your immune system will be improved.

After 5 treatments - tension, emotional and physical pain will noticeably be reduced.

After 10 treatments - your pain relief will be longer lasting, you'll experience a greater sense of well-being.

After 20 treatments - you will have a heightened tolerance to disease and depression, your skin will be clearer and glow with health and your muscle tone and mobility will improve.

"Crocodile Hunter" Death Extremely Rare, Caught on Film

Police investigating the incident told a packed press conference yesterday that his death was the result of a highly unusual accident.

"We're not going into the detail, but there's definitely no surprises," a police spokesperson said.

"Everyone knows how he died."

Caught on Film

A coroner was to begin an examination yesterday and will consider video footage of the attack, which happened as Irwin swam over Batt Reef, off the Australian state of Queensland.

Irwin's friend, director, and producer, John Stainton, who was on Irwin's boat Croc One when the attack happened, said yesterday at the press conference that it is too early to release the footage of his friend's fatal encounter to the public. Last night on CNN's Larry King Live talk show he went further.

"I mean, it should be destroyed," Stainton told King. "When that is finally released [from police custody], it will never see the light of day. Ever. Ever. I actually saw it, but I don't want to see it again."

The stingray attack was caught on film during the production of a new television special Irwin was making with his eight-year-old daughter, Bindi Sue. The documentary was to have been screened in the United States next year.

The footage shows Irwin pulling the stingray's barb out of his chest before losing consciousness, Stainton says.

"It's a very hard thing to watch, because you're actually witnessing somebody die … and it's terrible," Stainton said at the press conference.

Pluto Not a Planet, Astronomers Rule

"Whoa! Pluto's dead," said astronomer Mike Brown, of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, as he watched a Webcast of the vote. "There are finally, officially, eight planets in the solar system."

In a move that's already generating controversy and will force textbooks to be rewritten, Pluto will now be dubbed a dwarf planet.

But it's no longer part of an exclusive club, since there are more than 40 of these dwarfs, including the large asteroid Ceres and 2003 UB313, nicknamed Xena—a distant object slightly larger than Pluto discovered by Brown last year.

"We know of 44" dwarf planets so far, Brown said. "We will find hundreds. It's a very huge category."

A clear majority of researchers voted for the new definition at a meeting of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in Prague, in the Czech Republic. The IAU decides the official names of all celestial bodies.

The tough decision comes after a multiyear search for a scientific definition of the word "planet." The term never had an official meaning before.

What Is a Planet Today?

According to the new definition, a full-fledged planet is an object that orbits the sun and is large enough to have become round due to the force of its own gravity. In addition, a planet has to dominate the neighborhood around its orbit.

Pluto has been demoted because it does not dominate its neighborhood. Charon, its large "moon," is only about half the size of Pluto, while all the true planets are far larger than their moons.

In addition, bodies that dominate their neighborhoods, "sweep up" asteroids, comets, and other debris, clearing a path along their orbits. By contrast, Pluto's orbit is somewhat untidy.

Noah's Ark Discovered in Iran?

The team discovered the prominent boat-shaped rocks at just over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) on Mount Suleiman in Iran's Elburz mountain range.

"It looks uncannily like wood," said Robert Cornuke, president of the Bible Archaeology Search and Exploration Institute (BASE), the Palmer Lake, Colorado-based group that launched the expedition.

Photos taken by BASE members show a prow-shaped rock outcrop, which the team says resembles petrified wood, emerging from a ridge.

"We have had [cut] thin sections of the rock made, and we can see cell structures," Cornuke said.

Cornuke acknowledges that it may be hard to prove that this object was Noah's ark. But he says he is fairly convinced that the rock formation was an important place of pilgrimage in the past.

The BASE team has uncovered evidence of an ancient shrine near the outcrop, suggesting that this was an important place to people in the past, Cornuke says.

"We can't claim to have conclusively found the ark, but it does look like the object that the ancients talked about," Cornuke said.

Noah and the Flood

The story of Noah's ark is told in three major world religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

The Book of Genesis describes a great flood created by God "to destroy all life under the heavens."

But before the flood, God told Noah, one of his human followers, to build an ark and fill it with two of every species on the Earth.