17 Fun Facts About Feet And Shoe

Check here the 17 fun facts about the feet and shoe-

http://physioplanet.blogspot.com/2014/04/17-fun-facts-about-foot-and-shoe.html

Medical Professional Vacancy at WHO (World Health Organization)

Medical Professional Vacancy at WHO (World Health Organization).

Details at-

http://physioplanet.blogspot.com/2014/04/physiotherapy-vacancy-in-who-world.html

Study Says Ascites Can Impact Mesothelioma Treatment Response, According to Surviving Mesothelioma

Surviving <b>Mesothelioma</b> is reporting on newly published research suggesting that certain aspects of a peritoneal <b>mesothelioma</b> patient’s condition may have an impact on the toxicity of chemotherapy.

A combination of pemetrexed (Alimta) and a platinum-based drug like cisplatin or carboplatin is the drug treatment ofchoice for patients with pleural <b>mesothelioma</b>, the most common form of the disease. But in an article in Anticancer Research, a team of Japanese researchers points out that peritoneal <b>mesothelioma</b>, which grows in the lining of the abdomen, differs from pleural mesothelioma at the cellular level and may need a different approach. The small retrospective study focused on six peritoneal mesothelioma patients diagnosed at four different institutions. The patients all had some amount of ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen which is a common side effect of peritoneal mesothelioma and other abdominal cancers. The patients were all treated with the pemetrexed/cisplatin or carboplatin chemotherapy combination. The three peritoneal mesothelioma patients who experienced the best response to the treatment were those with the least amount of ascites. One of these patients had a partial response to chemotherapy, meaning that it killed at least some cancer cells. In the other two low-ascites patients, the pemetrexed-based chemotherapy stabilized their disease. But patients with what was described as “massive ascites” did not respond nearly as well. Although the treatment was found to be safer when levels of the platinum-based drug were reduced, two of the three high-ascites patients experienced serious blood-related toxicity. Median progression-free survival for all study subjects was 7.2 months and overall survival was 13.1 months. Writing on their findings in Anticancer Research, the authors conclude, “Selection of chemotherapy based on the patient’s condition, such as ascites, might be important for advanced peritoneal mesothelioma.”

Peritoneal <b>mesothelioma</b> accounts for about a third of all <b>mesothelioma</b> cases. All types of <b>mesothelioma</b> are caused by exposure to asbestos. About 2,500 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year.

The original study of chemotherapy for peritoneal <b>mesothelioma</b> appears in Anticancer Research. (Nakano, M, et al, “Pemetrexed combined with Platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: Retrospective analysis of six cases”, January, 2014, Anticancer Research, pp. 215-220,http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24403465).

For nearly ten years, Surviving <b>Mesothelioma</b> has brought readers the most important and ground-breaking news on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. All Surviving <b>Mesothelioma</b> news is gathered and reported directly from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Written for patients and their loved ones, Surviving <b>Mesothelioma</b> news helps families make more informed decisions.

With ref.- PRWeb

Does Social Media really connect people

The way in which people frantically communicate online via Twitter, Facebook and social media-instant messaging can be seen as a form of modern madness, according to a leading American sociologist.

"A behaviour that has become typical may still express the problems that once caused us to see it as pathological," MIT professor Sherry Turkle writes in her new book, Alone Together, which is leading an attack on the information age.

Turkle's book, published in the UK next month, has caused a sensation in America, which is usually more obsessed with the merits of social networking. She appeared last week on Stephen Colbert's late-night comedy show, The Colbert Report. When Turkle said she had been at funerals where people checked their iPhones, Colbert quipped: "We all say goodbye in our own way."Turkle's thesis is simple: technology is threatening to dominate our lives and make us less human. Under the illusion of allowing us to communicate better, it is actually isolating us from real human interactions in a cyber-reality that is a poor imitation of the real world.But Turkle's book is far from the only work of its kind. An intellectual backlash in America is calling for a rejection of some of the values and methods of modern communications. "It is a huge backlash. The different kinds of communication that people are using have become something that scares people," said Professor William Kist, an education expert at Kent State University, Ohio.

The list of attacks on social media is a long one and comes from all corners of academia and popular culture. A recent bestseller in the US, The Shallows by Nicholas Carr, suggested that use of the internet was altering the way we think to make us less capable of digesting large and complex amounts of information, such as books and magazine articles. The book was based on an essay that Carr wrote in the Atlantic magazine. It was just as emphatic and was headlined: Is Google Making Us Stupid?

Another strand of thought in the field of cyber-scepticism is found in The Net Delusion, by Evgeny Morozov. He argues that social media has bred a generation of "slacktivists". It has made people lazy and enshrined the illusion that clicking a mouse is a form of activism equal to real world donations of money and time.Other books include The Dumbest Generation by Emory University professor Mark Bauerlein – in which he claims"the intellectual future of the US looks dim"– and We Have Met the Enemy by Daniel Akst, which describes the problems of self-control in the modern world, of which the proliferation of communication tools is a key component.The backlash has crossed the Atlantic. In Cyburbia, published in Britain last year, James Harkin surveyed the modern technological world and found some dangerous possibilities. While Harkin was no pure cyber-sceptic, he found manyreasons to be worried as well as pleased about the new technological era. Elsewhere, hit film The Social Network has been seen as a thinly veiled attack on the social media generation, suggesting that Facebook was created by people who failed to fit in with the real world.Turkle's book, however, has sparked the most debate so far. It is a cri de coeur for putting down the BlackBerry, ignoring Facebook and shunning Twitter. "We have invented inspiring and enhancing technologies, yet we have allowed them to diminish us," she writes.Fellow critics point to numerous incidents to back up their argument. Recently, media coverage of the death in Brighton of Simone Back focused on a suicide note she had posted on Facebook that was seen by many of her 1,048 "friends" on the site. Yet none called for help – instead they traded insults with each other on her Facebook wall.

Turkle's book has also hit home because her previous works, The Second Self and Life on the Screen, seemed more open to the technological world. "Alone Together reads as if it were written by Turkle's evil Luddite twin," joked Kist.But even the backlash now has a backlash, with many leaping to the defence of social media. They point out that emails, Twitter and Facebook have led to more communication, not less – especially for people who may have trouble meeting in the real world because of great distance or social difference.Defenders say theirs is just a different form of communication that people might have trouble getting used to. "When you go into a coffee shop and everyone is silent on their laptop, I understand what she is saying about not talking to one another," Kist said. "But it is still communicating. I disagree with her. I don't see it as so black and white."

Some experts believe the debate is so fierce because social networking is a new field that has yet to develop rules and etiquette that everyone can respect and that is why incidents such as Simone Back's death appear so shocking."Let's face it, I see no sign of anyone unplugging," said Kist. "But, perhaps, we need to involve a 'netiquette' to deal with it all."He also pointed out that the "real world" that many social media critics hark back to never really existed. Before everyone travelled on the bus or train with their heads buried in an iPad or a smart phone, they usually just travelled in silence. "We did not see people spontaneously talking to strangers. They were just keeping to themselves," Kist said.

With ref. from The Guardian.

Does India need smaller states ???

After the creation of Telangana, many smaller regions have demanded for the statehood.

Gorkhaland, Vidarbha, Bodoland, Bundelkhand, Saurashtra etc. are the frontrunners in the list. Many people are saying that this is ablow on the country’s unity while many are saying that it’s a process of decentralization which must be done. The matter of statehood shouldn’t be seen politically, it’s an administrative, cultural and social matter.

Smaller states are better than bigger states in many perspectives like electoral representation, development, administrative ease etc. Let us consider the following three arguments in favour of smaller states.

First, the argument that ‘small is beautiful’ does find resonance in the developmental experiences of the newly created smaller states. Factual analysis shows the development and efficiency
argument does work in favour of the new states when compared with the parent states. During
the tenth five-year plan period, Chhattisgarh averaged 9.2 percent growth annually compared
with 4.3 percent by Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand averaged 11.1 per cent annually compared with
4.7 percent by Bihar, and Uttarakhand achieved 8.8 per cent growth annually compared with 4.6
percent by Uttar Pradesh. Arguably, getting ‘a territory of their own’ unleashes the
untapped/suppressed growth potentials of the hitherto peripheral regions.

Second, comparatively smaller but compact geographical entities tend to ensure that there is
better democratic governance, as there is greater awareness among the policy makers about the
local needs. Smaller spatial units having linguistic compatibility and cultural homogeneity also
allow for better management, implementation and allocation of public resources in provisioning
basic social and economic infrastructure services. A relatively homogeneous smaller state allows
for easy communicability, enabling marginal social groups to articulate and raise their voices.

Third, smaller states provide gains for the electorates in terms of better representation of their
preferences in the composition of the government. In a patronage-based democracy like in India,
the amount of the transfer of state resources/largesse a constituency/region gets depends crucially
on whether the local representative belongs to the ruling party. Understanding this electoral logic
of patronage distribution, the electorates of a smaller region have a propensity to elect
representatives with preferences more closely aligned to those of the bigger region within the
state. Such a motive, however, would no longer operate once the region constitutes a separate
state.

So, if political parties really want to work for the betterment of society and people, smaller states should be made in India. That can also help in India’s quest of being SUPERPOWER !!!

Loneliness

Loneliness is a universal human emotion, yet it is both complex and unique to each individual.

Loneliness has no single common cause, so the preventions and treatments for this damaging state of mind vary dramatically. A lonely child who struggles to make friends at his school has different needs that an lonely elderly man whose wife has recently died. In order to understand loneliness, it is important to take a closer look at exactly what we mean by the term "lonely" as well as the various causes, health consequences, symptoms and potential treatments for loneliness.

What Is Loneliness?- While common definitions of loneliness describe it as a state of solitude or being alone, loneliness is actually a state of mind. Loneliness causes people to feel empty, alone and unwanted. People who are lonely often crave human contact, but their state of mind makes it more difficult to form connections with other people.Loneliness, according to many experts, is not necessarily about being alone. Instead, it is the perception of being alone and isolated that matters most. For example, a college freshmen might feel lonely despite being surrounded byroommates and other peers. A soldier beginning his military career might feel lonely after being deployed to a foreign country, despite being constantly surrounded by other people.

What Causes Loneliness?- According to research by John Cacioppo, a University of Chicago psychologist and one of the top loneliness experts,loneliness is strongly connected to genetics. Other contributing factors include situational variables, such as physical isolation, moving to a new location and divorce. The death of someone significant in a person's life can alsolead to feelings of loneliness. Loneliness can also be a symptom of a psychological disorder such as depression.Loneliness can also be attributed to internal factors such as low self-esteem. People who lack confidence in themselves often believe that they are unworthy of the attention or regard of other people. This can lead to isolation and chronic loneliness.

The Health Consequences of Loneliness- Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health. Some of the the health risks associated with loneliness include: Depression and suicide, Cardiovascular disease and stroke, Increased stress levels, decreased memory and learning, Antisocial behavior, Poor decision-making, Alcoholism and drug abuse, the progression of Alzheimer's disease, Altered brain function etc. Research has shown that loneliness can impact stress, heart health and immunity. But these are not the only areas inwhich loneliness takes its toll. "Lonely adults consume more alcohol and get less exercise than those who are not lonely," explained John Cacioppo, co-author of the book Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection in an interview with U.S. News and World Report. "Their diet is higher in fat, their sleep is less efficient, and they report more daytime fatigue. Loneliness also disrupts the regulation of cellular processes deep within the body, predisposing us to premature aging."

Researchers have found that low levels of loneliness are associated with marriage, higher income and higher educational status. High levels of loneliness are associated with physical health symptoms, living alone, small socialnetworks and low quality social relationships.

The Symptoms of Loneliness- Researchers also suggest that loneliness is becoming more common in the United States. When polled as part of a 1984 questionnaire, respondents most frequently reported having three close confidants. When the question was asked again in 2004, the most common response was zero confidants. This trend is unfortunate, since experts believe that it is not the quantity of social interaction that combats loneliness, but that it is the quality. Having just three or four close friends is enough to ward off loneliness and reduce the negative health consequences associated with this state of mind.

Loneliness Can Be Contagious- One study by Cacioppo suggests that loneliness may actually be contagious. In a ten-year study, researchers examined how loneliness spreads in social networks. The results indicated that people close to someone experiencing loneliness were 52-percent more likely to become lonely as well.

Treating and Preventing Loneliness- John Cacioppo offers a few tips on how to overcome loneliness.Recognize that loneliness is a sign that something needs to change.Understand the effects that loneliness has on your life, both physically and mentally.Consider doing community service or another activity that you enjoy. These situations present great opportunities to meet people and cultivate new friendships and social interactions.Focus on developing quality relationships with people who share similar attitudes, interests and values with you.Expect the best. Lonely people often expect rejection, so instead focus on positive thoughts and attitudes in your social relationships.

Political Reforms- To Make Indian Politics Free & Fair

In recent times, the politics in our country has gone to new low. Use of foul language, black money, paid news, horse trading of members etc. has risen now an utter need of political reforms. Only with that now we can expect the politics of our country to be fair.

Regulation of Money flow & voter trading During election period:-
For free & fair elections, it is very important to implement stricter reforms to curtail money flow & voter trading during election period. The money & freebies intended for distribution to voters sized by the police is to be tracked down and an enquiry to be ordered by the district magistrate and a report to be submitted to the SEC. Based on the report the accused are to tried and if found guilty the candidate should to be banned from contesting elections for next 5 years in and if the elected candidate is found guilty, his election should be set aside and he should be banned from contesting elections for next 2 terms.

Media:-
No contesting candidate should directly or indirectly have a stake in any of the Print/Electronic media houses enjoying considerable circulation or readership. No candidate should directly or indirectly favour media houses in terms of monetary favour (Except for Paid Advertisements during elections) or any other kind of favour which can be related to monetary value. Any elected candidate proven holding stake in any media house or favouring through non monetary terms which can be related to monetary value should be disqualified immediately and banned from contesting elections for next 2 terms. Media is a responsible medium through which true information is passed on to
the citizens. Parties and candidates are influencing Media houses either by completely holding media houses or having stakes in them or by favouring media houses by offering various sops to certain media houses when in government there by influencing the media houses to report favourable news. This is no less than indirect buying of public mandate.
This has been overlooked or disregarded by the Election Commission.

Criminal Free Politics:-
Any individual who has been tried by any court and has been punished with imprisonment for more than 2 years for offences which include,
Murder, Rape, Money laundering etc should be banned from contesting elections and any such elected representative who enjoys the office has been proved guilty of any offence after taking the office, election of such candidate should be set aside and he should be banned from contesting election.

Regulation of Registration and De- Registration of Political Parties:-
There is no provision for De-Registration of a Political Party with Election Commission. Election Commission of India should be authorized to De-register political parties practicing antinational, anti-social, anti-citizen & anti-democratic customs. Many organizations are forming political outfits and abusing democratic process by compromising with other established political parties to make fortunes for themselves.

Resignation to office:-
Disqualifying elected representatives and impose ban on him/her from contesting elections for the next 2 terms if any Legislator or MP resigns to his post more than once during his tenure of 5 years stating irrelevant causes for resignation except on grounds of proved negligence by the government to his constituency or on the medical grounds (Only under serious medical conditions which leaves him unfit to carry his/her duties). Candidates are abusing the democracy by resigning their posts on the name of self respect and to test their acceptance, popularity for their next elections and to prove their sustained or evaluated majority among the public. This way for every re-election, govt. is loosing public money for organizing re-elections. Some legislators are blackmailing
government in the name of resignations to gain ministerial births and prominent posts.

Cap on Political Parties Expenditure in Elections:-
There is no provision for cap on expenditure by Political Parties during election period. There is an immediate need of cap on expenditure by Political Parties during election period to curtail money flow and
freebies by respective parties to the voters which are jeopardizing the democratic process.

Progress Report on Constituency by respective candidates:-
Every MLA and MP should submit a Year wise progress report on his constituency to the respective state Assembly and Parliament. These progress reports should be made public by the speakers. Till date there is no procedure for accountability of elected representatives. Every elected representative should be made accountable and answerable to voters who elected him as their representative before he goes to seek votes in next elections.

Disclosure of source of Income by contesting candidates & Elected representatives:-
Every contesting candidate in his affidavit should disclose his sources
of Income in the affidavit filed by him. Every elected representative should also disclose his source of income & that of his family members every year to the election commission.

India, still being a developing country is mainly due to unfair means in politics. Unfair politics leads to non development, unemployment, poverty, bad health and these all make the country non progressive. So, it’s the need of the time to make political reforms and implement it strongly for a better future.