The Vulnerable Manifesto

The Vulnerable Manifesto
http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2011/05/vulnerable-manifesto.html

From Clara Valverde and Eva Caballé for May 12th, International Day of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalopathy, Fibromyalgia and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.

To download PDF, click the picture or http://www.mcs-america.org/thevulnerablemanifesto.pdf

Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

CNN: Toxic America, Environmental Dangers

Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

CNN: How the US and EU Regulate Chemicals

Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

CNN: Living Life Without Plastics

CNN: Living Life Without Plastics


Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

CNN: Toxic Chemicals Enter the Womb

CNN: Toxic Chemicals Enter the Womb



Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Vaccines: Health Professionals Speak Out

http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2009/10/vaccines-health-professionals-speak-out.html

Are vaccines today more dangerous than the diseases? Are vaccines even effective? It is possible that something has gone terribly wrong with our system and the companies making vaccines? Filmed at the 4th International Public Conference on Vaccinations (sponsored by the National Vaccine Information Center) in October, 2009, listen to what these health professionals have to say!



Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

What would you do?

http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-would-you-do.html

Responses from 1,784 chronic fatigue syndrome patients to the question, "What would you do if you were completely well tomorrow?" Symptoms of CFS and ways you can help. You can be part of the solution; help us solve CFS. Brought to you by the CFIDS Association of America



Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Doctor Says H1N1 Vaccine Has High Levels of Squalene

Doctor Says H1N1 Vaccine Has High Levels of Squalene
http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2009/10/doctor-says-h1n1-vaccine-has-high.html


Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

A Bill Moyers essay on health care.

A Bill Moyers essay on health care.
http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2009/07/bill-moyers-essay-on-health-care.html

Bill Moyers Journal airs Friday nights at 9 pm on PBS, check your local listings. http://www.pbs.org/moyers/j...



Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Vaccine Nation - Director's Cut (Gary Null)

http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2009/07/vaccine-nation-directors-cut-gary-null.html



For most people, vaccinating themselves and their children seems like a good idea. Vaccines are safe, effective and are supposed to protect us against dangerous infectious diseases - Right? Wrong! What you don’t know can harm you or kill you! In this groundbreaking film, you will: * See the truth about the dangers of vaccines and their direct relationship to autoimmune diseases, infections, allergies and a massive increase of developmental learning and behavioral disorders in children, such as Autism. * Discover the truth about the history of vaccines and how they have NEVER been proven to be safe and effective for anyone. * Witness the legacy of governmental deception and cover-ups associated with vaccines. * Learn about the corruption within the scientific community and how vaccine studies are seriously flawed. * You’ll also follow heart-wrenching, real life stories of the parents and children devastated by the effects of vaccines. Join director Gary Null PhD and over 40 of the worlds foremost vaccine experts in this shocking expose’ that will shatter the truth as you know it. DVD copies are available at www.garynull.com«

Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical

Maine Signs Toxic Injury Awareness and Education Month Proclamation

PDF:  http://mcs-america.org/maine2008ti.pdf

See all known proclamations at:  http://mcs-america.org/index_files/proclamations.htm

 

Iowa Signs Toxic Injury Awareness and Education Month Proclamation

PDF:  ftp://mcs-america.org/Iowa2008TI.pdf

See all known proclamations at:  http://mcs-america.org/index_files/proclamations.htm

 

Effectiveness of Distant Healing for Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomised Controlled Partially Blinded Trial (EUHEALS).

Psychother Psychosom. 2008 Feb 14;77(3):158-166 [Epub ahead of print]

Effectiveness of Distant Healing for Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomised Controlled Partially Blinded Trial (EUHEALS).

Walach H, Bosch H, Lewith G, Naumann J, Schwarzer B, Falk S, Kohls N, Haraldsson E, Wiesendanger H, Nordmann A, Tomasson H, Prescott P, Bucher HC.

Samueli Institute, European Office, School of Social Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK.

Background: Distant healing, a form of spiritual healing, is widely used for many conditions but little is known about its effectiveness. Methods: In order to evaluate distant healing in patients with a stable chronic condition, we randomised 409 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) from 14 private practices for environmental medicine in Germany and Austria in a two by two factorial design to immediate versus deferred (waiting for 6 months) distant healing. Half the patients were blinded and half knew their treatment allocation. Patients were treated for 6 months and allocated to groups of 3 healers from a pool of 462 healers in 21 European countries with different healing traditions. Change in Mental Health Component Summary (MHCS) score (SF-36) was the primary outcome and Physical Health Component Summary score (PHCS) the secondary outcome. Results: This trial population had very low quality of life and symptom scores at entry. There were no differences over 6 months in post-treatment MHCS scores between the treated and untreated groups. There was a non-significant outcome (p = 0.11) for healing with PHCS (1.11; 95% CI -0.255 to 2.473 at 6 months) and a significant effect (p = 0.027) for blinding; patients who were unblinded became worse during the trial (-1.544; 95% CI -2.913 to -0.176). We found no relevant interaction for blinding among treated patients in MHCS and PHCS. Expectation of treatment and duration of CFS added significantly to the model. Conclusions: In patients with CFS, distant healing appears to have no statistically significant effect on mental and physical health but the expectation of improvement did improve outcome. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 18277062 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18277062?dopt=AbstractPlus

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after Human Parvovirus B19 Infection without Persistent Viremia.

Dermatology. 2008 Feb 15;216(4):341-346 [Epub ahead of print]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after Human Parvovirus B19 Infection without Persistent Viremia.

Seishima M, Mizutani Y, Shibuya Y, Arakawa C.

Department of Dermatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki City, Japan.

Background: It is unclear how often chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) appears after human parvovirus B19 (B19) infection and whether prolonged B19 viremia or some other factors cause CFS. Objectives: To determine how often CFS appears after B19 infection and whether prolonged B19 DNA presence, antibody production and persistently reduced complement levels occur in CFS patients after B19 infection. Methods: Clinical findings were examined in 210 patients after B19 infection, and CH50, C3 and C4 levels were determined. B19 DNA and antibodies to B19 were also tested in 38 patients' sera including 3 with CFS. Results: Serum B19 DNA disappeared after 4-5 months in all 18 patients tested. There are no differences in B19 DNA-positive period between patients with and without persistent symptoms. IgM antibody titers to B19 became reduced after 2 months in all 38 patients. Complement levels persistently decreased in a greater proportion of patients with persistent symptoms. Conclusions: The present study suggests that we should consider the possibility of CFS after B19 infection and that CFS may be derived from several aspects other than prolonged B19 DNA presence in sera. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 18277075 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18277075?dopt=AbstractPlus

EI News, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 2/15/2008

February 15, 2008

MMR: Mercury, the bringer of autism
http://community.wddty.com/blogs/adverse_reactions/archive/2008/02/15/MMR_3A00_--Mercury_2C00_-the-bringer-of-autism.aspx

Lights interfering with radio signals
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=135070&src=118

HEPA filters may improve cardiovascular health: study
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/02/15/hepa-filters.html

Scientists find way to scan for cloned meat
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/303870

Hurricane Victims To Be Rushed Out Of Trailers Because of High Toxicity
http://www.nysun.com/article/71383

February 14, 2008

Test results fuel boom in sales of bisphenol A-free baby bottles
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080214.wlbottle14/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

High Speed Robots to Replace Animal Testing of Toxic Chemicals
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2008/2008-02-14-091.asp

Finding a cure for ALS
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/healthblog/entries/2008/02/14/finding_a_cure_for_als.html

Cell tower effects
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=902196

Chemical Used in Non-Stick Cookware Continues to Prove Its Toxicity
http://www.naturalnews.com/z022645.html

Chronic pain patches recalled for overdose risks
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/02/14/recall-fentanyl.html

Doctors' wheezy answer: Cut mold
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2008/02/14/2008-02-14_doctors_wheezy_answer_cut_mold.

Think before replacing incandescent bulbs
http://www.times-news.com/opinion/local_story_045110312.html

CDC Urges Gulf Coast Trailers' Evacuation Due To Toxicity Risks
http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_CDC_Urges_Gulf_Coast_Trailers_Evacuation_Due_To_Toxicity_Risks_14021.html

The Sweet Smell of ... Nothing
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/fashion/14skin.html?pagewanted=all

CDC: Gulf Coast Trailers Have Toxic Air
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iuGq6yeUvlwsIsXQiT3Qx23gcpswD8UQ1VM01

Sick house: From cleaning products to candles, toxins can put your health
at risk
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/FEATURES03/80213051

Cell phone radiation may change protein expression in human skin
http://foodconsumer.org/7777/8888/M_edicare_54/021404182008_Cell_phone_radiation_may_change_protein_expression_in_human_skin.shtml

Making The Better, Environmentally Friendly Light Bulb
http://www.thebusinessledger.com/Home/Archives/CommentaryViewpoints/tabid/86/newsid415/248/Making-The-Better-Environmentally-Friendly-Light-Bulb/Default.aspx

February 13, 2008

Heart Attacks Decreased After Public Smoking Ban In Italy
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211172539.htm

How to have an ecological (and romantic) Valentine's Day
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=900589

"I Don't Feel Well Going To Court"
http://cbs4.com/local/Miami.courthouse.federal.2.653032.html

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs May Cause Headaches
http://cbs4denver.com/health/fluorescent.bulbs.headaches.2.652824.html

Finding Nontoxic Hair Dyes
http://www.thedailygreen.com/print-this/living-green/blogs/organic-parenting/zissu/non-toxic-hair-dyes-55021302

Insult adds to child's injury: Family may face eviction from lead-laced
house
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1073170&format=text

'It's better to be safe than sorry'
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1073169&format=text

Pennsylvania wins in court over mercury
http://www.thedailyreview.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=2276&dept_id=465724&newsid=19289705&PAG=461&rfi=9

February 12, 2008

US store chain cuts sales of food from China
http://au.news.yahoo.com/080212/19/15t8z.html

Protests Spur Stores to Seek
Substitute for Vinyl in Toys
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120277954938660931.html

Campaign against chemical fertilizers
http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/12/stories/2008021258140200.htm

Consumer food labeling suits reinstated
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/12/BA70V0CIS.DTL&type=health

Household Allergies May Be Making You Sick
http://www.nbc17.com/midatlantic/ncn/news.PrintView.-content-articles-NCN-2008-02-12-0030.html

Bill to phase out mercury products
http://www.ironwooddailyglobe.com/0212iro2.htm

Activists push for mercury free flu shots
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/02/12/ap-state-ia/d8uojgdo0.txt

Finnish report indicates cellphone radiation alters proteins in human skin
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jB1XwgrpePgtivA_tbg3qx2ZIO8w

A study on mobile phone radiation effects on humans completed:
http://www.stuk.fi/stuk/tiedotteet/en_GB/news_481/

Farewell to wash day? Introducing the fabric that can clean itself
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=513697&in_page_id=1965

February 11, 2008

Bottled water: A murky subject
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/bottled-water-labels-misleading-consumers-lawmakers/story.aspx?guid=0F9D379A-1D8B-4C09-8385-86FC34D04E3A&print=true&dist=printTop

Area's toxins may be sickening people
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=716884

Mercury In Makeup?
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6373.cfm?Id=0,66183

Greenpeace calls for ban on 327 heavily toxic pesticides
'Blacklist' names pesticides particularly dangerous to health and
environment
http://www.chemie.de/news/e/77739/

Fluorescent lights release toxic mercury directly into the environment
http://www.naturalnews.com/z022627.html

Cal/EPA Taking on Toxic Chemicals
http://www.eponline.com/articles/58316/

Murder most foul? - Lead linked to crime and violence
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080211/news/news2.html

Wisconsin first in country to eye mandatory nanotechnology registry
http://www.dane101.com/current/2008/02/11/wisconsin_first_in_country_to_eye_nanotechnology_registry

5 Ways to Say I Love You Without (Toxic) Roses
http://www.thedailygreen.com/print-this/environmental-news/latest/valentines-day-roses-47021104

VIRGINIA TOWN BANS CHEMICAL AND RADIOACTIVE BODILY TRESPASS
http://www.precaution.org/lib/08/halifax_va_outlaws_chem_trespass.080211.htm

Downtown Toronto new cell phone towers present a public health threat to
area residents and workers
http://www.agoracosmopolitan.com/home/Frontpage/2008/02/11/02216.html

Toxic log fumigant under investigation
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4396040a7693.html

February 10, 2008

'Green' becomes red-hot
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/NEWS/802100343

Banning Aspartame - A Common Sense Precaution
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?3195017b-560c-4ed0-b06f-8dece54f60d8

Chemical reaction
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/arts/story.html?id=de1909fa-cc2f-4b5f-a08f-f08eadc4e717&k=45646

The Lead Poisoning Of Our Children Goes Beyond Toxic Toys
http://www.courant.com/features/lifestyle/hc-susan0210.artfeb10,0,881053,print.column

Lead in toys a peril to pets
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/10/news_pf/Southpinellas/Lead_in_toys_a_peril_.shtml

Autism foes want mercury out of flu shots
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/NEWS/802100335/-1/NEWS04

N.L. environment critic demands action over water woes
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/02/10/chlorine-water.html

Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/fashion/10suburbs.html?pagewanted=print

February 9, 2008

Toxic Trailers: Did CDC Blacklist Whistle Blower?
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/toxic-trailer-47020902

Invisible fears; Neighbours worry new cellphone tower will affect their
health
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=895837

Dentists filtering out mercury
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=716374&format=print

Brown pelicans back from the brink
http://venturacountystar.com/news/2008/feb/09/noxious-chemicals-banning-gave-new-life-to-bird/

Congressman subpoenas EPA files on California ruling
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-waiver9feb09,1,5115625.story

Suing the Smoker Next Door
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/09/nyregion/09ansonia.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Appellate Panel Rejects E.P.A. Emission Limits
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/09/washington/09mercury.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&ref=us&pagewanted=print

February 8, 2008

OSHA Failed to Adopt Dust Rules in 2006
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/08/AR2008020803293_pf.html

Waitress dies of environmental smoke
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Science/2008/02/08/waitress_dies_of_environmental_smoke/9948/

Teachers request more info on chemical spraying
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/02/09/news/news03.txt

CDC under investigation over Katrina cancer risk
http://www.ajc.com/wireless/content/news/stories/2008/02/08/cdc_0209.html

Study revived this week ties cell phone use to sperm count
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9061840&intsrc=news_ts_head

Food allergies on the rise worldwide
http://news.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=10&a=327341

February 6, 2008

European Commission announces overhaul of cosmetics legislation
http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/news/ng.asp?n=83075-legislation-regulation-cosmetics

February 2008

A Guide to Making Your Next IT Purchases as Green As Possible
http://www.greenercomputing.com/columns_third.cfm?NewsID=55568

April 17, 2008

Gregoire signs law phasing out fire retardants in some products
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/7067127.html

February 2006

Taking a beaning: Energy Probe beanery roasts Annex greens out of house and
home
http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2006-02-02/news_story3.php

No Date

Fashion With a Conscience
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/fashion-with-a-conscience.html#

January 30, 2008

Cordless Phones and Malignant Brain Tumours
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/cordlessPhonesBrainTumours.php

Links

Are we poisoning our kids In the name of protecting their health? Green our
vaccines.
And administer them with greater care.
http://www.generationrescue.org/pdf/080212.pdf

Household Mold brochure from Quebec government
http://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/acrobat/f/documentation/2002/02-214-01A.pdf

National Policy Consultation Series on Children's Health and Environment -
2007
www.pollutionprobe.org/Reports/CH%20NPC/NPC%20CHE%20Backgrounder.pdf

When the Hospital Makes You Sick
http://www.healthissuescentre.org.au/docs/jamciver93.pdf

Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research Association Inc.
(Australia)
http://www.aessra.org/home

Announcements

ACT NOW! Write the Presidential Candidates about MCS!
http://mcs-america.org/index_files/presidentialhopefulscampaign.htm

Daily News Feeds and Research Studies Delivered via Email:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mcsafeeds

MCS Safer Salvage and Share (a "safer" freecycle type group)
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCSA-safer-salvage-and-share

MCS Public - Support, Information, and Resources
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCSA-Public/

Scientific Studies

Genetic Polymorphism of GSTM1 and Antioxidant Supplementation
Influence Lung Function in Relation to Ozone Exposure
in Asthmatic Children in Mexico City
http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/hugenet/ejournal/GSTM1.htm

Some major mycotoxins and their mycotoxicoses--an overview.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17719115?dopt=AbstractPlus

Electrophysiological recording of re-aggregating brain cell cultures on
multi-electrode arrays to detect acute neurotoxic effects
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17692379?dopt=AbstractPlus

Overlapping gene expression profiles of model compounds provide
opportunities for immunotoxicity screening.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17942131&itool=iconabstr&itool=pubmed_DocSum

Impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism and neuronal apoptotic cell death
after chronic dichlorvos (OP) exposure in rat brain.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17850875?dopt=AbstractPlus

Endosulfan acute toxicity in Bufo bufo gills: Ultrastructural changes and
nitric oxide synthase localization
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18243363?dopt=AbstractPlus

Dysregulated Epstein-Barr virus infection in the multiple sclerosis brain.
http://www.greenercomputing.com/columns_third.cfm?NewsID=55568

Lourdes "Sal" Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCSA or Lourdes
Salvador and neither will be responsible for misuse of this information.
Posting does not constitute endorsement. We have no financial interest in
anything posted . This post is provided free of charge via volunteer effort.

The demand for organic foods in the South of Italy: A discrete choice model

doi:10.1016/j.foodpol.2007.12.002      
Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

The demand for organic foods in the South of Italy: A discrete choice model

Azucena Gracia^{, a,} and Tiziana de Magistris^a,
aUnidad de Economía Agroalimentaria, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA), Avda Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
Received 11 October 2006;  revised 7 November 2007;  accepted 20 December 2007.  Available online 13 February 2008.

Abstract

This paper analyses organic food consumer's demand that can help advising on implementing organic food policies at European level or, for a particular European country. In particular, it investigates the main factors explaining organic food demand in the South of Italy. Following the Lancaster consumer's demand theory we assume that consumer's utility depends on product characteristics instead of the product itself. Thus, consumers will choose the product (organic versus conventional) that possesses the combination of attributes that maximises its utility. Consumer's choice for organic foods is analysed within the random utility discrete choice model and a bivariate probit model has been specified. The data were collected through a questionnaire conducted in the Italian region of Campania (Naples) in 2003. Findings indicate that economic factors are still factors limiting the growth of organic demand in Europe. Moreover, the consumers' perceived benefits of organic food (environmental and health) are factors promoting organic food demand. In addition, greater information on organic food products is crucial to expand its demand in the South of Italy because this information will increase the consumer's organic knowledge. Then, higher organic knowledge will increase the probability to buy organic foods and, to a larger extent, the level of consumption among existing consumers.

Keywords: Organic foods; Demand; Consumers; Choice; Probit; Italy

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VCB-4RTTM08-1&_user=10&_coverDate=02%2F13%2F2008&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=84c9d89097d04556a0ce231f8f851b69

Dysregulated Epstein-Barr virus infection in the multiple sclerosis brain

Dysregulated Epstein-Barr virus infection in the multiple sclerosis brain.

Serafini B, Rosicarelli B, ..., Faggioni A, Aloisi F
J Exp Med 2007 Nov 26 204(12):2899-912

1: J Exp Med. 2007 Nov 26;204(12):2899-912. Epub 2007 Nov 5.

Dysregulated Epstein-Barr virus infection in the multiple sclerosis brain.

Serafini B, Rosicarelli B, Franciotta D, Magliozzi R, Reynolds R, Cinque P, Andreoni L, Trivedi P, Salvetti M, Faggioni A, Aloisi F.
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous B-lymphotropic herpesvirus, has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), but direct proof of its involvement in the disease is still missing. To test the idea that MS might result from perturbed EBV infection in the CNS, we investigated expression of EBV markers in postmortem brain tissue from MS cases with different clinical courses. Contrary to previous studies, we found evidence of EBV infection in a substantial proportion of brain-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells in nearly 100% of the MS cases examined (21 of 22), but not in other inflammatory neurological diseases. Ectopic B cell follicles forming in the cerebral meninges of some cases with secondary progressive MS were identified as major sites of EBV persistence. Expression of viral latent proteins was regularly observed in MS brains, whereas viral reactivation appeared restricted to ectopic B cell follicles and acute lesions. Activation of CD8+ T cells with signs of cytotoxicity toward plasma cells was also noted at sites of major accumulations of EBV-infected cells. Whether homing of EBV-infected B cells to the CNS is a primary event in MS development or the consequence of a still unknown disease-related process, we interpret these findings as evidence that EBV persistence and reactivation in the CNS play an important role in MS immunopathology.

PMID: 17984305 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17984305
http://www.jem.org/cgi/content/abstract/204/12/2899






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Electrophysiological recording of re-aggregating brain cell cultures on multi-electrode arrays to detect acute neurotoxic effects

Neurotoxicology. 2007 Nov;28(6):1136-46. Epub 2007 Jun 26. Links

Electrophysiological recording of re-aggregating brain cell cultures on multi-electrode arrays to detect acute neurotoxic effects.

van Vliet E, Stoppini L, Balestrino M, Eskes C, Griesinger C, Sobanski T, Whelan M, Hartung T, Coecke S.

European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), Institute for Health & Consumer Protection, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Via E. Fermi 1, 21020 Ispra (VA), Italy.

Neurotoxicity aims to understand how xenobiotics interfere with the function of the nervous system and to unravel their mechanisms of action. Neuronal activity is the primary functional output of the nervous system and deviations from its resting level may indicate toxicity. Consequently, the monitoring of electrophysiological activity in complex cell culture systems appears particularly promising for neurotoxicity assessment. To detect acute neurotoxic effects of chemicals we developed a test system based on the electrophysiological recordings from neural networks in re-aggregating brain cell cultures using multi-electrode arrays. We characterised the electrophysiological properties of the cultures and, using known neurotoxicants, evaluated their usefulness to predict neurotoxic effects. Aggregates displayed evoked field potentials and spontaneous neural activity involving glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. Paired pulse inhibition indicated the presence of short-term synaptic plasticity via functional inhibitory networks. Cultures were treated with 0.1-100 microM of trimethyltin chloride (TMT), methyl mercury chloride (MeHgCl), parathion or paraoxon, and with 0.1-100mM of ethanol for up to 100 min. TMT (10 microM), MeHgCl (1 microM) and ethanol (100mM) all decreased the amplitude of evoked field potential. The effect of ethanol was reversible. In contrast paraoxon (10 microM) increased the amplitudes of evoked field potentials while parathion showed no significant effects. The effects of TMT and ethanol on the frequency of spontaneous activity were consistent with those obtained for evoked field potentials. All effects occurred at levels at which cytotoxic injuries were not detectable. Taken together our system expressed electrophysiological properties similar to those of established slice culture preparations. It detected known neurotoxicants at subcytotoxic levels and therefore appears suitable for the assessment of toxic insults specifically interfering with nervous system function, e.g. neuronal activity, synaptic transmission and short-term plasticity. If incorporated into testing strategies, it might represent a valuable tool for the mechanistic assessment of neurotoxic effects.

PMID: 17692379 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17692379?dopt=AbstractPlus

Overlapping gene expression profiles of model compounds provide opportunities for immunotoxicity screening.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008 Jan 1;226(1):46-59. Epub 2007 Sep 12. Links

Overlapping gene expression profiles of model compounds provide opportunities for immunotoxicity screening.

Baken KA, Pennings JL, Jonker MJ, Schaap MM, de Vries A, van Steeg H, Breit TM, van Loveren H.

Department of Health Risk Analysis and Toxicology (GRAT), Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. k.baken@grat.unimaas.nl

In order to investigate immunotoxic effects of a set of model compounds in mice, a toxicogenomics approach was combined with information on macroscopical and histopathological effects on spleens and on modulation of immune function. Bis(tri-n-butyltin)oxide (TBTO), cyclosporin A (CsA), and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) were administered to C57BL/6 mice at immunosuppressive dose levels. Acetaminophen (APAP) was included in the study since indications of immunomodulating properties of this compound have appeared in the literature. TBTO exposure caused the most pronounced effect on gene expression and also resulted in the most severe reduction of body weight gain and induction of splenic irregularities. All compounds caused inhibition of cell division in the spleen as shown by microarray analysis as well as by suppression of lymphocyte proliferation after application of a contact sensitizer as demonstrated in an immune function assay that was adapted from the local lymph node assay. The immunotoxicogenomics approach applied in this study thus pointed to immunosuppression through cell cycle arrest as a common mechanism of action of immunotoxicants, including APAP. Genes related to cell division such as Ccna2, Brca1, Birc5, Incenp, and Cdkn1a (p21) were identified as candidate genes to indicate anti-proliferative effects of xenobiotics in immune cells for future screening assays. The results of our experiments also show the value of group wise pathway analysis for detection of more subtle transcriptional effects and the potency of evaluation of effects in the spleen to demonstrate immunotoxicity.

PMID: 17942131 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17942131&itool=iconabstr&itool=pubmed_DocSum

Endosulfan acute toxicity in Bufo bufo gills: Ultrastructural changes and nitric oxide synthase localization

Aquat Toxicol. 2007 Dec 23 [Epub ahead of print] Links

Endosulfan acute toxicity in Bufo bufo gills: Ultrastructural changes and nitric oxide synthase localization.

Bernabò I, Brunelli E, Berg C, Bonacci A, Tripepi S.

Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy.

Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide used in agriculture for a wide range of crops. Endosulfan concentrations of up to 0.7mg/L can be found in ponds and streams near sprayed agricultural fields. We investigated the short-term toxicity of endosulfan in common toad (Bufo bufo) tadpoles after 24, 48, and 96h of exposure. Acute toxicity was evaluated at nominal concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.6mg/L: concentrations that could be found after the application of pesticide. Our results show that 0.43mg/L of endosulfan caused 50% mortality (LC(50)). The effects of a sublethal endosulfan concentration (0.2mg/L) on gill apparatus morphology were evaluated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical methods were also applied to detect the expression pattern of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the gills using the confocal laser scanner microscope. Exposure to 0.2mg/L of endosulfan caused an apparent increase in mucus production, the occurrence of secretory vesicles and lamellar bodies, a widening of intercellular spaces and additionally there was evidence of an inflammatory response in the gill apparatus. The morphological alterations occurred after 24h and were more pronounced after 48 and 96h of exposure. Altered morphology and increased mucus secretion indicate impaired gas exchange and osmoregulation in the gills. In addition, there was an increase of iNOS expression after 24 and 48h which may reflect hypoxia and inflammation in the gill epithelium. Our results clearly indicate that short-term exposure to a sublethal concentration of endosulfan, near the high end of the environmental range, disrupts gill morphology and function in B. bufo tadpoles.

PMID: 18243363 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18243363?dopt=AbstractPlus