New Approaches in HIV Cure Research: functional or sterilizing?

Following the last edition of the "International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies" held earlier this month, scientists envision the practical ways of implementing the first eradication trials in the clinic.

Tucker, GA, December 30, 2011 -- The failure of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to eradicate HIV infection lies in the fact that HIV remains quiescent in latent reservoirs. Latently infected resting CD4+ cells carry transcriptionally silent HIV-1 and represent the predominant viral reservoir in patients on suppressive ART. Other cells may also act as reservoirs such as macrophages, dendritic cells and astrocytes.

HIV is a retrovirus that integrates into the host genome and as such, on cell division will be automatically present in both daughter cells. The mechanisms involved in the maintenance of HIV reservoirs are progressively deciphered.

An HIV cure could be envisaged as either sterilizing, equivalent to HIV eradication, or functional, equivalent to HIV remission.

The concept of a functional cure implies to deplete virus reservoirs to such an extent that a “controller” status is achieved. In this way, HIV is maintained at low levels for long periods of time in the absence of ART, equivalent to that observed in known HIV “Elite controllers”.

Approaches to deplete HIV reservoirs include “purging” these reservoirs by selective activation of latently infected cells (such as memory cells) in the presence of ART such that released virus may not infect and replicate in neighboring cells. Agents include histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, cytokines, as IL-15, and bryostatin, a protein kinase C activator.

In order to demonstrate a sustained virological response (functional cure), ART will ultimately need to be stopped in order to show that virus levels remain undetectable.

The current skepticism regarding treatment interruption means that inclusion criteria for patients in such studies will take in to consideration both pre ART and nadir CD4+ T-cell counts.

It is likely that a cocktail of potent anti-latency compounds will be needed in concert with intensified ART regimen to reach an HIV cure. This implies assessing the ratio between benefit and risk and clearly informing patients about ethical issues.

The next edition of the “International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies” will take place in Miami, Florida, 3-6 December 2013. Meanwhile, the scientists that met together at the last meeting will keep regular ties in order to implement the first proof-of-concept trials of HIV functional cure.

Media Contact:
Alain Lafeuillade
Informed Horizons, LLC
1860 Montreal Road, Suite 2
Tucker GA 30084
Tel: 33-4-94616340

Pinnacle Foods-Owned Farmer's Garden™ by Vlasic® and National Gardening Association Congratulate 2011 “Farm to School Project” Grant Winners

Grant Helps 35 Urban Schools Nationwide Build and Maintain Gardens.

MOUNTAIN LAKES, NJ (December 30, 2011) -- Thirty-five schools is urban cities throughout the country were selected from thousands of gardening programs nationwide by the National Gardening Association (NGA) (http://www.farmersgardenvlasic.com/nga/) to receive a 2011 “Farm to School Project” grant from Farmer’s Garden™ by Vlasic® (http://www.farmersgardenbyvlasic.com), a Pinnacle Foods Group LLC brand.

The grant was allocated among the following winning schools, each of which received a $1,100 Farmer’s Garden™ by Vlasic® Farm to School Project kit stocked full of indoor and outdoor gardening supplies, including a tiered light garden for starting seeds, seed starting kit, plant beds, tool kits, composter, kids gloves, nutrition books and more:

University Place Elementary (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Imagine Schools at Avondale (Avondale, AZ)
Melrose Elementary (Los Angeles, CA)
Pacific Beach Middle School (San Diego, CA)
St. James School (San Francisco, CA)
Denver Green School (Denver, CO)
PAL @ Stanton Elementary (Washington, DC)
Richmond Heights Middle (Miami, FL)
David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center (North Miami, FL)
Roscoe Academy (Chicago, IL)
Topeka Public School (Topeka, KS)
RSD School District-Dr. Charles Drew School (New Orleans, LA)
Maria L. Baldwin School (Cambridge, MA)
Campus Learning Center (Lawrence, MA)
Dearborn Middle School (Roxbury, MA)
Baltimore Montessori Public Charter (Baltimore, MD)
Lyseth Elementary Garden Club (Portland , ME)
Genesee Intermediate School (Flint, MI)
Garlough Environmental Magnet (West St Paul, MN)
University City Children's Center (St. Louis, MO)
Brier Creek Elementary School (Raleigh, NC)
Duncan Elementary (Omaha, NE)
Chaplain Charles J. Watters School (Jersey City, NJ)
Salazar Elementary School (Santa Fe, NM)
Bertha Ronzone Elementary (Las Vegas, NV)
Duncan Elementary (Reno, NV)
MS442 (Brooklyn, NY)
P373R The Robert Randall School (Staten Island, NY)
Dater Montessori School (Cincinnati, OH)
Belmont Academy Charter (Philadelphia, PA)
Meeting Street Academy (Charleston, SC)
Dr. William H. Brewster Elementary (Memphis, TN)
Park Place Elementary (Houston, TX)
Champlain Elementary School (Burlington, VT)
Glendale Elementary (Madison, WI)

The gardens give children the opportunity to learn about fresh fruits and vegetables through a mentored, hands-on learning environment. The students will be able to see the gardening process from start to finish, and taste the fruits of their labor.

Each school program was selected because of its continued commitment to actively and creatively engaging youth in the gardening process,” said National Gardening Association President Michael Metallo. The NGA promotes home, school and community gardening as a means to renew and sustain the essential connections between people, plants and the environment. “The National Gardening Association proudly supports this important children’s garden for their respective communities.”

The partnership with NGA, a nonprofit leader in plant-based education for more than 35 years, underscores Farmer’s Garden™ by Vlasic’s® commitment to honest ingredients, and support of the farm to table lifestyle. The “Farm to School Project” also helps engage children's imaginations, spark their creative forces, and teach them how to keep a healthy and balanced diet.

Children at these schools will now have an opportunity to experience fruits and vegetables through hands-on learning through their very own ‘edible classroom’,” said Vlasic Marketing Director, Greg Greene. “Farmer’s Garden™ by Vlasic® is proud to be able to recognize the teachers’ dedication and efforts in showing kids the importance of produce in their lives.”

To learn more about Farmer’s Garden™ by Vlasic®, visit http://www.farmersgardenbyvlasic.com. To learn more about the NGA's school gardening initiatives, visit http://www.kidsgardening.org.

About Pinnacle Foods Group LLC
Millions of times a day in more than 85% of American households, consumers reach for Pinnacle Foods brands. We are a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products, which have been trusted household names for decades. Headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, our business employs more than 4,300 people in North America. We are a leader in the shelf stable and frozen foods segments and our brands hold the #1 or #2 market position in 10 out of 13 major category segments in which they compete. Our Duncan Hines Grocery Division manages brands such as Duncan Hines® baking mixes and frostings, Vlasic® pickles, peppers, and relish, Comstock® and Wilderness® Fruit Pie Fillings, Mrs. Butterworth’s® and Log Cabin® syrups, Armour® canned meats, Nalley® and Brooks® chili and chili ingredients, and Open Pit® barbecue sauces. Our Birds Eye Frozen Division manages brands such as Birds Eye®, Birds Eye Steamfresh®, C&W®, McKenzie’s®, and Fresh like® vegetables, Birds Eye Voila!® complete bag meals, Aunt Jemima® frozen breakfasts, Swanson® and Hungry-Man® dinners and entrees, Van de Kamp’s® and Mrs. Paul’s® seafood, Lender’s® bagels and Celeste® pizza. Our Specialty Foods Division manages Tim’s Cascade Snacks®, Hawaiian™ Kettle Style Potato Chips, Snyder of Berlin® and Husman’s® in addition to our food service and private label businesses. Further information is available at http://www.pinnaclefoods.com.

About National Gardening Association
About the National Gardening Association Founded in 1973, National Gardening Association (NGA) is a national nonprofit leader in plant-based education, respected for its award-winning, information-rich websites and newsletters; grants, curricula, and resources for youth gardens; and research for the lawn and garden industry. NGA’s mission is to promote home, school, and community gardening as a means to renew and sustain the essential connection between people, plants, and the environment. To learn more about gardening with children, please visit http://www.kidsgardening.org.

Media Contacts:
Mike Metallo
National Gardening Association (NGA)
802-863-5251 x123

Mary Sudasassi
Pinnacle Foods Group, LLC
1 Bloomfield Avenue
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046-1429
305-448-6163

Zevrix Extends Holiday Sale until January 5: 50% off All Products

Zevrix Solutions, a solutions developer for graphics, print and file delivery, announces today it has extended its holiday season sale until January 5. The company offers 50% discount on everything in Zevrix online store including product bundles. Zevrix produces such popular plug-ins for Adobe InDesign automation as LinkOptimizer, BatchOutput and InPreflight, as well as productivity solutions for graphic files checkup, Microsoft Office, file delivery and PDF workflow automation.

Toronto, Canada - December 30, 2011 -- Zevrix Solutions, a solutions developer for graphics, print and file delivery, announces today it has extended its holiday season sale until January 5. The company offers 50% discount on everything in its online store including product bundles. Zevrix makes several popular automation plug-ins for Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, as well as solutions for graphic files checkup, PDF workflows and automated file delivery.

The Zevrix line of products includes the following key solutions:

LinkOptimizer: an InDesign plug-in which lets users reduce linked image size, performs essential image adjustments and converts file formats automatically. The software is also available for Adobe Illustrator as ArtOptimizer.

BatchOutput: an InDesign plug-in which automates printing and exporting from InDesign and offers single page output, variable file names, PDF preflight and more.

InPreflight: an InDesign plug-in which lets users collect multiple files automatically, perform thorough quality control, and create graphic preflight reports.

Graphic Inspector: a quality control solution which checks entire folders of images and vector graphic files for multitude of attributes.

PDF Checkpoint: a PDF workflow automation solution to preflight and convert batches of PDF files.

Deliver: a file delivery solution which lets users send and share files easily over the Internet and local networks, and offers hot folder processing, automatic email notifications, compression, detailed history and more.

BatchOutput Office: a suit of productivity tools for Microsoft Office which automate printing and PDF production from Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Pricing and Availability:
Zevrix software can be purchased at 50% off until January 5, 2012 from Zevrix website, http://www.zevrix.com. For the sale conditions, please visit the website. Product trials are also available for download. All Zevrix products require Mac OS X 10.4.2-10.7, InDesign solutions require Adobe CS3-CS5.5.

About Zevrix Solutions

Located in Toronto, Canada, Zevrix Solutions provides productivity solutions for Adobe Creative Suite software, graphic file diagnostics, PDF workflow, digital delivery, and Microsoft Office on Mac OS. Zevrix Solutions is dedicated to helping professionals achieve more while doing less through automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs. For more information, visit http://www.zevrix.com.

-Ends-

Contact:
Leo Revzin
Owner
Zevrix Solutions
105 McCAUL St, Suite 301
Toronto Ontario M5T 2X4 Canada
Tel: 858-206-0607

HIV Cure Research Workshop Report

The last edition of the “International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies” took place in St Maarten, December 6-9, 2011. It is now time for the 210 participants to translate into their personal research what they have learned from this meeting.

Toulon, France, December 29, 2011 -- The workshop allowed to understand better fundamental mechanisms of viral persistence and virus-host interactions, and to envision future therapeutic strategies targeting HIV reservoirs. There are technological limitations to detecting HIV-infected resting memory CD4+ T-cells including: the huge volumes of blood needed by culture assay, the measure of defective viruses by PCR-based assays, and the lack of animal models. Additionally, recent studies indicate that two normal physiological processes involved in the maintenance of immunological memory, T-cell survival and homeostatic proliferation, likely contribute to the persistence of latently infected memory CD4 T-cells. In light of this evidence, researchers would like to find ways to recognize latently infected cells, activate them, leading to cell death or clearance by the immune system. Efforts are also ongoing to identify other cell populations than CD4+ T lymphocytes containing latent virus.

To design a cure for HIV infection, different or complementary approaches are needed to target residual virus in ART-treated patients. Some of them are already under testing, like vorinostat, of will be soon proposed for clinical trials, like anti-PD1 antibodies.

Finally, it is already shared by the scientific community that therapeutic approaches towards an HIV cure should be combinations of drugs to suppress inflammation, anti-PD1, chemokine antagonists, etc.

The 210 participants at the “International Workshop on HIV Persistence, Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies” discussed all these aspects in-depth. They were basic scientists, clinical researchers, firms’ representatives, and patients’ advocates, all highly involved in the search of an HIV cure.

Media Contact:
Alain Lafeuillade
CHITS
1208 Avenue Colonel Picot
83056 Toulon, Var, France
Tel: 33-4-94616340

AlphaStaff Announces Release of Client Manager Self-Service Web Portal

CMSS to allow clients/employees to perform key operations online in January 2012.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - December 28, 2011 -- AlphaStaff Group, Inc. (“AlphaStaff”), one of the nation’s largest professional employer organizations (PEO), announced the release of their Client Manager Self- Service (CMSS) web portal that is slated to launch in January 2012 and will allow AlphaStaff clients and their employees to perform key human resource, payroll and reporting functions through an Internet browser. The announcement was made by John Gibson, CEO.

The new CMSS web portal will provide managers with an increase of more than 300 percent more employee data. Users will have ability to update core employee and company information directly, without the need to fax, email or phone in changes thus freeing up managers from paper-based changes. Employees will have the ability to update information as well, including: State Tax Withholdings, Direct Deposits, Beneficiaries and Dependents, among other information. The CMSS portal includes a new reporting platform and can also serve as an Intranet, housing client-specific content.

We are delighted to be starting 2012 with a brand new product for our customers,” said Jack Rahner, Vice President of Information Technology. “CMSS will allow clients to have so much more access to manage their data and perform self-service functions, freeing up back-office staff to do the jobs that they do best. The improved screen design, underlying platform, and expanded feature set truly make this a best-in-class application.”

CMSS will be user-friendly and consist of new screen layout and color schemes, presenting common employee information in a banner-like format, and using wizards when possible. CMSS will be available to clients in late January and a communications and training program will be provided for all migrating to the new platform.

To learn more about AlphaStaff and their suite of services, please visit http://www.alphastaff.com.

About AlphaStaff
AlphaStaff Group, Inc., a full range of human resource outsourcing (HRO), delivers services to small and medium sized businesses and mid-market companies through a shared employment model. The company specializes in helping companies save money, time and free up administrative resources while reducing risk and ensuring compliance. Unlike other Professional Employment Organizations (PEO) or HRO providers, AlphaStaff has a unique, coordinated delivery approach as they work exclusively with insurance broker partners to distribute services. AlphaStaff’s experienced HR professionals deliver personal and flexible service to more than 1,300 client companies in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.alphastaff.com.

Media Contact:
Kristy Kennedy
AlphaStaff Group, Inc.
800 Corporate Drive
Suite 600
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
305-448-5839

"All Women" Juried Art Competition Announced by Art Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces an "All Women" Juried Art Competition for the month of January 2012.

Jupiter, Florida - December 26, 2011 -- Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces an "All Women" Juried Art Competition for the month of January 2012. The gallery urges all 2D (women only) artists to submit their best art for inclusion into the gallery’s February 2012 online group exhibition.

The gallery would like to be able to exhibit only the best art that a women artist can submit with any 2D media, in any style and about any subject matter. Women are encouraged to submit their art regardless of where they reside and regardless of their experience or education in the art field.

A group exhibition of the top ten finalists will be held online at the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery during the month of February 2012. Awards will be for 1st through 5th places and in addition 5 artists will be recognized with Honorable Mention awards. Depending on the amount and the quality of the entries, these winning categories may be expanded and there also may be Special Recognition awards posted as well. The submission process and the deadline ends on January 29, 2012.

Winners of the "All Women" Art Exhibition will receive extensive worldwide publicity in the form of email marketing, 70+ press release announcements, 55+ event announcements, social media marketing and increased website traffic in order to make the art world aware of the artist’s accomplishments. There will also be links back to the artist’s website as part of this achievement.

Women artists provide us with your best art now. Apply Online Here: http://www.lightspacetime.com.

About Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery conducts monthly art competitions and monthly art exhibitions for new and emerging artists on a worldwide basis. It is Light Space & Time’s intention to showcase this incredible talent in a series of monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions by marketing and displaying the exceptional abilities of these worldwide artists.

The art gallery website can be viewed here: http://www.lightspacetime.com

Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
Tel: 888-490-3530

In 2012, the IAPAM's Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums with Botox(R) Training Stand Alone

Beyond the hands-on botox ® training and aesthetic medicine instruction, the resources physicians receive from the IAPAM position it as the most respected physician training association in North America.

Las Vegas, NV, December 23, 2011 -- The IAPAM leads its competitors in offering the most complete botox ® training and aesthetic medicine education in North America. In 2012, attendees at the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums will have the competitive advantage of learning from board-certified dermatologists and experts in the fields of botox ® training, lasers & IPLs, dermal fillers, hCG for weight loss, medical grade chemical peels and medical micordermabrasion. Beyond the hands-on botox ® training and aesthetic medicine instruction, the resources physicians receive from the IAPAM position it as the most respected physician training association in North America.

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine’s (IAPAM) Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with botox ® training is different than any other physician training program offered in North America. The IAPAM (http://www.iapam.com) offers comprehensive aesthetic medicine education and long term support for physicians of all medical specialties. The IAPAM is where the world’s physicians come together to learn and share their experiences in aesthetic medicine. The IAPAM offers a suite of aesthetic medicine training programs from botox ® training (http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com) to hCG training (http://www.hcgtraining.com), along with aesthetic practice business training. Unlike programs offered by a private company, the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium is certified by the IAPAM, a voluntary professional association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession.

Attendees at the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium receive significant value for money. The Symposium provides physicians with:

- dedicated instruction from board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables.
- hands-on practice in the best injection techniques.
- delivery of the botox ® training at a medical practice, not in a hotel room.
- a set of the IAPAM’s comprehensive training DVDs, which cover:

1. Botulinum Toxin for Cosmetic Patients – lecture.
2. Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers for Cosmetic Patients – live demonstration.
3. Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion – live demonstration of techniques.

- an environment that does not allow exhibitors, giving doctors more time for education.
- the opportunity to attend the Symposium’s Aesthetic Practice Startup Workshop, which is the only medical spa program highlighting the latest information on medspa business development and social media marketing.
- the unique opportunity to attend the full-day session on hCG and Medical Weight Management. This session will cover hCG for weight loss, the original Dr. Simeons hCG Protocol, prescription appetite suppressants, ketogenic diet based programs, meal replacement and B6/12 injections.

To date, almost 1,000 physicians (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, and DDSs), as well as their accompanying medspa managers, registered nurses, and assistants, have attended the IAPAM’s weekend Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums and hCG Physician Training sessions. The IAPAM’s suite of training programs offer physicians a unique educational experience in a resort location from a renowned faculty. Join the hundreds of physicians who have the IAPAM Advantage. To register for an upcoming Aesthetic Medicine Symposium in 2012, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704 or info@theiapam.com or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com.

Botox, Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm are trademarks of Allergan, Inc. Dysport, Restylane, Perlane are trademarks of Medicis, Inc.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox ® training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x704
Twitter: @IAPAM

For hCG Weight Loss in 2012, Glenmore Healthcare Offers the Gold Standard in Calgary

Glenmore Healthcare follows the IAPAM’s hCG Weight Loss Protocol, which has been administered to over 15,000 patients around the world with consistently safe and effective weight loss results.

Calgary, Alberta, December 23, 2011 -- Glenmore Healthcare is the longest standing provider of safe and effective hCG for weight loss in Calgary. Since opening in 2010, over 450 patients have lost weight utilizing the IAPAM’s exclusive hCG Protocol, offered in Calgary only at Glenmore Healthcare. Worldwide, over 15,000 patients have successfully lost weight using the IAPAM’s hCG Diet.

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin or hCG has been used as a weight loss aid for over 50 years, and since being showcased by Dr. Oz Show in February and June of 2011, it is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in the US and Canada. Patients can access this safe and effective physician-supervised weight loss program in Calgary at Glenmore Healthcare (http://www.glenmorehealthcare.com).

Glenmore Healthcare’s exclusive hCG Weight Loss Program is a proven medical solution for optimal weight loss and maintenance. Based upon the successful protocol originally developed in 1954 by Dr. Simeons, as detailed in his report, Pounds and Inches, and refined by the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (http://www.iapam.com) in 2010, the Glenmore Healthcare’s hCG medically supervised weight loss program is built around a low calorie diet coupled with the administration of the pharmaceutical grade of the naturally occurring hormone, hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin). Glenmore Healthcare follows the IAPAM’s hCG Weight Loss Protocol, which has been administered to over 15,000 patients around the world with consistently safe and effective weight loss results.

Patients participating in the Glenmore Healthcare’s hCG for Weight Loss Program are monitored by a licensed physician who specializes in hCG for weight loss. Labs, vital statistics and body composition analysis are recorded prior to starting the program. Patients at Glenmore Healthcare have lost as much as 20 pounds on our 26 day program, and 35 pounds on our 43 day program. At the end of the program, clinic staff will test a patient’s RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) with the same equipment as used on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.”

hCG taken on its own, or the use of homeopathic hCG, will not result in rapid, safe weight loss. It is very important that when a patient partakes of an hCG weight loss program, that they complete it under the supervision of a physician, and strictly follow the entire detailed protocol, as is done at Glenmore Healthcare.

For more information on hCG and weight loss, please contact Glenmore Healthcare at 403-452-5699 or info@glenmorehealthcare.com.

About Glenmore Healthcare

Glenmore Healthcare is Calgary’s premiere provider of hCG medically supervised weight loss programs, and health and wellness services to individuals in the Calgary area. For more information on Glenmore Healthcare’s hCG program and aesthetic medicine services, please contact Glenmore Healthcare at 403-452-5699 or info@glenmorehealthcare.com.

Glenmore Healthcare (Glenmore Landing)
A305, 1600 – 90th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2V 5A8
Tel: 403-452-5699
Fax: 403-452-7296

Websites

FRA backs fashion's new environmental campaign

Forestry Research Associates has spoken out in support of Marc by Marc Jacobs' backing of the Nature Conservancy's 'Plant and Billion Trees' campaign.

Seattle, United States, December 23, 2011 -- Forestry Research Associates has spoken out in support of Marc by Marc Jacobs' backing of the Nature Conservancy's 'Plant and Billion Trees' campaign.

The campaign is intended to help boost the number of trees in the Atlantic forest region of Brazil, which is an area of highly endangered tropical forest. “Eyewear label, Marc by Marc Jacobs, is making a clear and positive statement about the influence that fashion can have on environmental issues, given some intelligent direction and an understanding of the cause,” claimed FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

At the centre of the label’s involvement in the campaign is the MMJ 261/s bio-based sunglasses, which are made using material from castor-oil seeds. The campaign surrounding the sunglasses points people towards the 'Plant a Seed - Grow Your Tree and Save The Forest' programme’s website. The Facebook page for the campaign will also let people spread the word by inviting their friends and providing more information about the campaign.

FRA pointed out that only 12 per cent of the original Atlantic Forest still stands and that only seven per cent is protected at the moment.

The 'Plant a Billion Trees' campaign highlights the fact that reforestation can help to revive Brazil’s struggling forests. Projects in which people can invest, and that focus on planting sustainable forests - which can keep the forestry community going without resorting to cutting down ancient native forests - must be a good thing. FRA supports Greenwood Management as a strong option for alternative investments from people who are environmentally conscious.

The Nature Conservancy launched the project to plant a billion trees around South America in 2008. It now has a million members and is focusing its efforts on Brazil, as so much of the native forest in the country has been cleared to make way for its rapid expansion.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Tel: (206) 316 8394

TechNavio Announces the Publication of its Report - Global Skin Care Market 2010-2014

TechNavio today launched its Global Skin Care Market 2010-2014 report based on an in-depth study covering the Americas and the EMEA and APAC regions.

London, UK, December 23, 2011 -- TechNavio today launched its Global Skin Care Market 2010-2014 report based on an in-depth study covering the Americas and the EMEA and APAC regions. The report aids decision makers’ understanding of the key trends impacting the growth of this market.

Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio’s Healthcare team said, “The increasing awareness about health and wellness has significantly impacted consumers in developed and developing nations. Lately, consumers have raised concerns about products and health safety. The awareness about the use of harmful chemicals and their impacts on the skin is increasing. This has led to the growth of skin care products made of natural ingredients without the use of harmful chemicals.”

TechNavio’s report highlights that despite the market recession in 2009, the Premium Skin Care segment was not badly affected and, by 2014, the market for premium skin care products is expected to experience double-digit growth. Several vendors have introduced a separate product portfolio in the premium segment to cater to high-end customers in the market. A strong demand is expected from the APAC region and the Americas.

Key findings from the report:
Demand for Whitening Products Globally
Popularity of Natural and Organic Products
Reduced Prices in Slow Growing Economies

The contents of this report are based on research conducted on an objective combination of primary and secondary scores, including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key players.

TechNavio, the market research platform of Infiniti Research Ltd, publishes periodic reports on niche and emerging technologies. For further information, please visit http://www.technavio.com/content/global-skin-care-market-2010-2014 or follow us on Twitter @Technavio.

Media Contact:
Ludmila Berkesova
Program Manager
Technavio
8 Wimpole Street
W1G 9SP London UK
Tel: 0044 207 637 2456
Fax: 0044 845 280 2825

TechNavio Announces the Publication of its Report - Global MLCC Market 2010-2014

TechNavio today launched its Global Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) Market 2010-2014 report based on an in-depth study covering the Americas and the EMEA and APAC regions.

London, UK, December 23, 2011 -- TechNavio today launched its Global Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) Market 2010-2014 report based on an in-depth study covering the Americas and the EMEA and APAC regions. The report aids decision makers’ understanding of the key trends impacting the growth of this market.

Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio’s Hardware team said, “The APAC region has become the key manufacturing ground for electronic device manufacturers. The continuous demand for MLCCs in the APAC region has led to the emergence of manufacturers from Asian countries such as Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Manufacturers from these countries are increasing their production with the support of improved technologies for the production of MLCCs. Moreover, these companies offer MLCCs at relatively low cost than companies from other countries.”

According to the report, the demand for MLCC is increasing in the Electronics industry with the continuous increase in the requirement for high-specification electronic gadgets. The manufacturers of high-end electronic equipment and devices have increased the use of MLCCs per electronic device.
Further, the report also discusses that there are some inherent drawbacks with ceramic. MLCC has ceramic as the dielectric material, which is prone to physical damage such as getting cracked. Unless the MLCCs are handled with utmost care, the lifetime of MLCCs will shorten.

The contents of this report are based on research conducted on an objective combination of primary and secondary scores, including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key players.

TechNavio, the market research platform of Infiniti Research Ltd, publishes periodic reports on niche and emerging technologies. For further information, please visit http://www.technavio.com/content/global-multilayer-ceramic-capacitor-market-2010-2014 or follow us on Twitter @Technavio.

Media Contact:
Ludmila Berkesova
Program Manager
Technavio
8 Wimpole Street
W1G 9SP London UK
Tel: 0044 207 637 2456
Fax: 0044 845 280 2825

TechNavio Announces the Publication of its Report - Global Military Fuel Cell Market 2010-2014

TechNavio today launched its Global Military Fuel Cell Market 2010-2014 report based on an in-depth study covering the Americas and the EMEA and APAC regions.

London, UK, December 23, 2011 -- TechNavio today launched its Global Military Fuel Cell Market 2010-2014 report based on an in-depth study covering the Americas and the EMEA and APAC regions. The report aids decision makers’ understanding of the key trends impacting the growth of this market.

Commenting on the report, an analyst from TechNavio’s Cleantech team said, “A large amount of money is being invested in the R&D part of the Global Military Fuel Cell market. For instance, in Germany, there are more than 65 institutes involved in fuel cell technology research work. Most of the universities and governmental organizations are involved in military fuel cell research, and US$2.68 billion is being kept aside for R&D purposes in Germany for the next 10 years. In addition to R&D, some of these organizations are also involved in hydrogen production, delivery and storage, safety code and standard analysis, and fuel cell technology validation.”

According to the report, the Global Military Fuel Cell market is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the future because of some thriving factors in the market. One of the major factors driving the market is the variety of functional benefits provided by fuel cell to military, including the reduced noise, increased reliability, and improved performance.

Further, the report also discusses the challenges with the high cost of these cells in comparison to other technologies.

The contents of this report are based on research conducted on an objective combination of primary and secondary scores, including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key players.

TechNavio, the market research platform of Infiniti Research Ltd, publishes periodic reports on niche and emerging technologies. For further information, please visit http://www.technavio.com/content/global-military-fuel-cell-market-2010-2014 or follow us on Twitter @Technavio.

Media Contact:
Ludmila Berkesova
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Technavio
8 Wimpole Street
W1G 9SP London UK
Tel: 0044 207 637 2456
Fax: 0044 845 280 2825

IAPAM's hCG Diet Clinic List Helps Patients Find the Best hCG Physicians in 2012

For patients whose New Year’s Resolution in 2012 is to lose weight, the IAPAM’s hCG Diet Clinic Directory can help find an hCG for Weight Loss expert physician in all areas of the US.

Las Vegas, Nevada, December 22, 2011 -- The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) offers the most comprehensive hCG Diet Clinic listing of physicians, all of whom have been expertly trained in hCG for weight loss by the IAPAM. For patients whose New Year’s Resolution in 2012 is to lose weight, the IAPAM’s hCG Diet Clinic Directory can help find an hCG for Weight Loss expert physician in all areas of the US.

The IAPAM’s (http://www.iapam.com) comprehensive hCG Diet Clinic Directory (http://www.iapam.com/aesthetic-resources/hcg-diet-clinics) provides consumers with a comprehensive listing of qualified IAPAM trained hCG Physicians. Patients seeking out certified physicians, who have completed the IAPAM’s hCG for Weight Loss program, can browse the IAPAM’s comprehensive directory for an hCG expert in their area. All physicians listed on the IAPAM hCG Diet Clinic Directory page have:

1. advanced training in utilizing hCG for weight loss,
2. only offer pharmaceutical grade hCG, and
3. all their hCG patients use the IAPAM’s comprehensive hCG Protocol Patient Guidebook.

Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the IAPAM, and a member of the expert faculty of instructors at the IAPAM’s Physician hCG Training (http://www.hcgtraining.com), comments that, “since being showcased on the Dr. Oz Show in February, patient demand for medically supervised hCG weight loss has exploded. We are seeing a correlating increase in physician-demand for the IAPAM’s hCG training, to capture this growing market.” To date, “well over 15,000 patients have successfully lost weight on hCG using the IAPAM’s Exclusive hCG Protocol, based on Dr. Simeons manuscript, Pounds and Inches, and the IAPAM’s hCG training is taught by a faculty who operate hCG weight loss clinics and who have completed the IAPAM’s hCG weight loss program themselves. This allows physicians and their staff to learn from the faculty’s vast experience,” shares Russell.

IAPAM’s hCG Training is Complete and Comprehensive

Physicians who have attended the IAPAM’s full day hCG training are the best trained hCG Physicians in North America. In fact, the IAPAM’s hCG Training is the only medical weight loss training approved for a special medical malpractice rate for those who have attended and been certified by the IAPAM.

The IAPAM’s hCG Training program covers:

- A detailed overview of the exclusive IAPAM hCG Protocol;
- Understanding of VLCD/LCD diet programs;
- Patient selection criteria;
- Common medical contraindications;
- Current FDA status & requirements;
- Legal/Insurance considerations and special access to hCG Medical Malpractice Insurance Program; and
- Weight Loss Practice Advertising & Marketing Tips and Strategies.

Registrants also receive the following hCG program resources:

- Patient hCG Program book to offer patients (hCG friendly recipes, food journal, tips);
- Waiting room presentations and proven hCG promotional materials;
- Weight Management Practice Operational Manual;
- Patient Charting Forms, Medical History & hCG Consent Forms; and
- Special Pricing for hCG and Meal Replacement Products.

For physicians interested in adding hCG for Weight Loss, please note that all of the IAPAM’s hCG Training seminars in 2010 and 2011 sold out. To register for the next session in 2012, please visit: http://www.hcgtraining.com, or contact the IAPAM at info@theiapam.com or call 1-800-219-5108 ext 708.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary global association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession worldwide. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits to members around the globe. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 ext. 704