Illness experience in fibromyalgia syndrome: A metasynthesis of qualitative studies.

Soc Sci Med. 2008 Apr 17 [Epub ahead of print]

Illness experience in fibromyalgia syndrome: A metasynthesis of qualitative studies.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18423826?dopt=AbstractPlus

Sim J, Madden S.

Primary Care Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, United Kingdom.

There is growing interest in synthesizing qualitative research. Despite certain philosophical and methodological difficulties, such syntheses are potentially useful in enriching the insights of empirical qualitative work in a particular area. This paper reports an interpretive review of research into the subjective experience of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), utilizing principles of metasynthesis. Twenty-three separate studies were identified. Each study was evaluated using methodological criteria to provide a context for interpretation of substantive findings. Principal findings were extracted and synthesized under four broad categories: experience of symptoms, search for diagnosis, legitimacy, and coping. Our findings re-emphasised the point that pain in FMS is ambiguous and invisible, raising questions of credibility and legitimacy. People with a diagnosis of FMS appear to frame the experience of symptoms within the biomedical model, where FMS is viewed as an organic entity potentially identifiable through biomedical tests. The subjective meaning and perceived legitimacy of the diagnostic label appear to be important factors in the subjective experience of FMS. Coping strategies adopted can be subsumed under Mannerkorpi, K., Kroksmark, T., Ekdahl, C. [1999. How patients with fibromyalgia experience their symptoms in everyday life. Physiotherapy Research International, 4(2), 110-122.] notions of 'struggling', 'adapting', 'in despair' and 'giving up'. Most studies had at least one identified methodological shortcoming, though it is not straightforward to identify the significance of such shortcomings. We conclude that there is scope for further research into the subjective experience of FMS, and into the methodology of metasynthesis, especially in relation to methodological appraisal.

PMID: 18423826 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Allergens Retained in Clothing

Allergens Retained in Clothing

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/572119?src=mp&spon=38&uac=41973CJ

Susan Nedorost; Margaret Kessler; Thomas McCormick

Dermatitis.  2007;18(4):212-214

Abstract

Background: Some patients state compliance with avoidance of identified allergens, yet have persistent dermatitis in areas under tight-fitting clothing.
Objective: To analyze a series of such cases to identify allergens most likely retained in clothing.
Methods: Review of contact dermatitis clinic cases and identification of type and formula weight of allergens involved.
Results: High-formula-weight allergens and allergens present in medicament ointments are difficult to dissolve in laundry detergent and water and may be retained in clothing.
Conclusion: Retention of allergens in clothing, even after washing, may explain recalcitrant dermatitis in a patient who states compliance with avoidance of a seemingly relevant allergen. Dermatologists should consider the possibility of allergen retention in clothing whenever a patient has only partial clearing after at least 1 month of attempted compliance with avoidance of identified allergens. Purchase of new clothing may be required to clear allergic contact dermatitis in this situation.

Electronic support groups, patient-consumers, and medicalization: the case of contested illness.

J Health Soc Behav. 2008 Mar;49(1):20-36.

Electronic support groups, patient-consumers, and medicalization: the case of contested illness.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18418983?dopt=AbstractPlus

Barker KK.

Department of Sociology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. kristin.barker@oregonstate.edu

This article illustrates the role electronic support groups play in consumer-driven medicalization. The analysis is based on an observational study of a year in the life of an electronic support group for sufferers of the contested illness fibromyalgia syndrome. The analysis builds on and extends scholarship concerning the growing influence of lay expertise in the context of medical uncertainty by showing how the dominant beliefs and routine practices of this electronic community simultaneously (and paradoxically) challenge the expertise of physicians and encourage the expansion of medicine's jurisdiction. Drawing on their shared embodied expertise, participants confirm the medical character of their problem and its remedy, and they empower each other to search for physicians who will recognize and treat their condition accordingly. Physician compliance is introduced as a useful concept for understanding the relationship between lay expertise, patient-consumer demand, and contemporary (and future) instances of medicalization.

PMID: 18418983 [PubMed - in process]

Chronic fatigue syndrome in male gulf war veterans and civilians: a further test of the single syndrome hypothesis.

J Health Psychol. 2008 May;13(4):529-36.

Chronic fatigue syndrome in male gulf war veterans and civilians: a further test of the single syndrome hypothesis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18420761?dopt=AbstractPlus

Ciccone DS, Weissman L, Natelson BH.

UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, USA. donald.ciccone@va.gov.

Different modes of fatigue onset in male Gulf War veterans versus male civilians raise the possibility that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may not be a single disease entity. We addressed this issue by comparing 45 male veterans with CFS to 84 male civilians who satisfied identical case criteria. All were evaluated for fibromyalgia (FM), multiple chemical sensitivity and psychiatric comorbidity. CFS was more likely to present in a sudden flu-like manner in civilians than veterans (p < .01) and comorbid FM was more prevalent in civilians (p < .01). These findings question the assumption that all patients with CFS suffer from the same underlying disorder.

PMID: 18420761 [PubMed - in process]

Impaired Reproductive Development in Sons of Women Occupationally Exposed to Pesticides during Pregnancy

Impaired Reproductive Development in Sons of Women Occupationally Exposed to Pesticides during Pregnancy

http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/10790/abstract.html

 

Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 116, Number 4, April 2008

Helle R. Andersen,¹ Ida M. Schmidt,² Philippe Grandjean,¹ Tina K. Jensen,¹ Esben Budtz-Jørgensen,³ Mia B. Kjærstad,¹ Jesper Bælum,⁴ Jesper B. Nielsen,¹ Niels E. Skakkebæk,² and Katharina M. Main²

¹Institute of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; ²University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; ³Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; ⁴Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether occupational pesticide exposure during pregnancy causes adverse effects on the reproductive development in the male infants.

Design and measurements: Pregnant women employed in greenhouses in Denmark were consecutively recruited, and 113 mother–son pairs were included. The mothers were categorized as occupationally exposed (91 sons) or unexposed (22 sons) to pesticides during pregnancy. Testicular position and volume, penile length, and position of urethral opening were determined at 3 months of age using standardized techniques. Concentrations of reproductive hormones in serum from the boys were analyzed.

Results: The prevalence of cryptorchidism at 3 months of age was 6.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) , 3.0–12.4]. This prevalence was considerably higher than among Danish boys born in the Copenhagen area (1.9% ; 95% CI, 1.2–3.0) examined by the same procedure. Boys of pesticide-exposed mothers showed decreased penile length, testicular volume, serum concentrations of testosterone, and inhibin B. Serum concentrations of sex hormone-binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and the luteinizing hormone:testosterone ratio were increased compared with boys of nonexposed mothers. For individual parameters, only the decreased penile length was statistically significant (p = 0.04) . However, all observed effects were in the anticipated direction, and a joint multivariate test showed that this finding had a p-value of 0.012.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest an adverse effect of maternal occupational pesticide exposure on reproductive development in the sons despite current greenhouse safeguards and special measures to protect pregnant women.

Key words: cryptorchidism, greenhouse workers, hormones, occupational exposure, pesticides, prenatal, reproductive development. Environ Health Perspect 116:566–572 (2008) . doi:10.1289/ehp.10790 available via http://dx.doi.org/ [Online 22 January 2008]

Prenatal Exposure to Wood Fuel Smoke and Low Birth Weight

Prenatal Exposure to Wood Fuel Smoke and Low Birth Weight

http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/10782/abstract.html

 

Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 116, Number 4, April 2008

Amna R. Siddiqui,^1,2 Ellen B. Gold,¹ Xiaowei Yang,¹ Kiyoung Lee,³ Kenneth H. Brown,⁴ and Zulfiqar A. Bhutta⁵

¹Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA; ²Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; ³College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; ⁴Department of Nutrition and Program in International and Community Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California, USA; ⁵Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract
Background: Maternal exposure to wood fuel smoke may lead to impaired fetal growth due to hypoxia and or oxidative stress from smoke constituents such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter.

Objectives: We studied the risk of low birth weight (LBW) and reduced mean birth weight in relation to reported use of wood for cooking during the prenatal period, compared with natural gas (NG) .

Methods: We studied a historical cohort of women who had a singleton live birth in the years 2000–2002, from a semirural area of Pakistan. Infant's birth weight was obtained from records, and prenatal records had data for maternal body mass index and parity. Cooking habits, daytime sleep habits, and type of fuel used during the pregnancies in 2000–2002 were ascertained by a survey done in 2004–2005. We performed multiple linear and logistic regression modeling using propensity scores to adjust for confounding variables.

Results: Unadjusted mean (± SD) birth weight was 2.78 ± 0.45 kg in wood users, and 2.84 ± 0.43 kg (p < 0.06) in NG users. Infants born to wood users averaged 82 g lighter than infants born to NG users when weight was adjusted for confounders (p < 0.07) . The rate of LBW (< 2,500 g) was 22.7% among wood users compared with 15.0% in NG users (p < 0.01) , for an adjusted relative risk of 1.64 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.34) . The population attributable risk for LBW explained by wood use was estimated to be 24%.

Conclusion: Cooking with wood fuel during pregnancy, a potentially modifiable exposure, was associated with LBW and marginally lower mean birth weight compared with using NG.

Key words: birth weight, cooking habits, historical cohort, natural gas, pregnancy, propensity scores. Environ Health Perspect

Residential Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Survival after Heart Failure

Residential Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Survival after Heart Failure

http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/10918/abstract.html

 

Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 116, Number 4, April 2008

Mercedes Medina-Ramón,¹ Robert Goldberg,^2,3 Steven Melly,¹ Murray A. Mittleman,^4,5 and Joel Schwartz^1,4

¹Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; ²Department of Community Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; ³Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; ⁴Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; ⁵Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Abstract
Background: Although patients with heart failure (HF) have been identified as particularly susceptible to the acute effects of air pollution, the effects of long-term exposure to air pollution on patients with this increasingly prevalent disease are largely unknown.

Objective: This study was designed to examine the mortality risk associated with residential exposure to traffic-related air pollution among HF patients.

Methods: A total of 1,389 patients hospitalized with acute HF in greater Worcester, Massachusetts, during 2000 were followed for survival through December 2005. We used daily traffic within 100 and 300 m of residence as well as the distance from residence to major roadways and to bus routes as proxies for residential exposure to traffic-related air pollution. We assessed mortality risks for each exposure variable using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for prognostic factors.

Results: After the 5-year follow-up, only 334 (24%) subjects were still alive. An interquartile range increase in daily traffic within 100 m of home was associated with a mortality hazard ratio (HR) of 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) , 1.05–1.25], whereas for traffic within 300 m this association was 1.09 (95% CI, 1.01–1.19) . The mortality risk decreased with increasing distance to bus routes (HR = 0.88 ; 95% CI, 0.81–0.96) and was larger for those living within 100 m of a major roadway or 50 m of a bus route (HR = 1.30 ; 95% CI, 1.13–1.49) . Adjustment for area-based income and educational level slightly attenuated these associations.

Conclusions: Residential exposure to traffic-related air pollution increases the mortality risk after hospitalization with acute HF. Reducing exposure to traffic-related emissions may improve the long-term prognosis of HF patients.

Key words: air pollution, epidemiology, follow-up studies, heart failure, survival. Environ Health Perspect 116:481–485 (2008) . doi:10.1289/ehp.10918 available via http://dx.doi.org/ [Online 10 January 2008]

Altered cortical excitability in subjectively electrosensitive patients: results of a pilot study.

J Psychosom Res. 2007 Mar;62(3):283-8. Links

Altered cortical excitability in subjectively electrosensitive patients: results of a pilot study.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/17324677

Landgrebe M, Hauser S, Langguth B, Frick U, Hajak G, Eichhammer P.

Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

OBJECTIVE: Hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields is frequently claimed to be linked to a variety of unspecific somatic and/or neuropsychological complaints. Whereas provocation studies often failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and symptom formation, neurophysiological examinations highlight baseline deviations in people claiming to be electrosensitive. METHODS: To elucidate a potential role of dysfunctional cortical regulations in mediating hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields, cortical excitability parameters were measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation in subjectively electrosensitive patients (n=23) and two control groups (n=49) differing in their level of unspecific health complaints. RESULTS: Electrosensitive patients showed reduced intracortical facilitation as compared to both control groups, while motor thresholds and intracortical inhibition were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study gives additional evidence that altered central nervous system function may account for symptom manifestation in subjectively electrosensitive patients as has been postulated for several chronic multisymptom illnesses sharing a similar clustering of symptoms.

PMID: 17324677 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Comment:  This is a good reminder that green and environmentally friendly products are not necessarily safe.  This article is informative about the terminology labels use and what they really mean.  
 

Green product seals are gray area

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2008/04/19/MNHGVQQIC.DTL&type=printable

As Earth Day 2008 arrives on Tuesday, American consumers face a renewed outpouring of environmental marketing claims - boasts by companies that their products are everything from "100 percent natural" to "recyclable," "eco-friendly," "sustainable," "biodegradable," or just plain "green."

Occupational contact dermatitis due to essential oils.

Contact Dermatitis. 2008 May;58(5):282-4.

Occupational contact dermatitis due to essential oils.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18416758?dopt=AbstractPlus

Trattner A, David M, Lazarov A.

Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqwa, Israel. atrattner@clalit.org.il

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis induced by the occupational use of products containing essential oils has not been studied comprehensively. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present report was to describe the characteristics, diagnosis, and outcome of 5 patients with occupational contact dermatitis because of essential oils attending our outpatient dermatology clinics over a 2-year period. PATIENTS: These patients are added to the 11 cases reported thus far in the literature. RESULTS: The research shows that for proper diagnosis, patch tests with the standard series and the fragrance series should be performed, in addition to tests with the specific oils to which the patients were exposed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients should be instructed to avoid the allergens identified. Sensitization to essential oils has important implications for the occupational future of affected individuals.

PMID: 18416758 [PubMed - in process]

News, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 4/18/2008

April 20 (postdated)

Green and Clean
http://www.projo.com/news/environment/content/clean_green_04-20-08_3V9PGKE_v36.1335c78.html

April 18, 2008

Sticker Shock in the Organic Aisles
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/business/18organic.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

More Study and Greater Regulation of Toxic Chemicals in Textiles Needed,
Says David Brookstein, Sc.D., Director of Philadelphia University Institute
for Textile and Apparel Safety
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/more-study-and-greater-regulation,358625.shtml

Children will be guinea pigs
http://www.marinij.com/opinion/ci_8969038

Going green? Better look past the label.
http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/articles/16824/news

Caution at the cosmetics counter
http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=4437&channel_id=2003&relation_id=11995

Sweetener poses serious health risks
http://www.newstrib.com/word/default.asp?bid=6BB776D9C73275471A4AEDD36CDDD585B2DD9A2BA6AD02EE

April 17, 2008

Is your home slowly killing you?
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=86397

Go green at home and protect the family from harmful chemicals
http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/LIFESTYLES03/804170347/-1/newsfront

Asthma mystery deepens as cases rise
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080417.wasthma17/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

High chemical levels found in dogs and cats
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-04-16-pets-chemicals_N.htm

Event focuses on the dangers of chemical-based cleaners
http://hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/LIFE/804170734/1106/NEWS13

April 16, 2008

Study shows harm of compact fluorescent bulbs
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=681149&category=OPINION&newsdate=4/16/2008

Formaldehyde Linked to Lou Gehrig's Disease
http://www.ajc.com/health/content/shared-auto/healthnews/als/614428.html

Bill to force landlords clean up mold
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/04/16/2008-04-16_bill_to_force_landlords_clean_up_mold.html

Maker of Vioxx Is Accused of Deception
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041502086_pf.html

Health problems linked to chemical in plastic products
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/NEWS07/804160372

Calling a chemical toxic doesn't get it off shelf
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=2b595b1b-c0e2-4eb6-9e85-5297b3c1abdc

Pesticide Registry Available to Denver Residents
http://www.thecherrycreeknews.com/content/view/2971/2/

Canadian stores race to purge bisphenol A products
http://newsletters.environmentalhealthnews.org/t/11465/19101/14454/0/?u=aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVnbG9iZWFuZG1haWwuY29tL3NlcnZsZXQvc3RvcnkvUlRHQU0uMjAwODA0MTYud2JwYTE2L0JOU3RvcnkvTmF0aW9uYWwvaG9tZQ%3d%3d&x=ceb16bee

U.S. study ambivalent on BPA dangers
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/04/16/bpa-study.html#postc

April 15, 2008

Study links traffic pollution to thousands of deaths
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/apr/15/health

Teacher gives board firsthand look at mold
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Apr/20080415News001.asp

'Toxic' plastic could remain in use
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=1aaf8ca3-a969-4f41-9023-f68982899d1e&k=99266

Report cites chemical's risk
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=739923

Complaint alleges unsafe chemical used in baby formula
http://www.startribune.com/local/17762389.html

Chemical found 'everywhere' may cause cancer, study says
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5704320.html

CDC Study Reveals Toxic Chemical in Sunscreens Contaminate 97% of
Americans
http://www.expertclick.com/NewsReleaseWire/default.cfm?Action=ReleaseDetail&ID=21107

Study: Traffic Fumes Leads To Increased Pneumonia Deaths
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010639702

Ridding life of bisphenol A a challenge
http://healthzone.ca/health/articlePrint/415296

Parents worry vandalism remnants may harm children
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=8172823

Citing Ethics, Some Doctors Are Rejecting Industry Pay
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/health/15conf.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

Is industrial pollution making America fat?
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sustainable/story.php?story_id=120793680532167700

High mobile use puts us at risk of brain tumours
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1159577_

Air pollution kills as many as the smogs of the 1950s, say scientists
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23478423-details/Air+pollution+kills+as+many+as+the+smogs+of+the+1950s,+say+scientists/article.do

April 14,2008

Vanishing Act: EPA is missing in action on major environmental issues,
observers charge
http://nationaljournal.com/about/njweekly/stories/2008/0411nj1.htm

Disturbances in brain circuitry linked to chronic exposure to solvents
http://www.physorg.com/news127480532.html

Dr Rea: An outstanding physician | ABC: You are incorrect
http://stanford.wellsphere.com/healing---recovery-article/-dr-rea:-an-outstanding-physician-|-abc:-you-are-incorrect/6873

Dental offices may be source of mercury pollution
http://uk.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=UKCOL47042520080414

Dryer Sheets
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/86/8615sci2.html

Redwood City company hosts student's eco-friendly blog
http://origin.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_8918205

April 13, 2008

Manager's scent giving you a headache?
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/04/13/managers_scent_giving_you_a_headache/

Pesticide ban placed on town fields
http://www.greenwichtime.com/ci_8907890

Common Sense About Scents
http://www.canyon-news.com/artman2/publish/lookinggoodforlotsless/LG4Column0815.php

April 12, 2008

Low VOCs the trend in paint
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/413120

Retrial ordered based on mold
http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-13/120600340617791.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

Toxicity 'safe' for intervention staff
http://news.smh.com.au/toxicity-safe-for-intervention-staff/20080412-25p9.html

A toxic place to work
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/saturdayextra/story.html?id=f6cb5b0e-09b4-48c2-8564-9998447e1612

April 11, 2008

Smoke-free housing needed, say health groups
http://centretownnewsonline.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=229&Itemid=98

Health experts can't link spraying to illness
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/11/BA4R103Q3D.DTL

Scientific Studies

Biological exposure assessment to tetrachloroethylene for workers in the dry
cleaning industry
McKernan L, Ruder A, Petersen M, Hein M, Forrester C, Sanderson W, Ashley D,
Butler M
Environmental Health, 2008 7:12 (15 April 2008)
Abstract http://www.ehjournal.net/content/7/1/12/abstract
Provisional PDF http://www.ehjournal.net/content/pdf/1476-069X-7-12.pdf

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Male Gulf War Veterans and Civilians
http://hpq.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/4/529

Prevalence and risk factors for chemical sensitivity and sensory
hyperreactivity in teenagers.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18403259?dopt=AbstractPlus

Intracellular immune dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic
fatigue syndrome: state of the art and therapeutic implications.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18269338?dopt=AbstractPlus

Unravelling intracellular immune dysfunctions in chronic fatigue syndrome:
interactions between protein kinase R activity, RNase L cleavage and
elastase activity, and their clinical relevance.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18396793?dopt=AbstractPlus

Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Maternal Rh-Negativity, and Rho(D) Immune
Globulins: A Multi-Center Assessment.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404135?dopt=AbstractPlus

Electrocardiographic QT interval and cardiovascular reactivity in
fibromyalgia differ from chronic fatigue syndrome.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18395162?dopt=AbstractPlus

Air emissions from Wagerup alumina refinery and community symptoms: an
environmental case study.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17848859?dopt=AbstractPlus

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America, Lourdes
Salvadorm, and teh volunteers who assemble this information. We 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.

Implication of Xenobiotic Metabolizing Enzyme gene (CYP2E1, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, mEH and NAT2) Polymorphisms in Breast Carcinoma.

Comment:  I take it that this would put others who are slow acetylators at greater risk of cancer.  That would be an interesting study to perform... correlates of MCS and cancer. 

 

Implication of Xenobiotic Metabolizing Enzyme gene (CYP2E1, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, mEH and NAT2) Polymorphisms in Breast Carcinoma.

http://7thspace.com/headlines/279399/implication_of_xenobiotic_metabolizing_enzyme_gene_cyp2e1_cyp2c19_cyp2d6_meh_and_nat2_polymorphisms_in_breast_carcinoma.html

Xenobiotic Metabolizing Enzymes (XMEs) contribute to the detoxification of numerous cancer therapy-induced products. This study investigated the susceptibility and prognostic implications of the CYP2E1, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, mEH and NAT2 gene polymorphisms in breast carcinoma patients.

Methods: The authors used polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion to characterize the variation of the CYP2E1, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, mEH and NAT2 gene in a total of 560 unrelated subjects (246 controls and 314 patients).

Results: The mEH (C/C) mutant and the NAT2 slow acetylator genotypes were significantly associated with breast carcinoma risk (p = 0.02; p = 0.01, respectively).

For NAT2 the association was more pronounced among postmenopausal patients (p = 0.006). A significant association was found between CYP2D6 (G/G) wild type and breast carcinoma risk only in postmenopausal patients (p = 0.04).

Association studies of genetic markers with the rates of breast carcinoma specific overall survival (OVS) and the disease-free survival (DFS) revealed among all breast carcinoma patients no association to DFS but significant differences in OVS only with the mEH gene polymorphisms (p = 0.02). In addition, the mEH wild genotype showed a significant association with decreased OVS in patients with axillary lymph node-negative patients (p = 0.03) and with decreasesd DFS in patients with axillary lymph node-positive patients (p = 0.001).

However, the NAT2 intermediate acetylator genotype was associated with decreased DFS in axillary lymph node-negative patients.

Conclusion: The present study may prove that polymorphisms of some XME genes may predict the onset of breast carcinoma as well as survival after treatment.

Author: Achraf Khedhaier, Elham Hassen, Noureddine Bouaouina, Sallouha Gabbouj, Slim Ben Ahmed and Lotfi Chouchane
Credits/Source: BMC Cancer 2008, 8:109

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Male Gulf War Veterans and Civilians

Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 13, No. 4, 529-536 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1359105308088525
© 2008 SAGE Publications

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Male Gulf War Veterans and Civilians

http://hpq.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/4/529

A Further Test of the Single Syndrome Hypothesis

Donald S. Ciccone

UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, USA, donald.ciccone@va.gov

Lois Weissman

UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, USA

Benjamin H. Natelson

UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, USA

Different modes of fatigue onset in male Gulf War veterans versus male civilians raise the possibility that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may not be a single disease entity. We addressed this issue by comparing 45 male veterans with CFS to 84 male civilians who satisfied identical case criteria. All were evaluated for fibromyalgia (FM), multiple chemical sensitivity and psychiatric comorbidity. CFS was more likely to present in a sudden flu-like manner in civilians than veterans (p < .01) and comorbid FM was more prevalent in civilians (p < .01). These findings question the assumption that all patients with CFS suffer from the same underlying disorder.

Key Words: comorbidity • diagnosis • fatigue • medically unexplained illness • veteran

Prevalence and risk factors for chemical sensitivity and sensory hyperreactivity in teenagers.

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2008 Apr 8 [Epub ahead of print] Links

Prevalence and risk factors for chemical sensitivity and sensory hyperreactivity in teenagers.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18403259?dopt=AbstractPlus

Andersson L, Johansson A, Millqvist E, Nordin S, Bende M.

Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

The prevalence of chemical sensitivity (CS) and sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) was assessed in a teenage population. Among a random sample of 401 teenagers, 326 (81.3%) answered questionnaires assessing sensitivity to chemicals and noise, anxiety and depression. A subgroup of 85 teenagers conducted a capsaicin inhalation test. The estimated prevalence was 15.6% for general self-reported CS, 3.7% for CS with affective and behavioral consequences, about 1% for SHR. Sensitivity variables were positively intercorrelated. Risk factors for general CS were noise sensitivity (OR: 2.1), probable anxiety (OR: 2.5) and female sex (OR: 2.0). CS problems seem to be present also in teenagers, although less so than in adults. Furthermore, CS seems to be related to other environmental sensitivities.

PMID: 18403259 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Maternal Rh-Negativity, and Rho(D) Immune Globulins: A Multi-Center Assessment.

In English, this study found a correlation between receiving thimerosal in vaccines and some neurodevelopmental disorders.

 

Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008 Apr 11;29(2) [Epub ahead of print]

Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Maternal Rh-Negativity, and Rho(D) Immune Globulins: A Multi-Center Assessment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404135?dopt=AbstractPlus

Geier DA, Mumper E, Gladfelter B, Coleman L, Geier MR.

The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD 20905, USA. mgeier@comcast.net.

BACKGROUND: Many formulations of Thimerosal (49.55% mercury by weight)-containing Rho(D) immune globulins (TCRs) were routinely administered to Rh-negative mothers in the US prior to 2002. OBJECTIVES: It was hypothesized: (1) if prenatal Rho(D)-immune globulin preparation exposure was a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) then more children with NDs would have Rh-negative mothers compared to controls; and (2) if Thimerosal in the Rho(D)-immune globulin preparations was the ingredient associated with NDs, following the removal of Thimerosal from all manufactured Rho(D)-immune globulin preparations from 2002 in the US the frequency of maternal Rh-negativity among children with NDs should be similar to control populations. METHODS: Maternal Rh-negativity was assessed at two sites (Clinic A-Lynchburg, VA; Clinic B-Rockville and Baltimore, MD) among 298 Caucasian children with NDs and known Rh-status. As controls, maternal Rh-negativity frequency was determined from 124 Caucasian children (born 1987-2001) without NDs at Clinic A, and the Rh-negativity frequency was determined from 1,021 Caucasian pregnant mothers that presented for prenatal genetic care at Clinic B (1980-1989). Additionally, 22 Caucasian patients with NDs born from 2002 onwards (Clinics A and B) were assessed for maternal Rh-negativity. RESULTS: There were significant and comparable increases in maternal Rh-negativity among children with NDs (Clinic: A=24.2%), autism spectrum disorders (Clinic: A=28.3%, B=25.3%), and attention-deficit-disorder/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder (Clinic: A=26.3%) observed at both clinics in comparison to both control groups (Clinic: A=12.1%, B=13.9%) employed. Children with NDs born post-2001 had a maternal Rh-negativity frequency (13.6%) similar to controls. CONCLUSION: This study associates TCR exposure with some NDs in children.

PMID: 18404135 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Intracellular immune dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome:

Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2008 Mar;12(3):281-9. Links

Intracellular immune dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: state of the art and therapeutic implications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18269338?dopt=AbstractPlus

Nijs J, Frémont M.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Department of Human Physiology, Building L, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Jo.Nijs@vub.ac.be <Jo.Nijs@vub.ac.be>

BACKGROUND: Evidence in support of intracellular immune dysfunctions in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is accumulating, but few studies have addressed intracellular immunity as a potential therapeutic target. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of our present understanding of intracellular immunity in ME/CFS, to relate the intracellular immune dysfunctions to other aspects of the illness like decreased natural killer cell function, the presence of infections and poor exercise performance, and to point to potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: An in-depth review of the scientific literature of intracellular immunity in people with ME/CFS was performed. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: From the scientific literature it is concluded that proteolytic cleavage of the native RNase L enzyme is characteristic of the dysregulation of intracellular immunity in people with ME/CFS, but the origin of the dysregulation is speculative. There is increasing evidence for immune cell apoptosis and upregulation of various aspects of the 2'-5' oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase/RNase L pathway in ME/CFS. This review provides the theoretical rationale for conducting studies examining the effectiveness of direct or indirect drug targeting of the 2-5A synthetase/RNase L pathway in ME/CFS patients.

PMID: 18269338 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Unravelling intracellular immune dysfunctions in chronic fatigue syndrome

In Vivo. 2008 Jan-Feb;22(1):115-21. Links

Unravelling intracellular immune dysfunctions in chronic fatigue syndrome: interactions between protein kinase R activity, RNase L cleavage and elastase activity, and their clinical relevance.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18396793?dopt=AbstractPlus

Meeus M, Nijs J, McGregor N, Meeusen R, De Schutter G, Truijen S, Frémont M, Van Hoof E, De Meirleir K.

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.

This study examined possible interactions between immunological abnormalities and symptoms in CFS. Sixteen CFS patients filled in a battery of questionnaires, evaluating daily functioning, and underwent venous blood sampling, in order to analyse immunological abnormalities. Ribonuclease (RNase) L cleavage was associated with RNase L activity (rs=0.570; p=0.021), protein kinase R (PKR) (rs=0.716; p=0.002) and elastase activity (rs=0.500; p=0.049). RNase L activity was related to elastase (rs=0.547; p=0.028) and PKR activity (rs=0.625; p=0.010). RNase L activity (rs=0.535; p=0.033), elastase activity (rs=0.585; p=0.017) and RNase L cleavage (rs=0.521; p=0.038) correlated with daily functioning. This study suggests that in CFS patients an increase in elastase activity and subsequent RNase L cleavage is accompanied by increased activity of both the PKR and RNase L enzymes. RNase L and elastase activity are related to daily functioning, thus evidence supporting the clinical importance of these immune dysfunctions in CFS patients was provided.

PMID: 18396793 [PubMed - in process]

Unravelling intracellular immune dysfunctions in chronic fatigue syndrome

In Vivo. 2008 Jan-Feb;22(1):115-21. Links

Unravelling intracellular immune dysfunctions in chronic fatigue syndrome: interactions between protein kinase R activity, RNase L cleavage and elastase activity, and their clinical relevance.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18396793?dopt=AbstractPlus

Meeus M, Nijs J, McGregor N, Meeusen R, De Schutter G, Truijen S, Frémont M, Van Hoof E, De Meirleir K.

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.

This study examined possible interactions between immunological abnormalities and symptoms in CFS. Sixteen CFS patients filled in a battery of questionnaires, evaluating daily functioning, and underwent venous blood sampling, in order to analyse immunological abnormalities. Ribonuclease (RNase) L cleavage was associated with RNase L activity (rs=0.570; p=0.021), protein kinase R (PKR) (rs=0.716; p=0.002) and elastase activity (rs=0.500; p=0.049). RNase L activity was related to elastase (rs=0.547; p=0.028) and PKR activity (rs=0.625; p=0.010). RNase L activity (rs=0.535; p=0.033), elastase activity (rs=0.585; p=0.017) and RNase L cleavage (rs=0.521; p=0.038) correlated with daily functioning. This study suggests that in CFS patients an increase in elastase activity and subsequent RNase L cleavage is accompanied by increased activity of both the PKR and RNase L enzymes. RNase L and elastase activity are related to daily functioning, thus evidence supporting the clinical importance of these immune dysfunctions in CFS patients was provided.

PMID: 18396793 [PubMed - in process]

Air emissions from Wagerup alumina refinery and community symptoms: an environmental case study

J Occup Environ Med. 2007 Sep;49(9):1027-39. Links

Air emissions from Wagerup alumina refinery and community symptoms: an environmental case study.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17848859?dopt=AbstractPlus

Donoghue AM, Cullen MR.

Alcoa of Australia, PO Box 252, Applecross WA 6953, Australia. michael.donoghue@alcoa.com.au

Commissioning of a liquor burner at Wagerup alumina refinery gave rise to complaints of malodor and irritation among employees. Subsequently, community members complained about odor and various health issues. Some employees and community members were diagnosed by general practitioners as having multiple chemical sensitivity. After implementation of emission controls, the situation improved; however, community concerns lingered. This paper describes this experience and summarizes several recent investigations including air dispersion modeling, health risk assessment, ambient air quality monitoring, and complaints analyses. It is concluded that refinery emissions currently present negligible risks of acute or chronic health effects including cancer. Communication of these findings has been generally well received, but modifying the perception of risk among some elements of the community has been difficult. Organizations need to effectively address both technical and perception of risk issues.

PMID: 17848859 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

EI News, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 4/11/2008

May 2008

Monsanto's Harvest of Fear
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/monsanto200805?printable=true&currentPage=all

April 11, 2008

Mold problems: Is your home making you sick?
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080411/NEWS01/804110339/1002/NEWS01

April 10, 2008

Mold in Toledo house prevents crucial organ transplant
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS32/804100346

Did CDC Cave To Pressure Over Toxic Dust?
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/10/cbsnews_investigates/main4007926.shtml

Flowers' fragrance diminished by air pollution, University of Virginia study
indicates
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/uov-ffd041008.php

Beekeepers call for pesticide ban
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Science/2008/04/10/beekeepers_call_for_pesticide_ban/6275/

April 9, 2008

VIDEO:  Are plastic bottles safe?
http://video.nbcsandiego.com/player/?id=238516

Cutting corners on consumer safety will be costly
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080409.wsafety09/BNStory/National/home

Home Sweet Non-Toxic Home: Going Beyond 'Green'
http://www.naturalnews.com/z022976.html

Traffic exhaust can cause asthma, allergies and impaired respiratory
function in children
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/ki-tec040908.php

Toxic Chemicals
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=8143472

April 8, 2008

Sea salt worsens coastal air pollution: study
http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/index.html

Living the toxin-free life
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/04/08/features/2989676.txt

Harper unveils sweeping product-safety legislation
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080408.wprodconfirm0408/BNStory/National/home

Biological Link Between Pain And Fatigue Discovered
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407153037.htm

April 7, 2008

Dr.: Diabetes linked to TB vaccine
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Health/2008/04/07/dr_diabetes_linked_to_tb_vaccine/9740/

Fake turf has real concerns behind it
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/185/story/125928.html

Lawsuit Challenges EPA on Four Deadly Pesticides
http://www.commondreams.org/news2008/0407-09.htm

Toxin turns up in school buildings, but officials say there's no danger
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/education/2008/04/07/2008-04-07_toxin_turns_up_in_school_buildings_but_o.html

Gulf War Syndrome revisited
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/apr/07/gulf_war_syndrome_revisited36327/

Polluted sports site a field of wasted dreams
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/410906

Health problems reported after aerial spraying
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/06/MNROVUMES.DTL&type=health

Tiny silver particles in clothing may lead to pollution, research suggests
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/841669.html

Letter: Student health is common 'scents'
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/free_62396___article.html/schools_scent.html

April 6, 2008

Early findings on air pollution's effects on brain cause concern
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_D_brain07.34fc63e.html

'Toxic trailers' raise fears about RVs
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080406/LOCAL/804060353/1003/BUSINESS

Mattress Eco-Matters: Don't Take It Lying Down
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/03/AR2008040303081.html

A boost for bamboo-based blouses and blankets
http://www.eurekalert.org/pubnews.php

Study shows high levels of toxic chemical in residents' blood
http://www.dailymail.com/News/200804050191

A delicate balance
http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2008/4/6/health/20832590&sec=health

April 5, 2008

Food additives 'could be as damaging as lead in petrol'
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/food-additives-could-be-as-damaging-as-lead-in-petrol-804890.html

Man sues city for toxic pollution that he believes killed wife
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8826087?nclick_check=1

April 4, 2008

US EPA makes US$50m available to clean up diesel engines
http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=7698&codi=29770&loginemail=admin@mcs-america.org&logincode=134018

New product ingredient lists fall short, critics say
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080404.wllabels04/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

EPA ties with chemical industry probed
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/04/04/epa_ties_with_chemical_industry_probed/2926/

Green clean: Chemical concern grows, so do 'friendly' products
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/04/04/features/home_garden/doc47f69731c08af854658680.txt

Weeding Out Toxic Pesticides
http://www.greenwichcitizen.com/localnews/ci_8798892

March 27, 2008

Troops took pill linked to Gulf War Syndrome
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23438873-421,00.html

Spring 2008

Toxins In Schools:  What You Can Do to Solve the Problem
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/caq/articles/spring2008/ToxinsinSchools.cfm

Links

Ten Simple Ways to Clean Green
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/realmoney/articles/greencleaners.cfm

Heal Your Home Center
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/caq/articles/Spring2008/HealYourHome.cfm

Dr. Philip Ranhein of the AAEM Responds to ABC Nightline on MCS
http://mcs-america.org/RanheimAAEMResponseABCNightline.pdf

BVHS Goes Scent Free
http://mcs-america.org/BVHSGoesScentFree,pdf

Governor Proclamations

Ohio 2008 Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
http://mcs-america.org/Ohio2008MCS.pdf

Scientific Studies

Cognitive and neurobiological alterations in electromagnetic hypersensitive
patients: results of a case-control study
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18366821?dopt=AbstractPlus

Evaluation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household
products by small chamber test method
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18220050?dopt=AbstractPlus

Blood Levels of Mercury Are Related to Diagnosis of Autism: A Reanalysis of
an Important Data Set
http://jcn.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/22/11/1308?ct

Modulation of acid-sensing ion channel activity by nitric oxide.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18045919

Lourdes Salvador
www.mcs-america.org

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America, Lourdes
Salvadorm, and teh volunteers who assemble this information. We 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.

123 Reed Way in Santa Cruz CA 95060

This listing was just sent to me to be distributed with permission.  It's a home for sale that is listed with a realtor who has MCS herself and is willing to accommodate the needs of a buyer with MCS.  I have no financial interest.  For those interested or seeking housing:

---------
My name is Susi Love and I am a Realtor with MCS in Santa Cruz, CA.

I have a house coming up for sale (not officially on the market yet, but will be in a few days)

It is in a fantastic location for commuting...VERY close to everything (beach, downtown, highway access, hiking/walking trails) but is quiet with a pretty secluded back yard that looks out over the canal. It's a pretty amazing property to be so close to everything that you could walk, but also have quiet and privacy!! It's tucked away down a long driveway.

I am posting here because the owners are about to put it on the market for sale again, at a much lower price than they offered it just months ago. They are about to do a little remodeling to make it nice for the showing and new owners (new carpet, paint, etc.) and I would love to stop them before they do that and bring them a buyer who would prefer low or no-VOC paint and non-toxic flooring.

They are especially cooperative and wonderful sellers, so I know they would put in these things specially for a buyer if we could get to them with an offer before they arrange for the new paint and carpet. I'm just not sure they would want to take the risk of putting out extra money for these things if they thought the potential buyers wouldn't care. They don't know anything about MCS, but are very eager to sell and to please any potential buyers coming in. And since I am their Realtor and I have MCS myself, I know they will value my opinion.

If you would like to see photos of the property and get more details about it go to:

www.mlslistings.com

and type in mls # 734952

The listing will show as C for cancelled, as it was pulled off the market for a while and they hired me. The address is 123 Reed Way in Santa Cruz CA 95060

The home is:
2338 Square Feet
8,232 Sq. Ft lot, backs up to a canal down below
13 years old
3 Bedrooms
2.5 Baths
(Nice separation of space)
Large bathrooms with low flow toilets
Very Light and Spacious throughout
Nice kitchen with tile counters and a gas stove, which could easily be replaced with an electric one
Cathedral Ceilings
Fireplace
Bonus room off of garage
2 Car garage...but you can only fit one car in there with current bonus room
Private and quiet
Centrally located

This home was listed most recently at $849,000 and is now being offered for somewhere between $789 and $759. (owners haven't decided on an exact price yet) The house is a foreclosure hence the much cheaper price. It is currently owned by the private group of investors who financed the mortgage originally. They are sweet people who are easy to work with.

Please call me asap if you might be interested, or if you know someone who might be interested...I could hold off on the new carpet and paint if I thought there was some interest.

Thanks!

Susi Love

American Dream Realty
1041 41st Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 425-7874 office
(831) 345-2236 cell
lovesantacruzhomes@gmail.com
"Real Estate Expertise With Ethics and Heart"

California Biomonitoring Survey

From the California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program

California's new biomonitoring program is intended to track and evaluate toxic environmental chemicals in California residents. Please click on the link below to take the program's Chemical Selection Survey and tell us which chemicals you think the program should measure, and what you think should influence the choice of these chemicals. This survey will take about 20 minutes to complete.

http://tinyurl.com/4qskwz

Please share the link to this survey with others who you think may have an interest in participating in this effort. The survey will also be available in a Spanish language version soon. The deadline for completing the survey is April 30th.

Opinions provided by people responding to this survey will be shared in summary form with the program's Scientific Guidance Panel, which will recommend chemicals to measure. (The Panel is a group of outside experts that, by law, provides advice on the state biomonitoring program.) The summary will also be made available to the public. Panel members and program staff are very interested in receiving public input on these issues.

You can also find the Chemical Selection Survey by visiting the California Biomonitoring Program's website at www.oehha.ca.gov and click on "Biomonitoring".

You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the Biomonitoring listserver. If you would like to unsubscribe please go to: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/Listservs/ or contact the program at biomonitoring@oehha.ca.gov . Thank you!

You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the Biomonitoring listserver. If you would like to unsubscribe please go to: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/Listservs/ or contact the program at biomonitoring@oehha.ca.gov .  Thank you!

Living the toxin-free life

Living the toxin-free life
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/04/08/features/2989676.txt

There are plastic baby bottles that leach chemicals, lotions and fragrances with toxins that can enter the bloodstream and disrupt enzymes, and household cleaning products that sanitize but can cause health problems.

 

And as if that isn't enough, there are hundreds of new chemicals introduced to our environment every year, most of which are not government-approved or tested for effects on human health.

With all that in mind, which products should you use? What's a mother (or father) to do? What's most everybody to do?

Evaluation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products by small chamber test method

Evaluation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products by small chamber test method
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18220050?dopt=AbstractPlus

Tanaka-Kagawa T, Jinno H, Obama T, Miyagawa M, Yoshikawa J, Komatsu K, Tokunaga H.

Kokuritsu Iyakuhin Shokuhin Eisei Kenkyusho Hokoku. 2007;(125):79-85.

Identification and removal/replacement of sources of indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehydes, are most effective measures to reduce indoor chemical exposures. For instance, formaldehyde emissions from building materials have been successfully decreased by the restrictions on interior finishing materials under the amended Building Standard Low in Japan. This study was performed to estimate quantitatively influence of household products on indoor air quality. VOC emissions were investigated for 51 products including interior materials, bedclothes, stationeries, toys and printed matters by the small chamber test method (JIS A 1901) under the standard conditions of 28 degrees C, 50% relative humidity and 0.5 times/h ventilation. Total VOC (TVOC) emissions from the tablecloth and gloves, both of which were made of polyvinyl chloride, showed the highest emission rates; over 2000 microg/(m2 x h) after 1 day, and then rapidly decreased to less than 500 microg/(m2 x h) in a week. Among stationeries/toys for schoolchildren and infants, jigsaw puzzle and play mat exhibited higher TVOC emission rates (38 and 24 microg/(m2 x h) after 1 day, respectively). As for VOCs emitted from printed matters, high boiling-point compounds (higher than that of n-tridecane) were typically identified along with toluene, xylenes and ethylbenzene. These results revealed that VOC emissions from household products may influence significantly indoor air quality.

PMID: 18220050 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

FCognitive and neurobiological alterations in electromagnetic hypersensitive patients: results of a case-control study

Cognitive and neurobiological alterations in electromagnetic hypersensitive patients: results of a case-control study

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18366821?dopt=AbstractPlus

Landgrebe M, Frick U, Hauser S, Langguth B, Rosner R, Hajak G, Eichhammer P.

Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

Psychol Med. 2008 Mar 26;:1-11

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is frequently claimed to be linked to a variety of non-specific somatic and neuropsychological complaints. Whereas provocation studies often failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between EMF exposure and symptom formation, recent studies point to a complex interplay of neurophysiological and cognitive alterations contributing to symptom manifestation in electromagnetic hypersensitive patients (EHS). However, these studies have examined only small sample sizes or have focused on selected aspects. Therefore this study examined in the largest sample of EHS EMF-specific cognitive correlates, discrimination ability and neurobiological parameters in order to get further insight into the pathophysiology of electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

Method: In a case-control design 89 EHS and 107 age- and gender-matched controls were included in the study. Health status and EMF-specific cognitions were evaluated using standardized questionnaires. Perception thresholds following single transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were determined using a standardized blinded measurement protocol. Cortical excitability parameters were measured by TMS.

RESULTS: Discrimination ability was significantly reduced in EHS (only 40% of the EHS but 60% of the controls felt no sensation under sham stimulation during the complete series), whereas the perception thresholds for real magnetic pulses were comparable in both groups (median 21% versus 24% of maximum pulse intensity). Intra-cortical facilitation was decreased in younger and increased in older EHS. In addition, typical EMF-related cognitions (aspects of rumination, symptom intolerance, vulnerability and stabilizing self-esteem) specifically differentiated EHS from their controls.

CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate significant cognitive and neurobiological alterations pointing to a higher genuine individual vulnerability of electromagnetic hypersensitive patients.

PMID: 18366821 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Green clean: Chemical concern grows, so do 'friendly' products

Green clean: Chemical concern grows, so do 'friendly' products

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/04/04/features/home_garden/doc47f69731c08af854658680.txt

The household cleaning products aisle of the grocery store presents a dizzying array of choices … and some scary-sounding possibilities, if you read the fine print.

The label for Tilex mold and mildew remover, for example, warns that if a user inhales the fumes and stops breathing, 911 should be called. Sani-Flush toilet bowl cleaner is labeled "corrosive" and advises that the product may cause irreversible damage if it gets in a user's eyes.

Debi Butler doesn't have to worry, though.

She instructs her cleaning service to use nothing but water — plain water — to clean her Bettendorf home.

<snip>

Coffee may cut dementia risk from cholesterol

Comment: I find this interesting as I've always used coffee to offset a bad reaction, particularly a bad respiratory reaction.  It quiets it right down within minutes where nothing else works.  I noticed this on my own and then my doctor who treats my MCS recommended it as well.  He suggested it to help dilate the bronchials when I have bronchi spasms.  Also, it seems to fit with Pall's theory on the NO/ONOO- cycle of biochemistry in relation to the more permeable blood-brain barrier.

 

NFI in the cofffe industry!  :)  And yes, organic is best to avoid chemicals used to process commercial coffee.  I am not suggesting everyone go out and use caffeine!  Especially those with adrenal problems.  Just sharing a point of interest for deeper thought, comment, and investigation.  I'm quite well aware that some react to caffeine and/or coffee and others find it beneficial.

 

"Caffeine is a safe and readily available drug and its ability to stabilise the blood brain barrier means it could have an important part to play in therapies against neurological disorders."

"The "blood brain barrier" is a filter which protects the central nervous system from potentially harmful chemicals carried around in the rest of the bloodstream.

Other studies have shown that high levels of cholesterol in the blood can make this barrier "leaky". "

Daily caffeine 'protects brain'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7326839.stm

Coffee may cut the risk of dementia by blocking the damage cholesterol can inflict on the body, research suggests.

PALL: The NO/ONOO- cycle as the etiological mechanism of tinnitus.

Int Tinnitus J. 2007;13(2):99-104. Links

The NO/ONOO- cycle as the etiological mechanism of tinnitus.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18229788?dopt=AbstractPlus

Pall ML, Bedient SA.

School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4234, USA. martin_pall@wsu.edu

Peripheral tinnitus is a good candidate for inclusion under the NO/ONOO cycle etiological mechanism, fitting each of the five principles of this mechanism. Cases of tinnitus are initiated by at least 11 short-term stressors increasing nitric oxide or other cycle mechanisms. Such cycle elements as N-methyl-D-aspartate activity; oxidative stress; nitric oxide; peroxynitrite; vanilloid activity; NF-kappaB activity; and intracellular calcium levels are all reported to be elevated in tinnitus. Tinnitus is comorbid with some putative NO/ONOO- cycle diseases. Most important, multiple agents that down-regulate NO/ONOO- cycle biochemistry are reported to be helpful in the treatment of tinnitus and related diseases. Previous studies suggested that NO/ONOO cycle diseases may be best treated with complex combinations of agents predicted to lower NO/ONOO- cycle biochemistry, and such combinations may be helpful in tinnitus treatment. Other inner-ear-related defects, such as acute or progressive hearing loss, vertigo, and dizziness, may also be NO/ONOO cycle diseases.

PMID: 18229788 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]