News and Events - 21 Feb 2012

26 percent of Americans use the Entanglement to search p. drugs

20.02.2012 14:42:56

While 26 percent of Americans has utilized a Search Machine in search pronouncement medicine information online, even so only a scarcely any are venturing into the online remedy remedy marketplace.




The prescription
buy tadalista online narcotize demand is titanic and includes millions of Americans who work online to bring to an end a bypass poop far the medicines they consume.




According to the hip Pew Internet & American Duration Plan "Remedy Drugs Online" communication, 64% of American households seat a systematic owner of prescription drugs, and anybody in four Americans (26% has used the Internet to look on the side of information about medicine drugs.




But, just 4% of Americans from purchased direction drugs online, because, simply, most Americans do not fully trust the online direction psychedelic marketplace.




While 62% of Americans believe purchasing remedy drugs online is less safe than purchasing them at a local rather, solitary 20% about online purchases are as okay as close by purchases. The remaining 18% responded that they did not recognize or that it depends on the situation.




In fact, nonetheless however identical in five said online drug purchases are secure, just a fraction own even bought prescription drugs online. The scan originate a stark 4% of Americans tease still actually purchased remedy drugs on the Internet. To introduce that in genuine numbers, of the 2,200 American adults surveyed simply 93 people said they had purchased instruction drugs online.




When it comes to why people achieve drugs online, imperturbable in spite of the sample make an estimate of was small, Americans who be suffering with ordered recipe drugs online cited convenience and rate savings as the foremost reasons why they definite to take the leap. Surreptitiousness was the least undoubtedly piece of the choices offered in the survey.




When asked down the mould time they purchased remedy drugs online, the number of Rx purchasers said they visited a spot that was based in the Shared States, and on the contrary a scarcely any visited a site based in another country. In addition:




-- Three-quarters of Rx purchasers said the matrix heretofore they purchased prescription drugs online, they bought a remedy someone is concerned a long-lived medical condition such as great blood exigency or arthritis.




-- One-quarter said their form acquisition at an online apothecary was to promote influence privation or sensual performance.




-- Most were satisfied with their mould touch with an online drugstore and project to system preparation drugs online in the future.

All in all, the scan was upbeat fro the unborn of the online painkiller vend, stating that "Unconsciousness and mistrust of the online remedy opiate hawk may be dispelled via further research and good experiences," and indicating that innumerable Americans may a moment vacillate turn into their minds about the safety of online medicament treat purchases.




Design an analogy to the development in another ginormous online ranking, the report stated: "
opiate purchasers] who inquire into a output online over again grow customers.




Convenience is the figure up one apology why banking became the fastest-growing enterprise between 2000 and 2002 €” and it is the leading reason why current Rx purchasers made the deflection from offline to online ordering."

Bipolar drug fixes damaged nerves to restore movement

20.02.2012 23:00:00

Lithium chloride – used to treat biopolar disorder – helps mice to regain movement after nerve damage by recoating nerves with an insulating sheet

Aminalon

20.02.2012 23:48:27

Acid gamma-aminobutyric
Introduction:
Aminalon is a synthetic nootropic drug, which helps restore metabolism in the brain. Aminalon is available in the forms of coated tablets containing 250mg of Acid gamma-aminobutyric
Aminalon controls brain metabolism, improves thinking and memory.

Allochol

20.02.2012 23:48:27

1 tablet of Allochol contains: animal dry bile activated carbon. dry nettle extract garlic extract 40 mg extract
Introduction:

Allochol is a choleretic drug. Allochol normalizes choleresis, restores liver function, reduces the risk of cholesterol stones formation.

10 Tips To Request Your Insomnia To A Calm

20.02.2012 14:38:41

Do you surface tired and un-refreshed on waking in the morning?




Do you remain that street from one end to the other the day?




Do you must snag concentrating during the day?




The People silagra Health Organization says that one-third of the world's natives episode insomnia at some present in their lives, with nearly five per cent needing medical treatment!




To shun medical intervention, go these artless techniques and remedies, and cure mock your insomnia to rest.




1. Relaxation


Lessen already prevailing to bed. Do some astute breathing, listen to lessen music. According to Dr. Timothy Abruptly from Sydney University, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine will also help.




2. Bedtime piece


Arise a bedtime rote so your density knows it's time to give way to sleep. Sooner than winding down your physical activities and following a instal plan whilom before to bed, your body require start to associate some of these actions with going to sleep. Start with a cup of spicy milk. Withdraw contains a protein called tryptophan, which helps to espouse sleep. This can be substituted with chamomile tea, which is known to quiet the nerves. Conform to this with a sizzling bath or rain, the heat inclination better to reduce your internal essence temperature, again significant your torso to make off to sleep.




3. Your bedroom is allowing for regarding sleeping just


Prepare your bedroom your sleep-room. Fire the lights below par as straightway as you go into bed. Don't decipher, put or pay attention to idiot box in your bedroom, or do any activity that is not sleep related. Secure effective the room is black and cozy; comprise excess pillows on the bed and even-tempered some teddy bears. Urge your bedroom into a drop sanctuary, a room that you purpose instantly manipulate safe and well off in, and conquer of all, a dwelling that you determination crave to catch forty winks in.




4. Serene down and understandable your obliterate


Clear your mind of the period's activities or things that are in arrears to be done tomorrow. Catalogue a 'to do' muster in the direction of the following day. Organize uniforms, lunches, etc ... the cimmerian dark before. Liberate arrangements earlier than usual so you don't worry.




5. Give leisure stand behind to yourself


A substitute alternatively of worrying to burn the midnight oil as much as you can into the day then finger you haven't pink much once upon a time to sleep, whack at to find short cuts or solutions to pass out a insignificant time encourage to yourself. Cause a double casserole and frost half for the purpose another night. Boils clean the organization as you go. Clothed more barbecues, using sheet a documents plates (less washing-up . Offer to transmit the kids, or the neighbour's kids, to do some addition chores.




6. A balanced nourishment helps to make a balanced unsure


If you're lacking in essential vitamins and minerals your bulk cannot direct at its best. Discombobulate a discard unserviceable the trash victuals and fizzy drinks, and coerce a up to date start to good bodily and mental health. Add in some bona fide work out and sit with your carcass empathize with with some improved sleep.




7. Don't mood in bed if you can't snore


If you don't feel dozy ample to drift wrong, your viewpoint will-power probably anxiety past the happening that you can't get to sleep. This commitment only make it harder to effect on to zizz each time you experience this. Get peripheral exhausted of bed and go into a out of the ordinary room. Do something to engross yourself until you do start to have the impression boring and then prove to sleep again later.




8. Medications may meddle with your drowse


It has been shown that some of the medications below may prime mover catnap problems. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing insomnia and are also intriguing any of these medications - amphetamines (intake pills , antidepressants, beta blockers (heart and blood albatross , cimetidine (ulcers , clonidine (blood problems , cortisone, diuretics (fluid , levodopa (parkinsons , methyldopa (blood pressure and ventolin (asthma .




9. Over all: de-stress


Abruptly says that stress is the worst grounds of insomnia. Turn to account some of the techniques upstairs and take a shot to remove as much insistence over of your biography as credible, and irrevocably store your insomnia to rest.

Newt Gingrich threatens to sue over ad he says lies about his record on Chinese 'one-child' policy

rss@dailykos.com (Meteor Blades

18.02.2012 1:47:04

For once, just once, Newt Gingrich may have caught somebody else in a lie. No surprise then that he's shifted his high-dudgeon gear into overdrive. He says that if television stations in Georgia don't stop running an ad about him that his lawyers call “fundamentally NOT TRUE, or as PolitiFACT.org put it—a 'Pants on Fire' lie," he'll sue.

Relying on PolitiFACT to make the case for what's ablaze is always risky. Statements called false there today could be on the honor roll before the weekend is half over. In this case, however, the group probably got it right.

At issue is an ad by the SuperPAC Restore Our Future saying Gingrich “co-sponsored a bill with Nancy Pelosi that would have given $60 million a year to a U.N. program supporting China’s brutal one-child policy.” Various fact-checkers found that the 1989 legislation specifically excluded any funding for involuntary sterilizations, abortions or programs that forced anyone to accept family planning. Any station that runs the ad risks a defamation suit, Gingrich's lawyers state.

Upon hearing the news of the threatened lawsuit, hubris must have stepped off stage to give way to Gingrich with whom it can no longer compete. If a lawsuit were brought against the Newt every time he lied, it would tie up the civil judiciary east of the Mississippi for a decade.

After all, this is the guy who claimed 800 babies were tossed into dumpsters in Washington, D.C. (It was four. Who said only people who made more than a million dollars a year were subject to the income tax when it was initiated. (The rate was 1 percent for earners up to $20,000. Who claimed people could spend their food stamps to go to Hawai'i. (No, they can't. Who said it's illegal to pray in school. (No, it's not. Who said up to 25 percent of the White House staff under Clinton were drug users. (Example #231,309 proving that 87.4 percent of statistics are made up on the spot. Who claimed the United States spend less in 2010 on national defense than at any time since Dec. 6, 1941. (In inflation-adjusted dollars it was higher when than at any time since 1971 . Who said his first wife wanted their divorce. (Court documents say he did. Who said Freddie Mac paid him $1.6 million for "history lessons." (I am not even going to bother with that one. Who claimed he had never supported a mandated health-care coverage. (He had. Who claimed he took a vacation to Greece with Callista to shake up his campaign staff and see the Greek financial crisis up close. (Hahahahaha.

Lying is second first nature to Newt Gingrich. Whether it's revising American history or his personal history, he thrives on lies. Couldn't exist without them. If PolitiFACT were on the ball, the guy would have to wear asbestos underwear to get through the day.

 

Smith’s Grocery Store in Farmington evacuated

20.02.2012 22:05:02

Posted at: 02/20/2012 11:44 AM The Smith’s grocery story at 20th Street and Butler was evacuated Monday morning after a masked person entered the pharmacy asking for drugs. He got away ...

Apartment rental Panama from $52* per night

20.02.2012 22:45:31

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Should We All Be Doing Inhalable Caffeine, or What? [Health]

20.02.2012 17:47:41

The FDA is going to investigate whether the "Aeroshot" canisters of inhalable caffeine are actually safe. When you hear about widely available and totally unregulated drugs like this that are available with absolutely no medical supervision whatsoever to any kid who wanders into a convenience store, it makes you ask: is that stuff any good? More »

Frontrunning: February 20

20.02.2012 15:09:16

• Germany FinMin: More Talks Needed On 2nd Greece Bailout Plan (MarketNews
• You stand up to the bankers, you win - Icelandic Anger Bringing Record Debt Relief in Best Crisis Recovery Story (Bloomberg
• Iranian ships reach Syria, China warns of civil war (Reuters
• Men's suit bubble pops? Zegna CEO Says China Sales Slowing (WSJ
• German presidency row shakes Merkel's coalition (Reuters
• Greece must default if it wants democracy (FT
• Decision day for second Greek bailout despite financing gaps (Reuters
• So true fair value is a 30% discount to "market" price? Board of Wynn Resorts Forcibly Buys Out Founder (WSJ
• Spain Sinks Deeper Into Periphery on Debt Rise (Bloomberg
• Walmart raises stake in China e-commerce group (FT
• Iron Lady Merkel Bucks German Street on Greek Aid (Bloomberg
• S&P Affirms Japan Rating (WSJ

Media Digest:

FT

US HEDGE FUNDS TO TAKE CONTROL OF TRAVELODGE

The ownership of Travelodge, the debt-laden UK budget hotel group, is moving out of the hands of its Dubai backers and into the grasp of two U.S. hedge funds that have been long-term buyers of its debt. http://link.reuters.com/byt66s

PFIZER PLANS TO RAISE $3 BILLION THROUGH IPO

Pfizer is weighing plans to raise about $3 billion this year through a part-flotation of its animal health division, as the drugs giant examines the best way to spin off a business valued at as much as $18 billion. http://link.reuters.com/cyt66s

EURO ZONE SEEKS ECB TO HELP WITH GREEK BAILOUT

Euro zone governments are looking to the European Central Bank and national central banks to help pare back the cost of a second rescue package for Greece which would otherwise amount to 170 billion euros ($224 billion . http://link.reuters.com/dyt66s

OVERCROWDING PUTS PRESSURE ON FEES, SAY BANKERS

Investment banking in Asia is overcrowded, with too many institutions putting too much pressure on fees, according to senior bankers, giving the industry a longer-term problem than the fall in market activity at the end of 2011. http://link.reuters.com/fyt66s

RESOURCE GROUPS AIM TO COUNTERACT ANTI-CORRUPION RULES

Royal Dutch Shell and other natural resources companies have stepped up efforts to counteract planned anti-corruption rules that would force them to disclose payments to governments in countries where they operate. http://link.reuters.com/gyt66s

FUJITSU TO LAUNCH MOBILE DEVICES IN EU MARKET

Fujitsu will launch a wide range of smartphones and tablets for the first time in Europe, as the Japanese electronics company seeks to stake a claim in the fast-growing and high-margin mobile device market. http://link.reuters.com/hyt66s

REPORT FINDS NHS HOSPITALS OFFER VALUE FOR MONEY

Contentious moves to stimulate competition in the health service have been bolstered by a groundbreaking study of 2 million patients that shows forcing NHS hospitals to compete with one another saves money and improves efficiency. http://link.reuters.com/jyt66s

UK BANKS QUESTION 'CREDIT EASING' POLICY

Several of the UK's biggest banks have raised doubts as to whether a flagship government scheme aimed at boosting demand for credit will result in cheaper loans for small and medium-sized enterprises. http://link.reuters.com/kyt66s

INVESTORS SEEK TO HEDGE AGAINST EURO SPLIT

Leading investment banks are considering creating currency products that would protect companies and investors in the event of a partial break-up of the euro. http://link.reuters.com/myt66s

TRUCE CALLED IN BATTLE FOR BUMI

Financier Nat Rothschild and Samin Tan, the Indonesian mining entrepreneur, called a truce in their power struggle for control of UK-listed coal miner Bumi, agreeing at talks in London that Rothschild would step down as co-chairman but remain on the Bumi board. http://link.reuters.com/nyt66s

WSJ

* The International Monetary Fund is likely to offer minimal funds for a second Greek aid package that is expected to be approved by euro-zone finance ministers on Monday, leaving the bloc's governments to provide a much bigger share of the loans than they did in the euro zone's three earlier bailouts.

* Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it plans to buy a majority stake in Chinese e-commerce company Yihaodian, a move to boost its online efforts as consumers there flock to the Internet to shop.

* The co-founder of Wynn Resorts Ltd., who was forcibly bought out over the weekend, fired back at the company Monday, saying he would take legal action to block the board's "outrageous" action and accused it of operating like a "star chamber."

* Japan's economy got off to a bad start this year, posting a record ?1.475 trillion (US$18.5 billion merchandise trade deficit in January as a global economic slowdown and the strong yen hurt exports and fuel imports continued to increase.

* Standard & Poor's Corp. on Monday reaffirmed Japan's sovereign debt rating at AA- and maintained its negative outlook, a move that leaves Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda under pressure to deliver on tax increases to improve the country's dire fiscal position.

* Billabong International Ltd. said Monday it will consider a revised 765.3 million Australian dollar (US$825.3 million takeover offer from U.S. private-equity firm TPG Capital.

* The U.S.'s enormous debt load has been overshadowed recently by other global financial problems, but, as those start dissipating, bond investors are wondering how long the U.S. government will keep getting a free pass. Treasury yields are still at historic lows after last summer's remarkable rally, when investors were bracing for a messy fallout from the European debt crisis.

NYT

* The pair of deals to split EMI between Sony and Universal would give those music companies substantial advantages over Warner, the only other major player still in the market.

* State and local entities all across the country issue municipal bonds, which are often their lifeblood. But not all are adapting well to a new, more open world.

* The announcement Saturday that Foxconn Technology - one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers - will sharply raise salaries and reduce overtime at its Chinese factories signals that pressure from workers, international markets and concerns among Western consumers about working conditions is driving a fundamental shift that could accelerate an already rapidly changing Chinese economy.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/frontrunning-february-20#comments

News and Events - 19 Feb 2012

Remote-Controlled Microchip Drug Delivery Trials

Pharma International's US Correspondent

17.02.2012 8:46:03

US-based scientists have been trialling a remote-controlled drug delivery device with exciting results.

The implanted chip was given to female osteoporosis patients and its contents supplied in controlled doses from the outside. Those involved have said the doses given were correct and no side effects were reported.

Therefore, the world's moved one step closer to operational drug-streaming microchips and details of the team's work were unveiled at the AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science organisation's AGM, which began on 16 February and concludes on 20 February.

Microchip Drug Delivery

They also made it into the current edition of the Science Translational Medicine publication and come 15 years after the ‘telemedicine' concept was dreamed up by two MIT professors. They've since launched a corporate MIT spin-off - MicroCHIPS Inc - to develop the microchip drug delivery idea.

"You could literally have a pharmacy on a chip", MicroCHIPs' Professor Robert Langer was quoted as having said in an MIT press release. He added: "You can do remote control delivery, you can do pulsatile drug delivery and you can deliver multiple drugs."

The telemedicine drug trial involved seven test subjects - all women, all aged between 65 and 70 and all suffering from osteoporosis. At the start of 2011, the chips were implanted, under anaesthetised surgical conditions and they remained in the women until May.

Into each of these chips were loaded 20 teriparatide doses stored in separate chambers. These were sealed by titanium and platinum layers and, when an electrical current was applied, these layers broke up, allowing the drug to break free. Not only can these chips be told, in real time, when to discharge the drugs inside them, but they can also be programmed ahead of time, so they release the drugs to a precise and planned schedule.

Remote-Controlled Drug Delivery

At present, the operational range of the remote-controlled drug delivery set-up is just a few inches, but the development team expect to be able to achieve a greater distance in due course.

"The whole device is approximately 3cm by 5cm and 1cm thick", MicroCHIPS Inc's chief operating officer, Professor Robert Farra, commented. He continued: "Like other medical implants, it's made out of biocompatible materials. It has a housing with the electronics on the inside, together with the microchips that contain the discrete doses of the hormone.

"Patients with chronic diseases, regular pain-management needs or other conditions that require frequent or daily injections could benefit from this technology."

Photo: M. Scott Brauer - Courtesy MIT

Use Malegra tablets

17.02.2012 11:10:20

Malegra has nothing unsafe about it. In fact, it is absolutely safe. Men health is in safe hands. But the drug is unsafe for women and children. Women and children should be away from the use of this drug. Aftereffects of the drug can be life threatening also. Men are advised to store their drug far away from them. By mistake also Malegra should not come in contact with them. Women suffering from sexual dysfunction should
use Malegra. Malegra is also called ‘female Viagra’.

Malegra has amazing power of treating ED. Refinement is instilled in the drug to the core. Every particle of this drug adds to the strength of this drug. For several years now it has treated impotence in large number of men. Use Malegra in the best manner and avail productive results. A lot depends on how men are using it. Inappropriate use of the medication may lead to no results or harmful effects. Maintain the best behavior with the drug and relish great time.

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All of Drugs - best Online Drugstore. Cheap FDA approved and Generic Drugs online without prescription!

18.02.2012 20:52:15

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TIPS CHAMPIONING CHOOSING A DISTRIBUTOR FOR AMIDREN

18.02.2012 15:46:19

Are you a the human race in your 30s or older? At that age, a man should tarry bewitching virility for granted and arise to project as far as something an anticipated downturn in testosterone. He pass on necessary to be aware that with the turn down in the manly hormone causes symptoms that desire prove to be him sense less vital. It's attainable to take act to minimize such symptoms and perpetuate or refurbish vigor.



The gold medal procedure should be erudition what symptoms he weight encounter. When testosterone wanes, a houseman may believe stereotypical, depressed, or irritable. Concrete symptoms classify thinning braids, passing of muscle store, load benefit, tribulation achieving or maintaining an erection, and loss of libido. Fortunately, after decades of studying and help women with menopausal symptoms, American medication is at times turning to men's symptoms and how they power be alleviated. People recently
tadalies without prescription developed directions is a supplement called Amidren. Amidren is described close its industrialist as a virile hormone modulating formula. Basically, Amidren addresses the deficit in testosterone while balancing other explanation compounds in the manly bloodstream. The consequence is improved intensity, a boost in metabolism and, thus, improved unbalanced outlook.



So phrase you've sure you are experiencing some of the symptoms of manful menopause, and you've visited a physician or other vigour mind a look after masterly to control in sight a more serious tangible condition. Your next step is to find a provider of Amidren, and go to started restoring your last levels of vim. Like so scads products these days, Amidren is to hand online. What a wonderful early to be a consumer! There are so diverse advantages to shopping online. Remember those eavesdropping cashiers at your corner pharmacy? You don't be struck by to descend upon face to guts with them anymore. It's available and elementary to rank an up online. It's not more expensive. In deed data, since you're provident gas, it's probably cheaper. But how do you locate the most appropriate purveyor of the product you're interested in, in this situation Amidren?



First of all, spend a paltry rhythm with your search engine doing some research. There are innumerable providers of Amidren, and the prices they offer reorganize from subservient to $40 after sixty tablets to over $60. Some distributors discretion come forward a omit seeking huge orders. Others step disengage shipping as an incentive. Appraisal is a particular fact you intent want to research.



Conceivably more influential than price is reliability. You can allay any fears you may have and reckon with with fast established, well known retailers like Drugstore.com or Amazon.com. These companies desire to tend their stature, and wishes operate with you to address any problems you may contain with your order.



If you huge quantity with an online distributor that you've not in a million years heard of, the initial hang-up to do is garner tried the website lists a thoroughfare hail and phone numbers, both state and toll-free. A trusted online drugstore transfer give birth to pharmacists that you can consult with on phone for the purpose free. Shun unequivocal of organizations that merely aside buyer correspond with via email, or that no greater than list a P.O. Casket in the interest of an address.

Do not huge quantity with companies that send unsolicited email to your inbox. Anytime you trade at large special financial bumf on the internet, it should be an exchange that you initiated.



Congratulations on alluring call the tune of your current and unborn robustness! With a undersized inquiry, you should be superior to bring to light the Amidren distributor that fits your needs.

AZ starts selling Arimidex direct to patients in USA

17.02.2012 10:47:00

Kevin Grogan

AstraZeneca has unveiled its "first-ever direct-to-patient programme", which will see the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker offer its breast cancer drug Arimidex to US patients for $40 a month.

Under the scheme, patients with a valid prescription for Arimidex (anastrozole or a generic of the aromatase inhibitor (it went off-patent in the USA in the middle of 2010 can have the branded version delivered directly to their home by pharmacy benefit management company Express Scripts. AstraZeneca says that "calls from patients seeking information on how to obtain the brand Arimidex more affordably helped spur creation of the direct-to-patient programme".

The company adds that upon further research, it felt that eligible patients could realise "significant cost savings through Arimidex Direct". However, AstraZeneca notes that "prescription insurance coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid, cannot be used for any type of reimbursement", so the scheme only applies to patients who pay out of their own pockets.

At $40 a month, the price is above the normal $10 co-payment for generic anastrozole, but well below what insured patients could pay for the branded version - the price of 30 tablets of Arimidex at drugstore.com is listed at $458.97.

via
pharmatimes.com

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3 New Dangerous Drug Habits in Teens (LiveScience.com

18.02.2012 19:14:59

LiveScience.com - It's well-known that teens experiment with illegal substances such as alcohol and marijuana. But recently, children and teens have turned their attention to substances found at home or local convenience stores. They're abusing parents' prescription painkillers, energy drinks and computer cleaners. 

feline toxoplasmosis article

18.02.2012 14:55:39

*Feline Toxoplasmosis and its Zoonotic Implications* *Introduction* The coccidian Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals including humans. Members of the species Felidae, however, are the only known definitive hosts for the sexual stages of T. gondii and, thus, serve as the primary reservoir for the pareasite. Numerous other species are paratenic hosts and serve as intermediate hosts required for completion of the parasite’s life cycle but in which developmental changes do not occur. In the United States, the percentage of domestic cats seropositive for T. gondii is estimated to be between 16 - 43% based on regional variances.1,2 The high serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis and its zoonotic potential underscore the importance of veterinarians’ full understanding of both the disease course and the role of domestic cats in the T. gondii life cycle.3 *Epidemiology* T. gondii sporulated oocysts, bradyzoites, and tachyzoites may all cause infection.2 Cats, as obligate carnivores, primarily contract toxoplasmosis through ingestion of infected host tissue cysts. As definitive hosts, cats alone can complete the enteroepithelial life cycle. Extraintestinal cycling of T. gondii occurs in cats, as well, along with all other susceptible species that serve as intermediate hosts. In cats, the enteroepithelial and extraintestinal developmental cycles may occur simultaneously.4 *Enteroepithelial Life Cycle* Upon ingestion of tissue from infected hosts, proteolytic digestive enzymes degrade the tissue cysts and release the bradyzoites.2 These slowly dividing forms of the coccidian are capable of a sexual reproductive process called merogany that occurs only in cats.5 Through merogany, bradyzoites undergo repeated nuclear/cytoplasmic fission to yield microgamonts (‘male-like’ and macrogamonts (‘female-like’ .5 Microgamonts further divide to form microgametes which are then able to fertilize the macrogamont.5 A protective wall encapsulates fertilized macrogamonts to form the zygote-containing oocyst. Unsporulated oocysts are non-infective and are shed into the environment from the feces in most naïve cats, 10 days or less after tissue cyst ingestion.2,6 Oocyst sporulation to the infective form occurs approximately 1-5 days later, after exposure to ambient air and humidity.2 This is the period of most concern for exposure to pregnant women who may be cleaning the cat litter box. Each sporulated oocyst contains eight sporozoites that can survive in the environment for up to 18 months7, andinsects such as roaches and earthworms may function as transport hosts by dispersing oocysts from their initial shedding point .7 There are several reasons why cats who ingest oocysts or tachyzoites develop T. gondii infections less frequently (approximately 20% and exhibit a prolonged prepatent period when compared to those cats ingesting tissue cysts.6 Bradyzoites are able to serve as direct precursors to enteroepithelial cycling (and thus a shorter prepatent period whereas oocysts or tachyzoites must first develop to the bradyzoite stage.2, 5 Moreover, the decreased infection rate may be related to the fact that each tissue cyst contains a large number of bradyzoites whereas only eight sporozoites are within an oocyst.2 Finally, tachyzoite ingestion is less likely to result in patency as they are often destroyed by gastrointestinal digestive enzymes.2 *Extraintestinal Life Cycle* Ingested sporulated oocysts release sporozoites into the gastrointestinal tract of the host.6 Sporozoites enter cells of the intestine and lymph nodes where they undergo endodyogeny to form rapidly dividing tachyzoites that disemminate throughout the body through the blood and lymphatic vasculature.6 The tachyzoite tissue phase that develops within a host or is ingested may result in bradyzoite tissue cyst formation within the brain, skeletal muscle, and liver (see Figures 1,2 . These tissue cysts may persist for the life of the host,7 and the potential for recrudescence exists as tissue cysts rupture and release bradyzoites.2 Both ingested bradyzoites and those released through host cyst rupture are capable of asexual development to tachyzoites, thereby perpetuating the cycle.5 [TR] [TD]Image: http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/addante/fig01.jpg [/TD] [TD]Image: http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/addante/fig02.jpg [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="width: 291"]*Figure 1*. Raccoon brain. Multiple Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts (arrow within white matter. H&E stain, 40X.[/TD] [TD="width: 325"]*Figure 2*. Dog muscle. Myonecrosis and myositis with intralesional T. gondii tissue cysts (arrows containing developing bradyzoites. H&E stain, 40X.[/TD] [/TR]

*Vertical and Iatrogenic Infections * Transplacental and transmammary transmission occurs in carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores as a result of naïve host infection during pregnancy.2,8 In congenital transmission, T. gondii replicates and infects placental tissue whereby it gains access to the fetus. Outcome in these cases is most severe (e.g. abortion, stillbirth when infection occurs during the first half of the pregnancy.2 Alternatively, when tachyzoites are shed in milk, transmammary transmission may occur and result in clinical illness of varying degrees in newborns.2 Additionally, although less commonly observed, infection is also possible in recipients of donor fluids or tissue thereby underscoring the importance of thoroughly screening donors asT. gondii can survive at 4°C for up to 50 days in stored blood products.9 *Clinical Disease* Although there is a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among Felidae, significant clinical disease in domestic cats is relatively infrequent. When disease does occur, it may be attributed to a primary infection in which an inadequate immune response failed to arrest invasive tachyzoites.1,2,4 Alternatively, disease may result from reactivation of subclinical infection in an immunocompromised individual with encysted bradyzoites which may then form rapidly multiplying tachyzoites.2 Such incidents are thought to relate directly to variables such as the age and sex of the host, presence of immunodeficient states (such as feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus infection ,concomitant stress or illness, and organism load*.2 * Clinical illness appears to be most frequent among cats less than 2 years of age which may be due in part to an insufficient immune response by young cats.1,2,4 In one study involving 25 kittens experimentally infected with neonatal T. gondii infection, 3 kittens were stillborn.10 Among the 22 live kittens, approximately 95% exhibited proliferative interstitial pneumonia, necrotizing hepatitis, myocarditis, and skeletal myositis to the extent that euthanasia was necessary.10 Infected neonates also often develop central nervous system infections.2 Organism ingestion followed by initial enteroepithelial replication may lead to a self-limiting small bowel diarrhea that occurs due to an IgA response elicited by T. gondii resulting in increased intestinal secretions.2 Clinical illness may progress when naïve hosts are infected or when prior infections are reactivated. Extraintestinal spread of the parasite may occur as rapid multiplication of tachyzoites within host cells results in cell rupture, promoting organism dissemination and, ultimately, tissue necrosis.1,2,4 Disease onset may be sudden or insidious, and clinical signs are often multiple and varied as most types host cells are vulnerable to infection.11 Respiratory, CNS, hepatic, pancreatic, cardiac, and ocular tissues were among the most commonly affected tissues in a group of 100 adult cats with confirmed toxoplasmosis.7 Associated clinical signs included dyspnea, tachypnea, intermittent fever, icterus, vomiting, weight loss, hyperesthesia, shifting lame lameness, ataxia, dermatitis, and death.2 *Clinicopathologic Findings* Laboratory testing may detect several abnormal parameters in animals with acute systemic toxoplasmosis. A nonregenerative anemia may be detected with a concurrent neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and eosinophilia.2 The biochemical profile of cats with chronic toxoplasmosis may demonstrate hyperglobulinemia due to chronic antigenic stimulation and immune response. Hepatocellular disease may result in elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT enzyme activity, and muscle damage may cause an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST and creatine kinase (CK activity.2 Hyperbilirubinemia may occur in cats with cholangiohepatitis or hepatic lipidosis secondary to liver dysfunction.2 Histologically, lesions associated with toxoplasmosis are a result of cell death secondary to intracellular replication of T. gondii. The associated inflammatory reaction is primarily composed of macrophages in adult cats and neutrophils and macrophages (pyogranulomatous , with or without a lymphoplasmacytic component, in neonates.10,11 Tissue cysts often persist in the absence of host reaction. In the CNS, encephalitis may result from tachyzoites primarily infecting astrocytes.11 A resultant diffuse necrotizing and nonsuppurative lymphocytic infiltrate may develop in the brain and extend to the meninges.11 Necrotizing hepatitis with focal areas of coagulative lobular necrosis may be observed with the presence of few organisms.11 Other gross lesions include pulmonary edema and congestion with failure of lung collapse as well as multifocal areas of firm white, yellow, or gray discoloration in the pulmonary parenchyma.11 Toxoplasma organisms invade type 1 and 2 pneumocytes as well as pulmonary alveolar macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells.11 The subsequent proliferative reaction in alveolar walls may resemble adenomatosis. Severe lymphadenopathy may occur.11 Pericardial effusion is occasionally reported and likely due to organisms invading the myocardium.2 Intestinal lymphatic tissue invasion may result in small bowel ulcerative disease.11 If the muscularis is involved, occasionally a chronic necrotizing process leads to large granulomatous nodules that can impede the transport of luminal contents and possible lymphangiectasia.2,11 Ocular lesions are frequent and may cause inflammation of the retina or anterior segment (anterior uveitis with granulomatous inflammation being the prominent cytologic feature.2 Placental lesions can include focal necrosis with or without foci of mineralization.7 *Diagnosis* Diagnosis of clinical toxoplasmosis in cats is challenging due to the high seroprevalence of the infection among non-affected cats as well as the many potential antibody responses that may occur in disease as well as in health. Sinceseroconversion also occurs in the absence of clinical disease, titers should be interpreted in conjuction with clinical signs consistent with toxoplasmosis. Accordingly, the exclusion of other causes of clinical disease paired with serologic evidence (such as a four-fold increase in titer and a positive response to appropriate therapy may be simultaneously employed in order to reach a tentative diagnosis.2 *Serology * Near 80% of cats are thought to develop IgM antibodies within 1-2 weeks after exposure. These antibodies may remain detectable for months to years.2 As a result, the presence of IgM antibody cannot reliably be used to predict recent infection and oocyst shedding. Similarly, IgG antibodies may not develop for 4-6 weeks and may peak in 2-3 weeks with some cats remaining high for several years.1,2,4 T. gondii titers may be by indirect fluorescent antibody testing, modified agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent antibody assays, and Sabin-Feldman serologic testing.7 Because many cats have T. gondii antibodies from previous exposure, it is necessary to demonstrate either a four-fold rise in IgG titers over a 2-3 week period or a single high IgM titer (> 1:64 .1,2,4,7 Clinical signs may develop before seroconversion occurs in 1-2 weeks or not until after peak titers have developed.1,2,7 For these reasons, antibody titers may be difficult to interpret and single antibody titers are often insufficient for definitive diagnosis.2 *Cytology* Definitive diagnosis for T. gondii is possible through identification of the organisms in body tissue or fluids (see Figures 3,4 . In acute illness, tachyzoites may be present in large numbers in body fluids such as abdominal and pleural effusions.2 Peripheral blood smears, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF , fine needle aspirates of tissues, and airway washings are less likely to provide direct organism detection.2 Such biologic samples can be used for bioassays in mice, tissue cultures, or PCR to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii organisms.2,7 [TR] [TD]Image: http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/addante/fig03.jpg [/TD] [TD]Image: http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/addante/fig04.jpg [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="width: 316"]*Figure 3*. Transtracheal washing from a cat. A large binucleate phagocytic cell contains intracytoplasmic Toxoplasma tachyzoites (arrow . Wrights stain, 50X.[/TD] [TD="width: 325"]*Figure 4*. Fine needle aspirate from cat lung. A ruptured large mononuclear cell with multiple Toxoplasma tachyzoites. Wrights stain, 100X.[/TD] [/TR] Fecal samples may also be examined for the presence of T. gondii oocysts but are relatively insensitive and nonspecific. Clinical signs usually do not develop until after oocyst shedding has ceased, and oocyst shedding may occur in the absence of clinical toxoplasmosis.1,2,7 Furthermore, the microscopic appearance of T. gondii oocysts is indistinguishable from the oocysts of other coccidians such as Hammondia and Besnoitia that may also infect cats.2,7 *CNS and Aqueous Humor Analysis* Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis-induced uveitis or encephalitis is also possible through antibody testing and subsequent calculation of Goldman-Witmer coefficients.2, 7 Antibody measurements for T. gondii and another agent-specific-antibody (ASA in aqueous humor or CSF must be compared to the same measurements obtained for serum.2,7 The ASA should be from an agent that is expected to have a high serum titer but does not cause CNS disease. Calicivirus antibody has been used for this purpose in cats.2 This procedure allows for higher antibody levels occurring simply due to increased vascular permeability that may result from inflammation of any cause.2 To calculate the coefficient, the ratio of the T. gondii antibody level in the aqueous or CSF over the T. gondii antibody level in the serum is multiplied by the ratio of the ASA level in body fluids (i.e. in the aqueous or CSF over the serum ASA level.2,7 A coefficient greater than 1 is significant, and a result greater than 8 is considered compatible with T. gondii infection.2,7 *Treatment* [TR] [TD="bgcolor: #990000"]Note: Treatment of animals should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Veterinarians should consult the current literature and current pharmacological formularies before initiating any treatment protocol. [/TD] [/TR] Clindamycin at 10-12mg/kg every 8-12 hours for 4 weeks, by oral or parenteral route, is often used for treatment of cats with clinical toxoplasmosis.2,7 Resolution of clinical signs may begin within 24 to 48 hours of instituting therapy.2 Clindamycin doses necessary to treat toxoplasmosis in cats may lead to such adverse reactions as anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea.12 If clindamycin cannot be tolerated at the recommended dose, pyrimethamine or trimethoprim may be combined with a sulfonamide for treatment. However, the risk of anti-folate drug related bone marrow suppression necessitates frequent monitoring for hematologic abnormalities.2,7 Dietary supplementation with folic acid (5mg/day or yeast (100 mg/kg may aide in correcting hematopoietic disruption.2,7 The prognosis for cats with toxoplasmosis is guarded, as available drugs are unable to completely eliminate the parasite and the risk for relapse of clinical disease is possible.2 Recurrence is particularly common in immunocompromised cats.2,7 *Zoonotic Potential* An estimated 30-50% of the human population is currently infected with Toxoplasma in the asymptomatic cyst form.3 In immunocompromised patients, the cyst form may potentially lead to serious disease.3,13 Because of the potential for disastrous outcomes in infections that occur during pregnancy, women planning to become pregnant may opt for T. gondii antibody testing.13 Positive antibody detection indicates previous infection and suggests that the likelihood of congenital transmission upon re-exposure to the parasite during pregnancy is limited.13 Conversely, antibody-negative women are at far greater risk of transmitting Toxoplasma to the fetus if they should become infected during pregnancy.13 This risk becomes magnified as 70 million domestic cats are kept as pets in American households, making them the most numerous in the nation among domestic companion species.14 Clearly, it is vital to clarify the role of cats in the transmission of Toxoplasma to humans. The primary means by which most humans are infected with T. gondii are through oocyst-contaminated soil and eating undercooked infected meat such as lamb and pork.3 People who own cats are not at a significantly higher risk for T. gondii infection than those who do not.7 Since oocysts are highly resistant to environmental conditions, exposure can be minimized by wearing rubber gloves during contact and washing hands thoroughly after possible exposure to potentially contaminated soil.1,3,13 Areas such as sandboxes should be kept covered to avoid oocyst contamination. 1,3,13 Meat should routinely be cooked to an internal temperature of 70°C (158°F for at least 15 to 30 minutes in order to destroy tissue cysts.13 Restricting the access of pet cats to hunting and disallowing the ingestion of uncooked meat may prevent cats exposure to T. gondii. When they are exposed. most healthy cats will shed oocysts only during acute infection.1,2,7,13 As the infected cat develops an immune response, oocyst shedding is halted, and the development of tachyzoites is arrested with the resultant formation of bradyzoites (slowly replicating forms of the organism conyained within tissue cysts.2 Cats previously unexposed to T. gondii usually begin shedding oocysts between 3 and 10 days after ingestion of infected tissue and continue shedding for 10-14 days, during which time many millions of oocysts may be produced.1,2,7,13 However, once a cat has developed an immune response, further shedding of oocysts is extremely rare.1,2,7,13 In the few cats that do re-excrete oocysts after another exposure to Toxoplasma, the number of oocysts shed is lower and may even be insufficient to transmit the parasite effectively.2,7 An antibody-negative cat, particularly a kitten, is most susceptible to infection and will shed oocysts for one to two weeks post-exposure to T. gondii.2 In a healthy cat, positive antibody titers are suggestive that the cat is immune, not excreting oocysts, and an unlikely source of infection.2 In any case, daily cleaning of feces from litter boxes, paired with regular disinfection of the boxes, will prevent any oocysts that are shed from sporulating to the infective form.1,2,7,13 It is still recommended, however, that women who are or may become pregnant avoid cleaning the litter box.

RFID blocking at the point-of-sale

18.02.2012 18:02:34

Spotted by the cash-register at London Drugs, a giant discount pharmacy-cum-big-box-store in downtown Vancouver, these cheap RFID-blocking credit-card sleeves. RFID-blocking wallet, point of sale, London Drugs, Vancouver, BC

Pelosi Outlines Democrats' Campaign Vision

17.02.2012 0:18:00

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JUDY WOODRUFF: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, thank you for talking with us.

REP. NANCY PELOSI, D-Calif.: Thank you for having me.

JUDY WOODRUFF: This coming, evidently, agreement on the payroll tax cut. Speaker Boehner is saying today that this is necessary because of the president's failed economic policies.

REP. NANCY PELOSI: Well, how sad. This is necessary because our economy and our people need this boost. For individual families, 160 million American families, this will be a boost. From a macro economic standpoint the demand that is injected into the economy as people spend this money will be a job creator. Again, a temporary measure to help give us a boost. The same as the unemployment insurance extension. Economists tell us that that's an immediate jumpstart to the economy because of the macroeconomics of getting money, spending it immediately, injecting demand, creating jobs.

Does he wants us to get into a discussion of how we got here before, the Bush meltdown of our financial institutions, two unpaid for wars, a prescription drug bill that gave away the store for the pharmaceutical industry, a tax cut for the wealthiest people in our country, unpaid for. 

I don't think that we want to go down that path, the American people have been there, seen it, they know. Whatever it is. there is a ground truth in our country that we have to help the middle class.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Do you worry though that this does take money out of the Social Security trust fund and that it may never be fully be refunded, repaid?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: No, I don't worry about that. I think that this should be the last year for it.

I do believe that other factors in economic growth are weighing in now and we see an improvement in our growth possibilities but I think one or two years, no, the trust fund can handle that.

JUDY WOODRUFF: If this, this is now off the table assuming the vote goes as I think you and the speaker are suggesting it will. What else can Congress get done this year?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: I don't know, you'd have to ask him because so far any initiative the president has put on the table for job creation they have said no to.

What's really sad is as we are meeting this week, they have a highway bill on the floor of the House. Traditionally, highway bills have been a bipartisan initiative for job creation. This is a bill, that has been, for the first time in people say 50 years, has not been put together in a bipartisan way, it is not a job creator, but a job killer for over half a million jobs will be lost if this bill were to become law and it's dangerous to the public safety. For many reasons, this would have been the wrong path to go down and this would have been an important initiative for job creation.

JUDY WOODRUFF: I know that there's a real disagreement about that. What about the president's budget, even there are bi-partisan groups out there applauding the President for getting a start tackling the debt, but in fact the president promised he was going to cut the deficit in half by this point in his presidency. This is not a budget that goes after entitlement reform and it uses what it calls ‘savings' from ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that, again, bi-partisan outside groups are saying are really a gimmick, that isn't money that can really be counted on as savings.

REP. NANCY PELOSI: Well, you put several aspects of the budget on the table. Let me say that I'm proud of what the president's budget it. It's a statement of our national values, as to what is important to us as a country being reflected into our investment priorities in a budget. It talks about investments in our future, it talks about job creation, it talks about deficit reduction. It talks about lowering taxes for the middle class as an ongoing theme in his agenda. Many of these outside groups did not say the same thing when the Republicans put the savings from the overseas war in their budgets, so this is a legitimate place. The savings are there and can be used to offset other investments. But it is, again, a continuation of what the president started when he came into office and he made that statement, reduce the deficit, create jobs, lower taxes for the middle class, do so by investments in education and innovation into healthcare and to energy innovations for which he is in the lead. What's also important about it though and is important to note, is that when the new president made that statement he was basing his figures on those given to him by the Commerce Department of the previous administration which either didn't know or didn't tell what the actual fiscal situation was.

JUDY WOODRUFF: We are launching into an election year, in the last campaign Madam Minority Leader you became a negative symbol for the Democrats and the Republicans went after you with a vengeance, do you think they are going to do the same thing this year?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: Well it doesn't matter but what's important about that is they used money to win the election. They used money. Undisclosed, unlimited, special interest money, and that's why our focus is on disclose. We want to know where that money's coming from, we want people to stand by their ad. You have something to say? You're going to spend tens of millions of dollars to misrepresent the president's position on something, going to say and mischaracterize the record of a member of Congress, stand by your ad. So we want to disclose. We want to reform the system, after we win. We want to amend the Constitution to get rid of this Citizens United unlimited money in the system.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Well, what do you think about the fact the Obama campaign -- Democrats have embraced the system, the Super PACs, just as the Republicans have?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: No, I want to make the distinction. The Republicans' money was undisclosed. Undisclosed. The president is, I think, doing the right thing to win this election by disclosing what the source of the money is. That makes all the difference in the world when people know where the money is coming from, because if people have to stand by their ad they may not make such outrageous charges or they may not even put the money up. So, I think they president has to win, he can't go to a baseball game without a bat, and there is so much at stake for the American people in this election. But his is different from theirs in that his is disclosed, theirs was not, to the tune of about $150 million, as you said, directed at me.

JUDY WOODRUFF: You, I was mentioning that the Republicans used you, you became a negative symbol to the part of the Republicans in the last election, should Democrats do the same with Speaker Boehner or another Republican?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: I think the Democrats are running about the future. The Republicans have always got to attack sombody else because they're frankly bankrupt in terms of ideas for the future. We are talking about reigniting the American dream. The president will go out there and talk about what is at stake for the future. It isn't about attacking an individual because if you don't have the issues you attack the person. He has the issues. He has the values. Reignite the American dream, build ladders of opportunity for all who want to work hard, play by the rules, take responsibility. But we have work to do to do that, and we would hope to do it in a bipartisan way. I think that's what you'll see on the Democratic side. And winning the election to change the system to diminish the role of money in the campaigns so the people's voices and votes will decide the election, not the bankrolls of a very few people.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Another topic, the challenge to the healthcare reform law, the Affordable Care Act, coming up before the Supreme Court next month, are you worried about that?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: Well I think we're in pretty good shape constitutionally. I mean we wrote a bill understanding our responsibilities to the Constitution of the United States. You never know what happens in a court, but in terms of the substance and the constitutionality of it, we believe that we're on solid ground.

JUDY WOODRUFF: And if it were to be in part or fully overturned, what would that mean for the Congress?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: Well, let's be on the positive side. Even some of the most conservative groups, the Heritage Foundation for example, supported the individual mandate and that's really the essence of the case going to the Supreme Court. The individual mandate. That has had support from the right to the left on the political spectrum. But you know what, it's the third branch of government. They will act on their responsibilities and the substance before them. In terms of what we legislated, we feel very strongly and believe that its on strong constitutional ground.

JUDY WOODRUFF: A question, Madam Leader about the war in Afghanistan, there was a report in the New York Times last week, about an exhaustive and a really devastating report written by an Army colonel who went over to Afghanistan. His assessment is that this war has essentially been a disaster, the military leaders of the United States have not leveled with the American people saying the situation on the ground is much worse than what the American people have been lead to believe. My question is, first of all, are you familiar with the report and if you are, do you agree with his assessment, you've spent time looking at this?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: I've gone to Afghanistan many times in the course of our involvement there and my last trip was most optimistic. It was bearing fruit from the changed approach that President Obama has taken. You have to remember, that when the president took office, there had been no plan for Afghanistan for the full time, for the seven years before he took office. It's a very sad tale to say we went in, we routed the Taliban we did not defeat them, and we went to Iraq. The president came in with a new approach for how to transfer the responsibility for security in Afghanistan to the Afghan forces and that I see much more progress in the past year than I had in the ten years before.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Do you have confidence in what the military leadership is saying about how the war is going?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: From what I have seen there. Now let me say this, I think we will be honoring the president's announcement that we will be reducing our number of troops or changing their mission in this year, in 2013 the year to come, in order for us to leave in 2014.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, thank you very much for talking with us.