Saya mempunyai seorang sahabat dari Korea Selatan. Sudah setahun ini dia bertugas di China sebagai assistant manager di sebuah shipping company. Ada 2 perkara yang baru-baru ini dia kongsikan akibat "keceluparan " saya.
Pertama, ternyata orang korea tak suka dibanding-bandingkan dengan orang Jepun. Demikian juga sebaliknya. Mungkin kerana faktor sejarah dan juga "luka lama " yang ditinggalkannya.
Kedua, baik korean maupun japanese mereka adalah heavy drinkers dan workholic.
Mengenai heavy drinkers, saya pikir, tak kira anda muslim atau non muslim, tak payahlah mencontohi tradisi mereka ini. Lebih banyak mudaratnya.
Mengenai bab kerja pula, rasanya setakat ini hanya sedikit orang kita yang mampu mencontohinya. Menurut sahabat saya ini pula, di China orang biasa kerja sampai lewat pukul 8 atau 9 malam. Di korea pula, lebih dari itu. Bukan kerana dipaksa-paksa, tapi sememangnya ia adalah habit, yang diwarisi dari generasi ke generasi. Saya sendiri tak pasti adakah habit macam ni patut dicontohi secara mutlak atau tidak, tapi ambillah dari sudut positifnya.
Pertama, jangan suka menangguhkan kerja yang boleh dibuat dengan segera.
Kedua. bertanggung jawab dan bersungguh-sungguh dalam kerja tak kira pada hujung bulan, tengah bulan atau awal bulan. Bagi korean dan Japanese, wang bukanlah satu-satunya motivasi. Tapi kemampuan untuk menyelesaikan satu-satu tugasan yang diberi menunjukkan kredibility seseorang pekerja yang pada akhirnya membawa markah plus dalam dunia kariernya di masa hadapan.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Islamic Story 2:Explaining Islam Before Christian Scholars
In the earlier days of Islam the Muslims were very few in number, and the idolaters who were opposed to Islam used to persecute the Muslims. Being so few. the Muslims could do nothing to stop their persecution, and they thought it better to migrate to Ethiopia, where they could live freely and in accordance with the Islamic principles. Therefore after a trip across the desert a group of them boarded a ship bound for Avicenna. The king of Ethiopia was called al-Najashi (Negus). and was a Christian. When informed of the Muslims' arrival in his country he kindly granted them asylum and treated them with kindness.
As soon as the news of the Muslims' secret migration reached the idolaters in Makkah, they became very angry. They sent two of their men to Ethiopia laden with costly gifts, and it was their task to have the Muslims arrested and sent back to Makkah. Arriving in Avicenna they went to al-Najashi's court and paid him homage and presented to him their gifts. Al-Najashi asked them:"Where have you come from? What do you want?" The Makkans replied: "We have come from the city of Makkah. A number of our youth have given up our religion. They have stopped worshipping our gods and have now taken refuge in your country. The lords and nobles of Makkah call on you to arrest these youths and deliver them to us, so that we may return them to our city to be punished."
Al-Najashi told them that the matter would be investigated. Then he summoned the Muslims to his palace and, in the presence of his Christian scholars. he asked them: "What was your previous religion? What is your present religion? Why have you migrated to this country?" The Muslims' spokesman was Ja'far ibn Abi Talib. a selfless young man who was full of belief. He replied: "In our city the rich and greedy oppress the weak. The people worship idols. They eat carrion and perform all types of evil deeds. They are not kind with one another and persecute their neighbors." "In these circumstances we have been blessed by Allah who has sent us a Prophet (S.A.W.), a man known for his truth and trustworthiness. He has brought to us from Allah the religion of Islam."
Hearing this, al-Najashi leaned forward in his seat, so as to pay more attention to Ja'far and learn about Islam and what it says. Ja'far stayed silent for a moment, then looked at the Christian scholars and continued: "The religion of Islam tells us not to worship idols, and that we must only worship the One True God, and accept His commands." "The religion of Islam tells us to be truthful, trustworthy and loyal. We must be kind and generous to our relatives and slaves, and treat our neighbors with goodness. Nor should we shed the blood of innocent people for no reason, and must give up all our evil deeds. We should not talk badly of people, nor insult them, and we should not speak without a purpose. We must not steal the wealth of orphans, we must perform the prayer and must spend a portion of our money in acts of charity."
AI-Najashi and the Christian scholars listened care fully to these words. and were delighted but the Makkans were biting their lips in annoyance. Ja'far continued: "0 king of Avicenna. the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) has brought the religion of Islam and we have accepted it. We believe in Allah and in His Messenger and have become Muslims. But as soon as we became Muslims, the idolaters of Makkah became angry and began to persecute us.Thus we were obliged to leave the city and seek asylum here in this country to be free to worship Allah and perform the works of our religion."
By now al-Najashi was extremely pleased and said to Ja'far: "The words of Isa (Jesus) and the words of your Prophet have descended from the same source. Both are the Words of the God. Therefore, you are free to remain in this country. Perform your devotions freely, and remain followers of Islam. Truly, what a good religion you have!" Then he turned to the Makkans and said: `I do not take bribes. Pick up the things you have brought and go and you must know that I will never hand over to you any of the Muslims. Go this very minute, and return to Makkah as fast as you can... at once!" Thus the two men, sorry and ashamed, picked up the gifts they had brought and left the court in disgrace.
As soon as the news of the Muslims' secret migration reached the idolaters in Makkah, they became very angry. They sent two of their men to Ethiopia laden with costly gifts, and it was their task to have the Muslims arrested and sent back to Makkah. Arriving in Avicenna they went to al-Najashi's court and paid him homage and presented to him their gifts. Al-Najashi asked them:"Where have you come from? What do you want?" The Makkans replied: "We have come from the city of Makkah. A number of our youth have given up our religion. They have stopped worshipping our gods and have now taken refuge in your country. The lords and nobles of Makkah call on you to arrest these youths and deliver them to us, so that we may return them to our city to be punished."
Al-Najashi told them that the matter would be investigated. Then he summoned the Muslims to his palace and, in the presence of his Christian scholars. he asked them: "What was your previous religion? What is your present religion? Why have you migrated to this country?" The Muslims' spokesman was Ja'far ibn Abi Talib. a selfless young man who was full of belief. He replied: "In our city the rich and greedy oppress the weak. The people worship idols. They eat carrion and perform all types of evil deeds. They are not kind with one another and persecute their neighbors." "In these circumstances we have been blessed by Allah who has sent us a Prophet (S.A.W.), a man known for his truth and trustworthiness. He has brought to us from Allah the religion of Islam."
Hearing this, al-Najashi leaned forward in his seat, so as to pay more attention to Ja'far and learn about Islam and what it says. Ja'far stayed silent for a moment, then looked at the Christian scholars and continued: "The religion of Islam tells us not to worship idols, and that we must only worship the One True God, and accept His commands." "The religion of Islam tells us to be truthful, trustworthy and loyal. We must be kind and generous to our relatives and slaves, and treat our neighbors with goodness. Nor should we shed the blood of innocent people for no reason, and must give up all our evil deeds. We should not talk badly of people, nor insult them, and we should not speak without a purpose. We must not steal the wealth of orphans, we must perform the prayer and must spend a portion of our money in acts of charity."
AI-Najashi and the Christian scholars listened care fully to these words. and were delighted but the Makkans were biting their lips in annoyance. Ja'far continued: "0 king of Avicenna. the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) has brought the religion of Islam and we have accepted it. We believe in Allah and in His Messenger and have become Muslims. But as soon as we became Muslims, the idolaters of Makkah became angry and began to persecute us.Thus we were obliged to leave the city and seek asylum here in this country to be free to worship Allah and perform the works of our religion."
By now al-Najashi was extremely pleased and said to Ja'far: "The words of Isa (Jesus) and the words of your Prophet have descended from the same source. Both are the Words of the God. Therefore, you are free to remain in this country. Perform your devotions freely, and remain followers of Islam. Truly, what a good religion you have!" Then he turned to the Makkans and said: `I do not take bribes. Pick up the things you have brought and go and you must know that I will never hand over to you any of the Muslims. Go this very minute, and return to Makkah as fast as you can... at once!" Thus the two men, sorry and ashamed, picked up the gifts they had brought and left the court in disgrace.
Monday, June 29, 2009
UMNO-PAS: Tak Mungkin Bersatu
Penolakan halus UMNO terhadap Jemputan Mursyidul Am PAS, Nik Abdul Aziz untuk berdebat dengan PM Malaysia sebetulnya boleh dilihat dari berbagai sudut. Apa yang saya hendak kemukakan di sini, bukanlah satu kecaman atau memihak mana-mana parti. Sekadar menyampaikan apa yang bermain-main di minda rakyat seperti saya.
Ramai yang menganggap penolakan UMNO menandakan ketidakmampuan UMNO untuk menjawab isu utama yang akan dilontarkan oleh pihak PAS. Ramai pula yang beranggapan UMNO terlalu angkuh untuk duduk semeja dengan PAS kerana ideologi nasionalism-nya. Ramai pula yang beranggapan bahwa penolakan itu bererti UMNO hakikatnya tidak sehaluan sesama sendiri, dalam pengertian ada perpecahan internal yang masih belum boleh diselesaikan. Ramai pula yang beranggapan UMNO sampai bila-bila pun sememangnya nak jadi yang "pertama dan Utama", tanpa campur tangan mana-mana parti lain.
Tapi kan sebetulnya, rakyat dah muak dah dengan perangai UMNO dan juga PAS. Rakyat tak boleh mengerti apa benda sebetulnya yang membuat UMNO dan PAS asyik berbalah. Nak dikata ada benda yang tak sehaluan, apa benda yang tak sehaluan tu sebetulnya? Susah sangat kah UMNO nak terima PAS kerana ada Islam didalamnya dan susah sangat kah PAS nak terima UMNO kerana nasionalism yang melampau.
Kalau dipikir lagi, saya lebih suka UMNO tetap UMNO, PAS tetap PAS. Tak payah bersatu. Biar salah satu jadi pembangkang. Walau mungkin agak susah nak difahami, pembangkang perlu ada dalam mana-mana negara pun. Sebab pembangkang adalah pihak yang mampu berpikir di luar kotak. Kalau dah semua pikir satu jenis macam mana negara boleh maju.Tak begitu?
Dari pada pening-pening membahas bila dan macam mana nak menyatukan UMNO dan PAS rasanya elok masing-masing tumpu pada tugas masing-masing. Tugas apa, sendiri tahulah. Yang penting mari kita semarakkan "beradab dalam politik dan politik yang beradab". Sudah bukan masanya untuk menggunakan taktik kotor,walaupun niatnya konon untuk kebaikan. Takutlah pada Tuhan. Walaupun mungkin anda bukan Muslim, tentu anda pun ada Tuhan juga kan?
Kepada UMNO, kalau boleh rakyat nak UMNO menjadi sebuah parti yang "bersih". Sebab rasanya bukan setakat noda dan calitan kotor kecil sahaja yang melekat pada UMNO sekarang, tapi juga darah dan nanah politik yang busuk dan menjijikkan. Sudah masanya UMNO lebih fokus untuk "membersihkan diri" agar kepercayaan rakyat kembali kepadanya seperti ketika awal kemerdekaan dulu.
Kepada PAS, rasanya sekarang nampak PAS lebih suka main politik sehingga tarbiyah ummat agak berkurang timbangannya. Jangan begitu. Kalau bukan PAS yang nak memulihkan aqidah dan memperbaiki akhlak ummat, siapa lagi boleh diharap. Ada lagi banyak isu moral dan sosial yang boleh PAS ubati. Politik, politik juga. Tapi jangan sampai mengabaikan tugas hakiki untuk menegakkan Islam dan meluruskan shaf umat Islam yang sudah mulai kucar-kacir.
Akhirnya, tiap insan punya tugas sendiri. Tiap parti juga punya agenda sendiri. Apa yang penting seboleh-bolehnya bekerja samalah dengan cara yang ma'ruf. Ada tersasul sikit tu maafkan. Ada terkasar sikit tu redha kan. Tanamkan niat dalam hati , tak kira anda berada dalam UMNO atau pun PAS, anda berjuang untuk rakyat dan negara. Semoga Allah meredhai kita. Wallahu'alam.
Ramai yang menganggap penolakan UMNO menandakan ketidakmampuan UMNO untuk menjawab isu utama yang akan dilontarkan oleh pihak PAS. Ramai pula yang beranggapan UMNO terlalu angkuh untuk duduk semeja dengan PAS kerana ideologi nasionalism-nya. Ramai pula yang beranggapan bahwa penolakan itu bererti UMNO hakikatnya tidak sehaluan sesama sendiri, dalam pengertian ada perpecahan internal yang masih belum boleh diselesaikan. Ramai pula yang beranggapan UMNO sampai bila-bila pun sememangnya nak jadi yang "pertama dan Utama", tanpa campur tangan mana-mana parti lain.
Tapi kan sebetulnya, rakyat dah muak dah dengan perangai UMNO dan juga PAS. Rakyat tak boleh mengerti apa benda sebetulnya yang membuat UMNO dan PAS asyik berbalah. Nak dikata ada benda yang tak sehaluan, apa benda yang tak sehaluan tu sebetulnya? Susah sangat kah UMNO nak terima PAS kerana ada Islam didalamnya dan susah sangat kah PAS nak terima UMNO kerana nasionalism yang melampau.
Kalau dipikir lagi, saya lebih suka UMNO tetap UMNO, PAS tetap PAS. Tak payah bersatu. Biar salah satu jadi pembangkang. Walau mungkin agak susah nak difahami, pembangkang perlu ada dalam mana-mana negara pun. Sebab pembangkang adalah pihak yang mampu berpikir di luar kotak. Kalau dah semua pikir satu jenis macam mana negara boleh maju.Tak begitu?
Dari pada pening-pening membahas bila dan macam mana nak menyatukan UMNO dan PAS rasanya elok masing-masing tumpu pada tugas masing-masing. Tugas apa, sendiri tahulah. Yang penting mari kita semarakkan "beradab dalam politik dan politik yang beradab". Sudah bukan masanya untuk menggunakan taktik kotor,walaupun niatnya konon untuk kebaikan. Takutlah pada Tuhan. Walaupun mungkin anda bukan Muslim, tentu anda pun ada Tuhan juga kan?
Kepada UMNO, kalau boleh rakyat nak UMNO menjadi sebuah parti yang "bersih". Sebab rasanya bukan setakat noda dan calitan kotor kecil sahaja yang melekat pada UMNO sekarang, tapi juga darah dan nanah politik yang busuk dan menjijikkan. Sudah masanya UMNO lebih fokus untuk "membersihkan diri" agar kepercayaan rakyat kembali kepadanya seperti ketika awal kemerdekaan dulu.
Kepada PAS, rasanya sekarang nampak PAS lebih suka main politik sehingga tarbiyah ummat agak berkurang timbangannya. Jangan begitu. Kalau bukan PAS yang nak memulihkan aqidah dan memperbaiki akhlak ummat, siapa lagi boleh diharap. Ada lagi banyak isu moral dan sosial yang boleh PAS ubati. Politik, politik juga. Tapi jangan sampai mengabaikan tugas hakiki untuk menegakkan Islam dan meluruskan shaf umat Islam yang sudah mulai kucar-kacir.
Akhirnya, tiap insan punya tugas sendiri. Tiap parti juga punya agenda sendiri. Apa yang penting seboleh-bolehnya bekerja samalah dengan cara yang ma'ruf. Ada tersasul sikit tu maafkan. Ada terkasar sikit tu redha kan. Tanamkan niat dalam hati , tak kira anda berada dalam UMNO atau pun PAS, anda berjuang untuk rakyat dan negara. Semoga Allah meredhai kita. Wallahu'alam.
Menjemput "Maut"
Secara pribadi saya tak berapa setuju dengan pelawaan PM Malaysia kepada Obama untuk melawat Malaysia. Rasanya macam menjemput "maut". Kalaulah saya boleh memberi gelaran yang agak keras, Obama itu "Hitam-hitam Amerika juga". Dulu yang dinamakan orang Amerika identik dengan orang-orang berkulit putih seperti penjenayah perang George W Bush. Sekarang ni, tak kiralah warna kulitnya dah jadi hitam pun, kalau namanya Amerika, mentalitinya juga ala Amerika juga.
Pada awal kemenangannya, ramai yang menumpukan sepenuh harapan yang Obama akan jadi "mahluk Amerika" yang berbeza, dalam pengertian......mampu mengubah sistem dajjal yang digunapakai Amerika untuk membinasakan mana-mana negara atau ideologi yang tak sehaluan dengannya. Tapi rasanya sekarang ni, punahlah sudah harapan. Sikap keras yang ditunjukkannya pada beberapa Negara Islam, walaupun mulutnya kata nak "berbaik-baik" dengan Islam, membuktikan takkan pernah ada wind of change sebagaimana yang diharapkan.
Amerika akan tetap menjadi Amerika, dengan segala ego dan keangkuhannya. Terus terang, saya tak nak terima apapun pujian yang Obama dan Amerika berikan pada Malaysia. Pujilah setinggi langit, saya yakin ramai orang yang tak percaya kerana mesti ada udang di sebalik batu, ibarat film di pawagam, tunggu saja bila nak ditayangkan.
Saya cuma berharap, pelawaan PM hanya sekedar basa-basi, manis mulut sahaja. Kerana kalau tidak, tunggulah pula masanya Malaysia pula akan dijadikan object untuk diporak-porandakan, apalagi dengan bilangan muslim yang cukup banyak di negara ini. Itu pun sudah cukup untuk menjadi alasan kukuh untuk membuat negara ini jadi lebih huru-hara. Wallahu'alam.
Pada awal kemenangannya, ramai yang menumpukan sepenuh harapan yang Obama akan jadi "mahluk Amerika" yang berbeza, dalam pengertian......mampu mengubah sistem dajjal yang digunapakai Amerika untuk membinasakan mana-mana negara atau ideologi yang tak sehaluan dengannya. Tapi rasanya sekarang ni, punahlah sudah harapan. Sikap keras yang ditunjukkannya pada beberapa Negara Islam, walaupun mulutnya kata nak "berbaik-baik" dengan Islam, membuktikan takkan pernah ada wind of change sebagaimana yang diharapkan.
Amerika akan tetap menjadi Amerika, dengan segala ego dan keangkuhannya. Terus terang, saya tak nak terima apapun pujian yang Obama dan Amerika berikan pada Malaysia. Pujilah setinggi langit, saya yakin ramai orang yang tak percaya kerana mesti ada udang di sebalik batu, ibarat film di pawagam, tunggu saja bila nak ditayangkan.
Saya cuma berharap, pelawaan PM hanya sekedar basa-basi, manis mulut sahaja. Kerana kalau tidak, tunggulah pula masanya Malaysia pula akan dijadikan object untuk diporak-porandakan, apalagi dengan bilangan muslim yang cukup banyak di negara ini. Itu pun sudah cukup untuk menjadi alasan kukuh untuk membuat negara ini jadi lebih huru-hara. Wallahu'alam.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Islamic story 1:Bohlool
Bohlool and the Khalifa's Food
It is said that Haroun Rashid sent some food to Bohlool. His servant brought the food to Bohlool, put it in front of him, and said, "This is the Khalifa's special food, he has sent it to you to eat." Bohlool placed the food in front of the dog that was sitting in the ruins of the place. The servant screamed, "Why did you give the Khalifa's food to the dog!"Bohlool said, "Be quiet! If the dog hears that the Khalifa sent this food, it won't eat it either."
Bohlool Sits on Haroun Rashid's Throne
One day Bohlool arrived at Haroun's palace and saw that the throne was empty. There was no one to stop him, so he unhesitatingly and fearlessly went and sat in Haroun's place. When the court slaves saw this, they immediately started whipping him and took him off the throne. Bohlool started crying. Haroun came and saw this; he asked those nearby why Bohlool was crying. A slave told him the whole story. Haroun scolded them and tried to cheer Bohlool up.Bohlool said he wasn't crying at his condition, but at Haroun's condition. "I sat on the seat of Khalifate wrongfully for a few seconds and received such a beating and endured such misfortune; but you have been sitting on this throne all your life! What troubles you must receive, yet you still don't fear the consequence."
Bohlool With His Friend
One day a friend of Bohlool's took some grains to grind at the mill. After grinding them, he loaded them on his donkey and started home. Near Bohlool's house, his donkey began limping and fell. He called Bohlool and said, "Give me your donkey so I can take my bundle home." Bohlool had taken an oath that he would not give his donkey to anyone, so he said, "I don't have a donkey." But then a donkey's bray was heard.The man said to Bohlool, "You have a donkey but you said you didn't."Bohlool replied, "You are a strange and stupid friend. Even though we have been friends for fifty years, you don't listen to me, but you listen to a donkey".
Bohlool and a Businessman
One day a Baghdadi businessman met Bohlool and said, "Sir Shaykh Bohlool! Give me advice as to what I should buy that would benefit me most."Bohlool replied, "Iron and cotton."The man went away and bought a lot of iron and cotton and stocked them. After a few months, he sold them and gained a lot of profit. Again he met Bohlool and said, "O Crazy Bohlool! What should I buy that would profit me?"This time Bohlool told him to buy onions and watermelons. The businessman went and bought his entire savings worth of onions and watermelons. Just a few days later, they all rotted and caused a lot of harm. He immediately sought out Bohlool and said, " When I first asked you for advice, you said buy iron and cotton. I profited a lot from this, but the second time what kind of advice did you give me! All my wealth was destroyed!"Bohlool said, "The first day you addressed me as Shaykh Bohlool, and since you addressed me as an intelligent person, I advised you according to my wisdom. The second time you called me Crazy Bohlool, so I advised you like a crazy person."The businessman was ashamed of his behavior and understood Bohlool well.
It is said that Haroun Rashid sent some food to Bohlool. His servant brought the food to Bohlool, put it in front of him, and said, "This is the Khalifa's special food, he has sent it to you to eat." Bohlool placed the food in front of the dog that was sitting in the ruins of the place. The servant screamed, "Why did you give the Khalifa's food to the dog!"Bohlool said, "Be quiet! If the dog hears that the Khalifa sent this food, it won't eat it either."
Bohlool Sits on Haroun Rashid's Throne
One day Bohlool arrived at Haroun's palace and saw that the throne was empty. There was no one to stop him, so he unhesitatingly and fearlessly went and sat in Haroun's place. When the court slaves saw this, they immediately started whipping him and took him off the throne. Bohlool started crying. Haroun came and saw this; he asked those nearby why Bohlool was crying. A slave told him the whole story. Haroun scolded them and tried to cheer Bohlool up.Bohlool said he wasn't crying at his condition, but at Haroun's condition. "I sat on the seat of Khalifate wrongfully for a few seconds and received such a beating and endured such misfortune; but you have been sitting on this throne all your life! What troubles you must receive, yet you still don't fear the consequence."
Bohlool With His Friend
One day a friend of Bohlool's took some grains to grind at the mill. After grinding them, he loaded them on his donkey and started home. Near Bohlool's house, his donkey began limping and fell. He called Bohlool and said, "Give me your donkey so I can take my bundle home." Bohlool had taken an oath that he would not give his donkey to anyone, so he said, "I don't have a donkey." But then a donkey's bray was heard.The man said to Bohlool, "You have a donkey but you said you didn't."Bohlool replied, "You are a strange and stupid friend. Even though we have been friends for fifty years, you don't listen to me, but you listen to a donkey".
Bohlool and a Businessman
One day a Baghdadi businessman met Bohlool and said, "Sir Shaykh Bohlool! Give me advice as to what I should buy that would benefit me most."Bohlool replied, "Iron and cotton."The man went away and bought a lot of iron and cotton and stocked them. After a few months, he sold them and gained a lot of profit. Again he met Bohlool and said, "O Crazy Bohlool! What should I buy that would profit me?"This time Bohlool told him to buy onions and watermelons. The businessman went and bought his entire savings worth of onions and watermelons. Just a few days later, they all rotted and caused a lot of harm. He immediately sought out Bohlool and said, " When I first asked you for advice, you said buy iron and cotton. I profited a lot from this, but the second time what kind of advice did you give me! All my wealth was destroyed!"Bohlool said, "The first day you addressed me as Shaykh Bohlool, and since you addressed me as an intelligent person, I advised you according to my wisdom. The second time you called me Crazy Bohlool, so I advised you like a crazy person."The businessman was ashamed of his behavior and understood Bohlool well.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Antivenom
Antivenom (or antivenin or antivenene) is a biological product used in the treatment of venomous bites or stings. Antivenom is created by injecting a small amount of the targeted venom into an animal such as a horse, sheep, goat, or rabbit; the subject animal will suffer an immune response to the venom, producing antibodies against the venom's active molecule which can then be harvested from the animal's blood and used to treat envenomation in others. Internationally, antivenoms must carefully meet the standards of Pharmacopoeia and WHO.
The name antivenin, comes from the French word venin meaning venom, and historically the word antivenin was predominant around the world; however, this usage is archaic in English. For the English language, the WHO decided in 1981 that the preferred terminology in the English language would be "venom" and "antivenom" rather than "venin/antivenin" or "venen/antivenene".
The principle of antivenom is based on that of vaccines, developed by Louis Pasteur; however, instead of inducing immunity in the patient directly, it is induced in a host animal and the hyperimmunized serum is transfused into the patient.
Antivenoms can be classified into monovalent (when they are effective against a given species' venom) or polyvalent (when they are effective against a range of species, or several different species at the same time). The first antivenom for snakes (called an anti-ophidic serum) was developed by Albert Calmette, a French scientist of the Pasteur Institute working at its Indochine branch in 1895, against the Indian Cobra (Naja naja).
Vital Brazil, a Brazilian scientist, developed in 1901 the first monovalent and polyvalent antivenoms for Central and South American Crotalus, Bothrops and Elaps genera, as well as for certain species of venomous spiders, scorpions, and frogs. They were all developed in a Brazilian institution, the Instituto Butantan, located in Sao Paulo,Brazil.
Antivenoms for therapeutic use are often preserved as freeze-dried ampoules, but some are available only in liquid form and must be kept refrigerated. (They are not immediately inactivated by heat, so a minor gap in the cold chain is not disastrous.) The majority of antivenoms (including all snake antivenoms) are administered intravenously; however, stonefish and redback spider antivenoms are given intramuscularly. The intramuscular route has been questioned in some situations as not uniformly effective.
Antivenoms bind to and neutralize the venom, halting further damage, but do not reverse damage already done. Thus, they should be administered as soon as possible after the venom has been injected, but are of some benefit as long as venom is present in the body. Since the advent of antivenoms, some bites which were previously inevitably fatal have become only rarely fatal provided that the antivenom is administered soon enough.
Antivenoms are purified by several processes but will still contain other serum proteins that can act as antigens. Some individuals may react to the antivenom with an immediate hypersensitivity reaction (anaphylaxis) or a delayed hypersensitivity (serum sickness) reaction and antivenom should, therefore, be used with caution. Despite this caution, antivenom is typically the sole effective treatment for a life-threatening condition, and once the precautions for managing these reactions are in place, an anaphylactoid reaction is not grounds to refuse to give antivenom if otherwise indicated. Although it is a popular myth that a person allergic to horses "cannot" be given antivenom, the side effects are manageable, and antivenom should be given as rapidly as the side effects can be managed.
Sheep are generally used in preference over horses now, however, as the potential for adverse immunological responses in humans from sheep-derived antibodies is generally somewhat less than that from horse-derived antibodies. The use of horses to raise antibodies - in Australia at least, where much antivenom research has been undertaken (by Sutherland and others for example) - has been attributed to the research base originally having been a large number of veterinary officers. These vets had, in many cases, returned from taking part in the Boer and First World Wars and were generally experienced with horses due to working with cavalry. The large animal vets were similarly oriented given the use of horses as a prime source of motive power and transport, especially in the rural setting. The overall experience with horses naturally made them the preferred subject in which to raise antibodies. It was not until later that the immuno-reactivity of certain horse serum proteins was assessed to be sufficiently problematic that alternatives in which to raise antibodies were investigated.
In the U.S. the only approved antivenom for pit viper (rattlesnake, copperhead and water moccasin) snakebite is based on a purified product made in sheep known as Cro-Fab. It was approved by the FDA in October, 2000. U.S. Coral snake antivenom is no longer manufactured and remaining stocks of in-date antivenom for coral snakebite will expire in the Fall of 2009 leaving the U.S. without a Coral snake antivenom at this time (January, 2009).
Efforts are being made to obtain approval for a Coral snake antivenom produced in Mexico which would work against U.S. coral snakebite but such approval remains speculative. In the absence of antivenom, all coral snakebite should be treated in a hospital by elective endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation until the effects of coral snake neurotoxins abate. It is important to remember that respiratory paralysis in coral snakebite can occur suddenly, often up to 12 or more hours after the bite, so intubation and ventilation should be employed in anticipation of respiratory failure and not after it occurs when it may be too late.
The name antivenin, comes from the French word venin meaning venom, and historically the word antivenin was predominant around the world; however, this usage is archaic in English. For the English language, the WHO decided in 1981 that the preferred terminology in the English language would be "venom" and "antivenom" rather than "venin/antivenin" or "venen/antivenene".
The principle of antivenom is based on that of vaccines, developed by Louis Pasteur; however, instead of inducing immunity in the patient directly, it is induced in a host animal and the hyperimmunized serum is transfused into the patient.
Antivenoms can be classified into monovalent (when they are effective against a given species' venom) or polyvalent (when they are effective against a range of species, or several different species at the same time). The first antivenom for snakes (called an anti-ophidic serum) was developed by Albert Calmette, a French scientist of the Pasteur Institute working at its Indochine branch in 1895, against the Indian Cobra (Naja naja).
Vital Brazil, a Brazilian scientist, developed in 1901 the first monovalent and polyvalent antivenoms for Central and South American Crotalus, Bothrops and Elaps genera, as well as for certain species of venomous spiders, scorpions, and frogs. They were all developed in a Brazilian institution, the Instituto Butantan, located in Sao Paulo,Brazil.
Antivenoms for therapeutic use are often preserved as freeze-dried ampoules, but some are available only in liquid form and must be kept refrigerated. (They are not immediately inactivated by heat, so a minor gap in the cold chain is not disastrous.) The majority of antivenoms (including all snake antivenoms) are administered intravenously; however, stonefish and redback spider antivenoms are given intramuscularly. The intramuscular route has been questioned in some situations as not uniformly effective.
Antivenoms bind to and neutralize the venom, halting further damage, but do not reverse damage already done. Thus, they should be administered as soon as possible after the venom has been injected, but are of some benefit as long as venom is present in the body. Since the advent of antivenoms, some bites which were previously inevitably fatal have become only rarely fatal provided that the antivenom is administered soon enough.
Antivenoms are purified by several processes but will still contain other serum proteins that can act as antigens. Some individuals may react to the antivenom with an immediate hypersensitivity reaction (anaphylaxis) or a delayed hypersensitivity (serum sickness) reaction and antivenom should, therefore, be used with caution. Despite this caution, antivenom is typically the sole effective treatment for a life-threatening condition, and once the precautions for managing these reactions are in place, an anaphylactoid reaction is not grounds to refuse to give antivenom if otherwise indicated. Although it is a popular myth that a person allergic to horses "cannot" be given antivenom, the side effects are manageable, and antivenom should be given as rapidly as the side effects can be managed.
Sheep are generally used in preference over horses now, however, as the potential for adverse immunological responses in humans from sheep-derived antibodies is generally somewhat less than that from horse-derived antibodies. The use of horses to raise antibodies - in Australia at least, where much antivenom research has been undertaken (by Sutherland and others for example) - has been attributed to the research base originally having been a large number of veterinary officers. These vets had, in many cases, returned from taking part in the Boer and First World Wars and were generally experienced with horses due to working with cavalry. The large animal vets were similarly oriented given the use of horses as a prime source of motive power and transport, especially in the rural setting. The overall experience with horses naturally made them the preferred subject in which to raise antibodies. It was not until later that the immuno-reactivity of certain horse serum proteins was assessed to be sufficiently problematic that alternatives in which to raise antibodies were investigated.
In the U.S. the only approved antivenom for pit viper (rattlesnake, copperhead and water moccasin) snakebite is based on a purified product made in sheep known as Cro-Fab. It was approved by the FDA in October, 2000. U.S. Coral snake antivenom is no longer manufactured and remaining stocks of in-date antivenom for coral snakebite will expire in the Fall of 2009 leaving the U.S. without a Coral snake antivenom at this time (January, 2009).
Efforts are being made to obtain approval for a Coral snake antivenom produced in Mexico which would work against U.S. coral snakebite but such approval remains speculative. In the absence of antivenom, all coral snakebite should be treated in a hospital by elective endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation until the effects of coral snake neurotoxins abate. It is important to remember that respiratory paralysis in coral snakebite can occur suddenly, often up to 12 or more hours after the bite, so intubation and ventilation should be employed in anticipation of respiratory failure and not after it occurs when it may be too late.
Maxwell-16 : An Introduction
The Maxwell® 16 automated sample purification system brings Personal Automation™ to low- to moderate-throughput DNA and RNA extraction. Using this tool, clinical laboratories can improve efficiency while ensuring consistent results.
The Maxwell® 16 System:
Extracts samples in 30-45 minutes allowing technicians to walk away to perform other tasks
Provides optimized automated DNA and RNA extraction for 1 to 16 samples
Removes technician to technician variability by eliminating manual methods.
The Maxwell® 16 automated sample purification system brings Personal Automation™ to low- to moderate-throughput DNA, RNA and recombinant protein purification. Using this tool, laboratories can perform analysis of even the most difficult samples while increasing productivity of lab personnel.
The Maxwell® 16 Instrument can be configured in either Standard Elution Volume (SEV) or Low Elution Volume (LEV) formats. In the SEV format, purified samples are eluted in a volume of 300µl, maximizing yield. In the LEV format, samples are eluted in 20–100µl, maximizing concentration.
DNA Purification Systems: SEV Configuration.
Maxwell® 16 Blood DNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1010)
Maxwell® 16 Cell DNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1020)
Maxwell® 16 Tissue DNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1030)
DNA IQ™ Reference Sample Kit for Maxwell® 16 (Cat.# AS1040)
DNA Purification Systems: LEV Configuration:
DNA IQ™ Casework Sample Kit for Maxwell® 16 (Cat.# AS1210)
RNA Purification Systems: SEV Configuration:
Maxwell® 16 Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1050)
RNA Purification Systems: LEV Configuration:
Maxwell® 16 Tissue LEV Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1220)
Maxwell® 16 Cell LEV Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1225)
The Maxwell® 16 System:
Extracts samples in 30-45 minutes allowing technicians to walk away to perform other tasks
Provides optimized automated DNA and RNA extraction for 1 to 16 samples
Removes technician to technician variability by eliminating manual methods.
The Maxwell® 16 automated sample purification system brings Personal Automation™ to low- to moderate-throughput DNA, RNA and recombinant protein purification. Using this tool, laboratories can perform analysis of even the most difficult samples while increasing productivity of lab personnel.
The Maxwell® 16 Instrument can be configured in either Standard Elution Volume (SEV) or Low Elution Volume (LEV) formats. In the SEV format, purified samples are eluted in a volume of 300µl, maximizing yield. In the LEV format, samples are eluted in 20–100µl, maximizing concentration.
DNA Purification Systems: SEV Configuration.
Maxwell® 16 Blood DNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1010)
Maxwell® 16 Cell DNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1020)
Maxwell® 16 Tissue DNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1030)
DNA IQ™ Reference Sample Kit for Maxwell® 16 (Cat.# AS1040)
DNA Purification Systems: LEV Configuration:
DNA IQ™ Casework Sample Kit for Maxwell® 16 (Cat.# AS1210)
RNA Purification Systems: SEV Configuration:
Maxwell® 16 Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1050)
RNA Purification Systems: LEV Configuration:
Maxwell® 16 Tissue LEV Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1220)
Maxwell® 16 Cell LEV Total RNA Purification Kit (Cat.# AS1225)
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