Monday, March 16, 2009

Public health implications of wireless technologies

Public health implications of wireless technologies

Cindy Sage^a^,^, and David O. Carpenter^b

^aSage Associates, 1396 Danielson Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, USA

^bInstitute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA

Received 18 January 2008;

accepted 30 January 2009.

Available online 14 March 2009.

Abstract

Global exposures to emerging wireless technologies from applications including mobile phones, cordless phones, DECT phones, WI-FI, WLAN, WiMAX, wireless internet, baby monitors, and others may present serious public health consequences. Evidence supporting a public health risk is documented in the BioInitiative Report. New, biologically based public exposure standards for chronic exposure to low-intensity exposures are warranted. Existing safety standards are obsolete because they are based solely on thermal effects from acute exposures. The rapidly expanding development of new wireless technologies and the long latency for the development of such serious diseases as brain cancers means that failure to take immediate action to reduce risks may result in an epidemic of potentially fatal diseases in the future. Regardless of whether or not the associations are causal, the strengths of the associations are sufficiently strong that in the opinion of the authors, taking action to reduce exposures is imperative, especially for the fetus and children. Such action is fully compatible with the precautionary principle, as enunciated by the Rio Declaration, the European Constitution Principle on Health (Section 3.1) and the European Union Treaties Article 174.

Keywords: Wireless technology; Brain cancer; Radiofrequency; Cell phones; Wireless antenna facilities; Childrens' health

Article Outline

1. Introduction and background
2. Evidence supporting a public health risk 2.1. Malignant brain tumors 2.2. Plausible biological mechanisms for a relationship between RF exposure and cancer 2.2.1. DNA damage and oxidative stress 2.2.2. Stress proteins (heat shock proteins or HSP) 2.2.3. RF-induced gene expression changes
3. Sleep, cognitive function and performance 3.1. Plausible biological mechanisms for neurobehavioral effects 3.1.1. The melatonin hypothesis 3.1.2. Blood–brain barrier alterations
4. What are sources of wireless radiation?
5. Problems with existing public health standards (safety limits)
6. Prudent public health responses
7. Conclusions and recommended actions
References

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Indoor allergens, environmental avoidance, and allergic respiratory disease.

Allergy Asthma Proc. 2008 Nov-Dec;29(6):575-9.

Links

Indoor allergens, environmental avoidance, and allergic respiratory disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19173784

Bush RK.

Section of Allergy, Immunology, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA. rkb@medicine.wisc.edu

Indoor allergen exposure to sources such as house-dust mites, pets, fungi, and insects plays a significant role in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma. The identification of the major allergens has led to methods that can quantitate exposure, e.g., immunoassays for Der p 1 in settled dust samples. Sensitization and the development of allergic respiratory disease result from complex genetic and environmental interactions. New paradigms that examine the role of other environmental factors, including exposure to proteases that can activate eosinophils and initiate Th2 responses, and epigenetics, are being explored. Recommendations for specific environmental allergen avoidance measures are discussed for house-dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, and fungi. Specific measures to reduce indoor allergen exposure when vigorously applied may reduce the risk of sensitization and symptoms of allergic respiratory disease, although further research will be necessary to establish cost-effective approaches.

PMID: 19173784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Mitochondrial impacts of insecticidal formate esters in insecticide-resistant and insecticide-susceptible Drosophila melanogaster.

Pest Manag Sci. 2009 Mar 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Links

Mitochondrial impacts of insecticidal formate esters in insecticide-resistant and insecticide-susceptible Drosophila melanogaster.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19278021

Song C, Scharf ME.

Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.

BACKGROUND: Previous research on insecticidal formate esters in flies and mosquitoes has documented toxicity profiles, metabolism characteristics and neurological impacts. The research presented here investigated mitochondrial impacts of insecticidal formate esters and their hydrolyzed metabolite formic acid in the model dipteran insect Drosophila melanogaster Meig. These studies compared two Drosophila strains: an insecticide-susceptible strain (Canton-S) and a strain resistant by cytochrome P450 overexpression (Hikone-R).

RESULTS: In initial studies investigating inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, two proven insecticidal materials (hydramethylnon and sodium cyanide) caused significant inhibition. However, for insecticidal formate esters and formic acid, no significant inhibition was identified in either fly strain. Mitochondrial impacts of formate esters were then investigated further by tracking toxicant-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytoplasm, a biomarker of apoptosis and neurological dysfunction. Formic acid and three positive control treatments (rotenone, antimycin A and sodium cyanide) induced cytochrome c release, verifying that formic acid is capable of causing mitochondrial disruption. However, when comparing formate ester hydrolysis and cytochrome c release between Drosophila strains, formic acid liberation was only weakly correlated with cytochrome c release in the susceptible Canton-S strain (r(2) = 0.70). The resistant Hikone-R strain showed no correlation (r(2) < 0.0001) between formate ester hydrolysis and cytochrome c release.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide confirmation of mitochondrial impacts by insecticidal formate esters and suggest links between mitochondrial disruption, respiratory inhibition, apoptosis and formate-ester-induced neurotoxicity. Copyright (c) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID: 19278021 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics.]

Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2009 Jan-Feb;100(1):53-60.

Links

[Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics.]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19268112

[Article in Spanish]

Laguna C, de la Cuadra J, Martín-González B, Zaragoza V, Martínez-Casimiro L, Alegre V.

Servicio de Dermatología. Hospital General Universitario de Valencia. Valencia. España. cecipru@comv.es.

INTRODUCTION: Contact dermatitis to cosmetics is a common problem in the general population, although its prevalence appears to be underestimated. We reviewed cases of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics diagnosed in our dermatology department over a 7-year period with a view to identifying the allergens responsible, the frequency of occurrence of these allergens, and the cosmetic products implicated. METHODS: Using the database of the skin allergy department, we undertook a search of all cases of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics diagnosed in our department from January 2000 through October 2007. RESULTS: In this period, patch tests were carried out on 2,485 patients, of whom 740 were diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis and the cause was cosmetics in 202 of these patients (170 women and 32 men), who accounted for 27.3 % of all cases. A total of 315 positive results were found for 46 different allergens. Allergens most often responsible for contact dermatitis in a cosmetics user were methylisothiazolinone (19 %), paraphenylenediamine (15.2 %), and fragrance mixtures (7.8 %). Acrylates were the most common allergens in cases of occupational disease. Half of the positive results were obtained with the standard battery of the Spanish Group for Research Into Dermatitis and Skin Allergies (GEIDAC). The cosmetic products most often implicated among cosmetics users were hair dyes (18.5 %), gels/soaps (15.7 %), and moisturizers (12.7 %). CONCLUSION: Most patients affected were women. Preser vatives, paraphenylenediamine, and fragrances were the most frequently detected cosmetic allergens, in line with previous reports in the literature. Finally, in order to detect new cosmetic allergens, cooperation between physicians and cosmetics producers is needed.

PMID: 19268112 [PubMed - in process]

Chronic fatigue: is it endocrinology?

Clin Med. 2009 Feb;9(1):34-8. Links

Chronic fatigue: is it endocrinology?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19271598

Evans KM, Flanagan DE, Wilkin TJ.

Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth and Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. kme@doctors.org.uk

Fatigue and stress-related illnesses often become diagnoses of exclusion after extensive investigation. 'Tired all the time' is a frequent reason for referral to the endocrine clinic, the implicit question being--is there a subtle endocrine pathology contributing to the patient's symptoms? Often initial assessment suggests not but there are no clear data to address the question of whether overt pathology will develop in the future. This study observed outcomes after five years in 101 consecutive and unselected referrals to secondary care for 'fatigue?cause', where initial assessment did not suggest treatable endocrine pathology. The findings suggest that the clinical diagnosis of fatigue, based on history and tests to exclude anaemia, hypothyroidism and diabetes, is secure: these patients do not subsequently demonstrate excess morbidity and mortality, and their presenting symptoms are not early features of significant endocrine pathology.

PMID: 19271598 [PubMed - in process]

Patient-centered outcome criteria for successful treatment of facial pain and fibromyalgia.

J Orofac Pain. 2009 Winter;23(1):47-53. Links

Patient-centered outcome criteria for successful treatment of facial pain and fibromyalgia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19264035

Stutts LA, Robinson ME, McCulloch RC, Banou E, Waxenberg LB, Gremillion HA, Staud R.

Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. lstutts@phhp.ufl.edu

AIMS: To define treatment success from the facial pain and fibromyalgia pain patient perspective across four domains (pain, fatigue, emotional distress, interference with daily activities) through the use of the Patient-Centered Outcomes (PCO) Questionnaire. METHODS: Participants included 53 facial pain (46 women, seven men) and 52 fibromyalgia (49 women, three men) patients who completed the PCO Questionnaire. The PCO assesses four relevant domains of chronic pain: pain, fatigue, distress, and interference in daily activities. Participants rated their usual levels, expected levels, levels they considered successful improvements, and how important improvements were in each of the four domains following treatment. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were performed to determine whether differences existed across domains and across pain groups. RESULTS: Both groups of participants defined treatment success as a substantial decrease in their pain, fatigue, distress, and interference ratings (all approximately 60%). Fibromyalgia participants reported high levels of pain (mean = 7.08, SD = 2.04), fatigue (mean = 7.82, SD = 1.71), distress (mean = 6.35, SD = 2.46), and interference (mean = 7.35, SD = 2.21). Facial pain participants' ratings of these domains were significantly lower for pain (mean = 5.62, SD = 2.38), fatigue (mean = 5.28, SD = 2.64), distress (mean = 4.34, SD = 2.78), and interference (mean = 4.10, SD = 3.06). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the high expectations of individuals with facial pain and fibromyalgia regarding treatment of their symptoms. Health care providers should incorporate these expectations into their treatment plans and discuss realistic treatment goals with their pain patients.

PMID: 19264035 [PubMed - in process]

Toxic ignorance and right-to-know in biomonitoring results communication: a survey of scientists and study participants

Research
Toxic ignorance and right-to-know in biomonitoring results communication: a survey of scientists and study participants

http://www.ehjournal.net/content/pdf/1476-069X-8-6.pdf

Rachel Morello-Frosch*1, Julia Green Brody2, Phil Brown3,4, Rebecca Gasior Altman4, Ruthann A Rudel2 and Carla Pérez5

Environmental Health 2009, 8:6

Abstract

Background: Exposure assessment has shifted from pollutant monitoring in air, soil, and water
toward personal exposure measurements and biomonitoring. This trend along with the paucity of
health effect data for many of the pollutants studied raise ethical and scientific challenges for
reporting results to study participants.

Methods: We interviewed 26 individuals involved in biomonitoring studies, including academic
scientists, scientists from environmental advocacy organizations, IRB officials, and study
participants; observed meetings where stakeholders discussed these issues; and reviewed the
relevant literature to assess emerging ethical, scientific, and policy debates about personal exposure
assessment and biomonitoring, including public demand for information on the human health effects
of chemical body burdens.

Results: We identify three frameworks for report-back in personal exposure studies: clinical
ethics; community-based participatory research; and citizen science 'data judo.' The first approach
emphasizes reporting results only when the health significance of exposures is known, while the
latter two represent new communication strategies where study participants play a role in
interpreting, disseminating, and leveraging results to promote community health. We identify five
critical areas to consider in planning future biomonitoring studies.

Conclusion: Public deliberation about communication in personal exposure assessment research
suggests that new forms of community-based research ethics and participatory scientific practice
are emerging.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Epidemiological evidence for an association between use of wireless phones and tumor diseases.

Pathophysiology. 2009 Mar 4. [Epub ahead of print]

Epidemiological evidence for an association between use of wireless phones and tumor diseases.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/19268551

Hardell L, Carlberg M, Hansson Mild K.
Department of Oncology, University Hospital, SE-701 85 Orebro, Sweden.

During recent years there has been increasing public concern on potential cancer risks from microwave emissions from wireless phones. We evaluated the scientific evidence for long-term mobile phone use and the association with certain tumors in case-control studies, mostly from the Hardell group in Sweden and the Interphone study group. Regarding brain tumors the meta-analysis yielded for glioma odds ratio (OR)=1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.9-1.1. OR increased to 1.3, 95% CI=1.1-1.6 with 10 year latency period, with highest risk for ipsilateral exposure (same side as the tumor localisation), OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.4-2.4, lower for contralateral exposure (opposite side) OR=1.2, 95% CI=0.9-1.7. Regarding acoustic neuroma OR=1.0, 95% CI=0.8-1.1 was calculated increasing to OR=1.3, 95% CI=0.97-1.9 with 10 year latency period. For ipsilateral exposure OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.1-2.4, and for contralateral exposure OR=1.2, 95% CI=0.8-1.9 were found. Regarding meningioma no consistent pattern of an increased risk was found. Concerning age, highest risk was found in the age group <20 years at time of first use of wireless phones in the studies from the Hardell group. For salivary gland tumors, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and testicular cancer no consistent pattern of an association with use of wireless phones was found. One study on uveal melanoma yielded for probable/certain mobile phone use OR=4.2, 95% CI=1.2-14.5. One study on intratemporal facial nerve tumor was not possible to evaluate due to methodological shortcomings. In summary our review yielded a consistent pattern of an increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma after >10 year mobile phone use. We conclude that current standard for exposure to microwaves during mobile phone use is not safe for long-term exposure and needs to be revised.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Polyvalent type IV sensitizations to multiple fragrances and a skin protection cream in a metalworker.

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2009 Feb 10. [Epub ahead of print]

Links

Polyvalent type IV sensitizations to multiple fragrances and a skin protection cream in a metalworker.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19243479

Tanko Z, Shab A, Diepgen TL, Weisshaar E.

Department of Clinical Social Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.

Summary Fragrances are very common in everyday products. A metalworker with chronic hand eczema and previously diagnosed type IV sensitizations to epoxy resin, balsam of Peru, fragrance mix and fragrance mix II was diagnosed with additional type IV sensitizations to geraniol, hydroxycitronellal, lilial, tree moss, oak moss absolute, citral, citronellol, farnesol, Lyral((R)), fragrance mix II and fragrance mix (with sorbitan sesquioleate). In addition, a type IV sensitization to the skin protection cream containing geraniol and citronellol used at the workplace was detected, and deemed occupationally relevant in this case. The patient could have had contact to fragrances through private use of cosmetics and detergents. On the other hand, the fragrance-containing skin protection cream supports occupational exposure. This case report demonstrates that fragrance contact allergy has to be searched for and clarified individually, which requires a thorough history and a detailed analysis of the work place.

PMID: 19243479 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Role of Oxidative Stress in Ultrafine Particle-Induced Exacerbation of Allergic Lung Inflammation.

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2009 Mar 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Links

Role of Oxidative Stress in Ultrafine Particle-Induced Exacerbation of Allergic Lung Inflammation.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19264975?ordinalpos=3&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Alessandrini F, Beck-Speier I, Krappmann D, Weichenmeier I, Takenaka S, Karg E, Kloo B, Schulz H, Jakob T, Mempel M, Behrendt H.

Division of Environmental Dermatology and Allergy , Helmholtz Zentrum/Technische Universitat Munchen, ZAUM Center for Allergy and Environment, Neuherberg and Munich, Germany; Focus Network Nanoparticles and Health (NanoHealth) , Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.

RATIONALE: The effects of ultrafine particles inhalation on allergic airway inflammation is of growing interest. The mechanisms underlying these effects are currently under investigation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of oxidative stress on the adjuvant activity of inhaled elemental carbon ultrafine particles (EC-UFP) on allergic airway inflammation. METHODS: Ovalbumin-sensitized mice were exposed to EC-UFP(504microHg/m(3) for 24 h) or filtered air immediately prior to allergen challenge and systemically treated with Nacetylcysteine or vehicle prior and during EC-UFP inhalation. Allergic inflammation was measured up to one week after allergen challenge by means of bronchoalveolar lavage, cytokine/total protein assays, lung function and histology. Isoprostane levels in lung tissue served to measure oxidative stress. Transmission electron microscopy served to localize ECUFP in lung tissue and both EMSA and immunohistochemistry to quantify/localize NF-kappaB activation. MAIN RESULTS: In sensitized and challenged mice EC-UFP inhalation increased allergen-induced lung lipid peroxidation and NF-kappaB activation in addition to inflammatory infiltrate, cytokine release and airway hyperresponsiveness. Prominent NF-kappaB activation was observed in the same cell types in which EC-UFP were detected. N-acetylcysteine treatment significantly reduced the adjuvant activity of EC-UFP. In non sensitized or sensitized but not challenged mice EC-UFP exposure induced a moderate increase in isoprostanes, but no significant effect on other parameters of lung inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a critical role for oxidative stress in EC-UFP-induced augmentation of allergen-induced lung inflammation, where EC-UFP exposure has potentiating effects in lung allergic inflammation. Our data support the concept that allergic individuals are more susceptible to the adverse health effects of EC-UFP.

PMID: 19264975 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Friday, March 6, 2009

Microbial volatile organic compounds

Crit Rev Toxicol. 2009;39(2):139-93.

Links

Microbial volatile organic compounds.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19204852

Korpi A, Järnberg J, Pasanen AL.

University of Kuopio, Department of Environmental Science, Kuopio, Finland. anne.korpi@uku.fi

Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) are a variety of compounds formed in the metabolism of fungi and bacteria. Of more than 200 compounds identified as MVOCs in laboratory experiments, none can be regarded as exclusively of microbial origin or as specific for certain microbial species. Thus, the recognition of microbially contaminated areas by MVOC measurements is not successful with current methods. In this review, the basic physical and chemical properties of 96 typical MVOCs have been summarised. Of these, toxicological and exposure data were gathered for the 15 MVOCs most often analysed and reported in buildings with moisture and microbial damage. The most obvious health effect of MVOC exposure is eye and upper-airway irritation. However, in human experimental exposure studies, symptoms of irritation have appeared at MVOC concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than those measured indoors (single MVOC levels in indoor environments have ranged from a few ng/m(3) up to 1 mg/m(3)). This is also supported by dose-dependent sensory-irritation response, as determined by the American Society for Testing and Materials mouse bioassay. On the other hand, the toxicological database is poor even for the 15 examined MVOCs. There may be more potent compounds and other endpoints not yet evaluated.

PMID: 19204852 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Approach to sick building problem in schools: a workshop "Saga Forum on Environment" project]

Nippon Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2009 Jan;64(1):26-31.

Links

[Approach to sick building problem in schools: a workshop "Saga Forum on Environment" project]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19246857

[Article in Japanese]

Ichiba M, Takahashi T, Yamashita Z, Takaishi K, Nishimura K, Kamachi M, Kondoh T, Matsumoto A, Ueno D, Miyajima T.

Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Saga Medical School, Saga, Japan. ichiba@cc.saga-u.ac.jp

OBJECTIVE: Saga University has the "Saga Forum of Environment" project conducted in collaboration with the Saga city local government. In this project, a workshop was held to study the sick building syndrome at schools. The purpose of this workshop was to evaluate indoor air pollution levels in elementary and junior high schools in Saga city. METHODS: The levels of aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOC) were measured in 96 classrooms of the 49 schools in August. The sampling of these chemicals were performed by the passive sampler method and measured by high-performance liquid chromatograph or gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer by participants of the workshop. RESULTS: In 40% of all classrooms, formaldehyde levels were higher than that of the standard of Japanese Ministry of Education. Relatively high levels of formaldehyde were found in some music classrooms. The origin of formaldehyde was thought to be musical instruments, furniture or wooden floors. A significant correlation was found between formaldehyde level and room temperature. The classrooms with ventilators showed lower levels of formaldehyde than those without ventilators. The levels of most VOCs except that of alpha-pinene were low. CONCLUSION: There is still room for improvement of air pollution in elementary and junior high schools.

PMID: 19246857 [PubMed - in process]

Toxic ignorance and right-to-know in biomonitoring results communication: a survey of scientists and study participants.

Environ Health. 2009 Feb 28;8(1):6. [Epub ahead of print]

Links

Toxic ignorance and right-to-know in biomonitoring results communication: a survey of scientists and study participants.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19250551

Morello-Frosch R, Brody JG, Brown P, Altman RG, Rudel RA, Perez C.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Exposure assessment has shifted from pollutant monitoring in air, soil, and water toward personal exposure measurements and biomonitoring. This trend along with the paucity of health effect data for many of the pollutants studied raise ethical and scientific challenges for reporting results to study participants. METHODS: We interviewed 26 individuals involved in biomonitoring studies, including academic scientists, scientists from environmental advocacy organizations, IRB officials, and study participants; observed meetings where stakeholders discussed these issues; and reviewed the relevant literature to assess emerging ethical, scientific, and policy debates about personal exposure assessment and biomonitoring, including public demand for information on the human health effects of chemical body burdens. RESULTS: We identify three frameworks for report-back in personal exposure studies: clinical ethics; community-based participatory research; and citizen science 'data judo.' The first approach emphasizes reporting results only when the health significance of exposures is known, while the latter two represent new communication strategies where study participants play a role in interpreting, disseminating, and leveraging results to promote community health. We identify five critical areas to consider in planning future biomonitoring studies. CONCLUSION: Public deliberation about communication in personal exposure assessment research suggests that new forms of community-based research ethics and participatory scientific practice are emerging.

PMID: 19250551 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Visible and near-infrared spectral changes in the thumb of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Clin Chim Acta. 2009 Feb 25. [Epub ahead of print]

Links

Visible and near-infrared spectral changes in the thumb of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19248775

Department of Virology, Center for Infectious Disease Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients show a persistent fatigue condition with muscle pain and impairment of concentration, memory, and sleep. Presently, the physiological basis of CFS remains unclear. In this study, spectroscopic differences in the thumb were compared between 103 CFS patients and 122 healthy controls to examine possible changes of levels of oxygenated or deoxygenated hemoglobin. METHODS: Visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy was used to examine possible changes in the region of 600-1100 nm. RESULTS: Vis-NIR spectra showed sharp peaks at 694, 970 and 1060 nm and broad peaks in the regions of 740-760 and 830-850 nm. As these peaks are possibly related to oxyhemoglobin, cytochrome c oxidase and water, levels of these factors were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis of the absorbance of Vis-NIR spectra showed a significant decrease in water content, a significant increase in oxyhemoglobin content, and a significant increase in the oxidation of heme a+a(3) and copper in cytochrome c oxidase in CFS patients. CONCLUSIONS: These changes imply accelerated blood flow and energy metabolism in the thumbs of CFS patients.

PMID: 19248775 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Prevalence of Fibromyalgia: A Survey in Five European Countries.

Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Feb 26. [Epub ahead of print]

Links

Prevalence of Fibromyalgia: A Survey in Five European Countries.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19250656?ordinalpos=6&itool=Email.EmailReport.Pubmed_ReportSelector.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Branco JC, Bannwarth B, Failde I, Abello Carbonell J, Blotman F, Spaeth M, Saraiva F, Nacci F, Thomas E, Caubère JP, Le Lay K, Taieb C, Matucci-Cerinic M.

Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal.

OBJECTIVE: A survey was performed in 5 European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) to estimate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in the general population. METHODS: In each country, the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiological Study Screening Questionnaire (LFESSQ) was administered by telephone to a representative sample of the community over 15 years of age. A positive screen was defined as the following: (1) meeting the 4-pain criteria alone (LFESSQ-4), or (2) meeting both the 4-pain and the 2-fatigue criteria (LFESSQ-6). The questionnaire was also submitted to all outpatients referred to the 8 participating rheumatology clinics for 1 month. These patients were examined by a rheumatologist to confirm or exclude the FM diagnosis according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. The prevalence of FM in the general population was estimated by applying the positive-predictive values to eligible community subjects (ie, positive screens). RESULTS: Among rheumatology outpatients, 46% screened positive for chronic widespread pain (LFESSQ-4), 32% for pain and fatigue (LFESSQ-6), and 14% were confirmed FM cases. In the whole general population, 13 and 6.7% screened positive for LFESSQ-4 and LFESSQ-6, respectively. 3The estimated overall prevalence of FM was 4.7% (95% CI: 4.0 to 5.3) and 2.9% (95% CI: 2.4 to 3.4), respectively, in the general population. The prevalence of FM was age- and sex-related and varied among countries. CONCLUSION: FM appears to be a common condition in these 5 European countries, even if data derived from the most specific criteria set (LFESSQ-6) are considered.

PMID: 19250656 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Shopping for Answers: Unscented doesn't mean fragrance-free

Comment: This is a good reminder in clear language explaining the problem with "unscented" products.

Shopping for Answers: Unscented doesn't mean fragrance-free
http://www.sacbee.com/grogan/story/1672613.html

"Unscented means that it leaves no fragrance on hair or skin, but the product may have a masking fragrance, which is used to disguise the smells of the other ingredients. Fragrance-free means there is no perfume added to the product."

Support for Those Living Alone with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Singles with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) face unique financial and social challenges when compared to their counterparts with other family members. When help is needed to hold things together, it can be difficult to find.

Shopping - When a single person cannot shop, there are no family members to assist.

Financial - When a single person can no longer work, there is no other recourse for income from other family members to help cover basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care.

Doctor Visits - Family members attending medical appointments often provide an air of patient credibility that is compromised when one sees a physician alone. In addition, since many doctors offices are unsafe environments, family members can assist by communicating with the doctor when the individual with MCS is compromised.

Transportation - Family members often provide transportation and are able to run errands for a disabled member. Singles still have the same errands, but no one to run them.

Advocacy - Family members who are healthy and not compromised can be valuable resources for wading through the mounds of paperwork related to disability, financial affairs, and social services.

Housing -Safe housing is the number one challenge for people with MCS. Family units provide the financial backing to enable renting or purchasing stand alone units which can be renovated to the needs of the MCS member. Singles face the unique challenge of lacking the financial capability to afford these expensive modifications and often live in toxic community settings such as an apartment complex.

Dating - Despite chronic illness, singles with MCS may still want to date and socialize.

A support group for singles with MCS is located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mcs-singles and addresses the challenges of living as a single with MCS, examines solutions, provides a place for general discussion, and is a resource for peer support.

Disclaimer: This is not a dating group.

Monday, March 2, 2009

How to Get Toxic Cleaners Out of Your Workplace

This is a good guide to share with schools and workplace administrators when
requesting safer cleaning practices.

2007 - Labour Enviornmental Alliance Society
How to Get Toxic Cleaners Out of Your Workplace and Out of the Enviornment
Cleaners and Toxics Guide
http://www.toxicfreecanada.ca/pdf/Toxins%20Guide.pdf

Saturday, February 28, 2009

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

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

Links

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

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

Houdenhove BV, Eede FV, Luyten P.

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

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

PMID: 19237251 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Can sustained arousal explain the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

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

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

Authors: Wyller VB, Eriksen HR, Malterud K.

NLM Citation: PMID: 19236717

ABSTRACT:

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

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

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