Vagina gel fails to block HIV

PARIS - A VAGINAL gel failed to protect women against the Aids virus, doctors said on Monday, reporting on a major clinical trial that enrolled more than 9,000 women.

The formula, known as PRO 2000, was tested in a Phase III trial, the widest and most exhaustive stage of the process to assess a new drug for safety and effectiveness.

Aids campaigners have staked huge faith in the search for a vaginally-used gel to thwart the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It would revolutionise the fight on Aids by empowering women, especially in African countries where coercive sex is a problem.

The first breakthrough in this quest was announced in July at the 18th International Aids Conference in Vienna. Scientists reported that a cream tested in a Phase IIb trial in South Africa called Caprisa 004 cut the risk of HIV infection by 39 per cent overall, and by 54 per cent among those women who used it most consistently.

This level of protection may not be enough to make the Caprisa gel get approval, however. The cream incorporates tenofovir, a drug commonly used in tablet form to quell HIV by disrupting its reproduction in immune cells.

The PRO 2000 formula is different, being a so-called large charged polymer, which is intended to disrupt HIV's interaction with targeted cells. It was tested at two levels of concentration, of two per cent and 0.5 per cent, in 13 clinics in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia in a trial that was closely monitored for ethical standards. -- AFP

How to Firm up your Butt

So maybe you will never have a J-Lo booty but it never hurts to work on what you do have. With just a bit of effort you can tighten up that behind in no time.


Instructions (3 Steps)


Step 1 - Wanting that perfect butt in a hurry might require you to do a bit of cheating. Butt glue, which is used in pageants and so forth instantly lifts the butt and firms it. Keep in mind this is a temporary fix.



Step 2 - Exercising and watching what you eat is the best route to take in tightening your butt permanently. Squats, walking, and using the exercise ball can work wonders.

Step 3 - Think about implants or buttock augmentation. This is becoming very popular for those wanting a quick fix. This is great for drooping buttocks and those who want to enlarge, lift and shape their butt.


Tips & Warnings

•A great exercise for your butt is a free squat with our without weights..
•Butt lift machines are popular machines at most gyms..
•Before beginning any exercise regimen check with your doctor first..
•Always warm up before you jump right into an exercise routine..

Calcium-heart attacks link

PARIS - ORDINARY calcium supplements taken by the elderly to strengthen bones may boost the risk of heart attacks, according to a study released on Friday.

The findings, published in the British Medical Journal, suggest that the role of calcium in the treatment of osteoporosis should be reconsidered, the researchers said. Calcium tablets are commonly prescribed to boost skeletal health, but a recent clinical trial suggested they might increase the number of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems in healthy older women.

To investigate further, an international team of researchers led by Ian Reid of the University of Auckland in New Zealand reviewed 11 separate clinical trials involving 12,000 patients. They found that calcium supplements were associated with about a 30 per cent jump in heart attack risk.

The chances of stroke and mortality also increased to a lesser extent. The link was consistent across trials and was independent of age, sex, and type of supplement. While the added risk is modest for any individual, the widespread use of calcium supplements could translate into a significantly larger disease burden across an entire population, the authors warn.

Previous studies have found that upping calcium intake through changes in diet does not increase cardiovascular problems, suggesting that the risks are restricted to supplements.

In a commentary, John Cleland of the University of Hull in Britain and colleagues point out that - regardless of possible impacts on heart attack rates - calcium supplements are probably not very efficient in reducing fractures in any case.