Muscle modifications in fibromyalgic patients revealed by surface electromyography (SEMG) analysis.

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2009 Apr 15;10(1):36. [Epub ahead of print]

Muscle modifications in fibromyalgic patients revealed by surface electromyography (SEMG) analysis.

Bazzichi L, Dini M, Rossi A, Corbianco S, De Feo F, Giacomelli C, Zirafa C, Ferrari C, Rossi B, Bombardieri S.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Several studies have been carried out in order to investigate surface electromyography (SEMG) response on fibromyalgic (FM) patients. Some studies failed to demonstrate differences between FM patients and healthy individuals while others found differences in SEMG parameters. Different muscular region have been analyzed in FM patients and heterogeneity is also produced because of the different ways in which the SEMG technique is used. The aims of this study were to evaluate muscle modifications by SEMG analysis in FM women with respect to a sample of healthy controls and to investigate the relationships between SEMG parameters and the clinical aspects of the disease. METHODS: SEMG was recorded in 100 FM women (48.10+/-11.96 yr) and in 50 healthy women (48.60+/-11.18 yr), from the tibialis anterior and the distal part of vastus medialis muscle during isometric contraction. Initial values and rate of change of median spectral frequency (MDF) and conduction velocity (CV) of the SEMG signal were calculated. The clinical parameters "Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire", pain, tender points, tiredness were evaluated and the relationships between these data and the SEMG results were also studied. For the statistical analysis Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test and Spearman correlation were used. RESULTS: MDF absolute values and the so-called Fatigue Index (FI) were significantly lower (p<0.001) in both muscles studied in FM patients (MDF: 93.2 microV; FI: 1.10, 0.89) with respect to healthy controls (MDF: 138.2 microV; FI: 2.41, 1.66) and a smaller reduction in the percentage values of MDF was observed in FM patients vs controls (22% vs 38%). A significant correlation was found between the SEMG parameter decrement of normalized median frequency (MNF) (%) and seriousness of FM (evaluated by means of tender points). CONCLUSIONS: We have found some interesting muscle modifications in FM patients with respect to healthy controls, regarding MDF, CV and FI values which resulted significantly lower in FM. Patients might have a different fiber recruitment or a possible atrophy of type II fibers suggesting that they are not able to reach muscle relaxation.

PMID: 19368705 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

KLYP956 is a Non-imidazole-Based Orally Active Inhibitor of Nitric Oxide Synthase Dimerization.

Mol Pharmacol. 2009 Apr 13. [Epub ahead of print]

KLYP956 is a Non-imidazole-Based Orally Active Inhibitor of Nitric Oxide Synthase Dimerization.

Symons KT, Massari ME, Nguyen PM, Lee TT, Roppe J, Bonnefous C, Payne JE, Smith ND, Noble SA, Sablad M, Rozenkrants N, Zhang Y, Rao TS, Shiau AK, Hassig CA.

Kalypsys, Inc.

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) generate nitric oxide (NO) through the oxidation of L-arginine. Inappropriate or excessive production of NO by NOS is associated with the pathophysiology of various disease states. Efforts to treat these disorders by developing arginine mimetic, substrate-competitive NOS inhibitors as drugs have met with little success. Small molecule mediated inhibition of NOS dimerization represents an intriguing alternative to substrate-competitive inhibition. An ultra high-throughput cell-based screen of 880,000 small molecules identified a novel quinolinone with inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitory activity. Exploratory chemistry based on this initial screening hit resulted in the synthesis of KLYP956, which inhibits iNOS at low nanomolar concentrations. The iNOS inhibitory potency of KLYP956 is insensitive to changes in concentrations of the substrate arginine, or the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin. Mechanistic analysis suggests that KLYP956 binds the oxygenase domain in the vicinity of the active site heme and inhibits iNOS and neuronal NOS (nNOS) by preventing the formation of enzymatically active dimers. Oral administration of KLYP956 inhibits iNOS activity in a murine model of endotoxemia and blocks pain behaviors in a formalin model of nociception. KLYP956 thus represents the first non-imidazole-based inhibitor of iNOS and nNOS dimerization and provides a novel pharmaceutical alternative to previously described substrate competitive inhibitors.

PMID: 19364813 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Risk markers for both chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndromes: a prospective case-control study in primary care.

Psychol Med. 2009 Apr 15:1-9. [Epub ahead of print]

Risk markers for both chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndromes: a prospective case-control study in primary care.

Hamilton WT, Gallagher AM, Thomas JM, White PD.

Academic Unit of Primary Health Care, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue syndromes and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often occur together. Explanations include being different manifestations of the same condition and simply sharing some symptoms.MethodA matched case-control study in UK primary care, using data collected prospectively in the General Practice Research Database (GPRD). The main outcome measures were: health-care utilization, specific symptoms and diagnoses. Risk markers were divided into distant (from 3 years to 1 year before diagnosis) and recent (1 year before diagnosis). RESULTS: A total of 4388 patients with any fatigue syndrome were matched to two groups of patients: those attending for IBS and those attending for another reason. Infections were specific risk markers for both syndromes, with viral infections being a risk marker for a fatigue syndrome [odds ratios (ORs) 2.3-6.3], with a higher risk closer to onset, and gastroenteritis a risk for IBS (OR 1.47, compared to a fatigue syndrome). Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) shared more distant risk markers with IBS than other fatigue syndromes, particularly other symptom-based disorders (OR 3.8) and depressive disorders (OR 2.3), but depressive disorders were a greater risk for CFS than IBS (OR 2.4). Viral infections were more of a recent risk marker for CFS compared to IBS (OR 2.8), with gastroenteritis a greater risk for IBS (OR 2.4). CONCLUSIONS: Both fatigue and irritable bowel syndromes share predisposing risk markers, but triggering risk markers differ. Fatigue syndromes are heterogeneous, with CFS sharing predisposing risks with IBS, suggesting a common predisposing pathophysiology.

PMID: 19366500 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Abnormalities in cognitive-emotional information processing in idiopathic environmental intolerance and somatoform disorders.

Comment:  The problem with most of these tests is that they fail to consider "reasons".  Anxiety tests, for example, ask "do you feel tired frequently"... yes or no.  Saying yes is a point for anxiety.  However, such a test fails to consider why someone may feel tired.  Do they work long hours?  Have a screaming baby who keeps them up at night?  Have CFS, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or another medical condition which causes fatigue?  What really needs to be asked is "do you feel tired frequently with no known cause"?  But they don't ask that because then they can't sell their CBT therapy.  This results in many being misdiagnosed with mental disorders or having their real symptoms blamed on their psyche.  Very sad!

 

J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2009 Mar;40(1):70-84. Epub 2008 May 23. LinkOut

Abnormalities in cognitive-emotional information processing in idiopathic environmental intolerance and somatoform disorders.

Witthöft M, Rist F, Bailer J.

Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Staudingerweg 9, D-55099 Mainz, Germany. witthoef@uni-mainz.de

Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) represents a functional somatic syndrome marked by diverse bodily complaints attributed to various substances in the environment. Evidence for abnormalities in affective information processing similar to somatoform disorders (SFD) has recently been found in people with IEI. In order to further investigate these cognitive-emotional abnormalities, we compared people with IEI (n=49), SFD only (n=43), and non-somatoform controls (n=54) with respect to their performance in the extrinsic affective Simon task (EAST). This task allowed us to dissociate indicators of automatic affective associations and emotional intrusion effects of both bodily complaints and IEI-trigger words. Negative association effects toward IEI-trigger words were strongest for IEI participants. Emotional intrusion effects of symptom words were larger both in IEI and SFD than in controls. The results of enhanced negative automatic evaluations of IEI-trigger words and greater attention allocation to symptom words support cognitive models of IEI.

PMID: 18501333 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

75th Nevada Legislature designates September 2009 as National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 7-Assemblymen Stewart;
Aizley, Anderson, Arberry, Atkinson, Bobzien, Buckley,
Carpenter, Christensen, Claborn, Cobb, Conklin, Denis,
Dondero Loop, Gansert, Goedhart, Goicoechea, Grady,
Gustavson, Hambrick, Hardy, Hogan, Horne, Kihuen,
Kirkpatrick, Koivisto, Leslie, Manendo, Mastroluca,
McArthur, McClain, Mortenson, Munford, Oceguera,
Ohrenschall, Parnell, Pierce, Segerblom, Settelmeyer,
Smith, Spiegel and Woodbury

Joint Sponsors: Senators Amodei, Breeden, Care, Carlton,
Cegavske, Coffin, Copening, Hardy, Horsford, Lee,
Mathews, McGinness, Nolan, Parks, Raggio, Rhoads,
Schneider, Townsend, Washington, Wiener and Woodhouse

FILE NUMBER..........

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION-Designating the
month of September 2009 as National Indoor Toxic Mold
Awareness Month.

WHEREAS, People of all ages and backgrounds throughout the
world have developed illnesses because of exposure to indoor toxic
mold, and it is estimated that 500,000 deaths occur annually in the
United States as a result of such exposure; and

WHEREAS, Most molds produce mycotoxins, which are toxic
vapors created by mold spores, that are poisonous to humans and
animals, and have even been used as biological weapons in war; and

WHEREAS, Aflatoxins are mycotoxins that are among the most
carcinogenic substances known, and the United States Food and
Drug Administration has enforced regulatory limits on aflatoxin
concentrations in foods and feeds since 1965; and

WHEREAS, Mycotoxins enter the body through inhalation,
ingestion or contact with the skin and can result in a multitude of
symptoms, including, but not limited to, dermatitis, cough, rhinitis,
nosebleeds, cold- and flu-like symptoms, headache, general malaise
and fever; and

WHEREAS, Mycotoxin exposure can lead to toxic injury that
may include multiple potentially life-threatening illnesses, affecting
the skin and the nervous, vascular, respiratory, digestive,
reproductive, urinary and immune systems, as well as forming
cancers within the body; and

WHEREAS, Certain species of molds, referred to as "body
temperature molds," can live and grow inside the human body,
causing recurring infections and numerous other health problems as
well as death; and

WHEREAS, Mycotoxin Toxic Exposure Injury is a chronic,
debilitating condition causing serious economic, employment,
housing, health, social and other consequences, including death; and

WHEREAS, While there is no practical way to eliminate all
molds and mold spores in the indoor environment, indoor mold
growth can be curtailed by controlling moisture and ensuring that
any damp or wet building materials and furnishings are cleaned and
dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth; and

WHEREAS, National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month is an
opportunity to bring greater attention to the need for further
education and consumer awareness about molds and mycotoxins;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, THE
SENATE CONCURRING, That the 75th Nevada Legislature designates
September 2009 as National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislature recognizes that by increasing
awareness about indoor toxic mold, we can prevent needless
hazardous conditions that take the lives of thousands every year and
adversely affect the health and well-being of many more.
20 ~~~~~ 09

Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Investigates Toxic Ingredients in Baby Shampoo and Bath Products

Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Investigates Toxic Ingredients in Baby Shampoo and Bath Products
http://www.globenewswire.com/ca/news_releases.html?d=162922

SEATTLE, April 13, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Advertising. Keller Rohrback L.L.P. (www.krclassaction.com) announces its investigation of certain popular baby shampoos and other products that may contain toxic ingredients, according to a recent study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition of nonprofit health and environmental organizations. Although the companies manufacturing and marketing these products call them "gentle" and "pure," dozens of top-selling children's bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to the March 2009 Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report, "No More Toxic Tub."

This study is the first to document the widespread presence of both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children, including baby shampoos, bubble baths and baby lotions. Many products tested contained both chemicals. Among the most contaminated products are:
 * Johnson's Baby Shampoo;
 * Sesame Street Bubble Bath;
 * Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash (Gerber);
 * Huggies Baby Wash;
 * L'Oreal Kids;
 * Mustela;
 * Suave Kids;
 * Baby Magic Baby Lotion; and
 * American Girl shower products.

For a list of products and the test results, visit: http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=426. If you or someone you know purchased these or similar products, we would be happy to speak with you.

According to attorney Lynn Lincoln Sarko, a longtime advocate for consumers: "There is absolutely no need for children's products to contain cancer-causing ingredients when perfectly safe alternatives exist. It is outrageous to think that instead of bathing their children in soap, parents are actually bathing them in formaldehyde."

For more information about the scientific study leading to this investigation, visit: http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=414.

If you would like to contact an attorney about this investigation, please call Gretchen Freeman Cappio, Laura Gerber, or paralegal Mary Garner by telephone, toll-free at 1-800-776-6044, or via e-mail at: info@kellerrohrback.com.
Keller Rohrback, with offices in Seattle and Phoenix, has successfully pursued claims against product manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device makers on behalf of our injured clients. We have achieved multi-million dollar settlements providing for damages and, in certain cases, medical monitoring.

Attorney Advertising. Prior Results Do Not Guarantee A Similar Outcome.
CONTACT:  Keller Rohrback L.L.P.
          Gretchen Freeman Cappio, Attorney
          Laura R. Gerber, Attorney
          Mary Garner, Paralegal
          800-776-6044
          info@kellerrohrback.com
          www.krclassaction.com

ACTIVISM: Atlanta airport grooving to clean music (and using scents to "enhance" mood)

Please take a minute to send a short email the Atlanta airport and let them know that their addition of fragrances and in the airport is a disability access issue and makes the airport dangerous for millions of Americans with asthma, emphysema, and allergies.  Speaking about how it will affect their bottom line is important. 

 

A few points to consider addressing include:

1.  The use of fragrance blocks access to those with asthma, emphysema, allergies, and sensitivities. 

2.  Fragrances adhere to clothing, skin, and hair like cigarette smoke and remaining with the traveler their entire trip.

3.  The use of fragrances increases the chances of breathing emergencies in flight.

4.  The use of fragrances increases the chances of lawsuits against the airport.

5.  Fragrances contain 3,000 - 5,000 chemicals, mostly petrochemicals, 80% have not been tested for human safety.

6.  Fragrances are known respiratory irritants

7.  This is an ADA compliance concern for passengers as well as airport personnel.

8.  Fragrance companies use deceit and trickery to promote that fragrances enhance travelers experiences because they have a vested financial interest in selling their products, a marketing scam to take businesses for what they can sell you at the expense of public health and bottom-line profits.

 

In summary, fragrances will not enhance travelers experiences, they will create lawsuits, medical emergencies, and prevent access to millions... causing financial losses to the airport.  Please discontinue the practice of adding fragrances to the air.

 

Comments may be submitted at http://www.atlanta-airport.com/contactus.aspx?to=cs 

 

This was the original article:

 

Atlanta airport grooving to clean music
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/04/09/atlanta.hartsfield.music/index.html?iref=t2test_travelthur
April 9, 2009

ACTIVISM: Public Comments Needed on FDA Docket for Mercury Safety in Fish Consumption by Pregnant Women

Public comments are being accepted on the FDA docket below regarding the safety of mercury in fish for pregnant woman.  Industry is, of course, downplaying the risk.  So, your comments are important. 

 

Docket	FDA-2009-N-0018
Docket Title	Report of Quantitative Risk & Benefit Assessment of Commercial Fish Consumption, Focusing on Fetal Neurodevelopmental Effects & on Coronary Heart Disease & Stroke in the General Population http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=090000648082944b
Docket Type	Nonrulemaking
Document ID	FDA-2009-N-0018-0001
Views
Add Comments
How To Comment	Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Submit electronic comments to http:// www.regulations.gov.

P.A.N.D.O.R.A. (Florida) Announces “Walk In My Shoes” Walkathon

P.A.N.D.O.R.A. Announces "Walk In My Shoes" Walkathon

 
 

April 13, 2009 by Sandy Robinson  
http://www.fightingfatigue.org/?p=5135
 

 

Walk with P.A.N.D.O.R.A to benefit children, men and women stricken with Neuroendocrineimmune Disorders such as:
 
 
chronic fatigue syndrome/ME (CFS/ME),
fibromyalgia (FM),
Gulf War illnesses (GWI),
multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) or
environmental illnesses (EI) and
chronic Lyme disease (CLD).
 
 
Your participation supports research that can lead to scientific breakthroughs, physician training, scholarships for the chronically ill, quality of life outreach programs and advocacy initiatives.
 
 
The "Walk In My Shoes" walkathon will be held:
Saturday, May 23, 2009, 7:30 AM
CB Smith Park
900 N. Flamingo Rd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
 
 
Check -in:  7:30 to 8:30 am
Walk begins:  9:00 am sharp
 
 
To register for the walkathon, click HERE.  To donate to the walkathon, click HERE.

Martin L. Pall Launhes Website for the NO/ONOO- theory for CFS, MCS, FM, and PTSD

Martin L. Pall, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences, Washington State University and Research Director, The Tenth Paradigm Research Group launched http://thetenthparadigm.org/index.html which explains the NO/ONOO- theory and various treatment protocols for CFS, MCS, FM, and PTSD.  The MCS page is still under construction, however the rest of the site is up and running.

Volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde as explaining factors for sensory irritation in office environments.

 J Occup Environ Hyg. 2009 Apr;6(4):239-47. Links

Volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde as explaining factors for sensory irritation in office environments.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19184725?ordinalpos=12&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Salonen H, Pasanen AL, Lappalainen S, Riuttala H, Tuomi T, Pasanen P, Back B, Reijula K.

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. heidi.salonen@ttl.fi

This study's database comprised results of volatile organic compound (VOC) measurements from 176 office buildings. In 23 of the 176 buildings, formaldehyde measurements were also conducted. It was suspected that the buildings had indoor air problems, but a walk-through inspection did not reveal any clear, abnormal contaminant sources. The 50 most abundant VOCs and their concentrations in 520 air samples were analyzed. The irritation potency was estimated for 33 out of the 50 common VOCs and their mixtures, as well as for formaldehyde. This information was used to calculate the recommended indoor air levels (RILs) for the VOCs. The RILs were considerably higher than the measured mean indoor air concentrations in the buildings. However, the RIL for formaldehyde was exceeded in most of the 23 buildings studied. According to the evaluation of irritation potency, formaldehyde was a more likely cause of sensory irritation than the mixture of common nonreactive VOCs at the concentrations that occurred in the buildings without abnormal indoor sources. Furthermore, environmental symptoms of office workers were characterized in 20 office buildings (including the database of 176 office buildings) with the aid of an indoor air questionnaire. The most frequent symptoms related to the indoor environment were involved the upper respiratory tract. However, no relationship could be shown between the reported symptoms and the occurrence of VOC and formaldehyde concentrations in these buildings. Generally, the study results indicated that formaldehyde was the more likely agent causing sensory irritation than the mixture of the common nonreactive VOCs at the concentrations occurring in the buildings without abnormal indoor sources.

PMID: 19184725 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Induction of metallothionein in mouse cerebellum and cerebrum with low-dose thimerosal injection.

Cell Biol Toxicol. 2009 Apr 9. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Induction of metallothionein in mouse cerebellum and cerebrum with low-dose thimerosal injection.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19357975?ordinalpos=1&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Minami T, Miyata E, Sakamoto Y, Yamazaki H, Ichida S.

Department of Life Sciences, School of Science & Engineering, Kinki University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-osaka, Osaka, 577-8502, Japan, minamita@life.kindai.ac.jp.

Thimerosal, an ethyl mercury compound, is used worldwide as a vaccine preservative. We previously observed that the mercury concentration in mouse brains did not increase with the clinical dose of thimerosal injection, but the concentration increased in the brain after the injection of thimerosal with lipopolysaccharide, even if a low dose of thimerosal was administered. Thimerosal may penetrate the brain, but is undetectable when a clinical dose of thimerosal is injected; therefore, the induction of metallothionein (MT) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was observed in the cerebellum and cerebrum of mice after thimerosal injection, as MT is an inducible protein. MT-1 mRNA was expressed at 6 and 9 h in both the cerebrum and cerebellum, but MT-1 mRNA expression in the cerebellum was three times higher than that in the cerebrum after the injection of 12 microg/kg thimerosal. MT-2 mRNA was not expressed until 24 h in both organs. MT-3 mRNA was expressed in the cerebellum from 6 to 15 h after the injection, but not in the cerebrum until 24 h. MT-1 and MT-3 mRNAs were expressed in the cerebellum in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MT-1 protein was detected from 6 to 72 h in the cerebellum after 12 microg/kg of thimerosal was injected and peaked at 10 h. MT-2 was detected in the cerebellum only at 10 h. In the cerebrum, little MT-1 protein was detected at 10 and 24 h, and there were no peaks of MT-2 protein in the cerebrum. In conclusion, MT-1 and MT-3 mRNAs but not MT-2 mRNA are easily expressed in the cerebellum rather than in the cerebrum by the injection of low-dose thimerosal. It is thought that the cerebellum is a sensitive organ against thimerosal. As a result of the present findings, in combination with the brain pathology observed in patients diagnosed with autism, the present study helps to support the possible biological plausibility for how low-dose exposure to mercury from thimerosal-containing vaccines may be associated with autism.

PMID: 19357975 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Triazine herbicides linger for twice as long as experts expected

Triazine herbicides linger for twice as long as experts expected
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25318889-30417,00.html

WEEDKILLERS widely used on crops and forest plantations have been found to linger in the environment twice as long as previously thought, forcing a regulatory rethink and heightened health fears.

Research commissioned by the Tasmanian Government has found triazine herbicides persist far longer in cool climates and certain soil types than current guidelines suggest.

The findings, confirmed to The Weekend Australian, are forcing state and federal regulators to consider tightening controls on their use. But medical and scientific experts said a total ban on aerial spraying of triazines -- atrazine and simazine -- in water catchments was now justified. Although banned in Europe, triazines are still widely used in Australia to control weeds in forest plantations and in crops such as canola, sugar cane, maize, sorghum and lupins.

<snip>

Correlations between autonomic dysfunction and circadian changes and arrhythmia prevalence in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Anadolu Kardiyol Derg. 2009 Apr;9(2):110-117.

Correlations between autonomic dysfunction and circadian changes and arrhythmia prevalence in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/19357052

Doğru MT, Aydın G, Tosun A, Keleş I, Güneri M, Arslan A, Ebinç H, Orkun S.

From Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kirikkale, Kirikkale, Turkey. mtolgadogru@gmail.com.

OBJECTIVE: It is known that increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity are present in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This study aims to investigate the correlations of autonomic dysfunction and differences in autonomic circadian activity with arrhythmia prevalence in women with FMS. METHODS: Fifty female patients with FMS and 30 healthy female controls were included in this cross-sectional, case-controlled study. A 12-lead electrocardiogram and 24-hour Holter monitoring were performed in all patients to evaluate arrhythmias and autonomic function tests. Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were utilized to detect autonomic dysfunction in patients with FMS. HRV measurements were performed in total 24-hour, day time (06:00-22:59), night time (23:00-05:59) periods and during autonomic tests (stand - supine, inspiration-expiration and Valsalva tests) using 24-hour Holter monitoring recordings. Student t-test , Mann-Whitney U and Pearson Chi-square tests were used for comparisons of the data between groups. The correlation of data was tested by using Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: The mean ages of the patient and control groups were 38+/- 7.4 and 36+/- 8.1 years, respectively. In HRV measurements, high frequency (HF) power, was significantly decreased in the patient group as compared with control group (167.4 msec2 (107.0- 312.0) vs.314.5 msec2 (124.0- 905.0), p=0.017). The low frequency/HF ratio (LF/HF) values for total 24 hours (2.22+/- 0.18 vs. 1.22+/- 0.12, <0.001) and in the night time period (2.78+/- 1.97 vs.1.15+/- 0.77, <0.001) were found to be significantly higher in the patient group than in control one. The ratio of LF/HFDay / LF/HFNight was markedly higher in the control group (2.67 (1.22- 5.65) vs. 1.45 (0.83- 2.05), p=0.004). The prevalence (p=0.028) and total number (127.1+/- 21.4 vs. 187.3+/- 62.3, p=0.019) of supraventricular extrasystoles in 24-hour period was higher in the patient group. CONCLUSION: The sympathetic activity was significantly increased and parasympathetic activity significantly decreased in FMS patients. Additionally, significant autonomic circadian activity changes were also detected in these patients. These autonomic changes might be linked to increased arrhythmia prevalence.

Autonomic Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia Assessed by the Composite Autonomic Symptoms Scale (COMPASS).

J Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Mar 31. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Autonomic Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia Assessed by the Composite Autonomic Symptoms Scale (COMPASS).

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/19342959

Solano C, Martinez A, Becerril L, Vargas A, Figueroa J, Navarro C, Ramos-Remus C, Martinez-Lavin M.

From the *National Institute of Cardiology, Mexico City, Mexico; daggerNational Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico; and the double daggerHospital General Regional 45, IMSS, Guadalajara, Mexico.

BACKGROUND:: It has been suggested that autonomic nervous system dysfunction may explain all of fibromyalgia (FM) multisystem features. Such proposal is based mostly on the results of diverse heart rate variability analyses. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale (COMPASS) is a different validated method to recognize dysautonomia. OBJECTIVES:: The main objective of our study was to investigate symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in FM patients by means of COMPASS. A secondary objective was to define whether there is a correlation between COMPASS and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores in FM patients. METHODS:: Design, analytical cross-sectional study. Our study population included 3 different groups of women: 30 patients with FM, 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 30 women who considered themselves healthy. All participants filled out COMPASS and FIQ questionnaires. RESULTS:: FM patients had significantly higher values in all COMPASS domains. COMPASS total score (54.6 +/- 20.9; mean +/- standard deviation) clearly differentiated FM patients from the other 2 groups (21.6 +/- 16.5 and 9.5 +/- 10.2, respectively). P < 0.0001. The majority of FM patients gave affirmative answers to questions related to orthostatic, digestive, sleep, sudomotor, or mucosal dysfunction. There was a significant correlation between COMPASS and FIQ scores (Spearman r = 0.5, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS:: Patients with FM have multiple nonpain symptoms related to different expressions of autonomic dysfunction. There is a correlation between a questionnaire that measures FM severity (FIQ) and an autonomic dysfunction questionnaire (COMPASS). Such correlation suggests that autonomic dysfunction is inherent to FM.

Prediction of outcome in patients presenting with fatigue in primary care.

Br J Gen Pract. 2009 Apr;59(561):e101-9. Links

Prediction of outcome in patients presenting with fatigue in primary care.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19341545

Nijrolder I, van der Windt D, van der Horst H.

EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. i.nijrolder@vumc.nl

BACKGROUND: Although fatigue is a common problem presenting to primary care, few prospective studies have examined the contribution of a wide range of prognostic factors. AIM: To determine the combination of factors most strongly associated with a favourable or unfavourable course of fatigue, when fatigue is presented as a main symptom in primary care.

DESIGN OF STUDY: Prospective, observational cohort study with a 1-year follow-up.

SETTING: A total of 147 primary care practices in the Netherlands.

METHOD: Patients presenting with fatigue as a main symptom completed questionnaires at baseline, and 1, 4, 8, and 12 months later. The prognostic value of potential predictors was assessed by applying multivariable logistic regression analysis. The outcome was severity of fatigue, defined as a combination of dichotomised scores on several repeated measurements with the Checklist Individual Strength. Separate models were used to predict either a favourable or an unfavourable course of fatigue.

RESULTS: Baseline severity of fatigue and patient expectations of chronicity consistently predicted a poor outcome. Additional factors predicting a chronic course were baseline pain intensity and less social support. Baseline characteristics predicting a fast recovery were: male sex, not providing care for others (for example, for older people), better perceived health, and fewer (serious) prolonged difficulties. Both models had good reliability and discriminative validity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve after internal validation: 0.78 and 0.79).

CONCLUSION: The identified combination of predictors reflects the multidimensionality of fatigue, with a significant contribution of patient expectations of chronicity in the prediction of a poor prognosis. These negative perceptions are modifiable, and should receive more attention in the initial assessment of patients presenting with fatigue.

[Intensity of limb pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia syndrome, depressive disorders and chronic back pain : A criterion for differentiation.]

Schmerz. 2009 Apr 5. [Epub ahead of print]

[Intensity of limb pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia syndrome, depressive disorders and chronic back pain : A criterion for differentiation.]

 

[Article in German]

Häuser W, Grulke N, Michalski D, Hoffmann A, Akritidou I, Klauenberg S, Maier C, Hinz A.

Zentrum für interdisziplinäre Schmerztherapie/Innere Medizin I, Klinikum Saarbrücken gGmbH, Winterberg 1, 66119, Saarbrücken, Deutschland, whaeuser@klinikum-saarbruecken.de.

BACKGROUND: A symptom-based diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) without tender point examination is needed for primary care. We tested if a symptom-based diagnosis of FMS can be founded on the intensity of the symptoms musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.

METHODS: FMS patients from 4 different settings (n=464 members of the German Fibromyalgia Association DFV, n=33 from a private practice of rheumatology, n=36 from a tertiary care pain department, n=162 from medical expertise), patients with depressive disorders from 2 different settings (n=24 from a university department of psychiatry, n=311 from an out-patient university psychosomatic department), patients with chronic back pain from an out-patient training center (n=691) and persons from a representative German population sample (n=1977) were compared using the subscales of the Giessen subjective complaints list GBB 24.

RESULTS: The greatest mean differences between FMS patients and the other samples were found within the subscales"limb pains" and"fatigue". FMS patients scored higher in the subscales"heart problems" and"dyspepsia", but both subscales did not contribute to a differentiation of the samples. The rates of reclassification of the subsamples based on the subcales"limb pains" and"fatigue" ranged between 80 and 93%.

CONCLUSION: High levels of the intensity of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and chronic fatigue may form the basis of a symptom-based diagnosis of FMS.

PMID: 19347369 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

A systematic review of chronic fatigue, its syndromes and ethnicity: prevalence, severity, co-morbidity and coping.

Int J Epidemiol. 2009 Apr 6. [Epub ahead of print]

A systematic review of chronic fatigue, its syndromes and ethnicity: prevalence, severity, co-morbidity and coping.

Dinos S, Khoshaba B, Ashby D, White PD, Nazroo J, Wessely S, Bhui KS.
Centre for Psychiatry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.

BACKGROUND:  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is characterized by unexplained fatigue that lasts for at least 6 months alongside a constellation of other symptoms. CFS was historically thought to be most common among White
women of higher socio-economic status. However, some recent studies in the USA suggest that the prevalence is actually higher in some minority ethnic groups. If there are convincing differences in prevalence and risk factors across all or some ethnic groups, investigating the causes of these can help unravel the pathophysiology of CFS.

 

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to explore the relationship between fatigue, chronic fatigue (CF-fatigue lasting for 6 months), CFS and ethnicity. Studies were population-based and health service-based. Meta-analysis was also conducted to examine the population prevalence of CF and CFS across ethnic groups.

 

RESULTS: Meta-analysis showed that compared with the White American majority, African Americans and Native
Americans have a higher risk of CFS [Odds Ratio (OR) 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-10.4; OR = 11.5, CI: 1.1-56.4, respectively] and CF (OR = 1.56, CI: 1.03-2.24; OR = 3.28, CI: 1.63-5.88, respectively). Minority ethnic groups with CF and CFS experience more severe symptoms and may be more likely to use religion, denial and behavioural disengagement to cope with their condition compared with the White majority.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Although available studies and data are limited, it does appear that some ethnic minority groups are more likely to suffer from CF and CFS compared with White people. Ethnic minority status alone is insufficient to explain ethnic variation of prevalence. Psychosocial risk factors found in high-risk groups and ethnicity warrant further investigation to improve our understanding of aetiology and the management of this complex condition.

PMID: 19349479 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The impact of energy modulation on physical functioning and fatigue severity among patients with ME/CFS.

Patient Educ Couns. 2009 Apr 6. [Epub ahead of print]
The impact of energy modulation on physical functioning and fatigue severity among patients with ME/CFS.

Jason L, Benton M, Torres-Harding S, Muldowney K.
DePaul University, United States.

OBJECTIVE: The energy envelope postulates that patients with Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) will improve
functioning when maintaining expended energy levels at the same level
as available energy level.

 

METHODS: Estimated weekly Energy Quotients
were established by dividing expended energy level by perceived energy
level and multiplying by 100. Two groups of patients were identified
following participation in a non-pharmacologic intervention trial. Some
were able to keep expended energy close to available energy and others
were not successful at this task.

 

RESULTS: Those who were able to stay
within their energy envelope had significant improvements in physical
functioning and fatigue severity.

 

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that
helping patients with ME/CFS maintain appropriate energy expenditures
in coordination with available energy reserves can help improve
functioning over time.

 

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health care professionals
that treat patients with ME/CFS might incorporate strategies that help
patients self-monitor and self-regulate energy expenditures.

PMID: 19356884 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

How to make a home 'asthma healthy'

How to make a home 'asthma healthy'
http://www.toacorn.com/news/2009/0409/health_and_wellness/057.html

 
Asthma affects more than 20 million Americans

One common asthma myth is that asthma triggers are found mostly outdoors. In fact, asthma triggers can be found everywhere—outdoors, at work and inside the home.

Asthma affects more than 20 million Americans. Many Americans may spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality important for asthma patients.

Mycotoxin Detection in Human Samples from Patients Exposed

Mycotoxin Detection in Human Samples from Patients Exposed to Environmental
Molds

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2009, 10, 1465-1475; doi:10.3390/ijms10041465
Dennis G. Hooper 1,*, Vincent E. Bolton 1, Frederick T. Guilford 2 and David
C. Straus 3

1 RealTime Laboratories, LLC, 13016 Bee Street #203, Dallas, TX 79234, USA
2 5050 El Camino Real, #110, Los Altos, CA 94022, USA
3 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center,
Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: mscmd@cox.net;
Tel. +1-972-243-7754; Fax: +1-972-243-7759
Received: 4 February 2009; in revised form: 13 March 2009 / Accepted: 27
March 2009 /
Published: 1 April 2009

Abstract: The goal of this study was to determine if selected mycotoxins
(trichothecenes,
aflatoxins, and ochratoxins) could be extracted and identified in human
tissue and body
fluids from patients exposed to toxin producing molds in their environment.
Human urine
and methanol extracted tissues and sputum were examined. Trichothecenes were
tested
using competitive ELISA techniques. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, and
ochratoxin A
were tested by using immunoaffinity columns and fluorometry. Test
sensitivity and
specificity were determined. Levels of detection for the various mycotoxins
varied from
0.2 ppb for trichothecenes, 1.0 ppb for aflatoxins, and 2.0 ppb for
ochratoxins.
Trichothecene levels varied in urine, sputum, and tissue biopsies (lung,
liver, brain) from
undetectable (<0.2 ppb) to levels up to 18 ppb. Aflatoxin levels from the
same types of
tissues varied from 1.0 to 5.0 ppb. Ochratoxins isolated in the same type of
tissues varied
from 2.0 ppb to > 10.0 ppb. Negative control patients had no detectable
mycotoxins in
their tissues or fluids. These data show that mycotoxins can be detected in
body fluids
and human tissue from patients exposed to mycotoxin producing molds in the
environment, and demonstrate which human tissues or fluids are the most
likely to yield
positive results.

Metabolic biomarkers of increased oxidative stress and impaired methylation capacity in children with autism.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6):1611-7.

Metabolic biomarkers of increased oxidative stress and impaired methylation capacity in children with autism.

James SJ, Cutler P, Melnyk S, Jernigan S, Janak L, Gaylor DW, Neubrander JA.

Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA. jamesjill@uams.edu

BACKGROUND: Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that usually presents in early childhood and that is thought to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Although abnormal metabolism of methionine and homocysteine has been associated with other neurologic diseases, these pathways have not been evaluated in persons with autism. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate plasma concentrations of metabolites in the methionine transmethylation and transsulfuration pathways in children diagnosed with autism. DESIGN: Plasma concentrations of methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), adenosine, homocysteine, cystathionine, cysteine, and oxidized and reduced glutathione were measured in 20 children with autism and in 33 control children. On the basis of the abnormal metabolic profile, a targeted nutritional intervention trial with folinic acid, betaine, and methylcobalamin was initiated in a subset of the autistic children. RESULTS: Relative to the control children, the children with autism had significantly lower baseline plasma concentrations of methionine, SAM, homocysteine, cystathionine, cysteine, and total glutathione and significantly higher concentrations of SAH, adenosine, and oxidized glutathione. This metabolic profile is consistent with impaired capacity for methylation (significantly lower ratio of SAM to SAH) and increased oxidative stress (significantly lower redox ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione) in children with autism. The intervention trial was effective in normalizing the metabolic imbalance in the autistic children. CONCLUSIONS: An increased vulnerability to oxidative stress and a decreased capacity for methylation may contribute to the development and clinical manifestation of autism.

PMID: 15585776 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Methylmercury exposure and adverse cardiovascular effects in Faroese whaling men.

Environ Health Perspect. 2009 Mar;117(3):367-72. Epub 2008 Oct 16. Links

Methylmercury exposure and adverse cardiovascular effects in Faroese whaling men.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19337510?ordinalpos=5&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Choi AL, Weihe P, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Jørgensen PJ, Salonen JT, Tuomainen TP, Murata K, Nielsen HP, Petersen MS, Askham J, Grandjean P.

Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. achoi@hsph.harvard.edu

BACKGROUND: Methylmercury (MeHg), a worldwide contaminant found in fish and seafood, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. OBJECTIVE: We examined 42 Faroese whaling men (30-70 years of age) to assess possible adverse effects within a wide range of MeHg exposures from consumption of pilot whale meat. METHODS: We assessed exposure levels from mercury analysis of toenails and whole blood (obtained at the time of clinical examination), and a hair sample collected 7 years previously. Outcome measures included heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP). We carried out multiple regression and structural equation model (SEM) analyses to determine the confounder-adjusted effect of mercury exposure. Taking into account correlations among related measures, we categorized exposure and outcomes in groups to derive latent exposure and response variables in SEMs. We used multiple regression analysis to compare the predictive validity of individual exposure biomarkers and the latent exposure variable on individual and latent outcomes. RESULTS: The toenail mercury concentrations varied widely and had a geometric mean of 2.0 microg/g; hair concentrations averaged about 3-fold higher. Mercury exposure was significantly associated with increased BP and IMT. This effect was reflected by SEMs, but mercury in toenails tended to be the best effect predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the notion that increased MeHg exposure promotes the development of cardiovascular disease.

PMID: 19337510 [PubMed - in process]

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

Med Hypotheses. 2009 Feb;72(2):135-9. Epub 2008 Nov 11. Links

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

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19004564?ordinalpos=14&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

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

Birchall Centre for Inorganic Chemistry and Materials Science, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK. c.exley@chem.keele.ac.uk

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

PMID: 19004564 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Decreased corneal sensitivity and tear production in fibromyalgia.

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2009 Mar 25. [Epub ahead of print] Links

Decreased corneal sensitivity and tear production in fibromyalgia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19324850

Gallar J, Morales C, Freire V, Acosta MC, Belmonte C, Duran JA.

Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernandez-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.

Purpose: To investigate corneal sensitivity to selective mechanical, chemical, heat and cold stimulation in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Methods: Twenty FM patients (18 female, 2 male; 51,9+/-2,3 years old) and 18 control subjects (16 female, 2 male; 51,7+/-2,4 years) participated voluntarily in the study. Subjective symptoms of ocular dryness were explored and Schirmer's 1 test was performed. The response to selective stimulation of the central cornea with the Belmonte gas esthesiometer was measured. Results: The majority (18 out of 20) of FM patients reported dry eye symptoms, being the ocular dryness score significantly higher than in healthy subjects (2,3+/-0,1 vs. 0,05+/-0,02; p<0,001). Schirmer's test values were significantly reduced in FM patients compared to those of the control group (10,5+/-,2 mm and 30,6+/-1,6 mm, respectively; p<0,001). Mean corneal threshold sensitivity to chemical stimulation (31,16+/-2,04 %CO2 FM; 15,72+/-0,67 %CO2 control) to heating (1,87+/-0,11 degrees C FM; 0,99+/-0,05 degrees C control) and to cooling (-2,53+/-0,11 degrees C FM; -0,76+/-0,05 degrees C control) were increased in FM patients while threshold to mechanical stimulation did not vary significantly (123,0+/-8,0 ml/min FM; 107,8+/-4,4 ml/min control). Conclusions: The reduced corneal sensitivity of patients with fibromyalgia is attributable to a moderate decrease of corneal polymodal and cold nociceptor sensitivity, that may be the consequence or the cause of the chronic reduction in tear secretion also observed in these patients.

PMID: 19324850 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Sleep problems in fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis compared with the general population.

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2009 Jan-Feb;27(1):35-41. Links

Sleep problems in fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis compared with the general population.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19327227?ordinalpos=11&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Belt NK, Kronholm E, Kauppi MJ.

Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Psychological Unit, Heinola, Finland.

OBJECTIVE:Our aim was to evaluate how frequently problems of quality and quantity of sleep and depression occur in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), and compare these findings with those occurring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in the general population.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The patients were recruited from rehabilitation courses in the Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Finland. There were 37 patients with FM and 31 patients with RA participating in the study. For comparison, we used the results from a general population study of 1284 adult subjects. The data had been collected earlier in a longitudinal cohort study for the Finnish Social Insurance Institution. RESULTS:The patients with FM and RA slept fewer hours a day than the population sample. The FM patients reported more insomnia, less contentment with sleep and more lack of deep and restful sleep in comparison to the RA patients and the participants of the population study. The FM patients also reported significantly more depression and pain than the RA patients (p0.01). It was still shown in a logistic regression analysis that insomnia was almost five times more frequent in FM patients than in RA patients, even when depression and pain were adjusted.CONCLUSION:The FM patients reported more insomnia-related symptoms than either RA patients or the population sample. The higher prevalence of insomnia-related symptoms among FM patients was not explained by depression or pain. Both patient groups reported somewhat shorter nocturnal sleep than the general population.

PMID: 19327227 [PubMed - in process]

Hyperbaric Therapy May Improve Autism Symptoms: Study Sparks Debate, Concern, Among Neurologists

Hyperbaric Therapy May Improve Autism Symptoms

 

Study Sparks Debate, Concern, Among Neurologists

Pauline Anderson

April 2, 2009 — A new study suggests hyperbaric-oxygen therapy improves the overall functioning of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as their ability to interact socially and make eye contact.

The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial showed 30% of autistic children receiving a series of hyperbaric treatments were judged "very much improved" or "much improved," while less than 8% of children in a control group received the same ratings.

Full Article:  http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/590537?src=mpnews&spon=12&uac=106067DV

---

BMC Pediatr. 2009 Mar 13;9:21.

Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19284641?dopt=Abstract

Rossignol DA, Rossignol LW, Smith S, Schneider C, Logerquist S, Usman A, Neubrander J, Madren EM, Hintz G, Grushkin B, Mumper EA.

International Child Development Resource Center, Melbourne, FL, USA. rossignolmd@gmail.com

BACKGROUND: Several uncontrolled studies of hyperbaric treatment in children with autism have reported clinical improvements; however, this treatment has not been evaluated to date with a controlled study. We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of hyperbaric treatment in children with autism.

 

METHODS: 62 children with autism recruited from 6 centers, ages 2-7 years (mean 4.92 +/- 1.21), were randomly assigned to 40 hourly treatments of either hyperbaric treatment at 1.3 atmosphere (atm) and 24% oxygen ("treatment group", n = 33) or slightly pressurized room air at 1.03 atm and 21% oxygen ("control group", n = 29). Outcome measures included Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).

 

RESULTS: After 40 sessions, mean physician CGI scores significantly improved in the treatment group compared to controls in overall functioning (p = 0.0008), receptive language (p < 0.0001), social interaction (p = 0.0473), and eye contact (p = 0.0102); 9/30 children (30%) in the treatment group were rated as "very much improved" or "much improved" compared to 2/26 (8%) of controls (p = 0.0471); 24/30 (80%) in the treatment group improved compared to 10/26 (38%) of controls (p = 0.0024). Mean parental CGI scores significantly improved in the treatment group compared to controls in overall functioning (p = 0.0336), receptive language (p = 0.0168), and eye contact (p = 0.0322). On the ABC, significant improvements were observed in the treatment group in total score, irritability, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and speech (p < 0.03 for each), but not in the control group. In the treatment group compared to the control group, mean changes on the ABC total score and subscales were similar except a greater number of children improved in irritability (p = 0.0311). On the ATEC, sensory/cognitive awareness significantly improved (p = 0.0367) in the treatment group compared to the control group. Post-hoc analysis indicated that children over age 5 and children with lower initial autism severity had the most robust improvements. Hyperbaric treatment was safe and well-tolerated.

 

CONCLUSION: Children with autism who received hyperbaric treatment at 1.3 atm and 24% oxygen for 40 hourly sessions had significant improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness compared to children who received slightly pressurized room air.

 

TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov NCT00335790.

Publication Types:

• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 19284641 [PubMed - in process]

PMCID: PMC2662857

Gene expression in nasal lavage from hairdressers exposed to persulphate

Gene expression in nasal lavage from hairdressers exposed to persulphate
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19333615

Jönsson LS, Broberg K, Paulsson K, Kronholm Diab K, Nielsen J.
Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of
Laboratory Medicine, Lund University Hospital, 221 85, Lund, Sweden,
lena_s.jonsson@med.lu.se.
Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2009 Mar 31.

OBJECTIVES:
Many hairdressers experience work-related symptoms from the airways caused
by bleaching powder. This contains persulphates, which could be irritating
to the mucous membrane and also may evoke an allergic reaction. However,
specific IgE antibodies are difficult to detect. We found earlier that
hairdressers with work-related bleaching powder-associated nasal symptoms
reacted to persulphate, but that atopics also did and that the mechanism
appeared to be similar in the two groups. In this study, we analysed gene
expression of cytokines in the nose in order to further investigate the
mechanism for work-related bleaching powder-associated nasal symptoms.

METHODS:
The study subjects belonged to either hairdressers with work-related
bleaching powder-associated nasal symptoms (S; n = 6), hairdressers without
work-related bleaching powder-associated symptoms (WS; n = 7) or atopics (A;
n = 6). Nasal lavage was performed before and during (up to 4 h after the
last challenge) provocation with potassium persulphate. Expression of two
genes involved in allergic inflammation [interleukin 5 (IL5) and IL13] and
one involved in cell-mediated immunity (interferon-gamma; IFNG) were
analysed in nasal lavage with quantitative PCR.

RESULTS:
The change of IL5 in the S group differed when compared to the WS group (P =
0.0051), in the A group when compared to the WS group (P = 0.014), but not
in the S group when compared to the A group (P = 0.82). The change of IL13
in the A group differed when compared to the S (P = 0.041) and WS (P =
0.014) groups, but no difference was noticed between the S and WS groups (P
= 0.30). The relative level of IFNG increased from before challenge to
during challenge in the S group (P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS:
Symptomatic hairdressers showed increased expression of IL5 and IFNG, but
not IL13, during challenge. Hairdressers without work-related bleaching
powder-associated nasal symptoms showed no markedly changed reaction.
Atopics showed increased expression of IL5 and IL13. Thus, this may indicate
a difference in the mechanism of symptoms between symptomatic hairdressers
and atopics. However, due to the low number of participants, further studies
are needed to elucidate the mechanism for persulphate-associated nasal
symptoms.
PMID: 19333615 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Medical journals and ethics: Medical journals and ethics

Comment:  Often journals won't publish findings where a vitamin or herb is helpful and also avoid and deligitimize conditions for which drugs are not helpful, such as MCS, so that they can push psychiatric drugs.  It's so important to research the financial ties behind a journal and the study authors.  Mere publication in a journal is not assurance that rigorous scientific procedures have been followed and the study outcome is truthful. 

 

Medical journals and ethics

Pity the messenger

http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13361480

Mar 26th 2009 | NEW YORK
From The Economist print edition

 

A leading journal unveils a controversial policy on financial disclosures