Risk factor for lifestyle and way of living for symptoms of sick building syndrome: epidemiological survey in Japan.

Nippon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2009 May;64(3):689-98.

Risk factor for lifestyle and way of living for symptoms of sick building syndrome: epidemiological survey in Japan.

Nakayama K, Morimoto K.

Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.

Objectives: To investigate the association among symptoms of sick building syndrome (SBS). Self-reported questionnaire and indoor environmental surveys of newly build dwellings in Japan were conducted. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire included items on symptoms of SBS and lifestyle, and an indoor environmental survey (i.e., mold, mites, and volatile organic compounds (VOC)) was conducted in family rooms of dwellings in Japan (Sapporo, Fukushima, Nagoya, Osaka, Okayama, and Kitakyusyu), from 2004 to 2007. Results: Data from Osaka in 2004 indicated significant odds ratios for symptoms of SBS for questionnaire items on renovation, air freshener, carpet, use of benzin, use of thinner, use of coating materials, moldiness, smell of house, and feeling of having insufficient sleeping hours. Significant odds ratios were noted for total CFU, Auerbasidum genus, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus sp., Aureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp., Rhodotorula minuta, and Wallemia sebi. Concerning concentrations of VOCs, TVOC, limonene, o,m-tolualdehyde, 2-pentanone, tetrachloroethylene, n-decane, and n-heptane are significantly higher in those who have symptoms of SBS. Significant odds ratios were indicated for questionnaire items on smell of house, stuffiness, moldiness, fustiness, dampness, water leakage, and feeling of having insufficient sleeping hours from data of six areas in Japan in 2004. Continuous data analysis of Osaka from 2004 to 2006 suggested that improvement of symptoms of SBS might be due to lifestyle modification. Conclusion: Mites, molds, VOCs, renovation, moldiness, stuffiness, feeling of having insufficient sleeping hours, carpet use, benzin, thinner, and coating materials, increase the risk of developing symptoms of SBS, whereas modification of lifestyle and ways of living factors might alleviate them.

PMID: 19502765 [PubMed - in process]

A twin study of perfume-related respiratory symptoms.

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2009 Jun 5. [Epub ahead of print]

A twin study of perfume-related respiratory symptoms.

Elberling J, Lerbaek A, Kyvik KO, Hjelmborg J.

The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Alle 40, 2.th, DK-2820 Gentofte, Denmark.

Respiratory symptoms from environmental perfume exposure are main complaints in patients with multiple chemical sensitivities and often coincide with asthma and or eczema. In this population-based twin study we estimate the heritability of respiratory symptoms related to perfume and if co-occurrences of the symptoms in asthma, atopic dermatitis, hand eczema or contact allergy are influenced by environmental or genetic factors common with these diseases. In total 4,128 twin individuals (82%) responded to a questionnaire. The heritability of respiratory symptoms related to perfume is 0.35, 95%CI 0.14-0.54. Significant associations (p<0.05) between perfume-related respiratory symptoms and asthma, atopic dermatitis, hand eczema or contact allergy are not attributable to shared genetic or shared environmental/familial factors, except possibly for atopic dermatitis where genetic pleiotropy with respiratory symptoms to perfume is suggested by an estimated genetic correlation of 0.39, 95%CI 0.09-0.72.

PMID: 19502109 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

NEWS: Chemical sensitivity syndrome to make list of gov't-insured medical conditions (JAPAN)

Chemical sensitivity syndrome to make list of gov't-insured medical conditions (JAPAN)
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20090612p2a00m0na017000c.html
Chemical sensitivity syndrome will make the list of illnesses used in electronic medical charts and electronic treatment fee claim forms, it has been learned.  <snip>

Functional characterization of muscle fibres from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: case-control study.

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2009 April-June;22(2):427-436. Links

Functional characterization of muscle fibres from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: case-control study.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505395

Pietrangelo T, Toniolo L, Paoli A, Fulle S, Puglielli C, Fan X00f2 G, Reggiani C.

Dept. Basic and Applied Medical Sciences (BAMS), Center for Excellence on Ageing (CeSI), University - G. dAnnunzio- Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disabling condition characterized by unexplained chronic fatigue that impairs normal activities. Although immunological and psychological aspects are present, symptoms related to skeletal muscles, such as muscle soreness, fatigability and increased lactate accumulation, are prominent in CFS patients. In this case-control study, the phenotype of the same biopsy samples was analyzed by determining i) fibre-type proportion using myosin isoforms as fibre type molecular marker and gel electrophoresis as a tool to separate and quantify myosin isoforms, and ii) contractile properties of manually dissected, chemically made permeable and calcium-activated single muscle fibres. The results showed that fibre-type proportion was significantly altered in CSF samples, which showed a shift from the slow- to the fast-twitch phenotype. Cross sectional area, force, maximum shortening velocity and calcium sensitivity were not significantly changed in single muscle fibres from CSF samples. Thus, the contractile properties of muscle fibres were preserved but their proportion was changed, with an increase in the more fatigue-prone, energetically expensive fast fibre type. Taken together, these results support the view that muscle tissue is directly involved in the pathogenesis of CSF and it might contribute to the early onset of fatigue typical of the skeletal muscles of CFS patients.

FDA Strengthens Fainting Warnings On Gardasil's Label

FDA Strengthens Fainting Warnings On Gardasil's Label

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200906101619DOWJONESDJONLINE000731_FORTUNE5.htm

 

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday strengthened warnings on Merck & Co.'s (MRK) Gardasil vaccine about fainting after receiving reports of "traumatic injuries" among some vaccine recipients.

In a posting aimed at health-care professionals posted to the agency's Web site, the FDA said all vaccine recipients should remain seated or lying down and be closely observed for 15 minutes following vaccination "to prevent falls and injuries"."

Evidence for Dose Additive Effects of Pyrethroids on Motor Activity in Rats

Evidence for Dose Additive Effects of Pyrethroids on Motor Activity in Rats
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2009/0900667/abstract.pdf

Marcelo J. Wolansky, Chris Gennings,
Michael J. DeVito, and Kevin M. Crofton
doi: 10.1289/ehp.0900667 (available at http://dx.doi.org/)
Online 8 June 2009

Abstract

Background: Pyrethroids are neurotoxic insecticides used in a variety of
indoor and outdoor
applications. The current work tested the hypothesis that cumulative
neurotoxic effects of
pyrethroid mixtures are predicted using the default dose-addition theory.
Previous research
characterized the acute dose-effect functions for eleven pyrethroids
administered orally in corn
oil (1 ml/kg) based on assessment of motor activity.

Objectives: The hypothesis was tested using a mixture of the eleven
pyrethroids and the same
testing paradigm used in single compound assays.

Methods: Mixing ratios in the tested mixture were based on the individual
chemical ED30s (i.e.,
the mixture comprised equipotent amounts of each pyrethroid). The highest
concentration of
each individual chemical in the mixture was below the threshold for inducing
behavioral effects.
Adult male rats received acute oral exposure to corn oil (control) or
dilutions of the stock
mixture solution. The mixture of eleven pyrethroids was administered either
simultaneously (2 hr
before testing) or following a sequence based on times of peak effect for
the individual
chemicals (4, 2, and 1 hr before testing). A threshold additivity model was
fit to the single
chemical data to predict the theoretical dose-effect relationship for the
mixture under the
assumption of dose-additivity.

Results: When sub-threshold doses of individual chemicals were combined in
the mixtures,
significant dose-related decreases in motor activity were found. Further, no
departure from the
predicted dose-additive curve was found regardless of the mixture dosing
protocol used.
Conclusion: This study shows the first in vivo evidence on pyrethroid
cumulative effects
supporting the default assumption of dose-addition.

Developmental Changes in PON1 Enzyme Activity in Young Children and Effects of PON1 Polymorphisms

Developmental Changes in PON1 Enzyme Activity in Young Children and Effects of PON1 Polymorphisms

http://www.ehponline.org/members/2009/0900870/0900870.pdf

 
Karen Huen, Kim Harley, Jordan Brooks, Alan Hubbard, Asa Bradman, Brenda Eskenazi, Nina Holland
 

Abstract

 

Background: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an enzyme that detoxifies activated organophosphorous

(OP) pesticides and is also involved in oxidative stress pathways.

 

Objectives: PON1 activity in newborns is lower than in adults however the ontogeny of PON1

activity is poorly characterized in young children. We examined the effects of age and PON1

genotypes on enzyme activity in a birth cohort of Mexican-American children.

 

Methods: Three substrate-specific measures of PON1 activity were determined in 1143 plasma

samples collected longitudinally from 458 children at five time points from birth through seven

years of age. PON1 polymorphisms at positions 192 and -108 were also genotyped in these

children.

 

Results: Contrary to previous reports that PON1 activities plateau by age two, we observed an

age-dependent increase in all three PON1 measures from birth through age seven (p<0.0001).

The PON1192 genotype significantly modified the effect of age on paraoxonase (POase) activity;

p<0.0001) such that increases in enzyme activity with age were influenced by the number of R

alleles in a dose dependent manner. Children with the PON1-108CC192RR diplotype had

significantly higher mean PON1 activities and also experienced steeper increases of POase

activity over time compared to children with the PON1-108TT192QQ diplotype.

 

Conclusions: Lower levels of the PON1 enzyme, which is involved in protection against OPs and

oxidative stress, persist in young children past age two through at least age seven. Future

policies addressing pesticide exposure in children should take into account that the window of

vulnerability to OPs in young children may last beyond infancy.
 

New gene variant linked to autism

Comment:  I need to do some research on this.  I'm wondering if this calcium channel altertion could cause electromagnetic field sensitivity.  I've seen many autistics start screaming and fussing near power transformers.

 

New gene variant linked to autism
http://www.babycenter.com/204_new-gene-variant-linked-to-autism_10315007.bc

Fri, Jun 5, 2009 (Reuters Health) — U.S. researchers have identified a variant in a gene dubbed CACNA1G that confers susceptibility to autism, especially in boys.

"This is a strong finding," Dr. Stanley F. Nelson, from the University of California, Los Angeles, said in a statement. "No one has scrutinized the role that CACNA1G plays in autism."

He added, "We found that a common form of the gene occurs more frequently in the DNA of families that have two or more sons affected by autism, but no affected daughters. Our study may explain why boys are more susceptible to the disorder than girls."

According to the report in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, previous research has identified a region on chromosome 17 as a likely susceptibility region for autism. With this knowledge, Nelson's team looked for recurring genetic markers on the chromosome in 1046 members of families with at least two autism-affected sons.

Many markers were found around CACNA1G, which encodes a protein involved in transporting calcium between cells. A common variant of the gene was present in 40 percent of family members.

The findings suggest that inheriting the gene variant "may heighten a child's risk of developing autism," Nelson said.

The next step for the researchers is to sequence CACNA1G to determine the exact genetic change responsible for the elevated autism risk.

-- Reuters

Fabric Softener Toxic; Natural Alternatives

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1826625/fabric_softener_toxic_natural_alternatives.html?singlepage=true&cat=7

Fabric Softener: Toxic!

Fabric Softener: Toxic!

From:  http://www.alternativehealthjournal.com/article/fabric_softener__toxic_/3485

The symptoms of fabric softener ailments:

• Tired for no reason - even after resting
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Sick stomach
• Feeling faint
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Anxiety
• Difficulty breathing
• Twitching or spontaneous body movements
• Rashes on areas touched by clothing

Full Article at:  http://www.alternativehealthjournal.com/article/fabric_softener__toxic_/3485

Modulation of antigen-induced chronic fatigue in mouse model of water immersion stress by naringin, a polyphenolic antioxidant.

Modulation of antigen-induced chronic fatigue in mouse model of water
immersion stress by naringin, a polyphenolic antioxidant.

Journal: Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Mar 10. [Epub ahead of print]

Authors: Vij G, Gupta A, Chopra K.

Affiliation: Pharmacology Division, University Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Punjab University, Chandigarh - 160014, India.

NLM Citation: PMID: 19469804

     '
Abstract
It is believed that physical stress, infection and oxidative stress
are involved in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. There is
little evidence stating the beneficial role of nutritional
supplements in chronic fatigue syndrome. Based on this, this study
was designed to evaluate the effect of naringin, a natural
polyphenol, in a mouse model of immunologically-induced fatigue,
wherein purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as well as Brucella abortus
(BA) antigen was used as immunogens.

The assessment of chronic fatigue syndrome was based on chronic
water-immersion stress test for 10 mins as well as measurement of
hyperalgesia for 19 days. Immobility time and tail withdrawal latency
as well as oxidative stress were taken as the markers of fatigue.

Mice challenged with LPS or BA for 19 days showed significant
increase in the immobility time, hyperalgesia and oxidative stress on
19th day. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels
markedly increased with LPS or BA challenge. Concurrent treatment
with naringin resulted in the significant decrease in the immobility
time as well as hyperalgesia. There was significant attenuation of
oxidative stress as well as in TNF-alpha levels.

Present findings strongly suggest the role of oxidative stress and
immunological activation in the pathophysiology of chronic fatigue
syndrome, and treatment with naringin can be a valuable option in
chronic fatigue syndrome.

Motor neuron diseases and neurotoxic substances: A possible link?

Chem Biol Interact. 2009 Jul 15;180(2):127-130. Epub 2009 Mar 24.

Motor neuron diseases and neurotoxic substances: A possible link?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19497409

Chang PA, Wu YJ.

College of Bio-information, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, PR China; Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.

The motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of related neurodegenerative diseases that cause the relative selective progressive death of motor neurons. Exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying MND phenotypes has been hampered by their multifactorial nature and high incidence of sporadic cases, although genetic factors are considered to play a considerable role at present. However, environmental factors, especial exposure to neurotoxic substances, could induce neurotoxicity with the same phenotypes of specific MNDs. Organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by ataxia and progression to paralysis, with a concomitant distal axonal degeneration and secondary demyelination of central and peripheral axons. The inhibition and subsequent aging of neuropathy target esterase (NTE) by organophosphate has been proposed to be the initiating event in OPIDN. NTE is characterized to be a lysophospholipase/phospholipase B mostly in the nervous system to regulate phospholipid homeostasis. Brain-specific deletion of mouse NTE contributes to the behavioral defects characterized by neuronal loss. Recently, mutations in human NTE have also been shown to cause a hereditary spastic paraplegia called NTE-related motor neuron disorder with the same characteristics of OPIDN, which supported the role of NTE abnormalities in OPIDN, and raised the possibility that NTE pathway disturbances contribute to other MNDs. Together with the identified association of paraoxonase polymorphisms with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, there is a possibility that neurotoxic substances contribute to MND in genetically vulnerable people by gene-environment interactions.

Do obese adults have a higher risk of asthma attack when exposed to indoor mold? A study based on the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Public Health Rep. 2009 May-Jun;124(3):436-41.LinkOut

Do obese adults have a higher risk of asthma attack when exposed to indoor mold? A study based on the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Wen XJ, Balluz L, Mokdad A.

Behavioral Surveillance Branch, National Center for Chronic Diseases/Division of Adult and Community Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy., MS-K66, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.

OBJECTIVE: Some studies show an association between asthma and obesity, but it is unknown whether exposure to mold will increase the risk of asthma attacks among obese people. This study examined whether obese adults have a higher risk of asthma attacks than non-obese adults when exposed to indoor mold. METHODS: We used data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to conduct a cross-sectional analysis among 9,668 respondents who reported exposure to indoor mold. RESULTS: With exposure to indoor mold, weighted prevalence of asthma attacks among obese respondents was 11.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0, 20.6], which was 2.3 times as high as among the exposed non-obese respondents (5.0%, 95% CI 2.8, 8.8). This ratio was almost the same as the ratio of 2.0:1 between the obese respondents (5.7%, 95% CI 4.6, 7.2) and the non-obese respondents (2.8%, 95% CI 2.3, 3.9) when neither group had exposure to mold. The odds ratio of asthma attack among obese people was 3.10 (95% CI 1.10, 8.67) for those with exposure to mold and 2.21 (95% CI 1.54, 3.17) for those without exposure to mold after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and smoking status. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that obese adults who have been exposed to indoor mold may not necessarily have a higher risk of asthma attack than obese adults who have not been exposed, even though obesity and exposure to indoor mold are both major risk factors for asthma attack. Medical professionals should not only incorporate weight-control or weight-reduction measures as the components of asthma treatment plans, but also advise asthma patients to avoid exposure to indoor mold.

PMID: 19445420 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PMCID: PMC2663880 [Available on 2011/05/01]

Using metaphors to study occupational transitions: a case study of an injured worker with multiple chemical sensitivity.

Work. 2009;32(4):467-75.

Using metaphors to study occupational transitions: a case study of an injured worker with multiple chemical sensitivity.

Arnold C, Shaw L, Landry G.

The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. carnold8@uwo.ca

BACKGROUND: The aim of this case study was to explore transitions of an injured worker suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), and his lived experiences in learning to function in everyday life with this injury. To date, little research exists about the transitions of a worker to an injured worker beyond the focus of strategies in returning to work and rehabilitation. METHODS: The injured worker's perspective was captured through the use of metaphors in understanding the transition processes of participating in daily life without work. Metaphors were used to facilitate this injured worker's expression of deep thoughts and feelings, and to allow for different and abstract ways of thinking about disability and illness. FINDINGS: Metaphors were identified within several transitions involved in the process of going from a worker to an injured worker functioning in daily life. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this case study can be shared with others as a means of increasing the awareness of the experiences in managing daily life when living with MCS. In addition, insights from this injured worker's case could act as a venue for distributing knowledge about chemical injuries to health care professionals to broaden their views of this injury and its treatment.

PMID: 19478417 [PubMed - in process]

Chemical Exposures Kick-Off Meeting

Chemical Exposures Kick-Off Meeting

 

Thank you for your interest in the National  Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures. Registration is now open for the June 26, 2009 Kick-off Meeting in Washington, DC. The meeting is free and open to the public. Please circulate this announcement widely.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

www.2009NationalConversation.com

Health and Product Safety Issues Associated with Imported Drywall

Health and Product Safety Issues Associated with Imported Drywall
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=7036283d-9d1e-4954-8903-b851ba32a49e

Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance
Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:30 AM

SR - 253 View Archive Webcast
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.LiveStream&Hearing_id=7036283d-9d1e-4954-8903-b851ba32a49e

 
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following subcommittee hearing on Health and Product Safety Issues Associated with Imported Drywall.

Contamination of surface, ground, and drinking water from pharmaceutical production

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Contamination of surface, ground, and drinking water from pharmaceutical
production
http://www.setacjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-abstract&doi=10.1897%2F09-073.1

Jerker Fick1,¤, Hanna Söderström1, Richard H. Lindberg1, Chau Phan1, Mats
Tysklind2, and D. G. Joakim Larsson3
1 Umeå University
2 University of Umea
3 The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg

Low levels of pharmaceuticals are detected in surface, ground, and drinking
water worldwide. Usage and incorrect disposal have been considered the major
environmental sources of these micro-contaminants. Recent publications,
however, suggest that wastewater from drug production can potentially be a
source of much higher concentrations in certain locations. We investigated
the environmental fate of active pharmaceutical ingredients in a major
production area for the global bulk-drug market. Water samples were taken
from a common effluent treatment plant near Hyderabad, India, which receives
process water from about 90 bulk drug manufacturers. Surface water was
analyzed from the recipient stream and from two lakes that are not
contaminated by the treatment plant. Water samples were also taken from
wells in six nearby villages. The samples were analyzed for the presence of
twelve pharmaceuticals with LC-MS/MS. All wells were determined to be
contaminated with drugs. Ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, cetirizine, terbinafine
and citalopram were detected at >1µg l-1 in several wells. Very high
concentrations of ciprofloxacin (up to 14 mg L-1) and other pharmaceuticals
(up to 2 mg L-1) were found in the effluent of the treatment plant and in
the two lakes (up to 6.5 mg L-1). Thus, insufficient wastewater treatment in
one of the world's largest centers for bulk drug production leads to
unprecedented drug contamination of surface, ground, and drinking water.
This raises serious concerns regarding the development of antibiotic
resistance, and it creates a major challenge for producers and regulatory
agencies to improve the situation.

Received: February 18, 2009; Accepted: April 29, 2009; Published Online: May
18, 2009
DOI: 10.1897/09-073.1

____________________________________________________________
CHE WORKING GROUP LISTSERV INSTRUCTIONS
Just click the link for the action you want to perform and hit "send" on the
resulting email.

Please remove me from this working group (including email list):
chescience-unsubscribe@lists.healthandenvironment.org

Switch my subscription mode to CHE Lite (receive one digest email per
weekday):
mailto:sympa@lists.healthandenvironment.org?body=SET%20chescience%20DIGEST

Keep me as part of this group, but stop sending me emails (this is useful
for vacations):
mailto:sympa@lists.healthandenvironment.org?body=SET%20chescience%20NOMAIL

Access the listserv website (to view archives, update your email address,
change your subscription
preference, etc.):
http://lists.healthandenvironment.org/lists/info/chescience

Ask a question or get more help
mailto:info@healthandenvironment.org?subj=chesciencequestion

Please remember that all CHE Working Group correspondence is privileged
communication and should
not be posted elsewhere without the explicit permission of the author.

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.html

Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 117, Number 6, June 2009

Antonella Zanobetti and Joel Schwartz
Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston,
Massachusetts, USA

Abstract

Background: Although many studies have examined the effects of air pollution
on mortality, data limitations have resulted in fewer studies of both
particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ? 2.5 µm (PM2.5 ; fine
particles) and of coarse particles (particles with an aerodynamic diameter >
2.5 and < 10 µm ; PM coarse) . We conducted a national, multicity
time-series study of the acute effect of PM2.5 and PM coarse on the
increased risk of death for all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) ,
myocardial infarction (MI) , stroke, and respiratory mortality for the years
1999?2005.

Method: We applied a city- and season-specific Poisson regression in 112
U.S. 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 effects approach, in total, by season and by
region.

Results: We found a 0.98% increase [95% confidence interval (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 a 10-µg/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 was previously observed for PM10. In addition, coarse
particles are also associated with more deaths.

Vaccination alters the immune system

Vaccination alters the immune system
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Non-food/Drug/310520090733_vaccination_alters_the_immune_system.html

"They found that study participants who had an influenza vaccine at any time
were at a 98 percent increased risk of follicular lymphoma and at an 88
percent increased risk of diffuse large B cell lymphoma."

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - June 2009

MCSA NEWS
June 2009, Volume 4, Issue 6

 

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/june2009.pdf  (View, Download, and Print)
NEW!  Entire Online Edition: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm   (View as a Webpage)

 

 

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

 

Governors and Mayors Warn of the Toxic Effects of Chemicals

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg12345.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Governors_and_Mayors

 

Social Security Disability   A Chink in the Armor

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg67.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Social_Security_

 

SAMe   Wonder Nutrient

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg89101112.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_SAMe__

 

The Prevalence of Fragrance Sensitivity

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg13.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_The_Prevalence_of

 

Welcome to MCS   Time to Look at Your Kitchen in a Different Light

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg141516.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Welcome_to_MCS

 

Bird, Bees, and Electromagnetic Pollution

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg171819.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Birds,_Bees,_and

 

The Impact of a Sweet Fragrance

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg20.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_The_Impact_of

 

Q&A   Public HVAC Scent Diffusers

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg21.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Proposed_Treatment_of

 

Q&A   Low Dose Antigens

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg22.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Fast_Metabolism_Linked

 

$3.3 Million Awarded in Mold Suit

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg23.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_$3.3_Million_Awarded

 

Vaccinated Children Three Times More Likely To Be Hospitalized

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg24.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Vaccinated_Children_Three

 

Irradiated Foods May Cause Serious Brain Damage

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg25.pdf 

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Irradiated_Foods_May

 

Patient Support and Resources

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg2627282930313233.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Resources_and_Support

 

Community News

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg34.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Community_News_4

 

Featured Research

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg353637.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Featured_Research_Studies_4

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities America
http://www.mcs-america.org admin@mcs-america.org

 

 

Copyrighted © 2008  MCS America

 

You have received this newsletter because you subscribed to it.

If you wish to unsubscribe, please send a message to unsubscribe@mcs-america.org.

 

This newsletter may be forwarded provided it is forwarded in it's entirety.

Some individuals may receive this newsletter through forwarded posts from independent listserves/groups ...

If you no longer wish to receive mail, contact your administrator or unsubscribe from your listserv/group.

 

NEWSLETTER: MCS America News - June 2009

MCSA NEWS
June 2009, Volume 4, Issue 6

 

Entire PDF Edition: http://mcs-america.org/june2009.pdf  (View, Download, and Print)
NEW!  Entire Online Edition: http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm   (View as a Webpage)

 

 

Direct Links to Articles Inside This Issue:

 

Governors and Mayors Warn of the Toxic Effects of Chemicals

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg12345.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Governors_and_Mayors

 

Social Security Disability   A Chink in the Armor

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg67.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Social_Security_

 

SAMe   Wonder Nutrient

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg89101112.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_SAMe__

 

The Prevalence of Fragrance Sensitivity

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg13.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_The_Prevalence_of

 

Welcome to MCS   Time to Look at Your Kitchen in a Different Light

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg141516.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Welcome_to_MCS

 

Bird, Bees, and Electromagnetic Pollution

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg171819.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Birds,_Bees,_and

 

The Impact of a Sweet Fragrance

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg20.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_The_Impact_of

 

Q&A   Public HVAC Scent Diffusers

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg21.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Proposed_Treatment_of

 

Q&A   Low Dose Antigens

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg22.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Fast_Metabolism_Linked

 

$3.3 Million Awarded in Mold Suit

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg23.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_$3.3_Million_Awarded

 

Vaccinated Children Three Times More Likely To Be Hospitalized

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg24.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Vaccinated_Children_Three

 

Irradiated Foods May Cause Serious Brain Damage

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg25.pdf 

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Irradiated_Foods_May

 

Patient Support and Resources

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg2627282930313233.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Resources_and_Support

 

Community News

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg34.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Community_News_4

 

Featured Research

PDF Version:      http://mcs-america.org/June2009pg353637.pdf

Online Version:  http://mcs-america.org/mcsanewsjune2009.htm#_Featured_Research_Studies_4

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities America
http://www.mcs-america.org admin@mcs-america.org

 

 

Copyrighted © 2008  MCS America

 

You have received this newsletter because you subscribed to it.

If you wish to unsubscribe, please send a message to unsubscribe@mcs-america.org.

 

This newsletter may be forwarded provided it is forwarded in it's entirety.

Some individuals may receive this newsletter through forwarded posts from independent listserves/groups ...

If you no longer wish to receive mail, contact your administrator or unsubscribe from your listserv/group.

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome: illness severity, sedentary lifestyle, blood volume and evidence of diminished cardiac function.

Clin Sci (Lond). 2009 May 26. [Epub ahead of print]

Chronic fatigue syndrome: illness severity, sedentary lifestyle, blood volume and evidence of diminished cardiac function.

Hurwitz BE, Coryell VT, Parker M, Martin P, Laperriere A, Klimas NG, Sfakianakis GN, Bilsker MS.

This study examined whether deficits in cardiac output and blood volume in a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) cohort were present and linked to illness severity and sedentary lifestyle. Follow-up analyses assessed whether differences between CFS and control groups in cardiac output levels were corrected by controlling for cardiac contractility and total blood volume (TBV). The 146 participants were subdivided into two CFS groups based on symptom severity data, severe (n=30) vs. non-severe (n=26), and two healthy non-CFS control groups based on physical activity, sedentary (n=58) vs. non-sedentary (n=32). Controls were matched to CFS participants using age, sex, ethnicity and body mass. Echocardiographic measures indicated that the severe CFS participants displayed 10.2% lower cardiac volume (i.e., stroke index and end diastolic volume) and 25.1% lower contractility (velocity of circumferential shortening corrected by heart rate) than the control groups. Dual tag blood volume assessments indicated that CFS groups had lower TBV, plasma volume (PV) and red blood cell volume (RBCV) than control groups. Of the CFS subjects with a TBV deficit (i.e., >/=8% below ideal levels), the mean +/-SD percent deficit in TBV, PV and RBCV were 15.4+/-4.0, 13.2+/-5.0, and 19.1+/-6.3, respectively. Lower CFS cardiac volume levels were substantially corrected by controlling for prevailing TBV deficits, but were not affected by controlling for cardiac contractility. Analyses indicated that the TBV deficit explained 91-94% of the group differences in cardiac volume indices. Group differences in cardiac structure were offsetting and hence no differences emerged for LV mass index. Therefore, the findings indicate that lower cardiac volume levels, displayed primarily by persons with severe-CFS, were not linked to diminished cardiac contractility levels, but were likely a consequence of a comorbid hypovolemic condition. Further study is needed to address the extent to which the CFS cardiac and blood volume alterations have physiological and clinical significance.

PMID: 19469714 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Relationships among prenatal aeroallergen exposure and maternal and cord blood IgE: project ACCESS.

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 May;123(5):1041-6. Epub 2009 Apr 10.

Relationships among prenatal aeroallergen exposure and maternal and cord blood IgE: project ACCESS.

Peters JL, Suglia SF, Platts-Mills TA, Hosen J, Gold DR, Wright RJ.

Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Mass 02215, USA.

BACKGROUND: Whereas some evidence suggests that antigen sensitization may begin prenatally, the influence of maternal allergen exposure during pregnancy has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationship between prenatal maternal aeroallergen exposure and cord blood total IgE and the potential mediating/indirect effect of maternal immune response. METHODS: This study was performed in 301 mother-infant pairs enrolled in the Asthma Coalition on Community, Environment, and Social Stress (ACCESS) project, a study examining the effects of prenatal and early life social and physical environmental exposures on urban asthma risk. Dust samples collected prenatally from mothers' bedrooms were analyzed for cockroach and dust mite allergens. Cord blood was analyzed for total IgE, and maternal serum collected during pregnancy for total and specific IgE. We assessed the relationship between prenatal exposure and cord blood total IgE and the potential mediation effect adjusting for maternal age, race, education, smoking status, and dust collection season; and child's sex and season of birth. RESULTS: In multivariate models, elevated prenatal dust mite levels (>0.2 microg/g) increased cord blood IgE concentrations by 29% (P = .08), and continuous dust mite concentration was associated with a significant nonlinear increase in cord blood IgE (P = .02). Elevated prenatal exposure to cockroach allergen (>2 U/g) was not associated with cord blood IgE, but showed a significant indirect relationship through maternal total IgE (beta = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08-0.41). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that maternal prenatal exposure to household allergens may affect cord blood IgE, albeit the underlying mechanism may be allergen-specific.

PMID: 19361844 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patients treated by tegaserod for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation showed significant improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms. A pilot study.

Clin Rheumatol. 2009 May 26. [Epub ahead of print]

Patients treated by tegaserod for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation showed significant improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms. A pilot study.

Reitblat T, Zamir D, Polishchuck I, Novochatko G, Malnick S, Kalichman L.

Rheumatology Unit, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel.

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are commonly seen in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamin-4 receptor partial agonist (tegaserod) on the symptoms of FM among the patients who receive the medicine because of IBS. Forty-one female patients with IBS and constipation, which were subjects to tegaserod treatment, were examined by rheumatologist and 14 were found to suffer from FM. The fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) and clinical examination were done before tegaserod treatment and 1 month after. The IBS status, the total FIQ score, the number of tender points and pain in tender points were lowered significantly after the treatment (p < 0.001 for all variables). The results of this pilot study provide the preliminary evidence that FM patients can benefit from treatment by 5-hydroxytryptamin-4 receptor partial agonist. Additional studies are needed to support this conclusion.

PMID: 19468788 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[Fibromyalgia prevalence in Tunisia]

Tunis Med. 2008 Sep;86(9):806-11.

[Fibromyalgia prevalence in Tunisia]

[Article in French]

Guermazi M, Ghroubi S, Sellami M, Elleuch M, Feki H, André E, Schmitt C, Taieb C, Damak J, Baklouti S, Elleuch MH.

Service de médecine physique et de réadaptation fonctionnelle CHU Habib Bourguiba, 3029 Sfax Tunisie.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate fibromyalgia (FM) prevalence in Tunisia. METHODS: Data on a cross-section of 1000 individuals aged 15 years or older living in Sfax were collected by interviewers using the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study Screening Questionnaire (LFES- SQ). The sampling was realized by empirical poll and respecting quota according to delegation, rural or urban environment, sex and age according to the demographic national data. The positive screened subjects were invited to be examined to confirm or exclude the FM by applying the 1999 ACR criteria. The questionnaire was administered to a second group of 252 volunteers, all were afterward examined. This allowed to study specificity and sensibility of the questionnaire and allowed to calculate the FM prevalence. RESULTS: 159 subjects were screened positive, only 141 were examined. The specialized exam allowed confirming the diagnosis of FM in 67 subjects. FM prevalence is different according to sex, age, study level and socio-economic level. Two hundred and fifty two volunteers answered the questionnaire then all examined. The questionnaire specificity was 90.8% and the sensibility 79.4%. FM prevalence in Tunisia, calculated by Bayes theorem, is estimated between 8.27% and 12.3%. CONCLUSION: FM prevalence in Tunisia is estimated at least at 8.27%.

PMID: 19472780 [PubMed - in process]

Point-of-Sale Printers May Trigger Asthma

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/hscout/2009/05/27/hscout627449.html

 

Chemical on receipts, coupons, tickets the likely culprit, report suggests