Does hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hypofunction in chronic fatigue syndrome reflect a 'crash' in the stress system?

Med Hypotheses. 2009 Feb 21. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Does hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hypofunction in chronic fatigue syndrome reflect a 'crash' in the stress system?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19237251?ordinalpos=3&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Houdenhove BV, Eede FV, Luyten P.

Department of Liaison Psychiatry, University Hospitals K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.

The etiopathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains poorly understood. Although neuroendocrine disturbances - and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hypofunction in particular - have been found in a large proportion of CFS patients, it is not clear whether these disturbances are cause or consequence of the illness. After a review of the available evidence we hypothesize that that HPA axis hypofunction in CFS, conceptualized within a system-biological perspective, primarily reflects a fundamental and persistent dysregulation of the neurobiological stress system. As a result, a disturbed balance between glucocorticoid and inflammatory signaling pathways may give rise to a pathological cytokine-induced sickness response that may be the final common pathway underlying central CFS symptoms, i.e. effort/stress intolerance and pain hypersensitivity. This comprehensive hypothesis on HPA axis hypofunction in CFS may stimulate diagnostic refinement of the illness, inform treatment approaches and suggest directions for future research, particularly focusing on the neuroendocrine-immune interface and possible links between CFS, early and recent life stress, and depression.

PMID: 19237251 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Can sustained arousal explain the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Can sustained arousal explain the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

http://www.behavioralandbrainfunctions.com/content/pdf/1744-9081-5-10.pdf

Journal: Behav Brain Funct. 2009 Feb 23;5(1):10. [Epub ahead of print]

Authors: Wyller VB, Eriksen HR, Malterud K.

NLM Citation: PMID: 19236717


ABSTRACT:

We present an integrative model of disease mechanisms in the Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), unifying empirical findings from different
research traditions. Based upon the Cognitive activation theory of
stress (CATS), we argue that new data on cardiovascular and
thermoregulatory regulation indicate a state of permanent arousal
responses - sustained arousal - in this condition. We suggest that
sustained arousal can originate from different precipitating factors
(infections, psychosocial challenges) interacting with predisposing
factors (genetic traits, personality) and learned expectancies
(classical and operant conditioning).

Furthermore, sustained arousal may explain documented alterations by
establishing vicious circles within immunology (Th2 (humoral) vs Th1
(cellular) predominance), endocrinology (attenuated HPA axis),
skeletal muscle function (attenuated cortical activation, increased
oxidative stress) and cognition (impaired memory and information processing).

Finally, we propose a causal link between sustained arousal and the
experience of fatigue. The model of sustained arousal embraces all
main findings concerning CFS disease mechanisms within one
theoretical framework.

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - March 2009

MCSA NEWS

March 2009, Volume 4, Issue 3

 

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/february2009.pdf  (View, Download, and Print)
Entire Online Edition: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsfebruary2009.htm   (View as a Webpage)

 

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

 

How Far Would You Go To Find a Cure?

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg123.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_How_Far_Would

 

Applying for Disability Benefits for MCS:  Workers Compensation

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg45.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Applying_for_Disability_1

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment - Part 2 - Cause

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg6789.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome_ 

 

Living Alone with MCS

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg10.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Living_Alone_with

 

Green Building Certification and MCS - Does It Help     

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg111213.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Green_Building_Certification

 

Pesticides and Panic Attacks

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg141516.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Pesticides_and_Panic

 

CFS Has a Real Physical Cause

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg17.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_CFS_Has_a

 

Toxic Chemicals Emitted by Air Fresheners

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg18192021.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Cardiovascular_Evidence_of_

 

Q&A  Work From Home

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg22.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Q&A:__Insurance_

 

Q&A  Emotional Freedom Technique

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg23.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsmarch2009.htm#_Q&A__Emotional

 

The Deadly News

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg24.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsmarch2009.htm#_The_Deadly_News

 

Surprise!  What's in Your Household Cleaning Products

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg25.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Surprise__

 

Patient Support and Resources

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg2627282930313233.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Resources_and_Support

 

Community News

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg34.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Community_News_2

 

Featured Research Studies

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/March2009pg353637.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/MCSAnewsMarch2009.htm#_Featured_Research_Studies_4

 

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Maternal occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and the risk of brain cancer in the offspring.

Cancer Causes Control. 2009 Feb 18. [Epub ahead of print]

Maternal occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and the risk of brain cancer in the offspring.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19224378

Li P, McLaughlin J, Infante-Rivard C.

Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1110 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the contribution of maternal occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) shortly before and during pregnancy on the incidence of childhood brain tumors.

 

METHODS: A total of 548 incident cases and 760 healthy controls recruited between 1980 and 2002 from two Canadian provinces (Québec and Ontario) were included in this study, and their mothers were interviewed. Quantitative occupational ELF-MF exposure in microTesla units was estimated using individual exposure estimations or a job exposure matrix. We used three metrics to analyze exposure: cumulative, average, and maximum level attained.

 

RESULTS: Using the average exposure metric measured before conception, an increased risk was observed for astroglial tumors (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.4). During the entire pregnancy period, a significantly increased risk was observed for astroglial tumors as well as for all childhood brain tumors with the average metric (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.5 and OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.2, respectively). Based on job titles, a twofold risk increase was observed for astroglial tumors (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 0.8-6.3) and for all childhood brain tumors (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.0-5.4) among sewing machine operators.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Results are suggestive of a possible association between maternal occupational ELF-MF exposure and certain brain tumors in their offspring.

PMID: 19224378 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Are fibromyalgia patients as inactive as they say they are?

Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Feb 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Are fibromyalgia patients as inactive as they say they are?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19229584

Raftery G, Bridges M, Heslop P, Walker DJ.

City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Kayll Road Sunderland Tyne and Wear, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, UK, grahamraftery@doctors.org.uk.

Both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients self-report similar disability. These diseases are viewed differently by the medical profession as one has ample evidence of tissue damage and inflammation and the other does not. We were interested to see if an objective measure produced similar results. Twelve patients with RA were matched with 12 fibromyalgia patients by sex, age, and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score. The 24-h ambulatory activity of these patients was recorded using the Numact monitor. Statistical analysis was performed using independent group t test for the ambulatory activity data and Spearman's correlation coefficients for HAQ and total energy. There were no significant differences found between the two groups in terms of total activity. Other compared analyses for activity included the number of steps taken, vigor of steps, and time spent standing, which were not statistically different. The correlation coefficients of HAQ and total ambulatory activity for the fibromyalgia group were rho = -0.638 (p = 0.026). Patients with RA and fibromyalgia displaying similar levels of self-reported disability have objective evidence of similar levels of total ambulatory activity. There is a statistically significant correlation between self-reported and objective measurements of disability for the fibromyalgia patients. Either of these measures merits further study as outcome measures for fibromyalgia.

PMID: 19229584 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Clinical observation on the effects of Bo's abdominal acupuncture in 40 cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.

J Tradit Chin Med. 2008 Dec;28(4):264-6.

Clinical observation on the effects of Bo's abdominal acupuncture in 40 cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19226895

Huang Y, Liao XM, Li XX, Song YB.

Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of Bo's abdominal acupuncture on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: Forty cases with CFS were treated by Bo's abdominal acupuncture at the points for conducting qi back to its origin and 4 points on the abdomen once a day for 2 weeks. Scores for symptoms and scores for fatigue questionnaires were compared before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the clinical symptoms of patients were differently alleviated, and scores for symptoms, mental condition and neural feeling in questionnaires on fatigue were obviously reduced (P<0.01-0.05). CONCLUSION: Bo's abdominal acupuncture has a good curative effect on general disease with complex symptoms, especially on lassitude, anorexia, insomnia, amnesia, diarrhea, and general pain.

PMID: 19226895 [PubMed - in process]

Amalgam dental fillings and hearing loss.

Int J Audiol. 2008 Dec;47(12):770-6. Links

Amalgam dental fillings and hearing loss.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19085401?ordinalpos=4&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Rothwell JA, Boyd PJ.

Audiology Department, General Hospital, St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.

In this study we investigated the effects of amalgam dental fillings on auditory thresholds. Participants (n=39) were non-smoking women age 40 to 45. Regression and correlation analyses were performed between auditory thresholds, measured from 0.25 to 16 kHz, and the number/surface area of dental fillings, using the ASHA criteria for ototoxic change as a reference for comparison. No significant correlation (p>0.05) was found between composite (non-amalgam) filling or drilling data and auditory thresholds. However, there was a significant positive linear correlation between amalgam filling data and auditory thresholds at 8, 11.2, 12.5, 14, and 16 kHz. The strongest association (r=0.587, n=39, p<.001, r(2)=0.345) was at 14 kHz, where each additional amalgam filling was associated with a 2.4 dB decline in hearing threshold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.5 dB). The results suggest an association between more amalgam fillings and poorer thresholds at higher frequencies, which could contribute to presbyacusis in developed countries. This provides further argument for the use of amalgams to be phased out where suitable alternatives exist.

PMID: 19085401 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Occupational exposure to mycotoxins in various branches of industry]

Med Pr. 2008;59(4):333-45. Links

[Occupational exposure to mycotoxins in various branches of industry]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19143225?ordinalpos=3&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

[Article in Polish]

Soroka PM, Cyprowski M, Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.

Zakład Srodowiskowych Zagrozeń Zdrowia, Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera, Lódź.

Mycotoxins are a quite numerous group of substances released as metabolites by molds, which badly affect human and animal health. Their impact on organisms resulting from alimentary exposure is well recognized, but the mechanisms by which they exert their health effects after inhalation exposure are still poorly investigated. The aim of this work was to review the literature concerning the outcomes of occupational exposure to mycotoxins present in the work environment. The author discusses the major mycotoxin classes, their chemical structure, some physicochemical properties and biological activity properties. This paper summarizes the results of investigations on the impact of occupational exposure to molds present in the workplace air in various branches of industry. Problems of identifying the mechanism of health effects exerted due inhalation exposure to mycotoxins are also discussed. This review shows that there is lack of good hygiene standards and legislation regulating the presence of these compounds in the workplace air. These is due to insufficient number of analyses aimed at estimating short-term inhalation exposure to mycotoxins and lack of monitoring of long-term exposure and its health effects. The authors concludes that occupational exposure to mycotoxins and their role in the development of pathological changes in the respiratory system require further investigations.

PMID: 19143225 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Pollution comes home and gets personal: women's experience of household chemical exposure.

J Health Soc Behav. 2008 Dec;49(4):417-35. Links

Pollution comes home and gets personal: women's experience of household chemical exposure.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19181047?ordinalpos=2&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Altman RG, Morello-Frosch R, Brody JG, Rudel R, Brown P, Averick M.

Department of Sociology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Rebecca_Altman@alumni.brown.edu

We report on interviews conducted with participants in a novel study about environmental chemicals in body fluids and household air and dust. Interviews reveal how personal and collective environmental history influence the interpretation of exposure data, and how participants fashion an emergent understanding of environmental health problems from the articulation of science and experience. To the illness experience literature, we contribute a framework for analyzing a new category of embodied narratives--"exposure experience"--that examines the mediating role of science. We update social scientific knowledge about social responses to toxic chemicals during a period in which science alters public understanding of chemical pollution. This article is among the first published accounts of participants' responses to learning personal exposure data, research identified as critical to environmental science and public health. Our findings raise the importance of reporting even uncertain science and underscore the value of a community-based reporting strategy

PMID: 19181047 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Use of long term dermal sensitization followed by intratracheal challenge method to identify low-dose chemical-induced respiratory allergic responses in mice.

Toxicol Lett. 2008 Oct 1;181(3):163-70. Epub 2008 Jul 30. Links

Use of long term dermal sensitization followed by intratracheal challenge method to identify low-dose chemical-induced respiratory allergic responses in mice.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18708131?ordinalpos=8&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Fukuyama T, Ueda H, Hayashi K, Tajima Y, Shuto Y, Saito TR, Harada T, Kosaka T.

Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Ibaraki 303-0043, Japan. fukuyama@iet.or.jp

The inhalation of many types of chemicals, including pesticides, perfumes, and other low-molecular weight chemicals, is a leading cause of allergic respiratory diseases. We attempted to develop a new test protocol to detect environmental chemical-related respiratory hypersensitivity at low and weakly immunogenic doses. We used long-term dermal sensitization followed by a low-dose intratracheal challenge to evaluate sensitization by the well-known respiratory sensitizers trimellitic anhydride (TMA) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and the contact sensitizer 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). After topically sensitizing BALB/c mice (9 times in 3 weeks) and challenging them intratracheally with TMA, TDI, or DNCB, we assayed differential cell counts and chemokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); lymphocyte counts, surface antigen expression of B cells, and local cytokine production in lung-associated lymph nodes (LNs); and antigen-specific IgE levels in serum and BALF. TMA induced marked increases in antigen-specific IgE levels in both serum and BALF, proliferation of eosinophils and chemokines (MCP-1, eotaxin, and MIP-1beta) in BALF, and proliferation of Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and IL-13) in restimulated LN cells. TDI induced marked increases in levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IFN-gamma) produced by restimulated LN cells. In contrast, DNCB treatment yielded, at most, small, nonsignificant increases in all parameters. Our protocol thus detected respiratory allergic responses to low-molecular weight chemicals and may be useful for detecting environmental chemical-related respiratory allergy.

PMID: 18708131 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Nitric oxide level in the nasal and sinus mucosa after exposure to

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005 May;132(5):7136.

Nitric oxide level in the nasal and sinus mucosa after exposure to
electromagnetic field.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15886623&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum

Yariktas M, Doner F, Ozguner F, Gokalp O, Dogru H, Delibas N.

Department of Otolaryngology, Suleyman Demirel University School of
Medicine, 32100 Isparta,
Turkey. myariktas@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in nitric
oxide (NO) level in
the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa after exposure radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields (EMF).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Thirty male SpragueDawley
rats were randomly grouped as
follows: EMF group (group I; n, 10), EMF group in which melatonin received
(group II; n, 10) and
the control (sham operated) group (group III; n, 10). Groups I and II were
exposed to a 900 MHz.
Oral melatonin was given in group II. Control rats (group III) were also
placed in the tube as the
exposure groups, but without exposure to EMF. At the end of 2 weeks, the
rats were sacrificed, and
the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa dissected. NO was measured in nasal and
paranasal mucosa.

RESULTS: The nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa NO levels of group I were
significantly higher
than those of the control group (group III) ( P < 0.05). However, there was
no statistically
significant difference between group II and the control group (group III)
regarding NO output ( P >
0.05).

CONCLUSION: Exposure to EMF released by mobile phones (900 MHz) increase NO
levels in the
sinus and nasal mucosa.

SIGNIFICANCE: Increased NO levels may act as a defense mechanism and
presumably related to
tissue damage. In addition, melatonin may have beneficial effect to prevent
these changes in the
mucosa.

PMID: 15886623 [PubMed indexed
for MEDLINE]

Exposures and Idiopathic Lung Disease.

Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2008 Dec;29(6):670-679. Epub 2009 Feb 16. Links

Exposures and Idiopathic Lung Disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19221965?ordinalpos=2&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Taskar V, Coultas D.

Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas.

Of the idiopathic lung diseases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sarcoidosis have been the focus of a growing number of epidemiological investigations on the risk of environmental and occupational exposures. To date, the consistency of epidemiological evidence is suggestive of a causal relationship between several environmental exposures and IPF, with the strongest evidence for cigarette smoking and metal dust. Current knowledge about pathogenesis provides further support for a causal link. However, scant epidemiological evidence for dose-response and temporality weaken the case for making causal inferences. In contrast to IPF, the quantity of epidemiological evidence for environmental exposures and sarcoidosis is smaller. Two studies provide consistent evidence for exposures to agricultural dust and musty odor/mold/mildew, and studies among military personnel and firefighters suggest mixed dust and fume exposures as risk factors for sarcoidosis. Although studies of the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis also provide evidence supporting environmental causation, more epidemiological studies are needed to establish consistency of associations, dose-response, and temporality. Future investigations, of gene-environment interaction offer the potential for strengthening the evidence of causation between several environmental and occupational exposures and idiopathic lung diseases.

PMID: 19221965 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and Metabolic Syndrome.

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2009 Feb 17. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and Metabolic Syndrome.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19221698?ordinalpos=3&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Park SB, Choi SW, Nam AY.

School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea, sbpark@ajou.ac.kr.

Deficiency of minerals causes functional abnormality of enzymes, frequently resulting in metabolic disturbance. We investigated possible relationship between minerals and metabolic syndrome by analysis of hair tissue minerals. We selected 848 subjects older than 20 years of age at Ajou University Hospital from May 2004 to February 2007. We excluded the subjects who had cancers, steroid and thyroid medication, and incomplete record from the study. Finally, 343 subjects were eligible. We performed cross-sectional analysis for the relationship between minerals and metabolic syndrome. The contents of calcium, magnesium, and copper in the metabolic syndrome group were significantly lower than those of the normal group, whereas the amounts of sodium, potassium, and mercury in the metabolic syndrome group were significantly higher than those of the normal group. By dividing the subjects into quartile with the level of calcium, magnesium, and mercury concentrations, we carried out logistic regression analysis to study the subjects and found that the subjects in the third quartile of calcium and magnesium concentrations had significantly lower odds ratio (OR) of the metabolic syndrome compared with that of the lowest quartile group [OR = 0.30, confidence interval (CI) = 0.10-0.89; OR = 0.189, CI = 0.063-0.566] and that the subjects in the highest mercury quartile had significantly higher OR of the metabolic syndrome compared with that of the lowest mercury quartile group (OR = 7.35, CI = 1.73-31.1). As part of the metabolic syndrome, the optimal calcium and magnesium concentrations in hair tissue may reflect decreased risk of metabolic syndrome, whereas high mercury concentration in hair tissue may indicate increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

PMID: 19221698 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds in Hong Kong homes: concentrations and impact factors.

Indoor Air. 2009 Feb 7. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds in Hong Kong homes: concentrations and impact factors.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19220507?ordinalpos=1&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Guo H, Kwok NH, Cheng HR, Lee SC, Hung WT, Li YS.

Research Centre for Urban Environmental Technology and Management, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.

Abstract This paper presents formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentrations, potential sources and impact factors in 100 homes. The 24-h average formaldehyde concentration in 37 homes exceeded the good class of the Hong Kong Indoor Air Quality Objectives (HKIAQO), whereas the total VOCs concentration in all homes was lower than the HKIAQO. Compared to other East Asian cities, indoor formaldehyde and styrene in Hong Kong was the highest, reflecting that the homes in Hong Kong were more affected by household products and materials. The formaldehyde concentration in newly built apartments was significantly higher than that in old buildings, whereas no relationship between the concentration and the building age was found for VOCs. There was no difference for formaldehyde and toluene between smoking and non-smoking homes, suggesting that cigarette smoking was not the major source of these two species. Homes of a couple with a child had higher formaldehyde and acetic acid concentrations, while homes with more than three people had higher concentrations of 1-butanol, heptane and d-limonene. When shoes were inside the homes, heptane, acetic acid, nonane and styrene concentrations were statistically higher than that when shoes were out of the homes. Furthermore, higher levels of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, styrene, nonane and heptane were found in gas-use families rather than in electricity-use homes. Practical Implications Long-term exposure to formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in indoor environments may cause a number of adverse health effects such as asthma, dizziness, respiratory and lung diseases, and even cancers. Therefore, it is critical to minimize indoor air pollution caused by formaldehyde and VOCs. The findings obtained in this study would significantly enhance our understanding on the levels, emission sources and factors which affect indoor concentrations of formaldehyde and VOCs. The results can help housing designers, builders, home residents, and housing department of the government to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by means of appropriate building materials, clean household products and proper life styles. It can also help policy makers reconcile the IAQ objectives and guidelines.

PMID: 19220507 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

NEWS: Environmentalists to sue for disclosure of chemicals in cleaning products

Environmentalists to sue for disclosure of chemicals in cleaning products
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/02/the-makers-of-t.html

The makers of Tide, Ajax and other common household cleansers are being
asked to come clean about their ingredients. Environmental and health
activists announced plans for a lawsuit to make Procter & Gamble,
Colgate-Palmolive and two other major firms reveal the chemical ingredients
of their cleaning products and their research on their effects.

"People deserve to know whether the products they use to wash their dishes
and clean their homes could be harmful," said Keri Powell, attorney for
Earthjustice, in New York. The nonprofit public-interest law firm, which
specializes in pro-environment litigation, will file the lawsuit Wednesday
in New York on behalf of six state and national environmental and health
groups, including the Sierra Club and the American Lung Assn.
<snip>

The Effect of Fine and Coarse Particulate Air Pollution On Mortality: A National Analysis

The Effect of Fine and Coarse Particulate Air Pollution On Mortality: A
National Analysis
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2009/0800108/abstract.pdf

Antonella Zanobetti and Joel Schwartz
doi: 10.1289/ehp.0800108 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 13 February 2009
ehponline.org

Abstract

Background: While many studies have examined the effects of air pollution on
mortality,
data limitations have resulted in fewer studies of PM2.5 and of coarse
particles.
We conducted a national, multi-city time series study of the acute effect of
PM2.5 and PM
coarse on the increased risk of death for all causes, cardiovascular
disease, myocardial
infarction, stroke, and respiratory mortality for the years 1999-2005.

Method: We applied a city and season specific Poisson regression in 112 US
cities to
examine the association of mean (day of death and previous day) PM2.5 and PM
coarse
with daily deaths. We combined the city-specific estimates using a random
effect
approach, in total, by season and by region.

Results: We found a 0.89 % increase (95% CI: 0.75- 1.22) in total mortality,
a 0.85 %
increase (95% CI: 0.46- 1.24) in CVD, a 1.18 % increase (95% CI: 0.48- 1.89)
in MI, a
1.78 % increase (95% CI: 0.96- 2.62) in stroke, and a 1.68 % increase (95%
CI: 1. 04-
2.33) in respiratory deaths for 10 ?g/m3 increase in 2-day averaged PM2.5.
The effects
were higher in spring. For PM coarse we found significant but smaller
increases for all
causes analyzed.

Conclusions: We conclude that our analysis showed an increased risk of
mortality for all
and specific causes associated with PM2.5, and the risks are higher than
what previously
observed for PM10. In addition, coarse particles are also associated with
more deaths.

Parental Exposure to Pesticides and Childhood Brain Cancer: United States Atlantic Coast Childhood Brain Cancer Study

Parental Exposure to Pesticides and Childhood Brain Cancer: United States Atlantic Coast Childhood Brain Cancer Study
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2009/0800209/abstract.pdf

Youn K. Shim, Steven P. Mlynarek, and Edwin van Wijngaarden
doi: 10.1289/ehp.0800209 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 13 February 2009

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The etiology of childhood brain cancer remains largely unknown. However,
previous studies have yielded suggestive associations with parental pesticide use.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate parental exposure to pesticides at home and on the job in
relation to the occurrence of brain cancer in children.

METHODS: We included one-to-one matched 526 case-control pairs. Brain cancer cases were
diagnosed at <10 years of age and were identified from statewide cancer registries of four
Atlantic Coast states of the United States. Controls were selected by random digit dialing. We
conducted computer-assisted telephone interviews with mothers. Using information on
residential pesticide use and jobs held by fathers during the 2-year period before the child's birth,
we assessed potential exposure to insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. For each job, two
raters independently classified the probability and intensity of exposure; 421 pairs were available
for final analysis. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using
conditional logistic regression, after adjustment for maternal education.

RESULTS: A significant risk of astrocytoma was associated with exposures to herbicides from
residential use (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2–3.0). Combining parental exposures to herbicides from
both residential and occupational sources, the elevated risk remained significant (OR=1.8; 95%
CI=1.1–3.1). Little association with primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) was observed for
any of the pesticide classes or exposure sources considered.

CONCLUSIONS: Our observation is consistent with a previous literature reporting suggestive
associations between parental exposure to pesticides and risk of astrocytoma in offspring but not
PNET. However, these findings should be viewed in light of limitations in exposure assessment
and effective sample size.

Neonatal Exposure to Sevoflurane Induces Abnormal Social Behaviors and Deficits in Fear Conditioning in Mice.

Anesthesiology. 2009 Feb 10. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Neonatal Exposure to Sevoflurane Induces Abnormal Social Behaviors and Deficits in Fear Conditioning in Mice.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19212262?ordinalpos=1&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Satomoto M, Satoh Y, Terui K, Miyao H, Takishima K, Ito M, Imaki J.

* Postgraduate Student, # Associate Professor, ** Professor, Department of Developmental Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, dagger Assistant Professor, parallel Professor, Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical College. double dagger Associate Professor, Department of Obstetric Anesthesia, section sign Professor and Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan.

BACKGROUND:: Neonatal exposure to anesthetics that block N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and/or hyperactivate gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor has been shown to cause neuronal degeneration in the developing brain, leading to functional deficits later in adulthood. The authors investigated whether exposure of neonatal mice to inhaled sevoflurane causes deficits in social behavior as well as learning disabilities. METHODS:: Six-day-old C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 3% sevoflurane for 6 h. Activated cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining was used for detection of apoptosis. Cognitive functions were tested by pavlovian conditioned fear test. Social behavior was tested by social recognition and interaction tests. RESULTS:: Neonatal exposure to sevoflurane significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in the brain immediately after anesthesia. It caused persistent learning deficits later in adulthood as evidenced by decreased freezing response in both contextual and cued fear conditioning. The social recognition test demonstrated that mice with neonatal exposure to sevoflurane did not develop social memory. Furthermore, these mice showed decreased interactions with a social target compared with controls in the social interaction test, indicating a social interaction deficit. The authors did not attribute these abnormalities in social behavior to impairments of general interest in novelty or olfactory sensation, because they did not detect significant differences in the test for novel inanimate object interaction or for olfaction. CONCLUSIONS:: This study shows that exposure of neonatal mice to inhaled sevoflurane could cause not only learning deficits but also abnormal social behaviors resembling autism spectrum disorder.

PMID: 19212262 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Contact sensitization to fragrances in the general population: a Koch's approach may reveal the burden of disease.

Br J Dermatol. 2009 Jan 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Contact sensitization to fragrances in the general population: a Koch's approach may reveal the burden of disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210499?ordinalpos=1&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Thyssen JP, Menné T, Linneberg A, Johansen JD.

National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Gentofte University Hospital, Ledreborg Alle 40, 1. 2820 Gentofte, Denmark.

Summary Background Contact sensitization to fragrance mix (FM) I and Myroxylon pereirae (MP) is common among European patients with dermatitis. Recently, FM II was included in the European baseline series as an additional marker of fragrance sensitization. Objectives This literature review aims to assess the prevalence of fragrance sensitization in the general population, and to suggest how future population-based studies and questionnaires should be constructed, better to assess the prevalence and burden of fragrance sensitization. This is of relevance as it is often difficult to establish causality in biological systems. Methods A systematic review of the literature was carried out by searching Pubmed-Medline, Biosis and contact dermatitis textbooks. Results Nineteen studies were identified, of which 13 were performed among adults. Sample sizes varied between 82 and 2545 tested subjects, and 11 648 subjects were tested in total. The median prevalence of FM and MP sensitization among adults was 2.3% (women, 1.7%; men, 1.3%) and 1.1% (women, 1.4%; men, 0%), respectively. Conclusions Based on the reliability of patch test data from the general population and exposure data obtained from patients with dermatitis, the prevalence and burden of fragrance sensitization in the general population is significant.

PMID: 19210499 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Contact sensitization to fragrances in the general population: a Koch's approach may reveal the burden of disease.

Br J Dermatol. 2009 Jan 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Contact sensitization to fragrances in the general population: a Koch's approach may reveal the burden of disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210499?ordinalpos=1&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Thyssen JP, Menné T, Linneberg A, Johansen JD.

National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Gentofte University Hospital, Ledreborg Alle 40, 1. 2820 Gentofte, Denmark.

Summary Background Contact sensitization to fragrance mix (FM) I and Myroxylon pereirae (MP) is common among European patients with dermatitis. Recently, FM II was included in the European baseline series as an additional marker of fragrance sensitization. Objectives This literature review aims to assess the prevalence of fragrance sensitization in the general population, and to suggest how future population-based studies and questionnaires should be constructed, better to assess the prevalence and burden of fragrance sensitization. This is of relevance as it is often difficult to establish causality in biological systems. Methods A systematic review of the literature was carried out by searching Pubmed-Medline, Biosis and contact dermatitis textbooks. Results Nineteen studies were identified, of which 13 were performed among adults. Sample sizes varied between 82 and 2545 tested subjects, and 11 648 subjects were tested in total. The median prevalence of FM and MP sensitization among adults was 2.3% (women, 1.7%; men, 1.3%) and 1.1% (women, 1.4%; men, 0%), respectively. Conclusions Based on the reliability of patch test data from the general population and exposure data obtained from patients with dermatitis, the prevalence and burden of fragrance sensitization in the general population is significant.

PMID: 19210499 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Air pollution and allergic disease.

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2009 Mar;9(2):128-33.

Air pollution and allergic disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210902?ordinalpos=3&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Kim H, Bernstein JA.

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH 45267-0563, USA.

Over the past several decades, there has been increased awareness of the health effects of air pollution and much debate regarding the role of global warming. The prevalence of asthma and allergic disease has risen in industrialized countries, and most epidemiologic studies focus on possible causalities between air pollution and these conditions. This review examines salient articles and summarizes findings important to the interaction between allergies and air pollution, specifically volatile organic compounds, global warming, particulate pollutants, atopic risk, indoor air pollution, and prenatal exposure. Further work is necessary to determine whether patients predisposed to developing allergic disease may be more susceptible to the health effects of air pollutants due to the direct interaction between IgE-mediated disease and air pollutants. Until we have more definitive answers, patient education about the importance of good indoor air quality in the home and workplace is essential. Health care providers and the general community should also support public policy designed to improve outdoor air quality by developing programs that provide incentives for industry to comply with controlling pollution emissions.

PMID: 19210902 [PubMed - in process]

For Some, Valentine's Day Migraines Unavoidable

For Some, Valentine's Day Migraines Unavoidable

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/valentines.day.migraines.2.935069.html

Chocolate, Perfume, Wine All Can Trigger Headaches; Doctor: Advise Loved One To Buy Something Else

Dangerous Printer Particles Identified

ScienceDaily (Feb. 12, 2009) — The identity and origin of tiny, potentially hazardous particles emitted from common laser printers have been revealed by a new study at Queensland University of Technology.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211094043.htm?tr=y&auid=4512439

Dangerous Printer Particles Identified

ScienceDaily (Feb. 12, 2009) — The identity and origin of tiny, potentially hazardous particles emitted from common laser printers have been revealed by a new study at Queensland University of Technology.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211094043.htm?tr=y&auid=4512439

Subjective complaints in persons under chronic low-dose exposure to lower polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2008 Oct;211(5-6):648-57. Epub 2008 Apr 18. Links

Subjective complaints in persons under chronic low-dose exposure to lower polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18396099?ordinalpos=2&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Broding HC, Schettgen T, Hillert A, Angerer J, Göen T, Drexler H.

Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schillerstrasse 25 & 29, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. broding@rzmail.uni-erlangen.de

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been in widespread industrial use in the 1960s and 1970s. Despite a worldwide reduction, environmental exposure remains an issue especially in contaminated buildings. Due to the ubiquitous presence and poor degradation of PCBs, public health concerns continue to exist; however, evidence on the actual health effects of chronic low-dose exposure is scanty. The objective of the present study is an assessment of subjective complaints of exposed subjects in comparison to a non-exposed control group and their inter-relation to plasma levels of PCB congeners. The plasma concentrations of PCB congeners were measured in 583 subjects who had worked for an average of 14.7+/-9.6 years in a contaminated building in Germany, and 205 control subjects working in a non-contaminated building. Subjective complaints were assessed with the 24-item 'Giessen Subjective Complaints List' (GSCL-24). The subjects under chronic low-dose exposure scored significantly higher values on all the GSCL subscales except 'stomach complaints' in comparison to the non-exposed subjects and a 'normal' sample derived from the literature. However, thorough statistical analysis revealed no correlation of symptoms and PCB congener plasma concentration; the scores on the subscale 'exhaustion were even higher in subjects with low PCB concentration. Subjects working in a PCB-contaminated building report more subjective complaints in comparison to non-exposed subjects, but the complaints are not related to current PCB plasma concentrations.

PMID: 18396099 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]