Baldness linked to cancer
Men who start to lose their hair by age 20 — a syndrome known as pattern baldness — are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer later in life, according to a new study.
Men who start to lose their hair by age 20 — a syndrome known as pattern baldness — are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer later in life, according to a new study.
The findings, published this week in the Annals of Oncology, could help identify men who should be screened early and more often for disease, the researchers said.
Prostate cancer is the commonest non-skin cancer among men worldwide and, after lung tumours, is the second biggest cause of death from cancer among men in the United States and Europe. Most cases occur among men aged in their sixties.
Earlier research has shown that sex hormones called androgens play a key role in the development of both pattern baldness and cancer of the prostate, a walnut-sized gland near the bladder crucial to the male reproductive system.
But the link between the two remained obscure, with at least one study suggesting that premature baldness actually pointed to a reduced risk of cancer.
To probe further, a team of scientists led by Philippe Giraud of Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris asked 669 men — 338 of whom had a history of prostate cancer — how bald they were at ages 20, 30 and 40, using standardised images for reference.
Men who did not start to lose their hair until age 30 or 40 showed no increased risk compared to the control group of developing the dreaded disease.
But for those who had early-onset balding — a condition known to doctors as androgenic alopecia — at age 20, the risk doubled.
Giraud said balding men should not panic. “The fact that a (young) man is losing his hair does not mean that he will have cancer,” he said by telephone.
He also cautioned that the results would need to be verified in follow up studies.
But the findings suggest that premature balding could become a useful marker to help doctors screen for the disease, he said.
“Current prostate screening protocols are very controversial because some worry that systematic screening at 50 years old — without taking other criteria into account — will lead to over-treatment,” he said.
Many countries have routine screening programmes for men in their middle age.
One of the problems, however, is that the so-called PSA antigen test, now 20 years old, cannot distinguish between low-risk tumours and aggressive lesions that are often fatal.
Antigen levels can also fluctuate according to the individual and may be skewed by prostate inflammation.
One out of two men loses their hair, but of the 50 percent of men who go partially or totally bald, only 10 to 15 percent suffer from androgenic alopecia, Giraud said.
Another study published last year showed that finger patterns could also help identify which men should undergo regular screening.
Men whose index fingers are longer than their ring, or fourth, fingers run a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer, the study found.
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Cheap mobile phones heading for South Africa
Vodafone last week announced that they are aiming to push the limits of affordability with the launch of their low-cost Vodafone branded handsets.
Vodacom will be launching a range of new low cost handsets in South Africa, most likely priced below R100 each
The drive behind the new affordable Vodafone phones is to extend access to a range of mobile and data services in emerging markets, including money transfer, the mobile internet and a localised content offering.
Vodafone will launch three new handsets in April – the ultra low-cost Vodafone 252, the Vodafone 351 mobile internet phone and the Vodafone 455 entry-level touchscreen phone.
Vodacom CEO Pieter Uys recently said that Vodacom has a strong focus on driving Internet access in South Africa – partly through launching affordable smartphones in the country.
These affordable Vodafone branded handsets therefore blend in perfectly with Vodacom’s strategy, and the good news for local consumers is that they can look forward to low cost Vodafone phones in South Africa.
Vodacom spokesperson Richard Boorman would not confirm that the three aforementioned phones will be the ones which Vodacom plans to launch, but did say that they “will be introducing a range of new low cost handsets sourced from Vodafone.”
Pricing is also not finalized yet. “Vodafone announced unsubsidised prices starting at ‘below’ US$15 [R108 at 1 USD = 7.18224 ZAR]. The pricing in SA is exchange rate dependent and hasn’t been confirmed. No details on timing at this stage,” said Boorman.
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Nokia and Microsoft form partnership
Microsoft and Nokia announced a partnership in which the two tech giants would collaborate to take on companies like Google and Apple in the cell phone/ smart phone sphere. The iPhone is dominant in its segment, alongside the Blackberry series, while Google is the preferred search platform in the world, chosen over Yahoo and Microsoft’s Bing.
To change all that Nokia and Microsoft will, among others, collaborate on joint marketing initiatives. Nokia will use Windows as its phone software, Nokia Maps will be integrated into Microsoft Bing search facilities and the Nokia store will integrate with Microsoft Marketplace for hundreds of thousands of apps.
“I am excited about this partnership with Nokia,” said Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. “Ecosystems thrive when fueled by speed, innovation and scale.The partnership announced today provides incredible scale, vast expertise in hardware and software innovation and a proven ability to execute.”
Microsoft and Nokia announced a partnership in which the two tech giants would collaborate to take on companies like Google and Apple in the cell phone/ smart phone sphere. The iPhone is dominant in its segment, alongside the Blackberry series, while Google is the preferred search platform in the world, chosen over Yahoo and Microsoft’s Bing.
To change all that Nokia and Microsoft will, among others, collaborate on joint marketing initiatives. Nokia will use Windows as its phone software, Nokia Maps will be integrated into Microsoft Bing search facilities and the Nokia store will integrate with Microsoft Marketplace for hundreds of thousands of apps.
“I am excited about this partnership with Nokia,” said Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. “Ecosystems thrive when fueled by speed, innovation and scale.The partnership announced today provides incredible scale, vast expertise in hardware and software innovation and a proven ability to execute.”
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ICC WC opening ceremony…Brilliant
The 10th ICC World Cup will be hosted by three South Asian nations including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. Total 14 international teams will take part in the world cricket tournament which will commence on February 19. All 14 teams are divided in two groups, seven team in each group. Group A includes Australia, Canada Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Group B includes India, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, West Indies.
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Co.za domain name registrations made easy, for free
New free website makes it easier for webmasters to register .co.za domain names
Many webmasters and website owners have voiced their frustrations with Uniforum’s outdated domain name registration procedures. Uniforum is the company in charge of the co.za domain administration.
Uniforum currently requires new website registrants to complete a basic *.txt file to register new domains which must then be mailed to coza-admin@co.za in plain text format.
One techie had enough of this process, and set up a new service to make it easier for local users to register a co.za domain name with Uniforum.
“I know that many have had troubles in registering co.za domain names with that pesky txt file that need be completed all the time. I tried my hand at developing an online system where you can register co.za domain names by completing an easy online form,” he said.
Similar systems are available through web hosting companies like Hetzner, but this service is not affiliated with any company and is provided free of charge to the public.
“With our services, users can now register their own co.za domain names directly from the COZA registrar with no middle-man fees! Your annual domain registration fee of R50-00 will be payable directly to the registrar,” the Cozareg website states.
“Users are also in a position to update or delete their domain names using our services at no costs, hassle-free.”
Users who don’t have their own name servers have the option of paying a small fee to use name servers provided by Cozareg.
The new Cozareg website has so far received positive feedback from consumers. “I registered a domain and received a confirmation e-mail and invoice from COZA. This works great,” said one user.
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Illegal online gambling in SA
“The NGB has identified an increase in the number of illegal online gambling operations nationally,” said CEO Baby Tyawa in a statement.
Online gambling, which is illegal in South Africa, was on the increase in the country, the National Gambling Board (NGB) said on Wednesday.
She said online gambling was illegal in South Africa and there were no lawfully licensed online gambling operators or service providers in South Africa.
“The pending court litigation between South African regulators and Piggs Peak Casino does not change the law as it applies nor render online gambling activities legal to operate in this country,” she said.
Anyone found operating online gambling would be fined R10 million or 10 years’ imprisonment or both, she said.
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Internet on your TV
MTN InternetOnTV is a home phone and internet device in one, including a built-in 3G modem that supports 7.2Mbps connectivity.
MTN today unveiled InternetOnTV, aimed at ‘bringing affordable internet access to South Africa’s unconnected masses’
The MTN InternetOnTV package includes a keyboard, RCA cable and mouse. The MTN InternetOnTV device can be used with a PayAsYouGo SIM card and can be loaded with airtime, just like a cellphone – this airtime can be converted to an internet bundle for cheaper internet access.
To use the device a customer would connect the MTN InternetOnTV device to the television set to enjoy access to the internet. It also includes pre-installed software with links to useful websites on the internet.
MTN InternetOnTV connects at speeds of up to 7.2Mbps downloads and up to 5.76Mbps uploads. MTN InternetOnTV can also be used to make and receive phone calls and SMSs at the same time.
MTN InternetOnTV includes the Opera Mini browser, which offers faster browsing time because of its high data compression.
“Through the launch of our InternetOnTV device, we aim to increase internet penetration among previously disadvantaged and unconnected communities in South Africa,” explains Mapula Bodibe, General Manager: Consumer Marketing at MTN South Africa.
“We want our consumers to better understand the benefits associated with the internet concept, to embrace it as a tool that makes their lives easier, gives them instant access to information and connects them socially in a way they never thought possible.
“Unlike some competing products, MTN InternetOnTV offers social media integration, MS Office document support and 3G 7.2Mbps. Furthermore, the built-in media player also supports MP3, AAC, DIV, WMA and MPEG4 codecs, while access to e-mail services is also provided,” she adds.
Price
The MTN InternetOnTV package will be available from selected Jet retail stores countrywide at a cost of R999. This includes the InternetOnTV package (handset, RCA cable, keyboard and mouse) and a R60 airtime voucher, which can be converted to a 75MB internet bundle.
“MTN has a range of internet bundles from 10MB to 2GB, as well as a One Day Uncapped internet bundle. We will soon be introducing a 90-minute internet bundle to provide another cost-effective way for consumers to access the internet,” said Bodibe.
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Cell C loses its Virginity
Cell C is selling its 50 percent shareholding in Virgin Mobile but will continue as network partner, Virgin said on Wednesday.
Virgin Mobile SA’s “board has agreed to a shareholders’ restructuring whereby Cell C will sell its 50 percent stake in Virgin Mobile”, the company said in a statement.
Virgin Group of the UK (Virgin) will increase its stake from 50 to 55 percent.
Calico Investments of the Bahamas (Calico) will acquire the remaining 45 percent stake. Calico, an investment company focused on opportunities in emerging markets and in Africa, would invest more growth capital into Virgin Mobile.
The transaction is still subject to certain conditions including approvals from the Competition Commission and Exchange Control.
It was expected to be finalised by April 2011.
Cell C will continue as Virgin Mobile’s network partner under an updated network services agreement.
Virgin Mobile was launched in 2006.
Cell C is selling its 50 percent shareholding in Virgin Mobile but will continue as network partner, Virgin said on Wednesday.
Virgin Mobile SA’s “board has agreed to a shareholders’ restructuring whereby Cell C will sell its 50 percent stake in Virgin Mobile”, the company said in a statement.
Virgin Group of the UK (Virgin) will increase its stake from 50 to 55 percent.
Calico Investments of the Bahamas (Calico) will acquire the remaining 45 percent stake. Calico, an investment company focused on opportunities in emerging markets and in Africa, would invest more growth capital into Virgin Mobile.
The transaction is still subject to certain conditions including approvals from the Competition Commission and Exchange Control.
It was expected to be finalised by April 2011.
Cell C will continue as Virgin Mobile’s network partner under an updated network services agreement.
Virgin Mobile was launched in 2006.
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Easy Win for Bafana
South Africa struck twice in the first half to secure a 2-0 victory over Kenya in an international friendly at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium outside Rustenburg on Wednesday evening.
Striker Davide Somma stole the early advantage for the hosts when he caught Kenya’s defence napping in the second minute, and captain Steven Pienaar bagged the second goal in the dying minutes of first-half injury time.
South African coach Pitso Mosimane admitted his side should have won by a larger margin, but was pleased with the performance ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt next month.
“It was a good result and I think we played very well,” Mosimane said.
“We had a good start, which is what I’ve been asking from them all week, and that’s encouraging.
“But we created a lot of opportunities, and a lot of chances in the box, and we didn’t take them.” A little more than a minute after the first whistle, Anele Ngcongca found a gap down the right wing and Somma latched on to his cross to tap the ball in and put the home side ahead.
Somma, playing only his second match for Bafana Bafana, was superb up front in the early stages and should have scored again as he spearheaded the home side’s attack.
Kenyan goalkeeper Zacharia Onyango grasped at a cross from Bernard Parker in the 13th minute but couldn’t hold on, and Somma latched on to the loose ball but hit the right post from close range.
Less than a minute later Bafana captain Steven Pienaar put through a sterling pass that opened a gap, but Somma fired his shot straight at Onyango who deflected the ball away.
Siphiwe Tshabalala came close to stretching the lead from a set piece in the 19th minute. The midfielder lobbed a free kick which curled beautifully, leaving Onyango clueless, but the ball sailed narrowly over the bar.
The visitors troubled the South African defence for the first time in the 21st minute when Dennis Oliech found a gap and broke clear, only to fire a thunderous effort directly at Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune who made no mistakes.
Three minutes later South Africa were on the attack again when Pienaar stole clear down the centre of the field, but with only Onyango to beat, the Leeds United star missed the right post by inches.
Oliech produced another lone effort 10 minutes before the break, but with no support and plenty of pressure from the home side’s defence, he fired a low shot narrowly wide to the right.
The Harambee Stars did well to hold off the Bafana charge for most of the first period, but with the clocking ticking over into injury time, a cross from Tshabalala found Pienaar on the edge of the area and the skipper found the back of the net to stretch South Africa’s lead.
It was Pienaar’s first goal in almost six years for Bafana and his third in 57 matches.
The hosts continued to push forward after the break, but with less intent, and Somma wasted a clear-cut chance in the 50th minute when he dribbled the ball into the waiting hands of Onyango.
Seven minutes later Pienaar came close to scoring his second from a set piece, but Onyango tipped his long range free kick over the crossbar.
Kenya closed up soon after and while South Africa continued to create opportunities, showing sporadic aggression, most were half hearted and all were thrown away.
The best chance from either side in a tame last half hour was produced by South African substitute Thulani Serrero who pounced on a loose ball from the edge of the area in injury time but fired his effort too high to worry Onyango.
Kenyan coach Zedekiah Otieno was satisfied with the way his side played, despite the loss, against opposition ranked 80 places above them.
“I think the game was ok. We have a young team and this was the first time they played together,” Otieno said.
“I think with the kind of match we played we showed we are something.”
Sapa
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MTN spends millions on Rica campaign
Cape Town – Cellular network operator MTN Group [JSE:MTN] said on Wednesday it had invested R140m in its campaign to get subscribers registered in terms of the Regulations for the Interception of Communications Act (Rica).
MTN officials told the National Council of Provinces Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs that it was planning to spend a further R40m to R50m on Rica campaigns until the June 30 deadline.
In terms of the Rica law, all the network operators have to register their prepaid and contract subscribers with confirmed identification and addresses.
The original deadline was December 31, but this has been extended at the request of network operators to enable registration of customers in rural areas, where literacy and confirmation of addresses is a problem.
The government’s legal representative at Wednesday’s meeting stressed that the deadline would not be extended.
Cell C also made a presentation, saying that 81% of its total subscribers had been registered, including 78% of its contract customers and 91% of its prepaid customers.
The committee refused requests by both Cell C and MTN to have the meeting conducted in camera as confidential and competitive information would be released.
MTN representatives read a letter from the company’s general manager of legal affairs, Graham de Vries, asking for the meeting to be closed as the JSE-listed group was currently in a closed period stretching from January 1 to March 9, when its results were due to be released.
However, written advice from the parliamentary legal adviser read out at the meeting said there were no reasons for it to be closed.
MPs agreed that sensitive information could be handed in separately.
Vodacom Group [JSE:VOD] is still to present and the meeting continues.
Vodacom said it had managed to get 18 million, or 83%, of its subscriber base Rica-compliant. Vodacom head of regulatory affairs Snakes Nyoka said that about 17%, or 3.7 million subscribers still had to be registered. They were split into about 650 000 contract subscribers and the rest prepaid.
Cape Town – Cellular network operator MTN Group [JSE:MTN] said on Wednesday it had invested R140m in its campaign to get subscribers registered in terms of the Regulations for the Interception of Communications Act (Rica).
MTN officials told the National Council of Provinces Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs that it was planning to spend a further R40m to R50m on Rica campaigns until the June 30 deadline.
In terms of the Rica law, all the network operators have to register their prepaid and contract subscribers with confirmed identification and addresses.
The original deadline was December 31, but this has been extended at the request of network operators to enable registration of customers in rural areas, where literacy and confirmation of addresses is a problem.
The government’s legal representative at Wednesday’s meeting stressed that the deadline would not be extended.
Cell C also made a presentation, saying that 81% of its total subscribers had been registered, including 78% of its contract customers and 91% of its prepaid customers.
The committee refused requests by both Cell C and MTN to have the meeting conducted in camera as confidential and competitive information would be released.
MTN representatives read a letter from the company’s general manager of legal affairs, Graham de Vries, asking for the meeting to be closed as the JSE-listed group was currently in a closed period stretching from January 1 to March 9, when its results were due to be released.
However, written advice from the parliamentary legal adviser read out at the meeting said there were no reasons for it to be closed.
MPs agreed that sensitive information could be handed in separately.
Vodacom Group [JSE:VOD] is still to present and the meeting continues.
Vodacom said it had managed to get 18 million, or 83%, of its subscriber base Rica-compliant. Vodacom head of regulatory affairs Snakes Nyoka said that about 17%, or 3.7 million subscribers still had to be registered. They were split into about 650 000 contract subscribers and the rest prepaid.
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