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There is an ongoing threat of kidnapping in many parts of the world. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is aware of a number of kidnapping cases involving Australians, including cases of:
- kidnapping for ransom;
- kidnapping with political elements and demands; and
- kidnapping by pirates.
Countries where the threat of kidnapping is particularly prevalent, and where DFAT's travel advisories specifically warn of the threat of kidnapping, include: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen and the Indian Ocean, especially near the coast of Somalia.
For these countries, you should carefully read the destination-specific advice.
There is a persistent threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines, including coastal and island resorts and dive sites, including in remote locations in the Sulu Sea. The situation in the southern Philippines also creates an ongoing risk of kidnapping in the coastal region of eastern Sabah in Malaysia, which is highest in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau. In response, the Malaysian Government has implemented heightened security arrangements in eastern Sabah.
The instability that led to the international intervention in Mali has increased the risk of kidnapping throughout North and West Africa. Malian-based militants and others located in Nigeria and Niger have carried out a number of kidnappings over the past two years, including in neighbouring countries such as Cameroon. Further kidnappings are likely in the North and West Africa region. Recent cases of kidnapping in Libya and Yemen have underlined the ongoing risk in those countries.
The conflict in Syria has resulted in the kidnapping of a significant number of foreign nationals, including media, humanitarian workers and other foreigners remaining in the country. A foreign national kidnapped in Syria was executed by his captors in August 2014. The escalation of violence in Iraq in June 2014 has resulted in a significantly less predictable security environment and an increased threat to foreigners.
If you do decide to travel to those areas of these countries where there is a particular threat of kidnapping or to remote areas where we strongly advise you not to travel, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance. Any road travel should be undertaken in daylight, in convoy and with a local guide. Kidnappings can also occur at sea and pirates have kidnapped people from commercial vessels and pleasure craft (such as yachts). You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times and watch for any suspicious or unusual activity.
The Australian Government's Role
The Australian Government's ability to provide consular assistance to Australian citizens may be severely limited in locations where we recommend against all travel and in places where the security situation is particularly dangerous or access is limited.
The Government will work closely with the government of the country in which the kidnapping has taken place, as well as with colleagues from other governments, to ensure that all appropriate action to resolve the situation is pursued actively. We will provide information to families on what they can expect and provide them with clear and up-to-date information on developments in the case to help them make informed decisions.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
Kidnapping cases differ in the motivations of the kidnappers, the demands being made for the release of the hostages, and the circumstances where the kidnapping has occurred. Terrorist and criminal groups both use kidnapping as a tactic to achieve their goals.
Terrorist groups often target foreigners. In some instances, terrorists have killed their kidnap victims when their demands were not met. Foreign employees, particularly those in the oil and mining sectors, aid and humanitarian workers, journalists, tourists and expatriates are regularly targeted.
Terrorists may use local merchants such as tour and transport operators to identify foreign visitors for potential kidnap operations. Hostages may be taken by their captors into a neighbouring country. Humanitarian workers and tourists in Kenya have been kidnapped by militants and held in Somalia.
Pirates have kidnapped hundreds of people, usually holding them for ransom. Pirates have attacked all forms of shipping, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (such as yachts) and luxury cruise liners. For more information you should read the Travelling by boat page.
In South America, terrorist groups are known to kidnap for ransom. Colombia has one of the highest rates of kidnappings in the world, often perpetrated by groups such as the FARC and the National Liberation Army (ELN) in rural areas. Foreigners, including children, have been kidnapped and murdered.
Cultural festivals are also attractive places for terrorists and criminals to identify and target tourists for kidnapping. These festivals bring people to predictable locations along unsecured routes.
Criminal groups often kidnap tourists who are forced to withdraw money from ATMs. This is known as "express kidnapping". It is common in countries in Central and South America, especially Mexico and Colombia, but does occur in other countries. In some cases victims have been killed or injured while attempting to resist the kidnappers. The use of ATMs located inside banks, hotels and shopping centres during daylight hours may reduce the risk. Some criminals pose as unlicensed taxi drivers. Once the victim is in the cab they are kidnapped until they agree to withdraw money.
Another trend is "virtual kidnapping". This is when extortionists, posing as law enforcement officials, call the family or friends of the victim and demand payment in return for release of the allegedly arrested family member or friend. You should avoid divulging financial, business or personal information to strangers.
Recent kidnapping incidents include:
- In August 2014, three foreign nationals kidnapped in Libya in June were released from captivity.
- In July 2014, a number of foreigners kidnapped near Tripoli, Libya, were released by their captors.
- In April 2014, extremists attempted to kidnap foreign aid workers from the Dabaab refugee camp in Kenya, near the border with Somalia.
- In April 2014, a Canadian and two Italian nationals were kidnapped from their residence in Tchere in the Far North Region of Cameroon.
- In April 2014, two German nationals were reportedly kidnapped from a yacht in the Sulu Sea in the Philippines.
- On 2 April 2014, a foreign tourist and local employee were kidnapped from a resort in eastern Malaysia.
- In January and February 2014, several foreigners were kidnapped in separate incidents in the Yemeni capital Sana'a.
- On 20 January 2014, a South Korean official was kidnapped in Tripoli, Libya.
- On 17 January 2014, two Italian nationals were kidnapped near Derna, Libya.
- On 15 November 2013, two Taiwanese tourists were attacked in their hotel on an island off the coast of eastern Sabah, Malaysia. One tourist was murdered and another was kidnapped.
- On 2 November 2013, two French journalists were kidnapped in northern Mali and later found murdered.
- In September and October 2013, a foreigner working with the UN and a foreign journalist were kidnapped in Sana'a, Yemen.
- On 21 August 2013, two foreign humanitarian workers were kidnapped in Bamyan province Afghanistan.
- In June 2013, two Dutch nationals were reported missing and presumed kidnapped in Sana'a in Yemen.
- In May 2013, two South African citizens were kidnapped in Ta'iz in Yemen.
- In May 2013, five members of the International Committee of the Red Cross, including three foreign nationals, were kidnapped in Yemen.
- On 13 March 2013, two Czech tourists were kidnapped by militants in Balochistan, Pakistan, after crossing the border from Iran.
- On 19 February 2013, seven French nationals were kidnapped by militants in Cameroon, close to the border with Nigeria.
- On 16 February 2013, seven foreigners employed by a construction company were kidnapped by militants in Bauchi state, northern Nigeria. The hostages were reportedly killed by their captors in March 2013.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- We strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us so we can contact you in an emergency. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy, including concerning kidnapping.
- subscribe to the travel advice for the destination you intended to travel to in order to receive free email updates each time the travel advice is reissued.
Where to Get Help
You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact an Australian diplomatic mission, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.


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Ellia Ravenmane: RematchDefeat Ellia Ravenmane near the base of the Pedestal of Hope.
|Ellia Ravenmane defeated
DescriptionEllia Ravenmane requested a rematch with you. She seems to identify you as her "rival".
We discourage rivalries here within the Cradle of Chi-Ji, but we rarely decline a rematch request. You will find Ellia near the Pedestal of Hope, on the island's eastern side.
Twice fought, twice defeated. It stands to reason that Ellia will not be requesting more rematches anytime soon.
RewardsYou will receive: 24 72
|Valor Points
|Lesser Charm of Good Fortune
GainsUpon completion of this quest you will gain:
- 294,000 experience
- 350 reputation with The August Celestials

subset: commoncrawl


text: We have been blogging this year to show you the latest design trends and quick fixes to help you remodel your bathroom. Hotel trends in the bathroom is a favorite topic and this time we wanted to leave the bathroom for minute and share a secret for also upgrading your bed to the same hotel quality. We found a great image from Travel + Leisure Magaizine June 2012's issue. Use it to make your own bed comfy and cozy- just like hotels do! Don't forget to stock up on plush hotel quality linens and pillows!!


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Well, my driver's license is about to expire. That means that I will soon be five years older than I used to be. I thought about simply renewing it online, but I want a new picture. No, I'm not that vain. But since I last got a license I have had laser eye surgery. I no longer wear glasses, and my old picture has me in glasses. I don't want to have to explain that to an officer.
Through prayer, hard work, unity, love and sacrifices, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Chruch of Hinesville paid off its mortgage ahead of schedule. It only took 16 years.
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come." (John 16:13 NIV)
I am sitting here typing away on the computer in my office at church. When I finish writing what I want to say to you, I will save the document, attach it to an e-mail and send it to the editor of the paper.
Do you understand that Jesus loves you? Yes you, you are important to God. Most likely you have sung the song "Jesus Loves Me," but have you ever taken it to heart that He loves you personally.
I was driving to the office the other day when out of the corner of my eye I saw a squirrel come out of the grass and dart right in front of my car. There was no time to brake and sad to say, the only nuts that that squirrel is eating is in squirrel heaven if there is such a place.
In the U.S. military, Dr. Diane Curry was a non-commissioned officer. In God's army; however, she is a general.
If I would ask the average American what the symbol is for our freedom, I believe most people would say that it is our flag.
I have always considered myself to be a Patriot. I love my country, and I am grateful for all of the blessings God has bestowed upon us. But in the last five years I have become increasingly more aware of the reality of the sacrifices made by those in our armed forces so that the rest of us might enjoy the freedoms we have.
Our nation was built upon a belief in and a desire to worship God. Brave men and women took a stand for freedom, that, too, many seem like an insurmountable undertaking – to take on an entire nation in a battle for freedom.
In spite of their hectic schedules, a group of busy, local Christians have decided it's time to get away. On July 10-17, they will escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend a week in paradise.
Today's key scripture verse: "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty".
Members of the nationally known Academy of Arts Drama/Music Ministry, based in Taylors, S.C., are coming to the area for a performance.
Members of the nationally known Academy of Arts Drama/Music Ministry, based in Taylors, S.C., are coming to the area for a performance.
Last week was Father's Day, and I shared with you a few insights brought into focus by the day I had planned to spend with my kids. Father's Day has come and gone, but I'm still enjoying the company of my children. We are on a camping trip in Washington, D.C. For me, it is exciting.
Last week was Father's Day, and I shared with you a few insights brought into focus by the day I had planned to spend with my kids. Father's Day has come and gone, but I'm still enjoying the company of my children. We are on a camping trip in Washington, D.C. For me, it is exciting.
Sunday, June 20, we celebrated Father's Day, but the sad thing about it is there are a lot of fathers who don't take this title very seriously.
Today's text is known as "The Great Commission":
I am not sure why I was dreaming about my high-school physical-education days, but there I was in gym class, all 98 pounds of me, calling for the home run.
This is a heads-up: It's time to invite someone to church.
Recently, a celebrity made the news because of an illness and death.
I recently spent much of a day on hold with customer service - with two different companies. I pressed 2 and 3 and the pound sign and almost every other button on my phone as I was transferred back and forth.
"I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13
The sacrifice made by Christ caused him to suffer humiliation and pain.
"And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." -Luke 22:44
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Of all the Clippers, Chris Paul is your favorite player. You need a way to show your support for the point guard and two-time Olympic gold medalist! This adidas Net Number tee features a printed team name and Paul's number on the front, along with his name and number on the back. With graphics that make this shirt look like a jersey, this tee will show everyone at the next Clippers game that you're a Paul fanatic!
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You're Next (Sharni Vinson) Photo Gallery
When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back. You're Next is directed by Adam Wingard from a script by Simon Barrett and stars Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, AJ Bowen, Ti West and Wendy Glenn. View photos…
Roll your mouse over the left and right-hand sides of the image and then click to view more pictures.
1 of 6
Read our review of You're Next or our exclusive interview with Sharni Vinson
Recent Galleries:
- Interstellar (Matthew McConaughey/Anne Hathaway) Photo Gallery 1
- Dracula Untold stars visit British Library's Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination exhibition - in photos
- The Equalizer (Denzel Washington) Photo Gallery
- Interstellar (Matthew McConaughey) Poster Gallery
- The Expendables 3 Photo Gallery
- Fury (Brad Pitt/Logan Lerman) Banner Poster Gallery
- Guardians of the Galaxy - Official Illustrative Poster Series by Matt Ferguson
- Mad Max: Fury Road (Tom Hardy) First-look Photo Gallery
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Photo Gallery
- The Fault In Our Stars (Shailene Woodley/Ansel Elgort) Photo Gallery


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Dietary and serum carotenoids and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. VanEenwyk J; Davis FG; Bowen PE Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Int J Cancer (United States) Apr 22 1991, 48 (1) p34-8
A case-control study examined the association between cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) and serum and dietary alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene. Cases (n = 102) had biopsy confirmed CIN I, II or III. Controls matched for age, ethnic origin and clinic (n = 102) had normal Pap smears. Participants completed health history and food frequency questionnaires. Fasting venous blood samples were assayed for serum carotenoids. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses yielded odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for those in quartiles 3, 2, and 1 (lowest) compared to quartile 4 (highest) of serum lycopene of 3.5 (1.1-11.5), 4.7 (1.2-17.7) and 3.8 (1.1-12.4), respectively. Similar analyses yielded adjusted odds ratios (ORaS) and 95% CIs of 4.6 (1.1-19.7), 5.8 (1.6-21.3) and 5.4 (1.3-23.3) for dietary intake of lycopene. The findings for lycopene-rich foods (tomatoes) were consistent with this result. CIN was not associated with the lutein. Findings for alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin were ambiguous. Quartile of vitamin C intake was also inversely associated with CIN with ORaS and 95% CIs of 3.7 (0.9-14.6), 4.1 (1.0-17.2), and 6.4 (1.4-30.0) for those in quartiles 3, 2, and 1 compared to quartile 4.
Plasma vitamin C and uterine cervical dysplasia. Romney SL; Duttagupta C; Basu J; Palan PR; Karp S; Slagle NS; Dwyer A; Wassertheil-Smoller S; Wylie-Rosett J Am J Obstet Gynecol (United States) Apr 1 1985, 151 (7) p976-80
Plasma concentrations of vitamin C were determined in a case-control study of women (n = 80) who had sought a Papanicolaou test in the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center. Controls (n = 34) were women having negative cytologic tests, negative colposcopic findings, and no known gynecologic dysfunction. Cases (n = 46) were defined as women who had either one positive or two consecutive suspicious Papanicolaou smears in a 12-month period. The mean concentration of vitamin C in the plasma was significantly lower in the cases than in the controls (0.36 versus 0.75 mg/dl, p less than 0.0001). Cases were further stratified according to the histopathologic diagnosis. The data direct attention to a possible etiologic association of vitamin C in human cervical epithelial abnormalities. A clinical trial with vitamin C intervention is suggested.
Dietary intake and blood levels of lycopene: association with cervical dysplasia among non-Hispanic, black women. Kantesky PA; Gammon MD; Mandelblatt J; Zhang ZF; Ramsey E; Dnistrian A; Norkus EP; Wright TC Jr Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104, USA firstname.lastname@example.com Nutr Cancer (United States) 1998, 31 (1) p31-40
We examined whether elevated levels of retinoids, carotenoids, folate , and vitamin E protected against cervical dysplasia among non-Hispanic, black women. We enrolled 32 women with incident cervical dysplasia , including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, CIN II, and CIN III/carcinoma in situ, and 113 control women with normal cervical cytology in case-control study. Micronutrient levels were estimated from a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and measured from blood samples. Information on risk factors for cervical neoplasia was elicited by interview. Hybrid capture was used to determine infection with human papillomavirus. After adjustment for potential confounders, analysis of micronutrient levels estimated from the FFQ suggested that women in the upper tertile of lycopene and vitamin A intake were one-third (odds ratio = 0.32, 95% confidence interval = 0.8-1.3) and one-fourth (odds ratio = 0.24, 95% confidence interval = 0.05-1.2) as likely, respectively, to have dysplasia as women in the lower tertile. Borderline protective trends (p < or = 0.10) were apparent. Elevated levels of serum lycopene also suggested some protection against dysplasia. Results were not significant at alpha = 0.05 because of the small number of case women enrolled. Overall, correlations between estimates from the FFQ and serum levels were poor. This study indicates that, among black women, lycopene and perhaps vitamin A may play a protective role in the early stages of cervical carcinogenesis.
Serum micronutrients and the subsequent risk of cervical cancer in apopulation-based nested case-control study. Batieha AM; Armenian HK; Norkus EP; Morris JS; Spate VE; Comstock GW Department of Epidemiology, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev (United States) Jul-Aug 1993, 2 (4) p335-9
A nested case-control study was conducted in Washington County, MD, to determine whether low serum micronutrients are related to the subsequent risk of cervical cancer. Among the 15,161 women who donated blood for future cancer research during a serum collection campaign in 1974, 18 developed invasive cervical cancer and 32 developed carcinoma in situ during the period January 1975 through May 1990. For each of these 50 cases, two matched controls were selected from the same cohort. The frozen sera of the cases and their matched controls were analyzed for a number of nutrients. The mean serum levels of total carotenoids, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene were lower among cases than they were among controls. When examined by tertiles, the risk of cervical cancer was significantly higher among women in the lower tertiles of total carotenoids (odds ratio 2.7; 95% confidence limit, 1.1-6.4), alpha-carotene (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence limit, 1.3-7.6), and beta-carotene (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence limit, 1.2-8.1) as compared to women in the upper tertiles and the trends were statistically significant. Cryptoxanthin was significantly associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer when examined as a continuous variable. Retinol, lutein, alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, and selenium were not related to cervical cancer risk. Smoking was also strongly associated with cervical cancer. These findings are suggestive of a protective role for total carotenoids, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene in cervical carcinogenesis and possibly for cryptoxanthin and lycopene as well.
Change of vitamin a status and its influence on cervical dysplasia Volz J.; Van Rissenbeck A.; Blanke M.; Melchert F.; Schneider A.; Biesalski H.K. OA Universitats-Frauenklinik, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 10,68135 Mannheim Germany Zentralblatt fur Gynakologie (Germany) 1995, 117/9 (472-475)
In 34 patients with HVP-infection of the cervix and in 40 patients with CIN III standardised biopsies were taken from the involved area and normal cervical epithelium for determination of the local concentration of retinylester. In all cases diagnosis was confirmed colposcopically, cytologically and by histology. HPV infection was confirmed by in situ hybridisation. Determination of retinylester was performed by HPLC. No significant difference of local retinyl-palmitate concentration was detectable in HPV infected versus normal tissue. Retinyl-palmitate concentration was extremely lower in CIN III compared with normal cervical epithelium and HPV-infected tissue. The determination of plasma level of retinol showed no significant difference between the two groups. So it can be presumed that the reduction of retinyl-palmitate in CIN III is a local process and a local supplementation of Vitamin A might contribute to the prevention of cervical neoplasia.
Folates: supplemental forms and therapeutic applications. Kelly GS firstname.lastname@example.com Altern Med Rev (United States) Jun 1998, 3 (3) p208-20
Folates function as a single carbon donor in the synthesis of serine from glycine, in the synthesis of nucleotides form purine precursors, indirectly in the synthesis of transfer RNA, and as a methyl donor to create methylcobalamin, which is used in the re-methylation of homocysteine to methionine. Oral folates are generally available in two supplemental forms, folic and folinic acid. Administration of folinic acid bypasses the deconjugation and reduction steps required for folic acid . Folinic acid also appears to be a more metabolically active form of folate , capable of boosting levels of the coenzyme forms of the vitamin in circumstances where folic acid has little to no effect. Therapeutically, folic acid can reduce homocysteine levels and the occurrence of neural tube defects, might play a role in preventing cervical dysplasia and protecting against neoplasia in ulcerative colitis, appears to be a rational aspect of a nutritional protocol to treat vitiligo, and can increase the resistance of the gingiva to local irritants, leading to a reduction in inflammation. Reports also indicate that neuropsychiatric diseases secondary to folate deficiency might include dementia, schizophrenia-like syndromes, insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, endogenous depression, organic psychosis, peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, and restless legs syndrome. (103 Refs.)
Folic acid and cervical dysplasia Zarcone R.; Bellini P.; Carfora E.; Vicinaza G.; Raucci F. Via Cappuccini, 16,Montesarchio (BN) Italy Minerva Ginecologica (Italy) 1996, 48/10 (397-400)
The localized folate deficiency, which is sometimes misdiagnosed as cervical dysplasia, because of morphologic similarities between the cytologic features of megaloblastosis seen with folate deficiency and the changes associated with dysplasia, could be a component of the dysplastic process. In this study we attempted the effect of oral folic in women with cervical dysplasia . A total of 154 subjects with grade 1 or 2 CIN were randomly assigned either 10 mg of folic acid or a placebo daily for 6 months. Clinical status, human papillomavirus type 16 infection and blood folate levels were monitored at 2 month intervals. After 6-months no significant differences were observed between supplemented and unsupplemented subjects regarding dysplasia status, biopsy results, or prevalence of human papillomavirus type 16 infection. Folate deficiency may be involved as a cocarginogen during the initiation of cervical dysplasia , but folic acid supplements do not alter the course of estabilished disease.
Folate status, women's health, pregnancy outcome, and cancer Butterworth Jr. C.E. Dept. of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama,Birmingham, AL 35294 United States Journal of the American College of Nutrition (United States) 1993, 12/4 (438-441)
Key observations by Dr. Lucy Wills 65 years ago have led to the identification of folate as a nutrient essential for the prevention of megaloblastic anemia of pregnancy. The more recently discovered relationships of folate status to cervical dysplasia , neural tube defects, and atherosclerosis are reviewed here.
Epidemiologic studies of vitamins and cancer of the lung, esophagus, and cervix. Ziegler RG Adv Exp Med Biol (United States) 1986, 206 p11-26
Epidemiologic studies of the relationships between vitamins and 3 types of cancer are reviewed. First, the widely reported association between vitamin A and beta -carotene and risk of lung cancer is considered. In a large population-based case-control study of lung cancer among white males in New Jersey, increased intake of vegetables, dark green vegetables, dark yellow-orange vegetables, and carotenoids were each associated with reduced risk, but intake of retinol or total vitamin A was not related. The protective effect of vegetables was limited to current and recent cigarette smokers, which suggests that vegetable intake prevents a late-stage event in carcinogenesis. Consumption of dark yellow-orange vegetables was consistently more predictive of reduced risk than either the total carotenoid index or consumption of any other food group, possible because of the high content of beta -carotene in this food group. The results and limitations of other epidemiologic studies of diet and lung cancer are reviewed. Second, the evolving relationship between multiple micronutrient deficiencies and esophageal cancer is discussed. In a death certificate-based case-control study of esophageal cancer in black males in Washington, D.C., several indicators of general nutritional status, including consumption of fresh or frozen meat and fish, dairy products and eggs, and fruit and vegetables, and the number of meals eaten per day, were inversely and independently correlated with the risk of esophageal cancer. Estimates of intake of micronutrients, such as carotenoids, vitamin C , thiamin, and riboflavin, were less strongly associated with reduced risk than were the broad food groups that provide most of each micronutrient. Thus no single micronutrient deficiency was identified. Other studies suggest that generally poor nutrition may partially explain the susceptibility of urban black men to esophageal cancer. Finally, the postulated association between low folacin levels and risk of cervical cancer is examined. Among women who use oral contraceptives, serum and red blood cell folacin levels were reported to be lower among those with cervical dysplasia . In a clinical trial involving oral contraceptive users, cervical dysplasia gradually decreased in the group supplemented with oral folate but remained unchanged in the group given the placebo. Other epidemiologic studies of diet and cervical cancer are discussed.
Folate deficiency and cervical dysplasia Butterworth Jr. C.E.; Hatch K.D.; Macaluso M.; Cole P.; Sauberlich H.E.; Soong S.-J.; Borst M.; Baker V.V. Nutrition Sciences Department, University of Alabama, UAB Station,Birmingham, AL 35294-3360 United States Journal of the American Medical Association 1992, 267/4 (528-533)
Objective. - To test the hypothesis that nutritional deficiency affects the incidence of cervical dysplasia in young women.
Design and Setting. - Case-control study. Participants were derived from community family-planning clinics and referrals to a colposcopy center.
Participants. - A total of 726 subjects were screened, yielding 294 cases of dysplasia and 170 controls defined by coexistent cytologic and colposcopic evidence.
Main Outcome Measures. - Planned prior to data collection. Odds ratios were computed using logistic regression models to evaluate association between cervical dysplasia and sociodemographic, sexual, and reproductive factors; smoking; oral contraceptive use; human papillomavirus (HPV) infection; and 12 nutritional indices determined by blind analysis of nonfasting blood specimens.
Results. - The number of sexual partners, parity, oral contraceptive use, and HPV-16 infection were significantly associated with cervical dysplasia . Plasma nutrient levels were generally not associated with risk. However, red blood cell folate levels at or below 660 nmol/L interacted with HPV-16 infection. The adjusted odds ratio for HPV-16 was 1.1 among women with folate levels above 660 nmol/L but 5.1 (95% confidence interval, 2.3 to 11) among women with lower levels. Interactions of red blood cell folate levels with cigarette smoking and parity were also present but were not statistically significant.
Conclusion. - Low red blood cell folate levels enhance the effect of other risk factors for cervical dysplasia and, in particular, that of HPV-16 infection.
Antineoblastic activity of antioxidant vitamins: the role of folic acid in the prevention of cervical dysplasia. Grio R; Piacentino R; Marchino GL; Navone R Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Turin, Italy. Panminerva Med (Italy) Dec 1993, 35 (4) p193-6
The authors made a study on 90 patients affected by various degrees of uterine cervix dysplasia searching for folic acid plasmatic concentrations. The team members affected by CIN have been compared with a test team consisting of women with normal pap-test and vaginoscopy. The study proved that the average levels of folic acids have significantly decreased in cases of dysplasia compared with the test team. These results allow stating that low folic acid plasmatic concentrations may be associated with cervix neoplasms development.
[Folic acid and cervix dysplasia] Zarcone R; Bellini P; Carfora E; Vicinanza G; Raucci F Istituto di Ginecologia ed Ostetricia, II Universita degli Studi, Napoli. Minerva Ginecol (Italy) Oct 1996, 48 (10) p397-400
The localized folate deficiency, which is sometimes misdiagnosed as cervical dysplasia , because of morphological similarities between the cytologic features of megaloblastosis seen with folate deficiency and the changes associated with dysplasia, could be a component of the dysplastic process. In this study we attempted the effect of oral folic in women with cervical dysplasia . A total of 154 subjects with grade 1 or 2 CIN were randomly assigned either 10 mg of folic acid or a placebo daily for 6 months. Clinical status, human papillomavirus type 16 infection and blood folate levels were monitored at 2 month intervals. After 6-months no significant differences were observed between supplemented and unsupplemented subjects regarding dysplasia status, biopsy results, or prevalence of human papillomavirus type 16 infection. Folate deficiency the initiation of cervical dysplasia , but folic acid supplements do not alter the course of established disease.
Folate deficiency, cancer and congenital abnormalities. Is there a connection? Christensen B Seksjon for farmakologi Institutt for klinisk biologi Universitetet i Bergen. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen (Norway) Jan 20 1996, 116 (2) p250-4
The biochemical role of folate is in the interconversion of one-carbon units in intermediary metabolism; a process in which a methyl group is formed de novo. The methyl group is subsequently transferred to adenosylmethionine, which is an important methyl donor in the methylation of DNA. A negative correlation exists between the intake of folate in pregnancy and the occurrence of neural tube defects and certain malignant brain tumours in children. Numerous clinical studies have pointed to an association between folate status in adults and both the occurrence of cancer and the premalignant changes, cervical dysplasia , bronchial metaplasia, and colorectal adenomas. Folate deficiency may cause chromosomal damage, due to impaired DNA synthesis or repair. Moreover, decreased production of adenosylmethionine may influence the expression of developmental genes and of oncogenes and/or tumour suppressor genes through disturbed methylation of DNA. (45 Refs.)
Oral folic acid supplementation for cervical dysplasia: A clinical intervention trial Butterworth Jr. C.E.; Hatch K.D.; Soong S.-J.; Cole P.; Tamura T.; Sauberlich H.E.; Borst M.; Macaluso M.; Baker V. Department of Nutrition, Sciences, University of Alabama,Birmingham, AL 35294-3360 United States American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1992, 166/3 (803-809)
Objective: We attempted to evaluate the effect of oral folic acid supplementation on the course of cervical dysplasia .
Study design: A total of 235 subjects with grade 1 or 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were randomly assigned to receive either 10 mg of folic acid or a placebo daily for 6 months. Clinical status, human papillomavirus type 16 infection, and blood folate levels were monitored at 2-month intervals. Outcome data were subjected to chisup 2 analysis.
Results: The prevalence of human papillomavirus type 16 infection initially was 16% among subjects in the upper tertile of red blood cell folate versus 37% in the lower tertile (trend p = 0.035). After 6 months no significant differences were observed between supplemented and unsupplemented subjects regarding dysplasia status, biopsy results, or prevalence of human papillomavirus type 16 infection.
Conclusion: Folate deficiency may be involved as a cocarcinogen during the initiation of cervical dysplasia , but folic acid supplements do not alter the course of established disease.
Hypomethylation in cervical tissue: is there a correlation with folate status? Fowler BM; Giuliano AR; Piyathilake C; Nour M; Hatch K Arizona Cancer Center, University Medical Center, University of Arizona, Tucson 85716, USA. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev Oct 1998, 7 (10) p901-6
We have shown previously that DNA hypomethylation is significantly associated with grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN; Y.I. Kim et al., Cancer, 74: 893-899, 1994). The objective of this study was to further describe this relationship and to investigate the role of folate in the observed association of DNA hypomethylation and CIN. Eighty-three patients with abnormal PAP smear results were referred to the Cervical Dysplasia Clinic at the University of Arizona for colposcopic examination and biopsy. Patients completed a short questionnaire and provided a nonfasting serum sample. DNA hypomethylation was assessed by incubating DNA extracted from biopsy samples with [3H]methyl-S-adenosylmethionine and Sss 1 methylase. Cervical tissue and serum folate concentrations were assessed using a microbiological assay. All folate levels were log transformed prior to statistical analysis. The histological distribution of the samples was: 7 adjacent normal, 30 CIN I, 18 CIN II, 13 CIN III, and 11 carcinoma in situ (CIS). The mean age of participants was 29.8 +/- 9.6 years. DNA hypomethylation was significantly different between select histological levels. Both cervical tissue folate and serum folate levels were significantly correlated to methylation level (P = 0.0211 and P = 0.0569, respectively). Smoking, hormonal contraceptive use, parity, and human papillomavirus infection were not associated with DNA hypomethylation or folate status. The current use of vitamins was significantly associated with serum folate level but not with methylation or cervical folate levels. These data extend our earlier findings that DNA hypomethylation is an early event in cervical carcinogenesis. To conclude that the folate level is significantly related to DNA hypomethylation, further investigation of DNA hypomethylation of specific genes is required.
Improvement in cervical dysplasia associated with folic acid therapy in users of oral contraceptives. Butterworth CE Jr; Hatch KD; Gore H; Mueller H; Krumdieck CL Am J Clin Nutr (United States) Jan 1982, 35 (1) p73-82
Forty-seven young women with mild or moderate dysplasia of the uterine cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) diagnosed by cervical smears, received oral supplements of folic acid, 10 mg, or a placebo (ascorbic acid, 10 mg) daily for 3 months under double-blind conditions. All had used a combination-type oral contraceptive agent for at least 6 months and continued it while returning monthly for follow-up examinations. All smears and a biopsy obtained at the end of the trial period were classified by a single observer without knowledge of treatment status using an arbitrary scoring system (1 normal, 2 mild, 3 moderate, 4 severe, 5 carcinoma in situe). Mean biopsy scores from folate supplemented subjects were significantly better than in folate-unsupplemented subjects (2.28 versus 2.92, respectively; p less than 0.05). Final versus initial cytology scores were also significantly better in supplemented subjects (1.95 versus 2.32, respectively; p less than 0.05), unchanged in patients receiving the placebo (2.27 versus 2.30, respectively). Before treatment the mean red cell folate concentration was lower among oral contraceptive agent users than nonusers (189 versus 269 ng/ml, respectively; p less than 0.01) and even lower among users with dysplasia (161 versus 269 ng/ml, respectively; p less than 0.001). Morphological features of megaloblastosis were associated with dysplasia and also improved in folate supplemented subjects. These studies indicate that either a reversible, localized derangement in folate metabolism may sometimes be misdiagnosed as cervical dysplasia, or else such a derangement is an integral component of the dysplastic process that may be arrested or in some cases reversed by oral folic acid supplementation.
Megaloblastic changes in the cervical epithelium: association with oral contraceptive therapy and reversal with folic acid Whitehead N; Reyner F; Lindenbaum J Harlem Hospital, Lenox Avenue and 135th Street, New York, New York 10037 J. Am. Med. Assoc.; Vol 226 Iss Dec 17 1973, P1421-1424, (Ref 20)
ASHP Megaloblastic abnormalities of cervicovaginal cells similar to those seen in severe folate and vitamin B12 deficiency were found in 22 (19%) of 115 women taking oral contraceptive agents (combined estrogen-progestogen or progestogens only). Similar changes were not observed in any of 51 controls not taking these medications. The cytologic abnormalities could not be related to hematologic findings or serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations. The changes reverted to normal or improved markedly in all 8 patients treated with pharmacologic doses of folic acid for 3 weeks. It is hypothesized that oral contraceptive agents induce a localized interference with folate metabolism at the end organ level.
Folic acid deficiency megaloblastic anemia and peripheral polyneuropathy due to oral contraceptives Kornberg A; Segal R; Theitler J; Yona R; Kaufman S Dep Hematol., Assaf Harofeh Med. Cent., 70300 Zerifin. Isr J Med Sci 25 (3). 1989. 142-145. Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
A 34-year-old women developed megaloblastic anemia and peripheral polyneuropathy following the use of oral contraceptives for 4 years. Low levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 were found. Both the complete recovery after therapy with the vitamins, and the absence of other causes of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency , suggest that the vitamin deficiencies were caused by the oral contraceptives and resulted in the rare combination of megaloblastic anemia and polyneuropathy. The poor response to vitamin B12 alone, and the development of anemia and polyneuropathy 4 months after cessation of vitmain B12 therapy suggest that folate deficiency was the primary problem.
Megaloblastic anemia in a vegetarian taking oral contraceptives. Green JD South Med J; Vol 68, Iss 2, 1975, P249-50
A case is reported of megaloblastic anemia resulting from folate deficiency in a vegetarian who had been taking oral contraceptives for eight years. A brief report of the pertinent literature is included.
Folate deficiency and oral contraceptives Streiff RR Veterans Administration Hospital and the College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida reprints: AMA Department of Foods and Nutrition, 535 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610 J. Am. Med. Assoc.; Vol 214 Iss Oct 5 1970, P105-108, (Ref 38)
ASHP The report concerns 7 cases of folate deficiency and anemia apparently due to orally administered contraceptives and studies on the effect of this type of medication on folate absorption.
Influence of vitamin A on cervical dysplasia and carcinoma in situ Wylie-Rosett J.A.; Romney S.L.; Slagle N.S.; et al. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 United States Nutrition and Cancer (United States) 1984, 6/1 (49-57)
A case-control study was undertaken to determine the dietary intake of vitamin A in women having abnormal uterocervical cytology. The study groups (87 cases and 82 controls) were drawn from a population of women who received a screening Pap test in the ambulatory health care section of a large municipal hospital center. A subset of cases (with abnormal cytology) were matched to controls for age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and parity. Nutrient intake and retinol binding protein concentrations were determinde; epidemiological data were also obtained. It was found that the subset of cases with severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ (CIS) were more likely to have a total dietary vitamin A intake below the pooled median (3,450 IU) and/or a beta-carotene intake below the pooled median (2,072 IU) than were normal controls (p<0.05 and p<0.025, respectively). Odds ratios revealed approximately a 3-fold greater risk for severe dysplasia or CIS in women with lowered vitamin A or beta-carotene intake. In addition, retinol binding protein was either absent or undetectable in 78.8% of the dysplastic tissue samples, versus 23.5% of the normal tissue samples (p<0.005).
Enhancement of regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II (moderate dysplasia) with topically applied all-trans-retinoic acid: A randomized trial Meyskens Jr. F.L.; Surwit E.; Moon T.E.; Childers J.M.; Davis J.R.; Dorr R.T.; Johnson C.S.; Alberts D.S. Irvine Clinical Cancer Center, University of California, 101 The City Dr.,Orange, CA 92668 United States Journal of the National Cancer Institute (United States) 1994, 86/7 (539-543)
Background: Retinoids enhance differentiation of most epithelial tissues. Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse relationship between dietary intake or serum levels of vitamin A and the development of cervical dysplasia and/or cervical cancer. Pilot and phase I investigations demonstrated the feasibility of the local delivery of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) to the cervix using a collagen sponge insert and cervical cap. A phase II trial produced a clinical complete response rate of 50%.
Purpose: This randomized phase III trial was designed to determine whether topically applied RA reversed moderate cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II or severe CIN.
Methods: Analyses were based on 301 women with CIN (moderate dysplasia, 151 women; severe dysplasia, 150 women), evaluated by serial colposcopy, Papanicolaou cytology, and cervical biopsy. Cervical caps with sponges containing either 1.0 mL of 0.372% beta-trans-RA or a placebo were inserted daily for 4 days when women entered the trial, and for 2 days at months 3 and 6. Patients receiving treatment and those receiving placebo were similar with respect to age, ethnicity, birth-control methods, histologic features of the endocervical biopsy specimen and koilocytotic atypia, and percentage of involvement of the cervix at study. Treatment effects were compared using Fisher's exact test and logistic regression methods. Side effects were recorded, and differences were compared using Fisher's exact test.
Results: RA increased the complete histologic regression rate of CIN II from 27% in the placebo group to 43% in the retinoic acid treatment group (P = .041). No treatment difference between the two arms was evident in the severe dysplasia group. More vaginal and vulvar side effects were seen in the patients receiving RA, but these effects were mild and reversible.
Conclusions: A short course of locally applied RA can reverse CIN II, but not more advanced dysplasia, with acceptable local side effects. Implications: A derivative of vitamin A can reverse or suppress an epithelial preneoplasia, lending further support to the notion that chemoprevention of human cancer is feasible.
Phase II trial of beta- all- trans- retinoic acid for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia delivered via a collagen sponge and cervical cap Graham V.; Surwit E.S.; Weiner S.; Meyskens Jr. F.L. Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ 85724 United States Western Journal of Medicine (United States) 1986, 145/2 (192-195)
Retinoids are effective suppressors of the phenotypic development of cancer in many animal systems, whether the process is initiated by chemical, physical or viral carcinogens. Cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are excellent for studying the effectiveness of retinoids as chemopreventive agents because the process can be closely followed by serial colposcopic and pathologic (cytology or biopsy) means and changes in the condition safely monitored. We have previously conducted a phase I study of trans-retinoic acid (Tretinoin) given topically by a collagen sponge and cervical cap. A dose of 0.372% was selected for phase II trial . We have treated 20 patients with topical retinoic acid, and a complete response with total regression of disease was obtained in 50%. Systemic and cervical side effects were mild and vaginal side effects moderate but tolerable. These results provide a clinical basis for a randomized, double-blind phase III study to definitely answer the question of whether retinoic acid is an effective chemopreventive agent for cervical cancer.
A phase I trial of topically applied trans-retinoic acid in cervical dysplasia-clinical efficacy. Weiner SA; Surwit EA; Graham VE; Meyskens FL Jr Invest New Drugs 1986, 4 (3) p241-4
Forty-two patients were entered into a phase I trial to evaluate the vitamin A derivative, trans-retinoic acid, in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Treatment consisted of four consecutive 24-h applications of retinoids via an inert collagen sponge in a cervical cap. Patients were followed for response at 3-month intervals using cytology, colposcopy, and selected biopsies. Thirty-six patients were evaluable (mild dysplasia, 13; moderate dysplasia, 17; severe dysplasia, 6) with follow-up from 5 to 18 months. Complete regression was seen in 2/14 (14%) patients treated with concentrations of 0.05%----0.1167% and in 10/22 (45%) patients treated with concentrations of 0.1583%----0.484% (p less than 0.05). One patient with negative biopsies at 12 months has subsequently recurred at 18 months.
Retinoids and the prevention of cervical dysplasias. Romney SL; Palan PR; Duttagupta C; Wassertheil-Smoller S; Wylie J; Miller G; Slagle NS; Lucido D Am J Obstet Gynecol (United States) Dec 15 1981, 141 (8) p890-4
Women with abnormal cytology were matched with normal control subjects for age, parity, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class and participated in a blind case-control study focused on the role of nutrition in cervical dysplasia . Sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation studies for determination of the presence and concentration of the binding proteins for retinol and retinoic acid were performed on colposcopic biopsy tissue specimens. The nutritional survey revealed statistically significant differences for vitamins A and C and beta carotene . Retinol binding protein was absent or minimally detectable and inversely related to the severity of the dysplasia. It is proposed that a double-blind clinical trial be conducted to evaluate whether retinoids may pharmacologically inhibit, arrest, or reverse cervical dysplasia .
Use of vitamins A and D in chemoprevention and therapy of cancer: control of nuclear receptor expression and function. Vitamins, cancer and receptors. Niles RM Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25755, USA. Adv Exp Med Biol 1995, 375 p1-15
Vitamin A is metabolized to several biologically active compounds, the best known of which is retinoic acid. This compound has been shown to inhibit the growth of a variety of tumor cells and to induce a more differentiated phenotype in several tumor types. Vitamin D is metabolized to the active compound 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. This vitamin is well-known for its role in maintaining calcium homeostasis in the body. Recently it has been shown that vitamin D3 can also inhibit tumor cell replication and stimulate differentiation of selected tumor types. Retinoic acid is being used clinically to treat promyelocytic leukemia, head and neck tumors as well as cervical dysplasia . Use of vitamin D3 clinically has been restricted by its affect on calcium metabolism. Recently, however, new analogs of vitamin D3 have been developed which have much less calcium mobilizing activity, yet still retain their tumor inhibitory properties. The action of both of these vitamins is mediated by nuclear receptors which have the same structure as steroid receptors. There are three nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR alpha, beta, and gamma), but only one vitamin D3 nuclear receptor. These receptors are expressed in very small amounts. Since the ligand should be in vast excess of receptor (ie not limiting), we explored the possibility that response to vitamin A might be mediated by control of RAR expression. Using B16 mouse melanoma cells as a model system, we found that RAR alpha and gamma mRNAs were constitutively expressed. RAR beta mRNA was induced by treatment of the cells with RA. Induction of RAR beta mRNA occurred within 1h and was not inhibited by cycloheximide. The mRNA for all three RARs was dramatically decreased with 8-bromo-cyclic AMP treatment and could not be rescued by addition of RA. Analysis of RAR gamma revealed that this decrease occurred within 1h of exposure to 8-bromo-cyclic AMP and was not blocked by simultaneous treatment with cycloheximide. Nuclear extracts from cyclic AMP-treated cells showed a large decrease in protein binding to a retinoic acid response element (RARE) oligonucleotide compared to control cells. This correlated with a marked reduction of RA-stimulated RARE-reporter gene activity in transfected cells which were treated with cyclic AMP. Pre-treatment of B16 cells with cyclic AMP prior to RA addition dramatically reduced induction of PKC alpha, an early marker of RA-induced cell differentiation. Thus, cyclic AMP can antagonize the physiological actions of RA via its ability to inhibit RAR expression.
Specificity of retinoid receptor gene expression in mouse cervical epithelia. Darwiche N; Celli G; De Luca LM Differentiation Control Section, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Endocrinology May 1994, 134 (5) p2018-25
Retinoids are powerful regulators of epithelial differentiation and are essential for its maintenance. Because retinoids are necessary for cervical epithelial differentiation, they have been used as chemopreventive agents of cervical dysplasia and neoplasia. We were interested in determining whether different cervical epithelial phenotypes express specific retinoid receptors. The cervical epithelium contains the two phenotypes, stratified squamous and simple columnar, which join at the squamocolumnar junction. In addition, the simple columnar epithelium undergoes squamous metaplasia in response to vitamin A deficiency. Therefore, the cervical epithelium is suitable to study the expression pattern of the retinoid receptors in the three phenotypes, simple columnar, stratified squamous, and squamous metaplastic, simultaneously. The distribution pattern of the major retinoic acid receptor (RAR) isoforms (alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 2, beta 3, gamma 1, and gamma 2) and retinoid-X receptors (RXR alpha, -beta, and -gamma) was studied by in situ hybridization. At the tissue level, RAR alpha (1 and 2) and RXR (alpha and beta) transcripts and, to a lesser extent, RAR gamma (1 and 2) transcripts were associated with the cervical stratified squamous subjunctional epithelium. The simple columnar epithelium, which is highly responsive to vitamin A status, expressed high levels of RAR alpha (1 and 2), RAR beta (2 and 3), and RXR (alpha and beta) transcripts. Only RAR beta (2 and 3) and RXR (alpha and beta) transcripts were down-modulated by the condition of vitamin A deficiency and expressed less in squamous metaplastic foci than the simple columnar epithelium. RXR gamma was undetectable in all three cervical epithelia. At the cellular level, basal and suprabasal expression was found for RARs, and preferential localization of RXRs was seen in basal cells. RXRs are auxiliary proteins for a variety of other nuclear receptors with which they form heterodimers, including RARs. The fact that RXRs are mainly localized in basal and columnar cells of the cervix suggests the need for the regulation and diversity generated by potential heterodimeric interactions in these rapidly proliferating cells in vivo. The unique pattern of expression and localization of the RARs and RXRs in different cervical epithelial tissues and cell types supports the hypothesis that they perform specific functions in cervical epithelial differentiation. This is in contrast to the major isoforms of each RAR, which have similar patterns of expression in the different cervical epithelial phenotypes and cell types, suggesting a redundancy in function.
Studies of retinoids in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Meyskens FL J Am Acad Dermatol Apr 1982, 6 (4 Pt 2 Suppl) p824-7
Investigation of retinoids for anticancer activity in humans, either in the chemopreventive or treatment mode, has been little studied. We summarize here our ongoing investigations in four different areas: (1) secondary prevention of cervical dysplasia with topical application of all-trans-retinoic acid; (2) adjuvant treatment of resected high-risk stage I and II malignant melanoma with bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) plus or minus oral vitamin A ; (3) topical vitamin A acid therapy for cutaneous metastatic melanoma; an (4) oral isotretinoin as an anticancer agent.
Antioxidant nutrients: associations with persistent human papillomavirus infection. Giuliano AR; Papenfuss M; Nour M; Canfield LM; Schneider A; Hatch K Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724, USA email@example.com Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev Nov 1997, 6 (11) p917-23
Research from the past several years has definitively shown intermediate and high risk-type human papillomavirus (HPV) infection to play a significant role in cervical carcinogenesis. Persistent compared with intermittent infection appears to confer an elevated risk, and cofactors may be necessary to allow the virus to progress to cervical cancer. We explored the association between circulating concentrations of the antioxidant nutrients (alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and ascorbate) and persistent HPV infection among 123 low-income Hispanic women who were all nonsmokers and were not currently using vitamin and mineral supplements. In addition, the association between these nutrients and grade of cervical pathology, independent of HPV status, was assessed. Intermediate and high risk-type HPV infection was assessed by the Digene Hybrid Capture System at two time points, 3 months apart. At the second interview, cytology, colposcopy, and a fasting blood draw were conducted. Mean concentrations of serum and plasma antioxidant nutrients were calculated within categories of HPV status (two times HPV negative, one time HPV positive, and two times HPV positive) and colposcopy. Adjusted mean concentrations of serum beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol were on average 24% (P < 0.05) lower among women two times HPV positive compared with either two times HPV negative or one time HPV positive. Independent of HPV status, alpha-tocopherol was significantly inversely associated with grade of cervical dysplasia (normal, 21.57 microM; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III, 17.27 microM). The results obtained in this study need to be confirmed in larger cohort studies with a longer follow-up period.
Content of beta - carotene in blood serum of human papillomavirus infected women with cervical dysplasias. Kwasniewska A; Tukendorf A; Semczuk M Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Academy, Lublin, Poland. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) (Poland) 1996, 44 (5-6) p309-13
Studies were carried out in 528 women hospitalized in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Academy in Lublin. Besides the control group, patients were classified according to the observed histopathological changes in the cervix (CIN) and found infections with human papillomavirus (HPV). In all cases beta -carotene content in blood serum was examined. HPV infection was probably a cause of decrease of beta -carotene content. It was found that with increased advancement of cervical dysplasia the level of beta carotene in serum decreased.
Premalignant lesions: role of antioxidant vitamins and beta-carotene in risk reduction and prevention of malignant transformation. Singh VN; Gaby SK Department of Clinical Nutrition, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, NJ 07110-1199. Am J Clin Nutr Jan 1991, 53 (1 Suppl) p386S-390S
Epidemiological studies have shown that diets rich in one or more antioxidant nutrients may reduce the risk of cancers of the lung, uterine cervix, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract. Study of premalignant lesions offers a comparatively expedient approach to identifying and evaluating the efficacy of the cancer chemopreventive components of foods. Some recent findings suggest roles for beta-carotene and/or vitamin C in reversing or reducing the risk of cervical dysplasia and oral leukoplakia. There are some indications that vitamin C and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. Additional epidemiological and molecular biology studies and clinical intervention trials using premalignant lesions as the marker of specific cancer risks should become an important component of future research in the area of cancer chemoprevention. (57 Refs.)
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Women's Denaive Diffusion Brass Statement Disc Pendant Necklace
Style Notes
The statement disc pendant from luxury jewellery designer Denaive Diffusion is a sophisticated and beautifully crafted addition to any well-edited jewellery collection. The perfect statement piece to complete any ensemble, this women's necklace features an adjustable brass closure and resin chain leading to an oversized disc pendant, creating the perfect finish to your on or off-duty designer-led look.
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- Statement necklace
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Size & Fit
- Adjustable fastening
- Chain measures 23.5inch / 61cm
- Drop measures 15inch / 38cm at longest length
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Woman drinking from a bottle
England, ca. 1914-1919
Photographer: unknown
"Marriage of Elisabeth Schaffer and Benjamin Dick, 1907. Showing Russian-German Dress."
While a caption may draw one's attention to the particular historical context of an image, it may also raise questions of authorship and authority. In this instance, an archivist originally added the phrase "showing Russian-German dress" to the portrait; why? In doing so, what cultural assumptions are made about the photograph's intended audience?
Marriage of Elisabeth Schäffer and Benjamin Dick
Unknown location, 1907
Photographer: unknown
Amateur photographers have been leaders in the development of Canadian photography; we are indebted to them for a number of pioneering innovations, including snapshots, colour photographs, photographic art and miniature cameras. But what is "amateur" photography? It is, essentially, work created as a "labour of love," and not intended for commercial use. For most amateurs, photography was a hobby, not a tool.
The subjects of amateur photography in Canada date from a time when immigrants and certain educated travellers had learned early photographic techniques, to a more recent era when thousands of amateurs, armed with automatic cameras and rolls of film, chased down their images. The camera can be seen as an instrument of democratization that united Canadians from all social classes, as across the country, ordinary people, doctors, scientists and stockholders — almost all of whom were novices — joined photography clubs. Together, these enthusiasts discussed the theoretical and practical aspects of an art form that allowed them to reproduce everything that caught their eyes, down to the most minute detail. Amateurs spontaneously photographed almost everything they saw, but most of their subjects were drawn from what surrounded them: their families and workplaces, or landscapes such as winter scenes.
It would be difficult to compile an exhaustive list of amateur photographers in Canada, but it is possible to mention the names of some whose work is preserved at Library and Archives Canada. These include the very first amateur in Canada, Pierre Gaspard Gustave Joly de Lotbinière (1798-1865); Alexander Henderson; Francis Claudet; H.J. Cundall; Captain James Peters; Robert Reford; Henry J. Woodside; May and James Ballantyne; A.M. Ross; John Boyd; Sydney Carter; Beresford B. Pinkerton; William Hyde; Mary Gunterman; A.P. Low; Madge Macbeth; A. Van; Brodie Whitelaw; Bruce Metcalfe; John Vanderpant; Clifford M. Johnston; Edith Bethune; John Helders; J.K. Hodges; John Morris; Arthur H. Tweedle; James Crookall; and Leonard Davis.
Whether they depict the rustic intimacy of a Saskatchewan farm, the majestic Rockies as seen by tourists, joyous reunions of friends, an 1880s country fair or labourers on a work break, these amateur photographs revive moments too long ignored and constitute valuable artistic evidence of Canadian history.
Unidentifed couple
Sparrow Lake, Ontario, 1916
Photographer: Albert Van
Inuit couple
Unknown location, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut),
ca. 1920s
Photographer: F.D. Henderson
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Why March 16th is going to be huge
There's a day between the Ides of March and St. Patrick's Day, an unassuming little box on the calendar that usually gets short shrift in terms of attention.
As lifelong fans of the underdog, we pinpointed that day (March 16th), gave it its own holiday name (DragonMaid Day), and have now focused an enormous amount of energy to making it a day we'll never forget.
Here's the plan: we've divided the whole company into six special task forces, each commissioned to gain major headway on a heretofore secret project by DragonMaid Day.
Want to know what these secret projects are? Good, because we're more than ready to let the cat out of the bag.
After 10 years of growing brands in multiple industries for our clients, we've gained the insights and inspiration to grow a few of our own. And in true redpepper style, we think we can use our strengths and passions to play the game differently in each industry we choose. After all, we're just a bunch of ad kids, so we've never been told "how you have to do things if you want to sell XYZ product."
Without further ado, we're excited to announce that we'll be launching our very own cigar, coffee, and wine brands over the next couple of months. You might have seen something about cigars already (If not, go meet JANE now) because it's been in the works for a while, but the others don't have so much as a brand name yet. The three teams working on these products have different goals to reach by DragonMaid Day, but these brands are going to be very real, very fast.
Another team is working on Version 5.0 of redpepperland.com, which is set to launch on DragonMaid Day. This excites us for two major reasons. First, we're getting the heck out of Flash because we're sick of not showing up on our own iPads. Somewhat more importantly, however, the site will reflect our company priorities: Culture, People, Clients. That's all we can say for now, but stay tuned.
The fifth team is working on our proprietary platform that measures the success of advertising campaigns. In other words, this thing is a fun, addictive way to see how good we are at our jobs. By DragonMaid Day, the team plans on having the iPad app available in the App Store.
As for the sixth project, well, we actually can't reveal it yet. Let's just say it's called The Rec Center, and it's not at all what you're thinking. As exciting as community pools and dodgeball are, we promise you'll find our version even better.
So there you go – six enormous projects, all making serious progress between now and March 16th. You can easily stay updated on your favorite ones by checking back here and following us on Twitter.
We're also keeping track of which team gets the most social media love, so cheer for your favorites by tweeting a special message to them that includes their team's hashtag.
#RPCigar // #RPCoffee // #RPWine // #RPSite // #RPApp // #RPRecCenter


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Nelson Naturally is New Zealand's premier producers of Gourmet Condiments. The variety prepared in our Nelson kitchen has become astonishing: -
Mustards, Chilli products, Infused Oils, (Extra Virgin New Zealand) as well as Savoury Sauces, Dessert Sauces, Dressings, Dukkahs, Ready to Use Spice Blends, Liquid Smoke, Smoked Salt and several other Infused Salts, Chocolate Coffee Beans, Gift Packs, Chutneys, Jams, Relishes, and on and on....
The single unifying feature is a desire to offer the best products at the best price. However, most of our condiments are GLUTEN FREE and NO ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES are used while many of our products are UNIQUE and AVAILABLE NOWHERE ELSE.
Take a look at our range of
Here you will find
classics such as
(award winning product)
Caramelised Onion
(the best you will find)
but also some exotic newcomers
such as
Lemon Caramelised Onion
plus a delicious mild
Chilli Jam.
All for ony $5.50 each this month!
Yes, its that good!
First in its category
Hellish Relish Harissa
(Tunisian Chilli)
took out the Hot Pepper
Awards in New York.
Available in either Original and Extra Hot this is the
best Harissa in the World!!!
Join us so you don't miss out on
special promotions,
new products
recipie ideas and more!
Packaging and shipping is only $6.00 New Zealand wide regardless of how many items you purchase (rural delivery is an additional $4.00), so don't hold back, fill up that shopping cart!
Updated Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Web design by netMaestro


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Every gardener knows what it feels like to look out onto a devastated plant, or the heartache of seeing a flower that just will not bloom. This year at the Novi Home & Garden Show, the Green Thumb Theatre will provide entertaining and informative seminars to help even the most experienced gardeners start their spring planting on the right foot.
The Green Thumb Theatre will feature Don Engebretson, the Renegade Gardener, who will be performing gardening seminars throughout the weekend. The topics include: Crafting Cool & Creative Containers, Common Gardening Myths and the Mayhem They Create, Top 10 Gardening & Landscaping Blunders-and How to Avoid Them!
The Novi Home & Garden Show runs April 5-7th.
Phone: (952) 944-9999
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Visit Spotlight on Broadway to watch a history of the Vivian Beaumont Theater, including video interviews with André Bishop, Bernard Gersten and much more.
Box Office Hours:
Mon - Sat, 10am to 6pm Sun, Closed
Directions and Parking:
The theater is located at 150 West 65th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam. There is a parking garage on the premises (enter on West 65th Street) in addition to numerous lots in the area.
By Subway:
Lincoln Center Theater is accessible by taking the 1 train to the 66th St. Station at Lincoln Center or by taking the A, B, C, or D trains to 59th St. Columbus Circle Station and transfering to an uptown 1 train. The 66th St. Station is also accessible by taking the 2 or 3 trains from the Upper West Side or the Bronx to 72nd Street and transferring to a downtown 1 train continuing on to Lincoln Center at 66th St.


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Who wants to spend hours every week cleaning house? No one wants to live in a messy environment every day as well. Buying a vacuum cleaning system can be a great move to tackle the dust in your home. Even if you are frustrated that your lackluster machine is not doing the trick quickly and effectively, you can select from newer vacuums that are more powerful and efficient. You can even find replacement parts for your older vacuums so you can get them running to their optimal performance levels soon. It is recommended that you choose a vacuum based on your cleaning frequency, the style that suits your vacuuming needs, and any special features that you are seeking. Studies have proved that living in a clean home can reduce stress levels considerably. Buy vacuums online and tackle the dirt in your home effectively.
Uprights, canisters, small stick vac or central vacuums, the choice is yours. Uprights have more maneuverability than canisters, spinning brushes make great accessories for carpet cleaning, cordless vacs are great for cleaning but can they last through your vacuuming time? For answers to all these questions and also buying guides for vacuums so you can find the best vacuum cleaner, visit GoVacuum.com. We stock a wide range of vacuums to satisfy everyones cleaning needs. Enjoy great savings on already low warehouse prices, not just that we offer free shipping on all our products. You can even find Product Diagrams for all the popular brands so you can understand the parts and the way they function before choosing vacuums for your home or office.
Dyson DC14 / DC15 Genuine Washable Filter 905401-01Fits DC14 All Floors, DC14 Low Reach, DC14 Animal, DC14 Full Gear, DC14 Full Access, DC14 Complete - Lifetime Filter- Lifetime highest grade filter without losing suction. Filters particles as small as cigarette smoke (0.1 micron). Filter should be washed Learn More
Dyson DC27 & DC28 Filter Washable Genuine Dyson Part# 919780-01This is the genuine Dyson made washable lifetime filter for the Dyson DC-27 & DC-28 Bagless Uprights. Learn More
Dyson Articulating Hard Floor ToolDyson Articulating Hard Floor Tool by Dyson Learn More
Dyson DC35 Multi floor Cordless Vacuum Cleaner- Factory ReconditionedDyson refurbished vacuums have been stripped down, cleaned out, reassembled and thoroughly tested. Theyre restored to a fully functional condition. In short, they are everything a Dyson machine should be- they work properly and dont lose suction. Dyson refurbishes vacuums that are returned to us by retailers or consumers. Refurbishing these machines, rather than disposing of them, means that the parts and materials are re-used instead of wasted.When a machine comes to us to be refurbished, it is first stripped down as far as necessary. Components removed from the machine that meet our high standards of quality are kept and cleaned. Most damaged or broken components are sent away for recycling. The core of the machine is thoroughly cleaned and new parts are added to replace damaged or cosmetically unacceptable parts discovered during the stripping down process.Just like our brand new machines, the rebuilt machine then undergoes a comprehensive series of electrical and performance tests to ensure that it works as it should. For our vacuums, one of the tests carried out is a suction test. All refurbished vacuums are electrically tested in compliance with electrical and safety requirements. One of the primary differences between a new Dyson machine and a refurbished Dyson machine is its appearance a scratch here or there, or a slightly clouded bin may provide a clue that it has been previously used. After it has passed all of the tests, the machine is then packaged and sent out. All Dyson refurbished vacuums come with a 6-month parts and labor warranty.The Dyson DC35 Multi floor Reconditioned is a Dyson Digital Slim cordless vacuum cleaner for every floor type. It features a detachable long-reach wand and a motorized cleaner head. Powered by the Dyson digital motor, the most power-efficient motor ever developed for a cordless vacuum, the DC35 is the most powerful cordless vacuum cleaner.The DC35 features Root Cyclone technology, in which powerful centrifugal forces spi Learn More
iRobot Scooba 380 Floor Washing RobotiRobot's award-winning floor washing robot gets floors reliably clean every time. The Scooba 380 cleans up to 850 square feet (3-4 average size rooms) on a single battery charge. It navigates throughout each room using a powerful 4-stage cleaning system t Learn More
iRobot Verro 300 Pool Cleaning RobotClean your pool from floor to waterline in about an hour with the touch of a button. Hydro-jets 'power wash' surfaces, deep cleaning pores, cracks and seams. The vacuum and self-contained filtration system pick up and trap debris and particles as small as Learn More
iRobot Verro 100 Pool Cleaning RobotClean your pool from floor to waterline in about an hour with the touch of a button. Roller brushes scrub pool surfaces while a powerful vacuum and self-contained filtration system pick up and trap dirt and debris plus algae, bacteria and debris as small Learn More
Irobot Scooba 385 Floor Washing Robot RoombaThe Irobot Scooba 385 Floor Washing Robots Are In Stock And Ready For Free Shipping From GoVacuum. This is the same main unit as the Irobot Scooba 380. Learn More
iRobot Looj 330 Gutter Cleaning RobotLooj travels along your cutter on its own, sensing and adapting to debris. The new iRobot Looj 330 Gutter Cleaning Robot blasts away dirt while brushing gutters clean on its own at the press of a button. Learn More


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25 U.S. Code § 1616i - Additional incentives for health professionals
(a) Incentive special pay
The Secretary may provide the incentive special pay authorized under section 302 (b) of title 37 to civilian medical officers of the Indian Health Service who are assigned to, and serving in, positions included in the list established under subsection (b)(1) of this section for which recruitment or retention of personnel is difficult.
(b) List of positions; bonus pay
(1) The Secretary shall establish and update on an annual basis a list of positions of health care professionals employed by, or assigned to, the Service for which recruitment or retention is difficult.
(A) The Secretary may pay a bonus to any commissioned officer or civil service employee, other than a commissioned medical officer, dental officer, optometrist, and veterinarian, who is employed in or assigned to, and serving in, a position in the Service included in the list established by the Secretary under paragraph (1).
Source(Pub. L. 94–437, title I, § 116, as added Pub. L. 100–713, title I, § 109,Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4798; amended Pub. L. 102–573, title I, § 117(b)(8), title IX, § 901(1),Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4544, 4590.)
1992—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–573, § 901(1), struck out subsec. (d) which required a report to Congress by the Secretary no later than 6 months after Nov. 23, 1988, relating to overtime pay for individuals employed by the Service.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–573, § 117(b)(8), struck out subsec. (e) which authorized appropriations for fiscal years 1990 to 1992.
The table below lists the classification updates, since Jan. 3, 2012, for this section. Updates to a broader range of sections may be found at the update page for containing chapter, title, etc.
The most recent Classification Table update that we have noticed was Tuesday, August 13, 2013
An empty table indicates that we see no relevant changes listed in the classification tables. If you suspect that our system may be missing something, please double-check with the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
|Description of Change
|Session Year
|Public Law
|Statutes at Large
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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1951 Frazer Manhattan ConvertibleTo be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Auction' Hershey event, October 9-10, 2014. Click here to view this listing... More
Extremely rare 1947 Frazer 4-door sedan Priced to sell, below estimated value. •Turf Green paint in good condition, •Runs and drives, driven in parades and car shows •Interior... More
1951 Frazer Manhattan F-515, PRICED REDUCED TO SELL, MOTIVATED SELLER!!!!!!!! MAKE AN OFFER The last year Fraser cars were built Factory records show that only 7,000 of... More


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5 countries that love America (and 5 that hate it)
A new survey from the Pew Research Center reveals anti-Americanism is highest in the Middle EastThursday, Jul 24, 2014 11:15 AM UTC 0
News GlobalPost, Russia, Egypt
A new survey from the Pew Research Center reveals anti-Americanism is highest in the Middle EastThursday, Jul 24, 2014 11:15 AM UTC 0
The 99 percent fight back aboard a train to nowhere, in a dazzling action flick that's also a political parableThursday, Jun 26, 2014 11:00 PM UTC 0
A new report by the International Trade Union Confederation sheds light on labor exploitation across the globeTuesday, Jun 17, 2014 12:00 PM UTC 0
Despite soaring stress levels, Japan boasts the highest life expectancy of any major country. Here's howTuesday, Jun 17, 2014 11:45 AM UTC 0
A new study shows men in South Korea spend just 45 minutes on household choresSunday, Apr 6, 2014 8:00 PM UTC 0
Suicide represents the nation's fourth-leading cause of death. Cultural mores offer an explanation whySaturday, Mar 15, 2014 6:00 PM UTC 0
South Koreans wonder whether the pact could be a model for the world's other seemingly intractable nuclear standoffThursday, Nov 28, 2013 10:00 PM UTC 0
The shift would mean huge increases in energy costsMonday, Oct 28, 2013 1:38 PM UTC 0
Foolish, self-destructive behavior isn't the sole purview of the US. Several global correspondents weigh inWednesday, Oct 2, 2013 11:45 AM UTC 0
Fearing radiation, South Korea will stop importing seafood from Japan's northeast coastFriday, Sep 6, 2013 12:45 PM UTC 0
Hyon Song Wol and 11 fellow musicians, singers and dancers were arrested earlier this month for pornography VIDEOThursday, Aug 29, 2013 10:19 PM UTC 0
As we geek out over the Hyperloop, a South Korean city launches something amazing: A road that can charge vehiclesSaturday, Aug 17, 2013 6:00 PM UTC 0
Government watchdogs worry not enough is being done to prevent potential disastersFriday, Aug 9, 2013 7:34 PM UTC 0
Mr. Met and the Phillie Phanatic ain't got nothin' on these guys VIDEOSunday, Jul 28, 2013 12:00 PM UTC 0
Bureaucratic red tape has kept South Korea from matching the excellence of Pyongyang's government-made lagerThursday, Jun 27, 2013 9:24 PM UTC 0
Kaesong complex had been closed amid rising tensions between the two countriesTuesday, May 28, 2013 12:04 PM UTC 0
During a joint U.S.-South Korea meeting at the White House, the president blasted Pyongyang for its nuclear threatsTuesday, May 7, 2013 6:36 PM UTC 0
A section of the Korean People's Army warned it will strike back if any test shells fall on North Korean soilTuesday, May 7, 2013 11:39 AM UTC 0
The defense department says Pyongyang is approaching its goal of building a missile that can strike the U.S.Friday, May 3, 2013 9:56 PM UTC 0
The country's news agency suggests Pyongyang could be amenable to a diplomatic solutionWednesday, Apr 17, 2013 10:15 PM UTC 0
Page 1 of 4 in South Korea


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Soundmagic E30
"I have 5 sets of the e30 with varying amount of time on them ranging from brand new to 500 hours and there is so much variation that I don't know which one to review here. But generally, I'd say the e30 is neutral/warm yet detailed with a pleasing full bodied sound. It's 'hi-fidelity' in the sense that it imparts virtually no sound signature/sound stamp of its own onto your music..." --thelostMIDrange
Soundmagic E10
"First of all, I'd like to thank 'H20Fidelity' who recommended this IEM to me. I was not sure whether to go for this brand as i did not hear of it before. but thought of givin' them a try. Got it under 40USD. I had Sennheiser Precision 300-II before these and I liked them. The intention to purchase an IEM that was like Senn Precision 300-II was to have a pair of headphones that are just fun to..." --akshayshah12
Soundmagic PL11
"Build Quality: Not much to say than a solid IEM. The outside is "gunmetal" it looks like metal and feels like metal, but then again. I have been fooled before. The clip ...is just a clip, no deficiencies or poor moving around from it. The L shaped 3.5mm jack is also good. No weird wiggling parts, feels and looks solid. As it's an earphone, this section is generally good. The tip of the earphone..." --bowei006
SoundMAGIC ES18 In-Ear Headphones (Black/Red)
"So this is my first ever review. Enjoy! I got my es18's for about $15 in my local store on December last year and I've been enjoying them since. SO let's start! PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES: Packaging is pretty decent for a $15 IEM. It includes 3 eartip sizes(small, medium and large) and a leather-ish carrying pouch that's a..." --TheAstray
Soundmagic Pl30 In-ear Headphones
" These and the PL50 are terrible quality buds, I went through both of them in less than 8 months. Both times they failed they left me in an awkward position where I really needed earbuds for working. Thus I would rate these as highly undesirable as I prize reliability and quality most. I would not waste your time with these.. " --jcotteri
PL50 In-ear Headphones
" Note: the star ratings are not absolute, but instead relative to its street price at this time (~$55) The pl50 represent a good value in budget IEMs, provided you like its particular sound signature and quirks. The pl50s have a tiny form factor. They are easy to insert and remove, and are more than flat enough to lie down in. Needless to say, they are among the most comfortable..." --JxK
Philips SHE3590WT/10 In-Ear Headphones (White)
The Philips SHE3590 In-Ear Headphones are offered in distinctive colors to match for all occasions. The ultra small in-ear design conforms to ear shape for best fit, and the earphones come with soft caps for comfort and compact fit. With small efficient speakers for dynamic bass and clear sound, these in-ear headphones are ideal for your listening enjoyment.
Soundmagic PL 21
New generic universal in-ear stereo headset.Frequency range: 15-22000Hz. DC resistance: 12±10%Ω. Sensitivity: 97±2dB.Cable length: 1.2m. Connection: 3.5mm plug. Supper bass response and outstanding clarity. Comfortable, sound-isolating ear-tips reduce noise. Noise isolation near -20dB.
Soundmagic MP21
Same as PL21 - added microphone for phone headset usage


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Frugal Friday: Sam Edelman Shoes
There just aren't many frugal shoe brands that make the grade. Something about these accessories requires an expert hand, and luckily for us, Sam Edelman has just that.
Online Shoe Shopping Tips: Finding the Cinderella Fit
My size varies depending on which type of shoe I'm wearing. Add the fact that my left foot is a bit smaller than my right, and you can imagine the fun I have shopping – and that's just in the store! Online shopping is a whole other ball game. I refuse to miss out on all the gorgeous shoes I see perusing the sites, though…
Two-Tone Shoes: The Black & White Market
It may be summer, the time when we indulge in shock-and-awe neons and rainbow prints, but who needs color when you've got contrast?
Summer Shoe Essentials: Rising to the Occasion
Unless you live in a warmer climate like Cali, you spend a nice chunk of the year unable to wear sandals, espadrilles, and other summer shoes. Now that the season is finally upon us, have fun with it! Playful beach ball prints, cork wedges…these are the types of pieces you want to indulge in. I've sorted all my favorite essentials into categories, a nice reminder of how to budget to get what we really need – and want!
Price Check: Birkenstock Arizonas
I've been wearing Birkenstocks' Gizeh thong-style sandals for years, suffering ridicule from many friends including Kelly (who came around once she felt how incredibly comfortable they are!). Now that the fashion set has embraced the look, though, it seems the company also wants us to suffer higher prices.
The Summer Set: PVC Done Right
While a hint of PVC evokes thoughts of bright summer days, too much of it can send you down a slippery slope – literally. I don't need to explain the sticky situation you find yourself in the latter case (shoes made entirely from PVC are gross in more ways than one).
Frugal Friday: Paolo Bentini
An Italian shoe line just launched at Nordstrom, and believe me, this is a name you're going to want to remember – Paolo Bentini. He's a fifth generation shoemaker who ensures that every last sandal is handmade by skilled craftsman using the finest soft leathers. Sounds like they must be pretty expensive, right? Surprisingly, no! All of the sandals are under $100.
Givenchy Python Sandals: Identity Crisis
I'm sorry, but this must be a case of mistaken identity. Is this really you, Givenchy? People ask me all the time, "What is the current 'it' bag?" Though seeing that every editor has Givenchy in their hands makes it an easy question to answer, this python sandal has me taking back my words.
Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals: The Cage Fight
I have never, ever liked this trend, and am always surprised to see it live through yet another spring season. Unless your name is Gisele Bündchen, I would stay far away. Sausages have a better chance of looking sexy! The sandals can also be too big or sit at an awkward place on your calves. Even if you like the gladiator look, this is definitely not a click-and-buy purchase.


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...The riding was superb, the horses great and good instruction from Maria. I was on my own for a lot of the time so received a lots of individual attention, did some good jumping in the arena and cross country ; so it exceeded my expectations. Hoping to get back for a long weekend sometime!! The hotel was good with great food. Don't hesitate to give my name to anyone who wants to know the low down on the holiday !...
28th May 2005
Little did we know that when we arrived here at I Due Laghi,we had found a small slice of Paradise! The wonderful staff, the magnificient horses, the glorious landscape - everything is perfect. Special thanks to Matteo for making us feel so welcome, to Antonio and Angelo for taking such good care with us in the Restaurant and ESPECIALLY to Maria and Stefano for making our week of riding absolutely magical! The hunt, the hounds, the hacks, the lessons, thank you for it all! What a special place you have! We have made friends for life! We wish you all happiness, good health and success in the years to come!
Thank you everyone - everything about this magical place will stay in our minds and hearts forever! This experience has surpassed our wildest expectations - everything we dreamed of and much much more...We hope to come again very soon.
Tremendous food, people, surroundings, horses and weather. Thank you very much !
Desideravamo qualcosa di veramente speciale... l'abbiamo cercato nel posto giusto.
Ancora grazie,


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Fun Facts: State Tree: buckeye, State Song: "Beautiful Ohio," State Beverage: tomato juice
Home of: The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Devo, Attack Attack!, The Black Keys, Guided By Voices, Neil Armstrong, Paul Newman, Bow Wow
Fun Facts: State Tree: buckeye, State Song: "Beautiful Ohio," State Beverage: tomato juice
Home of: The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Devo, Attack Attack!, The Black Keys, Guided By Voices, Neil Armstrong, Paul Newman, Bow Wow
Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! Just a few more days now, hope everyone has their chimneys clear and ready to go. The holiday spirit is so strong for everyone at OurStage that we've decided to give you our gift early; this pack of free holiday downloads! Just click the button above to get your tracks. You can preview these seven hand-picked songs below. Enjoy, tell your friends, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
In the age of "generation Obama," community service organizations and charities are gaining momentum in their efforts to promote and fund a number of good causes. These days, there is an ever-growing call for action on many fronts—both mainstream and unconventional—and the music industry is responding. New artists are emerging as advocates in support of charitable work, human rights and similar causes everyday, a positive trend that can bolster both career and personal beliefs.
One such organization benefiting from industry support is called 5 Rights Inc. 5 Rights exists to try and promote "a local, sustainable culture of human rights." These rights are protected by a United Nations bill and are the basis of the organization's goals. We caught up with 5 Rights representative Jeff Lipman, who has worked closely with community-minded OurStage band the Adam Ezra Group. When asked about the advantages of an artist supporting a cause, Lipman agreed with the idea that musicians can raise awareness by encouraging fans to take an interest in a particular cause. This is especially important for the 5 Rights organization since basic human rights is a global topic that needs greater awareness. Although 5 Rights doesn't focus solely on the music industry as a partner in their cause, they do plan on organizing some human rights festivals, utilizing music as a central point of the event.
When talking about 5 Rights and the music industry, it's almost a given to discuss Calling All Crows. This is an organization that was started by Chad Stokes (Dispatch, State Radio) and his activist partner, Sybil Gallagher. Per their Website, Calling All Crows is dedicated to mobilizing musicians and fans to promote human rights." We spoke to Matt Wilhelm, Co-Operator of Calling All Crows, to get his opinion on bands' roles in charitable organizations. He agrees that a band can bring a new level of awareness and passion to a cause, beginning with the community of fans that surrounds the artist. But Wilhelm also feels that it works both ways. If a band can be a catalyst for activism, then a band can also benefit from the community of fans they gain from supporting a particular cause. In his words, "doing good and doing well are not mutually exclusive." Bands like State Radio and Dispatch have certainly supported this idea in the past as evidenced by the droves of fans coming out to hear both their music and their messages of political, environmental and social activistism.
Continue reading 'BENEFIT BANDS TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY'
Every once and a while, great artists on OurStage slip through the cracks and don't get proper recognition. They do well but for some reason that winning channel spot continues to elude them. Maybe they just have bad luck, or maybe their competition is just too tough, but either way let's take this moment to commemorate some of our best artists who have not been properly celebrated with a channel win. This will be my last blog post before I move on from OurStage, so I wanted to make sure that I gave some of my favorite OurStage musicians their just deserts before I moved on.
In this post:
White Light Riot (Rock)
Heather Evans (Pop/Rock)
American Babies (Folk/Rock)
Derek Adams (R&B/Hip-Hop)
Sean Bell (Hip-Hop)
Rising singer/songwriter Heather Evans is no stranger to OurStage. After she joined OurStage in 2008 at the age of 21, her soulful and strong voice was recognized immediately by fans on OurStage. She fought for quite a while though, before she took a Top 10 spot in February's Indie Rock rankings. An avid singer who's mature sound carries her experiences well, Heather recorded her first full album when she was just fifteen. That album, "Impatient Heart" has since sold many thousands of copies.
Incorporating her humble and honest nature, Heather often sings of her strong personal faith. "Battle Scars", which finished 2nd in Indie Rock in February on OurStage, carries a particular message of staying true to yourself.
"Ride on, you soldier of the Lord … Battle scars will heal, they will heal"
Check out more information about Heather Evans on her profile, or check out her album on iTunes.