O que é HPV?

 

O HPV é um condiloma acuminado, conhecido também como verruga genital, crista de galo, figueira ou cavalo de crista, é uma doença sexualmente transmissível (DST) causada pelo Papilomavírus humano (HPV). Atualmente, existem mais de 100 tipos de HPV - alguns deles podendo causar câncer, principalmente no colo do útero e do ânus. Entretanto, a infecção pelo HPV é muito comum e nem sempre resulta em câncer. O exame de prevenção do câncer ginecológico, o Papanicolau, pode detectar alterações precoces no colo do útero e deve ser feito rotineiramente por todas as mulheres.

O HPV é uma DST que pode causar câncer principalmente no colo do útero e no ânus

Não se conhece o tempo em que o HPV pode permanecer sem sintomas e quais são os fatores responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento de lesões. Por esse motivo, é recomendável procurar serviços de saúde para consultas periodicamente.

 

Causas

A principal forma de transmissão do vírus do HPV é pela via sexual. Para ocorrer o contágio, a pessoa infectada não precisa apresentar sintomas. Mas, quando a verruga é visível, o risco de transmissão é muito maior. O uso da camisinha durante a relação sexual geralmente impede a transmissão do HPV, que também pode ser transmitido para o bebê durante o parto.

visão geral

• sintomas
• tratamento e cuidados
• prevenção
• encontre um médico

Sintomas de HPV

A infecção pelo HPV normalmente causa verrugas de tamanhos variáveis. No homem, é mais comum na cabeça do pênis (glande) e na região do ânus. Na mulher, os sintomas mais comuns do HPV surgem na vagina, vulva, região do ânus e colo do útero. As lesões do HPV também podem aparecer na boca e na garganta. Tanto o homem quanto a mulher podem estar infectados pelo vírus sem apresentar sintomas.

Saiba mais

• Sintomas que podem sinalizar uma DST
• Corrimento vaginal pode indicar DSTs

visão geral

• sintomas
• tratamento e cuidados
• prevenção
• encontre um médico

Tratamento de HPV

Na presença de qualquer sinal ou sintoma do HPV, é recomendado procurar um profissional de saúde, para o diagnóstico correto e indicação do tratamento adequado para o HPV.

Saiba mais

• Saiba como prevenir e tratar o HPV

visão geral

• sintomas
• tratamento e cuidados
• prevenção
• encontre um médico

Prevenção

Vacina

Foram desenvolvidas duas vacinas contra os tipos de HPV mais presentes no câncer de colo do útero: a vacina bivalente e a vacina quadrivalente. Essas vacinas, na verdade, previnem contra a infecção por HPV. Mas o real impacto da vacinação contra o câncer de colo de útero só poderá ser observado após décadas. Uma dessas vacinas é quadrivalente, ou seja, previne contra quatro tipos de HPV: o 16 e 18, presentes em 70% dos casos de câncer de colo do útero, e o 6 e 11, presentes em 90% dos casos de verrugas genitais. A outra é específica para os subtipos de HPV 16 e 18.

Saiba mais

• Vacina contra HPV
• Vacina só protege contra alguns tipos de HPV

É fundamental deixar claro que a adoção da vacina contra o HPV não substituirá a realização regular do exame de citologia, Papanicolau (preventivo).

A vacina contra o HPV é mais uma estratégia possível para o enfrentamento do problema e um momento importante para avaliar se há existência de DST. Ainda há muitas perguntas sem respostas relativas à vacina do HPV:

• A vacina do HPV só previne contra as lesões précancerosas ou também contra o desenvolvimento do câncer de colo de útero?
• Qual o tempo de proteção conferido pela vacina do HPV?
• Levando-se em conta que a maioria das infecções por HPV é facilmente debelada pelo sistema imunológico, como a vacinação afeta a imunidade natural contra o HPV?
• Como a vacina afeta outros tipos de HPV associados ao câncer de colo de útero e condilomas (verrugas)?

A vacina do HPV funciona estimulando a produção de anticorpos específicos para cada tipo de HPV. A proteção contra a infecção vai depender da quantidade de anticorpos produzidos pelo indivíduo vacinado, a presença destes anticorpos no local da infecção e a sua persistência durante um longo período de tempo.

Câncer de colo do útero

A duração da imunidade conferida pela vacina do HPV ainda não foi determinada, principalmente pelo pouco tempo em que é comercializada no mundo, desde 2007. Até o momento, só se tem convicção de cinco anos de proteção. Na verdade, embora se trate da mais importante novidade surgida na prevenção à infecção pelo HPV, ainda é preciso delimitar qual é o seu alcance sobre a incidência e a mortalidade do câncer de colo do útero.

 

Google Lets Photographer Into Secretive Data Centers, Beautiful Photos Ensue

 

Look around on the web, and you’ll find plenty of photographs of Google’s colorful offices in Mountain View (AKA the Googleplex) and around the world. Finding images shot from inside the company’s tightly-guarded data centers is much harder, since only a handful of employees are allowed to roam the spaces where the “web lives.” However, Google recently invited photographer Connie Zhou inside a number of its high-tech data centers. Gorgeous photographs resulted — images that show incredible scale, mind-numbing repetition, and quirky colors.

The massive server rooms house tens of thousands of servers that handle your searches and all of the services offered by the search giant.

Google says that the rainbow-colored pipes aren’t just for show; the colors help the employees quickly determine which is which.

Wired’s Steven Levy was also invited to tour the data centers, and has written up a fascinating piece on his experience. In an interview with Morning Edition’s Steve Inskeep, he states.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar - The Wonder 'Drug' of Yesterday and Today

 

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is an effective natural bacteria-fighting agent that contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are vital for a healthy body.
Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is made by crushing fresh, organically grown apples and allowing them to mature in wooden barrels. This boosts the natural fermentation qualities of the crushed apples, which differs from the refined and distilled vinegars found in supermarkets. When the vinegar is mature, it contains a dark, cloudy, web-like bacterial foam called mother, which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light. The mother can be used to add to other vinegar to hasten maturity for making more Apple Cider Vinegar.

Natural vinegars that contain the mother have enzymes and minerals that other vinegars in grocery stores may not have due to over-processing, over-heating, and filtration. For this reason, it is recommended that you purchase only unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar, with an ideal acidity (pH) level of 5 to 7, this health drink is a natural probiotic.

What are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful natural cure for a number of ailments which usually require antibiotics and other medications that have a number of side effects. In particular, Apple Cider Vinegar has been known to:

• Reduce sinus infections and sore throats
• Balance high cholesterol
• Cure skin conditions such as acne
• Protect against food poisoning
• Fight allergies in both humans and animals
• Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise
• Strengthen the immune system
• Increase stamina
• Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss
• Improve digestion and cure constipation
• Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout
• Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections

Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar:

General Health Problems:

Weight Loss

The use of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for weight loss is centuries old. D.C. Jarvis, M.D maintained that an overweight person could lose weight gradually by taking 2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water before meals.

Bad Breath

Due to its anticeptic properties, Apple Cider Vinegar makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Simply add 2 teaspoons of ACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time and spit the solution out. Repeat until the cup is empty.

Body Odor

Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective body odor remedy, since it can help adjust the skin's pH level which helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. For armpit odor, simply wipe them once each morning with undiluted apple cider vinegar (using a cotton ball). For foot odor, fill a pan with warm water and add 1/3 cup of ACV, then let your feet soak in this mixture for 15 minutes once per week.

Skin Problems and Infections:

Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cure for acne. Apply a solution of apple cider vinegar and water (2 tablespoons to 1 eight ounce glass of water) with a cotton ball several times a day. This will help reduce infection and dry out inflammation.

Age Spots

Apple Cider Vinegar contains sulfur that fights the effects of aging, which makes it suitable for treating age spots. Apply daily, to these darkened areas of the skin, a solution containing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of onion juice. According to this home remedy, the spots should begin to fade within 2 weeks.

Cellulite

Many women have found that Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Yeast Infection

Apple Cider Vinegar has been found to be an effective treatment for yeast infections.

Stomach Problems:

Heartburn

This usually occurs after eating, sometimes up to two hours later. This very unpleasant feeling can be alleviated by taking 2 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 OZ of water, taken three times a day before meals.

Constipation

Apple Cider Vinegar is frequently used as a natural cure for constipation.

Diarrhea

There are various causes for diarrhea, and although it should not be left untreated, it is often a natural way for the body to rid itself of harmful compounds and ingested materials. Apple Cider Vinegar is a fantastic natural remedy for diarrhea since the high pectin concentration acts as a protective coating which soothes the irritated lining of the colon. A suggestion is to add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to a large glass of water, and drink this 3 times daily while the symptoms persist.

Major Illnesses:

Diabetes

Apple Cider Vinegar may help to control high blood sugar levels, which is why it is often used as a natural treatment for Diabetes.

How to take it?

For daily maintenance, weight loss and pH balancing:

• 2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day (taken before your meals) 

For treating an acute condition like acid reflux, cough, bronchitis, or sore throat:

• 2 Tablespoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day (taken before your meals) .

To help with the taste you can always add a teaspoon of raw honey.

Living with PAH: Coping on a Day-to-Day Basis

 

Get tips for living and coping with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Written by Stephanie Pierce Medically Reviewed on 27 de Fevereiro de 2014 by George Krucik, MD, MBA

What Is PAH?

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but serious condition that causes the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs to become too high. Blood pressure rises due to the constriction of the pulmonary arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs (where the blood picks up oxygen). Narrowed arteries also mean the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the lungs. Over time, the heart muscle can weaken, leading to heart failure.

Symptoms of PAH

The symptoms of PAH are similar to those of other heart and lung conditions, and often include:

• shortness of breath
• dizziness/fainting
• weakness
• fatigue
• racing pulse or heart palpitations 

Symptoms usually get continually worse as the disease progresses, though many are treatable.

Treatments

Treatment for PAH generally involves managing and treating its symptoms, as there is no known cure for the disorder. Treatment options include both medical interventions and lifestyle changes. The most suitable forms of treatment usually depend on the type and severity of your PAH.

Medical Treatments

Certain medications can be helpful in the treatment of PAH, depending on the cause of the condition (if the cause is even known):

• Blood thinners like warfarin can help to prevent clotting, keeping blood flowing as smoothly as possible.
• Diuretics work by eliminating excess fluid from your body, including any fluid accumulating in the lungs and lower extremities.
• Blood pressure medications, like calcium channel blockers, may be appropriate for some types of PAH.
• Endothelin receptor agonists (ERAs) work to prevent further narrowing of the arteries.
• Inhalers and prostacyclins, help treat and prevent shortness of breath.

Unhappiness by the Numbers: 2012 Depression Statistics

 

Depression statistics - infographic - click link

 

 

The Flying Phantom: US$40k sailboat levitates two feet above the waves

 

The Flying Phantom catamaran seems to levitate above the water as it hydrofoils.

“It’s like removing the handbrake – suddenly everything gets smoother and faster in pure silence.” This gravity-defying US$40k catamaran rises completely out of the water at speed on a pair of hook-shaped hydrofoils. It looks like the work of David Copperfield, but it’s real, and it’s set to start a revolution in the sailing world.

Sailing types can now buy themselves a racing catamaran that breaks free from the drag and discomfort of the water. The Flying Phantom mimics the hydrofoiling action demonstrated by the 2013 America’s Cup field by rising up on two J-shaped wings at speed until both hulls are a good two feet out of the water.

Why? “The main speed limits of a catamaran are the length of the hull, the wetted surface, and the pitch poling as you push it too hard,” explains Phantom’s Nicolas Felix. “When you’re foiling and the hulls aren’t dragging in the water, you can get nearly limitless performance. On a regular boat, you’re always fighting to gain a tenth of a knot, fighting against the friction of the water and the pitching of the waves. When you take off, the drag just disappears and there’s pure silence. Every puff of wind is transformed directly into acceleration.”

The Flying Phantom can get up on its foils in wind as low as 7 knots sailing downwind or perpendicular to the breeze, or upwind if the wind speed is above 10 knots. Its current tested max speed has been 33 knots, but Felix believes that limit can still be pushed: "The next limit is the cavitation issues you get around 45-50 knots.”

Apart from the vast reduction in drag, another benefit of hydrofoiling is that once the boat is out of the waves, the ride gets a lot smoother. Sailors who have spend years being beaten around the hindquarters by choppy waves are reporting that the foiling experience feels as much like a magic carpet ride as it looks. Of course, if something goes wrong and the boat crashes back down into the water, there could be some pretty serious deceleration in effect that might negate any comfort advantage pretty quickly, to put it mildly.

Hydrofoiling is not new in the sailing world, "flying" boats have held the outright sailing speed records for more than a decade, and the current champ “Vestas Sailrocket II” smashed out a truly scary 65.45 knots back in 2012. But the Flying Phantom is the first product to bring the levitation experience to the commercial market – a “democratizing” of the foiling catamaran.

Phantom International (based in France) is planning to race the Flying Phantom at a number of events in 2014, and also looking into the possibility of developing a racing series specifically for small foiling cats like this one.

The Flying Phantom launched at the Paris Boat Show this year and is on sale now for €28,260 (just under US$40,000).

Product page: Phantom International