InfoAnda - AIDS: Microbicide gel 'highly encouraging' in lab tests

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

YEAR-END SPECIAL: Thai ruling coalition called 'Emergency Exit Govt' | 29 December 2010
Big storm targets Midwest with snow, wind | 9 December 2009
Freed prisoners describe life in Cuban jails | | 16 July 2010

Reggae star Banton will be transferred to Tampa | 17 December 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : AIDS: Microbicide gel 'highly encouraging' in lab tests

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Search Search: AIDS: Microbicide gel 'highly encouraging' in lab tests AFP - Thursday, March 5 PARIS (AFP) - - The dogged search for a vaginal gel to thwart the AIDS virus earned some good news on Wednesday as scientists announced that a cheap, commonly-used compound shielded monkeys from a lethal cousin of HIV. ADVERTISEMENT They cautioned that a long road lies ahead before the microbicide can be verified as safe and effective for humans but hailed the outcome as a tremendous boost. A cream that blocks or kills the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a cornerstone of efforts in the fight against AIDS. It would be especially useful for women in sub-Saharan Africa, at risk from coercive sex from HIV-infected partners. But the quest has suffered many blows. They include two trials that, dismayingly, found women who used a prototype gel ran a greater risk of HIV than those who used a dummy lookalike. In a study published in Nature, researchers at the University of Minnesota tested a compound called glycerol monolaurate (GML). GML exists naturally in the human body but is already licensed as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent in cosmetics and toiletries and as an emulsifier in foods. Their hunch was that GML interferes with signalling processes in the immune system, thus blocking HIV's rampage at a key stage. When the virus enters the body, defence systems unleash a cascade of orders, dispatching so-called T immune cells to the site of the infection. It is these cells that are then hijacked by HIV and turned into virus-making mini-factories, enabling the agent to proliferate throughout the bloodstream. "Even though it sounds counter-intuitive, halting the body's natural defence system might actually prevent transmission and and rapid spread of the infection," said chief investigator Ashley Haase. The team gave a vaginal application of GML gel to five rhesus macaque monkeys and exposed them and a comparison group of five other animals to two large doses of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) -- the monkey equivalent of HIV. Over the next two weeks, four of the control group contracted SIV. But none of the GML-treated group showed any acute infection, even though they were given up to two further shots of the virus. GML, said the paper, breaks a "vicious cycle" of immune-system signalling and inflammatory response in the cervix and vagina. "This result represents a highly encouraging new lead in the search for an effective microbicide to prevent HIV-1 transmission that meets the criteria of safety, affordability and efficacy," it declared. Each dose of GML used in the experiment cost less than one US cent (0.75 of a euro cent). GML's use as a microbicide and anti-inflammatory was discovered by one of the researchers, Pat Schlievert, when he probed so-called toxic shock syndrome in the use of menstrual tampons. He found that GML inhibited the toxin-making mechanism of the germ Staphylococcus aureus. Tampons coated with GML protected women from the bacterium and eased vaginal inflammation. "GML is exceptionally inexpensive, is widely used in foods and cosmetics and is easy to formulate in many ways for vaginal use," said Schlievert. He added that the compound had been repeatedly tested as safe and had no effect on beneficial vaginal bacteria. Last month, scientists reported the first positive trial of a microbicide, a formula called PRO 2000, but said it reduced the risk of infection only by around 30 percent. This is only half of the minimum benchmark for success. Availability of a microbicide that is 60 percent effective would avert two and a half million infections over three years, according to a 2003 mathematical study. Around 33 million people around the world have HIV, two-thirds of them south of the Sahara. Globally, women make up 50 percent of all HIV-infected people, but in Africa, this rises to nearly 60 percent. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (4 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Enlarge Photo People get information about AIDS near a giant red ribbon, symbolizing AIDS awareness. The dogged search for a vaginal gel to thwart the AIDS virus earned some good news on Wednesday as scientists announced that a cheap, commonly-used compound shielded monkeys from a lethal cousin of HIV. Most Popular – Top Stories Viewed Space rock gives Earth a close shave Motorcycles help keep you young: software expert China hunts for Europe takeovers as stocks jump Ladyboy lizards use transvestite trickery: researchers Obama releases Bush-era secret terror memos View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Thursday, 5 March 2009
Iran missiles can reach Israel atom sites: commander | International |
Jail riot in drug war-hit Mexican city kills 17 | International |
Paula Abdul Sued By Woman Who Tripped On Her Driveway
Grand Ole Opry Star Ernie Ashworth Dies
Israel wounds two Gaza militants in air strike | International |
IAEA to choose new chief in March 26 election | International |
Afghan civilians at risk as long as war lasts: U.S. | International |
Uganda says captures LRA rebel commander | International |
Faulty altimeter played part in Turkish crash | International |
Amazon allows Kindle access from iPhone | Technology |
Spain PM an Internet star after F word slip-up | Technology |
Watchmen looks to conquer mainstream audiences | Entertainment |
British man guilty of murdering Harry Potter actor | Entertainment |
Fans wonder which Jackson might show for comeback | Entertainment |
Jimmy Fallon off to an uneven start, as expected | Entertainment |
Hague court issues warrant for Sudan's Bashir | International |
U.S. role seen in "deterrence" toward Iran
Pakistan issues sketches; no breakthrough on attack | International |
Clinton criticises Israel over E.Jerusalem demolition
Britney Spears Opens "Circus Tour" To Positive Reviews
Venezuela's Chavez seizes Cargill unit | International |
Afghan commission sets August presidential vote
Israeli air strike kills two Gaza militants | International |
US-Canada to discuss auto sector crisis
Iran urges world Muslim 'resistance' against Israel
Mexico army to take over policing in drug-hit city | International |
Former first lady Barbara Bush has open heart surgery
Clinton criticizes Iran as a threat in the Mideast
Dawn of record-low eurozone interest rates
Suicide bomber kills 3 in Baghdad
ICC issues war crimes warrant for Sudan's Beshir
Rugby coach Johnson's patience running out
Sudan revokes aid agency licenses
Kandahar security worsened in late 2008: Canada | International |
US private sector shed 697,000 jobs in February: ADP
Iraq eyeing WTO membership for boost to economy
China says ready to talk peace with Taiwan | International |
AIDS: Microbicide gel 'highly encouraging' in lab tests
'Albatross' gone, India offers hand to US
Brown urges US action on economy, climate change
WITNESS: Wildlife and radiation in evacuated Chernobyl zone | International |
Chavez to seize US rice subsidiary for 'flagrant violations'
U.S. role seen in deterrence toward Iran | International |
Obama Sends Letter To Russian President Urging Support Against Iran's Nuclear Developments
Mexico worried about getting less US anti-drug aid
As recession deepens, con artistry booms in Asia | International |
Woman Hospitalized After Being Shot At Florida City Wal-Mart
After Apology, GOP Chair Calls Tiff With Limbaugh 'A Side-Show Distraction'
Obama extends sanctions on Zimbabwe for one year
Obama Overhauls Government Contracting Rules; To Save $40 Billion Annually
YouTube topped 100 million US viewer mark in January: comScore
Venezuela wants to check up on US war on drugs
Amazon's Kindle e-books now on Apple iPhone, iPod
Kerry: Syrian leader wants peace talks with Israel
Spain PM an Internet star after F word slip-up
AMD, ATIC to build US semiconductor plant
Kyrgyzstan open to air base talks with U.S.
Google CEO doesn't foresee decline in revenue | Technology |
Apple's new Mac desktops offer speed, value
Canadian judge orders gov't to seek clemency in US
YouTube and Universal talk on music video site: sources | Technology |
Possible transfer to France for jailed woman: Calderon
Finnish parliament allows employers to monitor emails
Defence fails in bid to remove Khodorkovsky judge
Smart bubbly, corny USB sticks lead fair's gadget parade
Altimeter fault behind Turkish Airlines crash: official
KRouge defence removes documents from website
Watchmen looks to conquer mainstream audiences | Entertainment |
NKorea holds more talks with US-led forces
De Niro, Pacino sue over watch ads for movie | Entertainment |
Umpires slam Pakistan security after cricket attack
Law & Order star Hargitay hospitalized again | Entertainment |
DMC accentuates the positive in rap competition
South Korea and Australia announce security pact
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
China promises vigorous spending program
Tobias Wolff wins Story Prize for short fiction | Entertainment |
North Korea escalates rhetoric against South Korea
Osbournes gets plum debut after Idol | Entertainment |
China says support for NATO effort unlikely now
Malaysia tables 2.69 bln dlr spending plan
'Albatross' gone, India offers hand to US
S.Korea c.bank drains 16 trln won via 7-day repos
Anwar Malaysia sodomy trial moved to High Court
Taylor Swift among nominees for ACM top album
S.Korea extra budget won't hike mkt rates -fin min
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Pakistani cenbank sells 26 bln rupees of T-bills
S.Korea says undecided on H1 sovereign bond issuance
"Osbournes" gets plum debut after "Idol"
South Korea closely watching FX market
Tobias Wolff wins Story Prize for short fiction
Benicio del Toro meets Venezuela's Chavez
Vietnam's migrant workers return home as downturn bites
Michael Jackson to make London announcement
Philippine inflation picks up in February
"Law & Order" star Hargitay hospitalized again
Philippines February inflation rises to 7.3 pct
DA: Chris Brown expected in court Thursday
China says 8 percent growth possible in 2009
Review: `Watchmen' almost too faithful to book
Kirk Douglas, at age 92, stars in one-man show
Sudan expels aid agencies and defies Hague
Somali pirates free Egyptian ship
NATO resumes ties with Russia, Moscow welcomes move | International |
Police recommend charges against Israel's PM
Putin threatens to cut Ukraine gas supplies | International |
Ten killed in truck bombing at Iraqi market
Palestinian driver killed after tractor rams cars | International |
Footage raises new questions about Pakistan attack
Palestinian driver killed after Jerusalem rampage
North Korea warns South's airliners during drills | International |
China runs ahead with spending torch
NATO chief urges restart of top-level Russia talks
Afghan candidates say Karzai should stand aside | International |
German retail sales fall in January: statistics
Car bomb in south Iraq livestock market kills 12 | International |
Car bomb in Iraq livestock market kills 12
Obama to open healthcare summit
Deal to cancel Gandhi glasses auction fails
Big French press find brand power helps online | Technology |
Obama to open healthcare summit
Clinton says 'time to move ahead' in relations with Russia
Obama extends Zimbabwe sanctions for 1 year
39 indicted in SKorean crackdown on digital theft
Congress may cut off spending on Mexican trucks
U.S. extends sanctions against Zimbabwe
Guadeloupe strike ends with pay rises
NATO chief to recommend resumption of ties with Russia
Guadeloupe strike ends after 44 days
Film Watchmen is treasure trove for philosophers | Entertainment |
Britney Spears puts on Circus for comeback tour | Entertainment |
Award-winning writer Horton Foote dead at 92 | Entertainment |
Maldives bans reef shark hunting
Anti-surveillance filmmaker plans eye-socket camera | Entertainment |
India rejects deal to halt sale of Gandhi items
Japan, US warn NKorea against missile test-firing
Philippine police use street gangs to fight crime
Indian politicians lean on 'Slumdog' in campaigns
Militants bomb ancient shrine in Pakistan
China says ready to talk to Taiwan, end hostility
BBC: Kyrgyz president open to talks on US base
Fire at Japan nuke plant, no radiation leak: operator
North Korea warns South's airliners during drills
Michael Jackson sues auction house for sale plans
South Korea and Australia announce security pact
Taiwan: Early talks on China trade deal possible
Prince Charles named world's best dressed man
Pakistan's forex reserves fall to $10.14 bln
India rejects deal to halt sale of Gandhi items
China runs ahead with spending torch
Barbie bets on China with concept store
Toyota executive to appear before Obama auto panel
Crash helmets Nigerian-style: a tale of hygiene and black magic
Taiwan dollar hits 1-week high on China optimism
Film "Watchmen" is treasure trove for philosophers
Philippine central bank cuts key interest rates
Writers' festival offers insights into modern China
Sharp fall in Sri Lanka tea exports
Chinese director plans film on 1976 quake
Taiwan seeks foreign tie-up to help chip industry
Japan PM sees 'no bottom in sight' for sinking economy
US-TECH Summary
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01