Subchronic inhalation toxicity of silver nanoparticles

Subchronic inhalation toxicity of silver nanoparticles

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19033393?dopt=AbstractPlus

Sung JH, Ji JH, Park JD, Yun JU, Kim DS, Jeon KS, Song MY, Jeong J, Han BS, Han JH, Chung YH, Chang HK, Lee JH, Cho MH, Kelman BJ, Yu IJ.

Korea Environment & Merchandise Testing Institute, Incheon.

Toxicol Sci. 2008 Nov 25.

The subchronic inhalation toxicity of silver nanoparticles was studied in Sprague Dawley rats. Eight-week-old rats, weighing approximately 253.2g (males) and 162.6g (females), were divided into 4 groups (10 rats in each group): fresh-air control, low-dose (0.6 x 10(6) particle/cm(3), 49 mu/m(3)), middle-dose (1.4 x 10(6) particle/cm(3), 133 mu/m(3)), and high-dose (3.0 x 10(6) particle/cm(3), 515 mu/m(3)). The animals were exposed to silver nanoparticles (average diameter 18-19 nm) for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 13 weeks in a whole-body inhalation chamber. In addition to mortality and clinical observations, body weight, food consumption, and pulmonary function tests were recorded weekly. At the end of the study, the rats were subjected to a full necropsy, blood samples were collected for hematology and clinical chemistry tests, and the organ weights were measured. Bile-duct hyperplasia in the liver increased dose-dependently in both the male and female rats. Histopathological examinations indicated dose-dependent increases in lesions related to silver nanoparticle exposure, including mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate, chronic alveolar inflammation, and small granulomatous lesions. Target organs for silver nanoparticles were considered to be the lungs and liver in the male and female rats. NOAEL (no observable adverse effect level) of 100 mug/m(3) is suggested from the experiments.

PMID: 19033393 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

NEWS: Chemicals causing fragrance can be dangerous

Comment:  This was a nice write up on Steinemann's study that made theh dangers of fragrance real to the mainstream population.

Chemicals causing fragrance can be dangerous  

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2008/11/26/opinion/doc492d4214d2c89772087215.txt

Wednesday, November 26, 2008   
By Nancy Alderman  
 

HAVE you noticed that when you walk into stores like Bed Bath and Beyond or Pier 1, the smell from their scented candles and potpourri is overwhelming?

Have you noticed that air fresheners, dryer sheets or heavily scented washing machine soap have a potent aroma?

Have you ever stopped to think what is in these products that cause strong fragrances?

The answer is that the odors are produced by a soup of chemicals, and some of these compounds may not be very good for you.

 

<snip>

Oxidative stress "extremely powerful" in the airways of children with asthma

Oxidative stress "extremely powerful" in the airways of children with asthma

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19032232?dopt=AbstractPlus

Dut R, Dizdar EA, Birben E, Sackesen C, Soyer OU, Besler T, Kalayci O.
Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Unit.

1: Allergy. 2008 Dec;63(12):1605-9.

Background:
There is ample evidence for the existence of a systemic oxidative stress in childhood asthma but relatively little information on the oxidant stress in the airways.

Objective:
To determine the extent of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and describe its determinants in the airways of asthmatic children including asthma severity and the genotype of the antioxidant enzymes.

Methods:
One hundred and ten children with mild asthma, 30 children with moderate asthma and 191 healthy controls were included in the study. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was collected from all children with EcoScreen((R)). Levels of malondialdehyde were measured as the indicator of oxidative stress, and of reduced glutathione as the indicator of antioxidant defense. Children were genotyped for the presence of null variants of glutathione S transferase (GST) T1 and GSTM1, and ile105val variant of GSTP1. Risk factors were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression.

Results:
EBC contained significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde and lower levels of reduced glutathione in asthmatic children compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001 for each), whereas there was no difference between mild and moderate asthmatics. Multivariate logistic regression identified asthma as the only independent factor contributing to oxidative stress. Genotypes of the antioxidant enzymes had no effect on the oxidative burden.

Conclusions:
Asthma is associated with an extremely powerful oxidative stress not only in the systemic circulation but also in the airways.

PMID: 19032232 [PubMed - in process]

Differential heat shock protein responses to strenuous standardized exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome patients and matched healthy controls.

Clin Invest Med. 2008 Dec 1;31(6):E319.

Differential heat shock protein responses to strenuous standardized exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome patients and matched healthy controls.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19032901?dopt=AbstractPlus

Thambirajah AA, Sleigh K, Stiver HG, Chow AW.

. email@email.com.

Purpose: Since physical exertion is known to exacerbate the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and metabolic changes and including oxidative stress can modulate heat shock protein (HSP) expression responses, we sought to determine whether HSP expression is altered in CFS patients before and after exercise. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were examined from 6 chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and 7 controls before and after a standardized treadmill exercise. Basal hsp27 was significantly higher among CFS patients compared to controls, and decreased immediately post-exercise, remaining below basal levels even at 7 days. A similar pattern was observed for HSP60, which gradually decreased in CFS patients but increased in controls post-exercise. These findings suggest an abnormal adaptive response to oxidative stress in CFS, and raise the possibility that HSP profiling may provide a more objective biologic marker for this illness. Methods: HSP27, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 expression from 6 CFS patients and 7 age- and sex-matched controls were examined by western blot analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells immediately before, after, and at 1 day and 7 days following a standardized treadmill exercise. Results: Basal HSP27 was higher among CFS patients than in controls (0.54 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.19 +/- 0.06, mean +/- SEM; P < 0.01). In addition, these levels in CFS patients decreased immediately post-exercise (0.25 +/- 0.09; P < 0.05) and remained below basal levels at day 1 post-exercises (0.18 +/- 0.05; P < 0.05). P < 0.05). This declining expression of HSP27 during the post-exercise period among CFS patients was confirmed by one-way ANOVA analysis with repeated measures (P < 0.05). In contrast, HSP27 levels remained relatively constant following exercise among control subjects. Similar patterns of declining HSP levels in CFS patients were also observed for HSP60 (0.94 +/- 0.40 vs. 1.32 +/- 0.46; P < 0.05), and for HSP90 (0.34 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.49 +/- 0.10; P < 0.05) at day 7 post-exercise compared with basal levels, respectively. In contrast, HSP60 levels in control subjects increased at day 1 (1.09 +/- 0.27) and day 7 (1.24 +/- 0.50) post-exercise compared to corresponding levels immediately post-exercise (0.55 +/- 0.06) (P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest an abnormal or defective adaptive response to oxidative stress in CFS, and raise the possibility that HSP profiling may provide a more objective biologic marker for this illness.

PMID: 19032901 [PubMed - in process]

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - December 2008

MCSA NEWS
December 2008, Volume 3, Issue 12

 

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/december2008.pdf  (View, Download, and Print)
NEW!  Entire Online Edition: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm   (View as a Webpage)

 

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

 

Gulf War Illness is Real Says Panel: Caused by Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg12.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Gulf_War_Illness

 

Disability Accommodations

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg345.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Disability_Accommodations

 

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Treatment Part 2

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg67891011.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Fibromyalgia_Diagnosis_and

 

Selecting Safe Building Materials

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg121314.pdf  

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Selecting_Safe_Building

 

Wood Smoke and Black Carbon Soot:  A Major Contributor to Global Warming

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg1516.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Wood_Smoke_and

 

Fibromyalgia and Cerebral Blood Flow to the Brain

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg1718.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Fibromyalgia_and_Cerebral

 

New MCS Hospital Protocol

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg19.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_New_MCS_Hospital

 

Dr. William Rea Pleads for Help

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg2021.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Dr._William_Rea

 

Obama's Environmental Promise

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg22.pdf

Online Version:    http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Obama_Environmental_Promise

 

Scientists Say Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is Not Sleepiness

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg232425.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Scientists_Say_Chronic

 

Obama to Hear Your Vision

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg2627.pdf

Online Version:   http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Obama_to_Hear

 

Patient Support and Resources

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg2829303132333435.pdf

Online Version:   http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Resources_and_Support

 

Community News

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg36.pdf

Online Version:   http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Community_News

 

Featured Research Studies

PDF Version:    http://mcs-america.org/December2008pg373839.pdf

Online Version:    http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsdecember2008.htm#_Featured_Research_Studies_

 

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Endocrine Disruptors in the Workplace, Hair Spray, Folate Supplementation, and Risk of Hypospadias: Case-control Study

Endocrine Disruptors in the Workplace, Hair Spray, Folate Supplementation, and Risk of Hypospadias: Case-control Study

http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/11933/abstract.pdf

Gillian Ormond, Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, Paul Nelson, Mireille B. Toledano, Nina Iszatt, Sara Geneletti, and Paul Elliott

doi: 10.1289/ehp.11933 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)

Online 20 November 2008

 

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypospadias is one of the commonest urogenital congenital anomalies affecting baby boys. Prevalence estimates in Europe range from 4 to 24 per 10,000 births, depending on definition with higher rates reported from the United States. Relatively little is known about potential risk factors, but a role for endocrine disrupting chemicals has been proposed.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate risk of hypospadias associated with occupational exposure of the mother to endocrine disruptor chemicals, use of folate supplementation during pregnancy, and vegetarianism.

DESIGN: Case-control study of 471 hypospadias cases referred to surgeons, and 490 randomly selected birth controls, born 1 January 1997 to 30 September 1998, south-east England. Telephone interview of mothers, including information on folate supplementation during pregnancy and vegetarianism, and a job exposure matrix to classify occupational exposure.

RESULTS: In multiple logistic regression analysis, there were increased risks for self-reported occupational exposure to hairspray (exposed vs non exposed OR 2.39 95% CI 1.40, 4.17), and phthalate exposure obtained by a job exposure matrix (OR 3.12 95% CI 1.04, 11.46). There was a significant protective effect of folate use during the first three months of pregnancy (OR 0.64 95% CI 0.44, 0.93). Vegetarianism was not associated with hypospadias risk.

CONCLUSIONS: Excess risks of hypospadias associated with occupational exposures to phthalates and hair spray suggest that anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals may play a role in hypospadias. Folate supplementation in early pregnancy may be

protective.

The Synergistic Toxicity of Pesticide Mixtures: Implications for Risk Assessment and the Conservation of Endangered Pacific Salmon

The Synergistic Toxicity of Pesticide Mixtures: Implications for Risk Assessment and the Conservation of Endangered Pacific Salmon

http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/0800096/abstract.html

Cathy A. Laetz, David H. Baldwin, Tracy K. Collier, Vincent Hebert, John D. Stark, and Nathaniel L. Scholz

 

Abstract

Background: Mixtures of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides are commonly detected in

freshwater habitats that support threatened and endangered species of Pacific salmon

(Oncorhynchus sp.). These pesticides inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and

thus have potential to interfere with behaviors that may be essential for salmon survival. While

the effects of individual anticholinesterase insecticides on aquatic species have been studied for

decades, the neurotoxicity of mixtures is still poorly understood.

Objectives: We assessed whether chemicals in a mixture act in isolation (resulting in additive

AChE inhibition) or whether components interact to produce either antagonistic or synergistic

toxicity.

Methods: We measured brain AChE inhibition in juvenile coho salmon (O. kisutch) exposed to

sublethal concentrations of the organophosphates diazinon, malathion, and chlorpyrifos as well

as the carbamates carbaryl and carbofuran. Concentrations of individual chemicals were

normalized to their respective EC50 concentrations and collectively fit to a non-linear regression.

This curve was used to determine whether toxicological responses to binary mixtures were

additive, antagonistic, or synergistic.

Results: Addition and synergism were both observed, with a greater degree of synergism at

higher exposure concentrations. Several combinations of organophosphates were lethal at

concentrations that were sublethal in single chemical trials.

Conclusion: Single chemical risk assessments are likely to underestimate the impacts of these

insecticides on salmon in river systems where mixtures occur. Moreover, mixtures of pesticides

that have been commonly reported in salmon habitats may pose a more important challenge for

species recovery than previously anticipated.

Nanotechnology-based electrochemical sensors for biomonitoring chemical exposures

Nanotechnology-based electrochemical sensors for biomonitoring chemical exposures

http://www.nature.com/jes/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/jes200871a.html

Richard C Barry^a, Yuehe Lin^b, Jun Wang^b, Guodong Liu^b,c and Charles A Timchalk^a

1. ^aBiological Monitoring and Modeling Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
2. ^bInterfacial and Nanoscale Science Facility, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
3. ^cDepartment of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA

Correspondence: Dr. Charles A. Timchalk, Biological Monitoring and Modeling Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, MSIN: P7-59, 902 Battelle Blvd., Richland, WA 99352, USA. Tel.: +1 509 376 0434; Fax: +1 509 376-9064; E-mail: charles.timchalk@pnl.gov

Received 21 February 2008; Revised 30 July 2008; Accepted 23 September 2008; Published online 19 November 2008.

Top of page

Abstract

The coupling of dosimetry measurements and modeling represents a promising strategy for deciphering the relationship between chemical exposure and disease outcome. To support the development and implementation of biological monitoring programs, quantitative technologies for measuring xenobiotic exposure are needed. The development of portable nanotechnology-based electrochemical (EC) sensors has the potential to meet the needs for low cost, rapid, high-throughput, and ultrasensitive detectors for biomonitoring an array of chemical markers. Highly selective EC sensors capable of pM sensitivity, high-throughput and low sample requirements (<50 l) are discussed. These portable analytical systems have many advantages over currently available technologies, thus potentially representing the next generation of biomonitoring analyzers. This paper highlights research focused on the development of field-deployable analytical instruments based on EC detection. Background information and a general overview of EC detection methods and integrated use of nanomaterials in the development of these sensors are provided. New developments in EC sensors using various types of screen-printed electrodes, integrated nanomaterials, and immunoassays are presented. Recent applications of EC sensors for assessing exposure to pesticides or detecting biomarkers of disease are highlighted to demonstrate the ability to monitor chemical metabolites, enzyme activity, or protein biomarkers of disease. In addition, future considerations and opportunities for advancing the use of EC platforms for dosimetric studies are discussed.

Keywords:

biomonitoring, dosimetry, electrochemical sensors, exposure assessment

Are patients with chronic fatigue syndrome just 'tired' or also 'sleepy'?

J Sleep Res. 2008 Oct 7. [Epub ahead of print]

Are patients with chronic fatigue syndrome just 'tired' or also 'sleepy'?

Neu D, Hoffmann G, Moutrier R, Verbanck P, Linkowski P, LE Bon O.

University Hospital Brugmann, Sleep Laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium.

Summary It is presently unclear whether chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients exhibit daytime sleepiness in addition to fatigue. Both, fatigue, such as that seen in CFS patients, and excessive daytime sleepiness, such as in sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), remain poorly understood. Both daytime conditions are generally related to unrefreshing sleep and show affective symptoms. This study's objective was to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between fatigue and sleepiness in CFS patients not co-morbid for primary sleep or psychiatric disorders. We compared 16 untreated CFS patients (mean age 32.8, all females) with 13 untreated SAHS (mean age 47.7, all females) patients and 12 healthy controls (mean age 32.2, all females). Objective sleepiness was measured using multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT). Subjective sleepiness and fatigue were assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale, respectively. Mean Sleep Latency (SL) on the MSLT was significantly shorter in SAHS patients than in CFS patients and CFS patients showed significantly shorter mean SL than matched controls but within normal range. Subjective sleepiness was greatest in SAHS patients and subjective fatigue was highest in CFS patients. Affective symptoms showed highest intensities in CFS patients. While higher than the control group on all measures, compared to SAHS, the CFS group had higher subjective fatigue and lower subjective and objective sleepiness. Despite possible overlap in symptoms and signs of both daytime conditions, our data indirectly support the clinical distinction between fatigue and sleepiness.

PMID: 19021860 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Hemodynamic Response to Postural Shift in Women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.

Biol Res Nurs. 2008 Nov 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Hemodynamic Response to Postural Shift in Women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19017670?dopt=AbstractPlus

McFetridge-Durdle J, Routledge F, Sampalli T, Fox R, Livingston H, Adams B.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition prevalent in women; the symptoms are reproducible with repeated low-level chemical exposure. Evidence gathered through clinical observations suggests that women with MCS may be at risk for autonomic nervous system dysfunction as evidenced by abnormal heart rate and pulse pressure responses to exercise. The primary objective of this study was to describe the hemodynamic response to postural shift in 17 women with MCS. Using impedance cardiography, hemodynamic measures were taken while sitting and immediately upon standing. The hemodynamic response to standing was increased heart rate (p < .0001), decreased stroke volume (p = .002), decreased left ventricular ejection time (p < .0001), increased diastolic blood pressure (p = .01), and increased systemic vascular resistance (p =.002). Although this pattern of hemodynamic response was normal, the magnitude of the changes was considerably less than those observed previously in healthy participants. These findings warrant further investigation.

PMID: 19017670 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

NEWS: Bug bombs don't just kill pests: People, pets also sickened by foggers

Bug bombs don't just kill pests: People, pets also sickened by foggers

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/printer2/index.asp?ploc=t&refer=http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/388404_bugbomb19.html

 

After his girlfriend's black Lab mix got fleas from a visiting pooch, Jim Avent set off eight bug bombs in various rooms of her sprawling house in Woodinville.

Dashing for the open sliding-glass door, Avent was partway across the kitchen when he was overcome by the fumes.

He fell to the ground and strained to drag himself to the threshold.

"I was hanging halfway in the house, halfway out of the house, gagging," Avent said. "I couldn't move. I couldn't sit up. I couldn't talk."

<snip>

ACTIVISM: Tell Obama Your Vision (MCS)

President-Elect Obama is hard at work getting this country back on track, but he's counting on input from all of us.  And he needs to hear about MCS issues, especially with the recent announcement that Gulf War Syndrome is real and linked to vaccines and pesticides.  We need a similar government panel to examine and report on MCS.  

I just wrote in to share my vision for where President-Elect Obama should lead the country in regards to MCS.  Specifically,

1. Funding is needed for programs that educate both health care professionals and the general public about MCS. 
2. A committee is also needed to help coordinate health agency research, promote the exchange of information, hold federal agencies accountable, ensure workplace accommodations, and give advocates a voice in policy decisions. 
3. More research of integrity is needed as it offers the greatest prospect of returning people with MCS to healthy, productive lives. 

I thought you might want to write in too.  Here is the link to change.gov where you can write via email.  http://www.change.gov/yourvision

Here is the full letter I wrote.  Feel free to use any or all of it if it if you desire.  You can copy the text below or download it as a Word document for editing at: http://mcs-america.org/obama.doc
 
Dear President-Elect Obama,
 
As you acknowledge the failed leadership of the past eight years, which you confirm has impacted the EPA, and begin to work toward your campaign promise to hold the principle of scientific integrity as an absolute, I would like to bring your awareness to Americans already injured, a concern that requires immediate attention.
 
Sensitivity to environmental pollution and chemicals has been researched by scientists for 60 years.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recognized chemical sensitivity as one symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), yet diagnostic tests and effective medical treatments have yet to be discovered.  For afflicted Americans, proper diagnosis through confirmatory diagnostic testing would mean better care, treatment, and outcome, all of which would improve many lives and prevent additional disability.

Here are a few documented and published facts about multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS):

• Several studies published between 1993 and 2005 suggest that at least 45 million men, women, and children in the US report various chemical sensitivities.  Seventy percent of these people have not been diagnosed properly by a health care provider. 
• Brain scans show reduced blood flow to the brain of MCS subjects when under chemical exposure.
  Numerous physical abnormalities have been identified in MCS subjects, including brain inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, cardiac and airway disease, auto-immune disorders, and many others.
• Mast cell activation and disorders of porphyrin metabolism have been linked to MCS.
• Genetic differences relating to detoxification processes are present more often in those with MCS than those without.
  Studies have shown that avoiding inciting chemicals and proper environmental control is the most efficacious treatment known to date.  Ninety-five percent of patients report improvement upon practicing avoidance and 94% report improvement upon moving to a chemical free living space.
• *Citations are available  at:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSPositionStatement.htm.

 

MCS is already formally recognized by the governments of Germany, Canada, and Denmark.  Last year, more than one half of state governors proclaimed the month of May as MCS and/or Toxic Injury Awareness Month.  The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Health Observance Calendar lists May as MCS Awareness Month. But this is not enough for American's who have already suffered injury as a result of poorly regulated chemicals and lack of scientific integrity.
 

• Funding is needed for programs that educate both health care professionals and the general public about MCS. 
• A committee is also needed to help coordinate health agency research, promote the exchange of information, hold federal agencies accountable, ensure workplace accommodations, and give advocates a voice in policy decisions. 
• More research of integrity is needed as it offers the greatest prospect of returning people with MCS to healthy, productive lives.  

 

I hope I can count on your help in this important matter and look forward to your response.
 
Sincerely,
 

Lourdes Salavador

Clinical trials validate the severity of persistent Lyme disease symptoms.

Med Hypotheses. 2008 Nov 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Clinical trials validate the severity of persistent Lyme disease symptoms.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19013025?dopt=AbstractPlus

Cameron DJ.

First Medical Associates, 175 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, New York 10549, United States.

BACKGROUND: Persistent Lyme Disease Symptoms (PLDS) have included fatigue, headaches, poor concentration and memory, lightheadedness, joint pain, and mood disturbances. Evidence-based guidelines committees disagree over the severity of PLDS. The 2004 International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) concluded that PLDS are severe. The 2006 Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines committee concluded that PLDS are nothing more than the "aches and pains of daily living" and an ad hoc International Lyme group concluded that PLDS are "symptoms common in persons who have never had Lyme disease." HYPOTHESIS: Clinical trials validate the severity of persistent Lyme disease symptoms. EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS: There are 22 standardized instruments used to measure the severity of PLDS among the four published National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs). VALIDATING THE HYPOTHESIS: All four NIH sponsored RCTs validate the severity of PLDS. PLDS are as severe as symptoms seen in other serious chronic illnesses, and result in a quality of life lower than for the general population as determined by 22 standardized measures of QOL, including fatigue, pain, role function, psychopathology, and cognition. None of the four RCTs support the IDSA hypothesis that PLDS are nothing more than "the aches and pains of daily living" nor the ad hoc International Lyme group conclusion that PLDS are "symptoms common in persons who have never had Lyme disease." IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS: If the QOL of life for these patients is as poor as for patients with other serious chronic diseases, their symptoms need to be addressed by their doctors. Studies differ as to the precise cause of PLDS, the most effective treatments, and whether a cure is possible. But the fact that there is disagreement is not a license for physicians to ignore or turn away patients complaining of PLDS, or to dismiss their symptoms as purely psychosomatic. For physicians, the goal or purpose of treating PLDS should be the same as their purpose in treating other chronic illnesses that result in a poor QOL: vigorous pursuit of a cure, and where a cure proves impossible, amelioration of patients' symptoms and suffering. Even if this hypothesis fails to be apply to more than a fraction of the total Lyme disease population, this still represents a significant number of patients, and these findings could address a neglected aspect of caring for patients with Lyme disease.

PMID: 19013025 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Opportunity to participate in MCS research

From Pamela Reed Gibson, who wrote the MCS Survival Guide book and ILRU accommodation guide (not exact titles) along with much other research.
 
Hi Folks,

I wanted to let you know that my students and I have 2 new studies ready to begin and to ask your help in publicizing them. Here is a blurb about each and they can both be accessed on my research website at www.mcsresearch.net

Experiencing Environmental Sensitivities

We are interested in interviewing people who have had environmental sensitivities for 5 years or more. The interview will last approximately 30 minutes and will explore the phenomenology of what it is like to experience sensitivities and to interact with others in a chemical culture. If you are interested in participating, please go to www.mcsresearch.net and click on current studies to open the consent form and to complete the short demographic questionnaire.

If you do not have computer access or cannot use a computer, please contact our lab for a hard copy of the short demographic survey. You can call us at 540-568-6195. 
 
Clients' Perceptions of Services from Mental Health Providers for Persons with Environmental Sensitivities

In this study we will examine people's perceptions of any services they have received from psychological providers. People with ES end up in the offices of mental health providers for a variety of reasons: for counseling, for evaluations in regard to disability applications or as requested by Vocational Rehabilitation, or when referred by a physician who perceives the problem to be psychological. There may be other reasons as well. We are interested in the treatment that people receive, whether they are accommodated by these providers, and their perceptions of how knowledgeable mental health providers are regarding sensitivities. In addition, as part of this study we invite anyone who has received a psychological evaluation from a psychologist to submit it so we can examine how people with sensitivities are being construed by psychologists. There has for a long time been a movement to frame MCS/ES as a psychological illness. We believe it is physical and would like to attempt to begin discussion of the ways that persons with MCS are framed in evaluations. If you are willing to participate go to www.mcsresearch.net and click on current studies to follow the link or go directly to the link below to take our survey of psychological services on Qualtrics:
http://jmu.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_6DpHHiwHSysPFgE&SVID=Prod  

If you are unable to take the survey online or know someone who would like to participate without taking the survey on line, we can be contacted for either an e-mail copy or a hard copy of the survey. Phone 540-568-6195 or e-mail gibsonpr@jmu.edu.

Protocol for Care of Hospital Patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Mabel has also put a scent free workplace policy in place at David Thompson Health Region.  It can be downloaded here.  Again, it is my hope that others will use this document in their area as a basis to develop similar hospital regulations.

Scent Free Workplace Policy
http://mcs-america.org/ScentFreeWorkplace.pdf

 

----- Original Message -----

I would like to congratulate Mabel, an acute care manager, who recently worked hard to establish a protocol for the care of MCS hospital patients in the Alberta, Canada area.

This protocol is now in use in the hospital setting in the David Thompson Health Region and outlines safety measures to use with MCS patients.  It specifies what products and materials may or may not be usable and includes:

1.  Sources to purchase recommended materials. 

2.  Clinical signs to watch for in the patient that would indicate exposure.

3.  Establishes the type of remedial action to take when an exposure occurs.

This is a wonderful document capable of ensuring a safer hospital stay and better treatment by staff.  No hospital should be without one.  I applaud Mabel for getting this protocol into the hospital regulations of her region.  She stands at the forefront of much needed change.

It is my hope that others will use this document in their area as a basis to develop similar hospital regulations.  It is crucial that all hospitals and health care facilities are not only familiar with MCS, but also are prepared and able to make the needed accommodations to ensure a safe patient stay.

The document can be viewed at:
http://mcs-america.org/MCSHospitalPatientProtocol.pdf

Once again, great job Mabel!

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Gulf War Research Panel Finds 1 in 4 Veterans Suffers from Illness Caused by Toxic Exposure

Gulf War Research Panel Finds 1 in 4 Veterans Suffers from Illness Caused by Toxic Exposure

http://sph.bu.edu/insider/images/stories/resources/annual_reports/mon11amrelease.doc

 

Washington, DC – (Nov. 17, 2008) – At least one in four of the 697,000 U.S. veterans of the 1991 Gulf War suffer from Gulf War illness, a condition caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, including pesticides and a drug administered to protect troops against nerve gas, and no effective treatments have yet been found, a federal panel of scientific experts and veterans concludes in a landmark report released Monday. 

Protocol for Care of Hospital Patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

I would like to congratulate Mabel, an acute care manager, who recently worked hard to establish a protocol for the care of MCS hospital patients in the Alberta, Canada area.

This protocol is now in use in the hospital setting in the David Thompson Health Region and outlines safety measures to use with MCS patients.  It specifies what products and materials may or may not be usable and includes:

1.  Sources to purchase recommended materials. 

2.  Clinical signs to watch for in the patient that would indicate exposure.

3.  Establishes the type of remedial action to take when an exposure occurs.

This is a wonderful document capable of ensuring a safer hospital stay and better treatment by staff.  No hospital should be without one.  I applaud Mabel for getting this protocol into the hospital regulations of her region.  She stands at the forefront of much needed change.

It is my hope that others will use this document in their area as a basis to develop similar hospital regulations.  It is crucial that all hospitals and health care facilities are not only familiar with MCS, but also are prepared and able to make the needed accommodations to ensure a safe patient stay.

The document can be viewed at:
http://mcs-america.org/MCSHospitalPatientProtocol.pdf

Once again, great job Mabel!

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Aluminium and lead: molecular mechanisms of brain toxicity

Aluminium and lead: molecular mechanisms of brain toxicity

FULL TEXT:  http://www.springerlink.com/content/n2577l6701144654/fulltext.pdf

Sandra V. Verstraeten¹, Lucila Aimo² and Patricia I. Oteiza² 

(1)	Department of Biological Chemistry, IIMHNO (UBA) and IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

(2)	Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA

Received: 3 July 2008  Accepted: 15 July 2008  Published online: 31 July 2008

Abstract  The fact that aluminium (Al) and lead (Pb) are both toxic metals to living organisms, including human beings, was discovered a long time ago. Even when Al and Pb can reach and accumulate in almost every organ in the human body, the central nervous system is a particular target of the deleterious effects of both metals. Select human population can be at risk of Al neurotoxicity, and Al is proposed to be involved in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Pb is a widespread environmental hazard, and the neurotoxic effects of Pb are a major public health concern. In spite of the numerous efforts and the accumulating evidence in this area of research, the mechanisms of Al and Pb neurotoxicity are still not completely elucidated. This review will particularly address the involvement of oxidative stress, membrane biophysics alterations, deregulation of cell signaling, and the impairment of neurotransmission as key aspects involved Al and Pb neurotoxicity.

Keywords  Aluminium - Lead - Neurotransmission - Oxidative stress - Neurotoxicity - Cell signaling - Calcium - Toxicology

Occupational rhinitis in damp and moldy workplaces.

Am J Rhinol. 2008 Sep-Oct;22(5):457-62. Links

Occupational rhinitis in damp and moldy workplaces.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18954502?dopt=AbstractPlus

 

Karvala K, Nordman H, Luukkonen R, Nykyri E, Lappalainen S, Hannu T, Toskala E.

Occupational Medicine Team, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. kirsi.karvala@ttl.fi

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies confirm the association between exposure to indoor air dampness and molds and different health outcomes. Of these, upper respiratory tract problems are the most commonly reported work-related symptoms in damp indoor environments. The aim of this study was to describe a clinically investigated patient series with occupational rhinitis induced by molds. METHODS: Nasal provocation test (NPT) with commercial fungal allergens was performed in 369 patients during 1995-2004 at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Of these, 60 (16%) were positive. In addition to positive NPT, the diagnosis of occupational rhinitis was based on verified exposure to molds, work-related nasal symptoms, and clinical investigations. We wanted to review the patient files of these 60 patients retrospectively, and 56 patients gave their informed consent. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 43.7 years (SD +/- 9.5). Fifty (89.3%) patients were women. In 23% of the patients, IgE-mediated allergy to molds could be established. Atopy significantly increased IgE sensitization to molds (OR, 10.3 [95% CI, 2.0-52.5]). The most common mold to induce occupational rhinitis was Aspergillus fumigatus. Exposure time was over 5 years in 63% of the patients. Association between the IgE sensitization to molds and exposure level was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: This is the first clinically investigated series on occupational rhinitis in relation to a moldy environment. Based on our findings, we conclude that molds growing in conjunction with moisture damages can induce occupational rhinitis. IgE-mediated allergy to molds was not common. Atopy and significant exposure level increased IgE sensitization to molds. zri00508.

PMID: 18954502 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in indoor dust.

Sci Total Environ. 2008 Oct 1;404(1):26-35. Epub 2008 Jul 15. Links

Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in indoor dust.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18632138?dopt=AbstractPlus

Hwang HM, Park EK, Young TM, Hammock BD.

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA. hmhwang@ucdavis.edu

Human exposure to indoor dust enriched with endocrine-disrupting chemicals released from numerous indoor sources has been a focus of increasing concern. Longer residence times and elevated contaminant concentrations in the indoor environment may increase chances of exposure to these contaminants by 1000-fold compared to outdoor exposure. To investigate the occurrence of semi-volatile endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), phthalates, pyrethroids, DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and its metabolites, and chlordanes, indoor dust samples were collected from household vacuum cleaner bags provided by 10 apartments and 1 community hall in Davis, California, USA. Chemical analyses show that all indoor dust samples are highly contaminated by target analytes measured in the present study. Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was the most abundant (104-7630 microg/g) in all samples and higher than other target analytes by 2 to 6 orders of magnitude. PBDEs were also found at high concentrations (1780-25,200 ng/g). Although the use of PCBs has been banned or restricted for decades, some samples had PCBs at levels that are considered to be concerns for human health, indicating that the potential risk posed by PCBs still remains high in the indoor environment, probably due to a lack of dissipation processes and continuous release from the sources. Although the use of some PBDEs is being phased out in some parts of the U.S., this trend may apply to PBDEs as well. We can anticipate that exposure to PBDEs will continue as long as the general public keeps using existing household items such as sofas, mattresses, and carpets that contain PBDEs. This study provides additional information that indoor dust is highly contaminated by persistent and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

PMID: 18632138 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A role for the body burden of aluminium in vaccine-associated macrophagic myofasciitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Med Hypotheses. 2008 Nov 10. [Epub ahead of print]

A role for the body burden of aluminium in vaccine-associated macrophagic myofasciitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19004564?dopt=AbstractPlus

Exley C, Swarbrick L, Gherardi RK, Authier FJ.

Birchall Centre for Inorganic Chemistry and Materials Science, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK.

Macrophagic myofasciitis and chronic fatigue syndrome are severely disabling conditions which may be caused by adverse reactions to aluminium-containing adjuvants in vaccines. While a little is known of disease aetiology both conditions are characterised by an aberrant immune response, have a number of prominent symptoms in common and are coincident in many individuals. Herein, we have described a case of vaccine-associated chronic fatigue syndrome and macrophagic myofasciitis in an individual demonstrating aluminium overload. This is the first report linking the latter with either of these two conditions and the possibility is considered that the coincident aluminium overload contributed significantly to the severity of these conditions in this individual. This case has highlighted potential dangers associated with aluminium-containing adjuvants and we have elucidated a possible mechanism whereby vaccination involving aluminium-containing adjuvants could trigger the cascade of immunological events which are associated with autoimmune conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome and macrophagic myofasciitis.

PMID: 19004564 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Gene profiling of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2008 Dec;10(6):482-91.

Gene profiling of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19007540?dopt=AbstractPlus

Kerr JR.

St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom. jkerr@sgul.ac.uk.

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a multisystem disease, the pathogenesis of which remains undetermined. Following two microarray studies, we reported the differential expression of 88 human genes in patients with CFS; 85 of these genes were upregulated and 3 were downregulated. The top functional categories of these 88 genes were hematologic disease and function, immunologic disease and function, cancer, cell death, immune response, and infection. Clustering of quantitative polymerase chain reaction data from CFS/ME patients revealed seven subtypes with distinct differences in Short Form (SF)-36 scores, clinical phenotypes, and severity. Gene signatures in each subtype implicate five human genes as possible targets for specific therapy. Development of a diagnostic test for subtype status is now a priority. The possibility that these subtypes represent individual host responses to particular microbial infections is being investigated and may provide another route to specific therapies for CFS patients.

PMID: 19007540 [PubMed - in process]

Autonomic dysfunction in fibromyalgia syndrome: postural orthostatic tachycardia.

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2008 Dec;10(6):463-6.

Autonomic dysfunction in fibromyalgia syndrome: postural orthostatic tachycardia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19007537?dopt=AbstractPlus

Staud R.

Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, PO Box 100221, D2-39, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. staudr@ufl.edu.

Although fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is defined by chronic widespread pain and tenderness, additional symptoms, including disabling fatigue and dizziness, are often reported by patients with this chronic illness. Although nonrestorative sleep may play an important role for chronic fatigue in FM, other mechanisms, including dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), need to be considered. Many important biological functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respirations, and bowel function, are tightly regulated by the ANS. However, dysfunction of the ANS is common in FM and often becomes quite apparent after positional changes from supine to upright. Although such positional changes sometimes result in syncope, they are more often associated with palpitations and dizziness. Head-up tilt table testing can be used to evaluate autonomic dysfunction and is frequently helpful for the work-up of FM complaints, including fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations. One of the most common events experienced by FM patients during tilt table testing is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which is defined as a heart rate increase of more than 30 beats per minute after more than 3 minutes of standing upright.

PMID: 19007537 [PubMed - in process]

Pilot study of personal, indoor and outdoor exposure to benzene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 1999;6(2):95-102.

Pilot study of personal, indoor and outdoor exposure to benzene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19009413?dopt=AbstractPlus

Gonzalez-Flesca N, Cicolella A, Bates M, Bastin E.

INERIS, Parc Technologique ALATA, B.P.2, 60550, Verneuil en Halatte, FRance.

There is a lack of data for health risk assessment of long term personal exposure to certain ubiquitous air pollutants present particularly in urban atmospheres. The relationship between ambient background concentrations and personal exposure is often unknown.A pilot campaign to measure indoor concentrations, outdoor concentrations and personal exposure to benzene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was conducted in a medium sized French town. A strong contribution to total personal exposure was observed from indoor sources, especially for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, suggesting that indoor sources are dominant for these compounds. For benzene, the average personal exposure exceeded a 10 mugm(-3) limit value, although this was not the case for the ambient background concentration. For formaldehyde, the limit level was also exceeded. Observations suggest that true personal exposure cannot be determined directly from measurements pertaining from fixed ambient background monitoring stations. It is hoped that this will be taken into consideration by the bodies responsible for monitoring air pollution and the future European Air Quality Directive.

PMID: 19009413 [PubMed - in process]

Association between school absence and physical function in paediatric CFS/ME.

Arch Dis Child. 2008 Nov 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Association between school absence and physical function in paediatric CFS/ME.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19001477?dopt=AbstractPlus

Crawley E, Sterne J.

Bristol University, United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with school attendance and physical function in paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS/ME). DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: Regional specialist CFS/ME service. Patients: Children and young people aged <18. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self reported school attendance and physical function measured using the physical function subscale of the SF36. METHODS: Linear and logistic regression analysis of data from self completed assessment forms on children attending a regional specialist service between 2004 and 2007. Analyses were done in two groups of children: (1) with a completed Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and (2) with a completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: Of 211 children with CFS/ME, 62% attended 40% of school or less. In children with completed SCAS, those with better physical function were more likely to attend school (adjusted OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.13). This was also true for those with completed HADS (adjusted OR 2.05 95% CI 1.4, 3.01). Increasing fatigue and pain and low mood were associated with worse physical function. There was no evidence that anxiety, gender, age at assessment, family history of CFS/ME or time from onset of symptoms to assessment in clinic were associated with school attendance or physical function. Implications: Paediatricians should recognise that reduced school attendance is associated with reduced physical function rather than anxiety. Improving school attendance in children with CFS/ME should focus on evidence-based interventions to improve physical function, particularly concentrating on interventions that are likely to reduce pain and fatigue.

PMID: 19001477 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Memory and attention problems in children with CFS/ME.

Arch Dis Child. 2008 Nov 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Memory and attention problems in children with CFS/ME.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19001478?dopt=AbstractPlus

Haig-Ferguson A, Tucker P, Eaton N, Hunt L, Crawley E.

University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE: To understand more about the problems children with CFS/ME experience with their memory and attention, and to test the feasibility of quantitative measurement of both memory and attention. DESIGN: 4 item semi-structured questionnaire and Neuropsychological test battery with 10 psychometric subtests. SETTING: Family home of the child taking part. Patients: 20 children with a diagnosis of CFS/ME and experiencing memory and/or concentration problems were recruited between April and October 2007 from a regional CFS/ME clinical service (Female=13; Average age 13.5yrs; Range 8 - 16 yrs). METHODS: Each child, parent and teacher was asked to describe the child's memory and attention problems. Responses were subject to thematic analysis by two independent researchers. In addition each child completed a battery of 10 tests to measure: Processing speed; Attention; Immediate and Delayed Memory; Working Memory; Executive Function. Raw scores were converted into age-scaled scores and the children's psychometric scores on the 10 tests taken were compared with normative data using t-tests. RESULTS: Children with CFS/ME, their parents and teachers described problems with focussed attention, sustained attention, recall and stress. Children's scores were compared to normative data. Scores for sustained attention (mean 8.1, 95% CI 6.3-9.9), switching attention (7.5, 5.5-9.4), divided attention (6.9, 5.5-8.2), auditory learning (8.2, 6.8-9.6) and immediate recall (8.7, 7.3-10.0) appeared lower than the normative mean of 10. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CFS/ME appear to experience problems with attention, which may have adverse implications for verbal memory. These cognitive problems may explain some of the educational difficulties associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

PMID: 19001478 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Oxidative stress and hippocampus in a low-grade hepatic encephalopathy model: protective effects of curcumin.

Hepatol Res. 2008 Nov;38(11):1148-53.

Oxidative stress and hippocampus in a low-grade hepatic encephalopathy model: protective effects of curcumin.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19000058?dopt=AbstractPlus

Roselló DM, Balestrasse K, Coll C, Coll S, Tallis S, Gurni A, Tomaro ML, Lemberg A, Perazzo JC.

Laboratory of Portal Hypertension, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Aim: The present study was performed on prehepatic portal hypertensive rats, a model of low-grade hepatic encephalopathy, designed to evaluate whether oxidative stress was a possible pathway implicated in hippocampal damage and if so, the effect of an anti-oxidant to prevent it. Methods: Prehepatic portal hypertension was induced by a regulated portal vein stricture. Oxidative stress was investigated by assessing related biochemical parameters in rat hippocampus. The effect of the anti-oxidant curcumin, administered in a single i.p. dose of 100 mg/kg on the seventh, ninth and eleventh days after surgery, was evaluated. Results: Oxidative stress in the rat hippocampal area was documented. Curcumin significantly decreased tissue malondialdehyde levels and significantly increased glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in the hippocampal tissue of portal hypertensive rats. Conclusion: Oxidative stress was found to be implicated in the hippocampal damage and curcumin protected against this oxidative stress in low-grade hepatic encephalopathic rats. These protective effects may be attributed to its anti-oxidant properties.

PMID: 19000058 [PubMed - in process]

Epidemiologic evidence of relationships between reproductive and child health outcomes and environmental chemical contaminants.

Wigle, D.T., Arbuckle, T.E., Turner, M.C., Berube, A., Yang, Q.Y., Liu, S.L., and Krewski, D.

Epidemiologic evidence of relationships between reproductive and child health outcomes and environmental chemical contaminants.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18470797

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B 11(5-6): 373-517, 2008.

This review summarizes the level of epidemiologic evidence for relationships between prenatal and/or early life exposure to environmental chemical contaminants and fetal, child, and adult health. Discussion focuses on fetal loss, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, birth defects, respiratory and other childhood diseases, neuropsychological deficits, premature or delayed sexual maturation, and certain adult cancers linked to fetal or childhood exposures.

Environmental exposures considered here include chemical toxicants in air, water, soil/house dust and foods (including human breast milk), and consumer products. Reports reviewed here included original epidemiologic studies (with at least basic descriptions of methods and results), literature reviews, expert group reports, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses. Levels of evidence for causal relationships were categorized as sufficient, limited, or inadequate according to predefined criteria. There was sufficient epidemiological evidence for causal relationships between several adverse pregnancy or child health outcomes and prenatal or childhood exposure to environmental chemical contaminants. These included prenatal high-level methylmercury (CH3Hg) exposure (delayed developmental milestones and cognitive, motor, auditory, and visual deficits), highlevel prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and related toxicants (neonatal tooth abnormalities, cognitive and motor deficits), maternal active smoking (delayed conception, preterm birth, fetal growth deficit [FGD] and sudden infant death syndrome [SIDS]) and prenatal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure (preterm birth), low-level childhood lead exposure (cognitive deficits and renal tubular damage), high-level childhood CH3Hg exposure (visual deficits), high-level childhood exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (chloracne), childhood ETS exposure (SIDS, new-onset asthma, increased asthma severity, lung and middle ear infections, and adult breast and lung cancer), childhood exposure to biomass smoke (lung infections), and childhood exposure to outdoor air pollutants (increased asthma severity). Evidence for some proven relationships came from investigation of relatively small numbers of children with high-dose prenatal or early childhood exposures, e.g., CH3Hg poisoning episodes in Japan and Iraq.

In contrast, consensus on a causal relationship between incident asthma and ETS exposure came only recently after many studies and prolonged debate. There were many relationships supported by limited epidemiologic evidence, ranging from several studies with fairly consistent findings and evidence of dose-response relationships to those where 20 or more studies provided inconsistent or otherwise less than convincing evidence of an association. The latter included childhood cancer and parental or childhood exposures to pesticides. In most cases, relationships supported by inadequate epidemiologic evidence reflect scarcity of evidence as opposed to strong evidence of no effect.

This summary points to three main needs: (1) Where relationships between child health and environmental exposures are supported by sufficient evidence of causal relationships, there is a need for (a) policies and programs to minimize population exposures and (b) population-based biomonitoring to track exposure levels, i.e., through ongoing or periodic surveys with measurements of contaminant levels in blood, urine and other samples. (2) For relationships suported by limited evidence, there is a need for targeted research and policy options ranging from ongoing evaluation of evidence to proactive actions. (3) There is a great need for population-based, multidisciplinary and collaborative research on the many relationships supported by inadequate evidence, as these represent major knowledge gaps.

Expert groups faced with evaluating epidemiologic evidence of potential causal relationships repeatedly encounter problems in summarizing the available data. A major driver for undertaking such summaries is the need to compensate for the limited sample sizes of individual epidemiologic studies. Sample size limitations are major obstacles to exploration of prenatal, paternal, and childhood exposures during specific time windows, exposure intensity, exposure-exposure or exposure-gene interactions, and relatively rare health outcomes such as childhood cancer. Such research needs call for investments in research infrastructure, including human resources and methods development (standardized protocols, biomarker research, validated exposure metrics, reference analytic laboratories). These are needed to generate research findings that can be compared and subjected to pooled analyses aimed at knowledge synthesis.

Children's environmental health: intergenerational equity in action--a civil society perspective

Children's environmental health: intergenerational equity in action--a civil society perspective

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18991917?dopt=AbstractPlus

Lloyd-Smith M, Sheffield-Brotherton B.

International POPs Elimination Network, Ballina, Australia.

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008 Oct;1140:190-200.

Since World War II, approximately 80,000 new commercial synthetic chemicals have been released into the environment, with approximately 1500 new chemicals released annually. Most of these have not been adequately tested for their impacts on human health or their particular impacts on children and the developing fetus. Yet, children are exposed to hazardous chemicals through residues in their food, indoor and outdoor air pollution, and through household products and contaminated house dust. Many of these synthetic chemicals are persistent and bio-accumulative, remaining in the human body long after exposure. Developing fetuses acquire toxic chemicals that have bioaccumulated in the mother's body and readily cross the placental barrier. Babies are now born with many man-made chemicals in their small bodies. Newborns take in more through breast milk or formula. There are no tests to assess the combined impacts of the "chemical soup" to which children are exposed. WHO, UNICEF, and UNEP have reported a growing number of children's health impacts caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals, including asthma, birth defects, hypospadias, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, autism, cancer, dysfunctional immune systems, neurological impairments, and reproductive disorders. WHO states that approximately 3 million children under the age of five die every year due to environmental hazards, and this is not limited to developing countries. All children, both in the developing and developed world are affected by exposure to hazardous chemicals. In 2004, the European Union's Ministerial Conference on Children's Environmental Health identified air pollution, unsafe water conditions, and lead exposure as the main culprits in the death and disabling of children in Europe. The conference found that by reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals, the lives of many children could be saved. The key issues in children's environmental health and potential policy and management remedies are examined from both national (Australian) and international perspectives.

PMID: 18991917 [PubMed - in process]

Victoria's Secret Bras Contaminated With Formaldehyde According To Ohio Woman's Lawsuit

http://honolulu.injuryboard.com/defective-and-dangerous-products/victorias-secret-bras-contaminated-with-formaldehyde-according-to-ohio-womans-lawsuit.aspx?googleid=251438

November 13, 2008 - 01:37 PM

A woman in Ohio purchased Victoria's Secret bras and after wearing them came down with hot , blistering welts and severe itching that made it difficult to sleep. She filed suit in May after tests revealed that the bras contained formaldehyde, an embalming chemical. She may be allergic to formaldehyde. The bras she purchased are the Angels Secret Embrace and Very Sexy Extreme Me Push-Up bras.

NEWS: Non-toxic doesn't equal harmless

Non-toxic doesn't equal harmless

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20081113-LIFE-811130323

So, you think you can't learn anything from TV? Think again.

In a recent episode of the new show "Eleventh Hour" there was a throw-away comment regarding non-toxic labels. The lead actor notes that "non-toxic" means nothing. Zip. Nada. It's an unregulated term. Then the characters quickly move on to another matter. Meanwhile my mind is screaming: "Nothing?! Stop! What do you mean nothing? ... Come back!"

I needed to know more, but the show moved on to some other foolish thing like saving a town full of kids. Whatever. That's fiction. But this. The possibility that I'd been hoodwinked again — it could be true. <snip>

RE: Your article: Little organization 'reaches' to help those with disabilities

Little organization 'reaches' to help those with disabilities
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=10054db5-ff8d-475d-8ac5-f4199fde500d

"Reach helps not only people with physical disabilities but also disabilities like epilepsy, AIDS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and psychiatric disabilities with all areas of law including employment, human rights, personal injury, real estate, immigration, and criminal."

Comment: 

The way this is written, it could easily be misconstrued as stating  that epilepsy, AIDS, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not physical disabilities.  I don't think that was the intent, but word choice and sentence structure are everything.  The meaning here as a result of the placement and usage of the word "physical" is altered and hurtful. 

 

Being disabled by any disability, including a mental one, brings stigmata.  Adding additional stigmata of "mental illness" to an illness which is not mental increases stigmata and hampers attempts at obtaining proper care and accommodations. 

 

Epilepsy, AIDS, and CFS are very much organic and biological, therefore qualify as physical illnesses.  But this sentence inadvertently implies they are not physical, hence psychiatric  I'm sure that was not intended and write with the hopes of rectifying this unfortunate oversight.

 

Many people with invisible disabilities struggle with harassment and discrimination in employment, school, and social interactions because "you look fine".  Their disabilities are cast aside as a figment of their imagination, yet the suffering is as real as being wheelchair bound.  Sometimes invisible disabilities, such as pain and fatigue can even be more disabling than being wheelchair bound.  All of this is frequently not understood when looking at a person with an invisible disability who appears normal, but is sick inside and frequently is homebound, hence unseen, during periods when they are not well.

 

When a disability is not apparent to the naked eye, often the disabled person is told "just take an antidepressant and stop complaining" by well-meaning, but uniformed, others.  This only serves to deligitimize a disabled persons suffering and creates hardships with obtaining accommodations, care, employment, and filling other human needs.  Further, deligitimization may lead to feelings of not being understood, being alone, anxiety, and depression.  Hence, it creates a new illness.

 

A statement of more clarity would avert this.  For example, "Reach helps not only people with visible disabilities, but also invisible disabilities like epilepsy, AIDS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and psychiatric disabilities.  Reach assists in all areas of law including employment, human rights, personal injury, real estate, immigration, and criminal." 

 

Is there any way to issue a clarification or correction?  Otherwise, this is a great article sharing a very important resource.  I commend you for putting this resource out there. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Lourdes Salvador

MCS America

salvadorlourdes@mcs-america.org

[New evidences on spa therapy in fibromyalgia.]

Clin Ter. 2008 Sep-Oct;159(5):377-380.

[New evidences on spa therapy in fibromyalgia.]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18998040?dopt=AbstractPlus

[Article in Italian]

Giannitti C, Bellisai B, Iacoponi F, Petraglia A, Fioravanti A.

U.O.C. di Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Scienze Immunologiche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italia.

Spa therapy is one of the most commonly used non-pharmacological approaches for many rheumatic diseases. In Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FS) it may be useful for the chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. Because of the unknown aetiology and the unclearly understood pathogenesis, there is no standard therapy regimen for FS. Also the mechanisms of action of spa therapy are not completely known, but most probably the benefits could be derived from mechanical, physical and chemical factors. Muscle tone and pain intensity can be positively influenced by mud packs and thermal baths. The review of international data from 2000 to 2007 confirms that spa therapy should be a valid tool in the multidisciplinary approach of the Primary FS. Clin Ter 2008; 159(5):377-380.

PMID: 18998040 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Clinical findings and cholinesterase levels in children of organophosphates and carbamates poisoning.

Eur J Pediatr. 2008 Nov 8. [Epub ahead of print]

Clinical findings and cholinesterase levels in children of organophosphates and carbamates poisoning.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18998164?dopt=AbstractPlus

El-Naggar AE, Abdalla MS, El-Sebaey AS, Badawy SM.

National Center for Clinical and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides inhibits cholinesterase activity and interferes with synaptic transmission both centrally and peripherally at muscarinic receptors and nicotinic receptors. The study reported the usefulness of plasma cholinesterase ChE activity assays for diagnosis and the management of organophosphate and carbamate toxicity in children. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on children with organophosphate and carbamate poisoning. Forty-seven patients were included. The diagnosis was confirmed by measuring plasma cholinesterase levels. Atropine was given intravenous (0.02 mg/kg) and repeated until secretions were controlled. Obidoxime chloride was administered as 4-8 mg/kg/dose for children with organophosphate poisoning and to those in whom the ingested material was unidentified on admission. DISCUSSION: Most of the patients showed marked reactivation in plasma ChE within several hours and recovered completely within 24 h of admission. Complications were observed in 17 patients (36%). Mechanical ventilatory support was required in six patients. The duration intensive care stay was 3 +/- 2.4 days. CONCLUSION: Low plasma ChE levels support the diagnosis of insecticides poisoning, but no significant association is present between the severity of poisoning and plasma ChE levels. Atropine should be used as soon as possible to counteract the muscarinic effects. Appropriate management and early recognition of the complications may decrease the mortality rate.

PMID: 18998164 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Susceptibility of children to environmental pollutants.

 Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008 Oct;1140:163-83.

Susceptibility of children to environmental pollutants.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18991915?dopt=AbstractPlus

Sly PD, Flack F.

WHO Collaborating Centre for Research on Children's Environmental Health and the School of Public Health, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia. peters@ichr.uwa.edu.au

Children are more vulnerable to adverse environmental exposures. The unique ways in which they interact with their environment and their dynamic developmental physiology mean that they generally receive a higher dose of toxicant for a given level of environmental exposure. In addition, children are frequently more likely to suffer adverse health outcomes from exposures. The developmental stage of the child during which the exposure occurs has a major influence on the consequences of the exposure. For example, exposures during organogenesis may result in permanent structural changes, whereas exposures once organogenesis is complete are more likely to result in functional consequences. The immune, respiratory, and central nervous systems are immature at birth and have a prolonged period of postnatal maturation. Thus, these organ systems are vulnerable to postnatal exposures.

PMID: 18991915 [PubMed - in process]

Defining "neuroinflammation".

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2008 Oct;1139:318-30.

Defining "neuroinflammation".

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18991877?dopt=AbstractPlus

O'Callaghan JP, Sriram K, Miller DB.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-NIOSH Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

Neuroinflammation is a hot topic in contemporary neuroscience. A relatively new open-access journal, the Journal of Neuroinflammation, focuses on this field. As another example, abstracts to the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience could be submitted in several subcategories of neuroinflammation, a strong signal of growth in this research area. While it is becoming clear that activation of microglia and astroglia and the attendant expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines often are associated with disease-, trauma-, and toxicant-induced damage to the CNS, it is by no means clear that a cause-and-effect relationship exists between the presence of a neuroinflammatory process and neural damage. We have explored this issue with two models of dopaminergic neurotoxicity. We used a single low-dose regimen of MPTP or METH, a paradigm that causes selective degeneration of striatal dopaminergic nerve terminals without affecting the cell body in the substantia nigra. Both compounds increased the expression of the microglia-associated factors, Il-1alpha, Il6, Ccl2, and Tnf-alpha, and also elicited morphologic evidence of microglial activation prior to induction of astrogliosis. Pharmacologic antagonism of MPTP and METH neurotoxicity prevented these proinflammatory responses, findings suggestive of a link between neuroinflammation and the observed neurotoxic outcomes. Nevertheless, when we used minocycline to suppress the expression of all these mediators, with the exception of Tnf-alpha, we failed to see neuroprotection. Likewise, when we examined the effects of MPTP or METH in transgenic mice lacking Il6, Ccl2, or Tnfr1/2 genes, deficiency of either Il6 or Ccl2 did not alter neurotoxicity, whereas deficiency in Tnfr1/2 was neuroprotective. Although these observations pointed to a role of the proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, in the neurotoxic effects of MPTP and METH, other observations did not support this supposition. For example, activation of NF-kappaB or induction of iNOS, known components of inflammatory responses and free radical formation, were not observed. Moreover, immunosuppressive regimens of glucocorticoids failed to suppress TNF-alpha or attenuate neurotoxicity. Taken together, our observations suggest that MPTP and METH neurotoxicity are associated with the elaboration of a "neuroinflammatory" response, yet this response lacks key features of inflammation and, with the exception of TNF-alpha, neurotoxicity appears to be the cause rather than the consequence of proinflammatory signals.

PMID: 18991877 [PubMed - in process]

NEWS: Sorting Through a Sickness

Sorting Through a Sickness

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/special_segments&id=6498616&pt=print

 

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Nationwide, hundreds of postal employees say they're ill with what they call severe, mysterious, respiratory problems. Many of them are right here in the Chicago area.

Current and former postal workers blame paper dust inside the post offices. The last government studies on postal dust were ten years ago. The U.S.P.S says the science can't verify their theory. That's not acceptable for people who say they're "sorting through a sickness."

<snip>

New melanic pigments in the human brain that accumulate in aging and block environmental toxic metals.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Nov 6. [Epub ahead of print] Links

New melanic pigments in the human brain that accumulate in aging and block environmental toxic metals.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18988735?dopt=AbstractPlus

Zecca L, Bellei C, Costi P, Albertini A, Monzani E, Casella L, Gallorini M, Bergamaschi L, Moscatelli A, Turro NJ, Eisner M, Crippa PR, Ito S, Wakamatsu K, Bush WD, Ward WC, Simon JD, Zucca FA.

Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Italian National Research Council, 20090 Segrate, Milan, Italy;

Neuronal pigments of melanic type were identified in the putamen, cortex, cerebellum, and other major regions of human brain. These pigments consist of granules 30 nm in size, contained in organelles together with lipid droplets, and they accumulate in aging, reaching concentrations as high as 1.5-2.6 mug/mg tissue in major brain regions. These pigments, which we term neuromelanins, contain melanic, lipid, and peptide components. The melanic component is aromatic in structure, contains a stable free radical, and is synthesized from the precursor molecule cysteinyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine. This contrasts with neuromelanin of the substantia nigra, where the melanic precursor is cysteinyl-dopamine. These neuronal pigments have some structural similarities to the melanin found in skin. The precursors of lipid components of the neuromelanins are the polyunsaturated lipids present in the surrounding organelles. The synthesis of neuromelanins in the various regions of the human brain is an important protective process because the melanic component is generated through the removal of reactive/toxic quinones that would otherwise cause neurotoxicity. Furthermore, the resulting melanic component serves an additional protective role through its ability to chelate and accumulate metals, including environmentally toxic metals such as mercury and lead.

PMID: 18988735 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

New Disability Accomodations Webpage for MCS, CFS, FM, and Fragrance Senstivity

New Disability Accommodations Webpage for MCS, CFS, FM, and Fragrance Senstivity
http://mcs-america.org/index_files/Accommodations.htm

Key Words:  multiple chemical sensitivity, MCS, chemical injury, toxic injury, sick building syndrome, environmental illness, idiopathic environmental intolerance, allergies, chemical, environment, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, fragrance sensitivity, fragrance

ACTION: Presidential Campaign, Write Obama About the Needs of Those with MCS

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN:  Write Obama About the Needs of Those with MCS

 

Now is the time to begin educating President-Elect Obama about multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and its devastating effects on the individual, the community and our nation.  Let him know:

1. Funding is needed for programs that educate both health care professionals and the general public about MCS. 
   
2. A committee is also needed to help coordinate health agency research, promote the exchange of information, hold federal agencies accountable, ensure workplace accommodations, and give advocates a voice in policy decisions. 
   
3. More research of integrity is needed as it offers the greatest prospect of returning people with MCS to healthy, productive lives. 

Write your own letter or download a pre-designed letter.

View and Download Sample Letter
http://mcs-america.org/obama.doc
 

Heating and Cooling Options for the Environmentally Sensitive

Heating and Cooling Options for the Environmentally Sensitive

 

by Andrew Eriksen

 

 

Heating and cooling a house with minimal exposures to EMF and noxious fumes is a challenge.  This article covers a number of methods that have been employed successfully.

 

The Problem with Gas Heat

 

Propane and natural gas are used in many households for heating and cooking.  In cities, natural gas is normally piped directly into each house.  Propane is used more in rural areas, where it is delivered to a tank by a truck.  Propane is also used from portable tanks in barbecue grills and in travel trailers.  In remote areas without electricity, propane may be used for lighting.

 

These gasses are odorless by themselves, but the manufacturers add a fragrance so people can smell a leak.  Sensitive people can often smell if gas is used in a household from the minute gas leaks and what is released by furnaces, water heaters and stoves.

 

Full text at:  http://eiwellspring.org/HeatingAndCooling.htm

 

Key Words:  multiple chemical sensitivity, MCS, chemical injury, toxic injury, sick building syndrome, environmental illness, idiopathic environmental intolerance, chemical, environment, industry, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia

Autism prevalence and precipitation rates in california, Oregon, and washington counties.

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008 Nov;162(11):1026-34.

Autism prevalence and precipitation rates in california, Oregon, and washington counties.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18981350

• Waldman M,
• Nicholson S,
• Adilov N,
• Williams J.

Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, 123 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853. sn243@cornell.edu.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate empirically the possibility of an environmental trigger for autism among genetically vulnerable children that is positively associated with precipitation. DESIGN: We used regression analysis to investigate autism prevalence rates and counts first in relation to mean annual county-level precipitation and then to the amount of precipitation a birth cohort was exposed to when younger than 3 years, controlling for time trend, population size, per capita income, and demographic characteristics. In some models, we included county fixed-effects rather than a full set of covariates. SETTING: Counties in California, Oregon, and Washington. PARTICIPANTS: Children born in California, Oregon, and Washington between 1987 and 1999. Main Exposure County-level precipitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: County-level autism prevalence rates and counts. RESULTS: County-level autism prevalence rates and counts among school-aged children were positively associated with a county's mean annual precipitation. Also, the amount of precipitation a birth cohort was exposed to when younger than 3 years was positively associated with subsequent autism prevalence rates and counts in Oregon counties and California counties with a regional developmental services center. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the existence of an environmental trigger for autism among genetically vulnerable children that is positively associated with precipitation. Further studies focused on establishing whether such a trigger exists and identifying the specific trigger are warranted.

PMID: 18981350 [PubMed - in process]

Neuropsychiatric symptoms, omega-3, and mercury exposure in freshwater fish-eaters.

Arch Environ Occup Health. 2008 Fall;63(3):143-53.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms, omega-3, and mercury exposure in freshwater fish-eaters.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18980878?dopt=AbstractPlus

Philibert A, Bouchard M, Mergler D.

CINBIOSE, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Mercury is a neurotoxin, absorbed primarily through fish consumption. However, the nutritional benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) may offset the deleterious effects of mercury. Increased n-3 FA have been associated with lower rates of mood disorders. The authors examined neuropsychiatric symptoms among 243 freshwater fish-eaters, with low serum n-3 FA (median = 0.11 mg/mL) and low mercury exposure (median in blood and hair = 2.22 and 0.54 mug/g). They assessed neuropsychiatric symptoms with the Brief Symptom Inventory. The results did not show the expected inverse association between serum n-3 FA and neuropsychiatric symptoms. For men who consumed more than 130 g of alcohol per week, the authors observed a positive association between serum n-3 FA and neuropsychiatric symptoms, possibly reflecting an alcohol-related release of n-3 FA from membranes into blood. They observed a positive relation between hair mercury and neuropsychiatric symptoms solely for women, suggesting that men may respond differently to mercury.

PMID: 18980878 [PubMed - in process]

Myotonic dystrophy type 2 found in two of sixty-three persons diagnosed as having fibromyalgia.

Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Oct 30;58(11):3627-3631. [Epub ahead of print]

Myotonic dystrophy type 2 found in two of sixty-three persons diagnosed as having fibromyalgia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18975316?dopt=AbstractPlus

Auvinen S, Suominen T, Hannonen P, Bachinski LL, Krahe R, Udd B.

Jyväskylä Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland.

Because of its high prevalence, fibromyalgia (FM) is a major general health issue. Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a recently described autosomal-dominant multisystem disorder. Besides variable proximal muscle weakness, myotonia, and precocious cataracts, muscle pain and stiffness are prominent presenting features of DM2. After noting that several of our mutation-positive DM2 patients had a previous diagnosis of FM, suggesting that DM2 may be misdiagnosed as FM, we invited 90 randomly selected patients diagnosed as having FM to undergo genetic testing for DM2. Of the 63 patients who agreed to participate, 2 (3.2%) tested positive for the DM2 mutation. Their cases are described herein. DM2 was not found in any of 200 asymptomatic controls. We therefore suggest that the presence of DM2 should be investigated in a large sample of subjects diagnosed as having FM, and clinicians should be aware of overlap in the clinical presentation of these 2 distinct disorders.

PMID: 18975316 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Bio-aerosols in indoor environment: Composition, health effects and analysis.

Indian J Med Microbiol. 2008 Oct-Dec;26(4):302-12.

Bio-aerosols in indoor environment: Composition, health effects and analysis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18974481?dopt=AbstractPlus

Srikanth P, Sudharsanam S, Steinberg R.

Department of Microbiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600 116, India. srikanth_padma@rediffmail.com.

Bio-aerosols are airborne particles that are living (bacteria, viruses and fungi) or originate from living organisms. Their presence in air is the result of dispersal from a site of colonization or growth. The health effects of bio-aerosols including infectious diseases, acute toxic effects, allergies and cancer coupled with the threat of bioterrorism and SARS have led to increased awareness on the importance of bio-aerosols. The evaluation of bio-aerosols includes use of variety of methods for sampling depending on the concentration of microorganisms expected. There have been problems in developing standard sampling methods, in proving a causal relationship and in establishing threshold limit values for exposures due to the complexity of composition of bio-aerosols, variations in human response to their exposure and difficulties in recovering microorganisms. Currently bio-aerosol monitoring in hospitals is carried out for epidemiological investigation of nosocomial infectious diseases, research into airborne microorganism spread and control, monitoring biohazardous procedures and use as a quality control measure. In India there is little awareness regarding the quality of indoor air, mould contamination in indoor environments, potential source for transmission of nosocomial infections in health care facilities. There is an urgent need to undertake study of indoor air, to generate baseline data and explore the link to nosocomial infections. This article is a review on composition, sources, modes of transmission, health effects and sampling methods used for evaluation of bio-aerosols, and also suggests control measures to reduce the loads of bio-aerosols.

PMID: 18974481 [PubMed - in process]