Chemicals could be making you gain weight
http://www.timescall.com/lifestyles/ci_24291927/chemicals-could-be-making-you-fat
"Everyone knows Americans are fat and getting fatter, and everyone thinks they know why: more eating and less moving.
But the "big two" factors may not be the whole story. Consider this: Animals have been getting fatter too. The National Pet Obesity Survey recently reported that more than 50 percent of cats and dogs — that's more than 80 million pets — are overweight or obese. Pets have gotten so plump that there's now a National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. (It was Wednesday.) Lap dogs and comatose cats aren't alone in the fat animal kingdom. Animals in strictly controlled research laboratories that have enforced the same diet and lifestyle for decades are also ballooning."
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Nurses and doctors educate lawmakers on the dangers of chemicals
Nurses and doctors educate lawmakers on the dangers of chemicals
http://www.psr.org/news-events/news-archive/nurses-and-doctors-educate.html
http://www.psr.org/news-events/news-archive/nurses-and-doctors-educate.html
"PSR joined forces recently with the American Nurses Association to present an informational briefing to the US Senate on the health hazards of chemicals in consumer products and the environment. Chaired by Catherine Thomasson, MD, PSR's executive director, the briefing focused on chemicals known as endocrine disruptors which interrupt the body's hormone system."
Study ties chemical to possible miscarriage risk
Study ties chemical to possible miscarriage risk
http://www.sfgate.com/news/medical/article/Study-ties-chemical-to-possible-miscarriage-risk-4892532.php
"BOSTON (AP) — New research suggests that high levels of BPA, a chemical in many plastics and canned food linings, might raise the risk of miscarriage in women prone to that problem or having trouble getting pregnant."
http://www.sfgate.com/news/medical/article/Study-ties-chemical-to-possible-miscarriage-risk-4892532.php
"BOSTON (AP) — New research suggests that high levels of BPA, a chemical in many plastics and canned food linings, might raise the risk of miscarriage in women prone to that problem or having trouble getting pregnant."
The "Gulf War syndrome". Is there evidence of dysfunction in the nervous system?
The "Gulf War syndrome". Is there evidence of dysfunction in the nervous system?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1073905/
G A Jamal, S Hansen, F Apartopoulos, and A Peden
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1073905/
G A Jamal, S Hansen, F Apartopoulos, and A Peden
Abstract
In a pilot study, 14 Gulf War veterans were randomly selected from a large list of those with unexplained illness, to compare the functional integrity of the peripheral and central nervous system with a group of 13 healthy civilian control subjects using predetermined outcome measures. The controls were matched closely for age, sex, handedness, and physical activity. Outcome measures included scoring of symptoms and clinical neurological signs, quantitative sensory testing of heat, cold and vibration sensibilities, motor and sensory nerve conduction studies on upper and lower limbs, needle EMG of distal and proximal muscles and multimodality evoked potential (visual, brainstem, and somatosensory) studies. Three measurements, all related to peripheral nerve function (cold threshold (P = 0.0002), sural nerve latency (P = 0.034), and median nerve sensory action potential (P = 0.030) were abnormal in the veterans compared with the controls. There may be a dysfunction in the veterans but more studies are required to investigate the findings further and to characterise the dysfunction if confirmed.
In a pilot study, 14 Gulf War veterans were randomly selected from a large list of those with unexplained illness, to compare the functional integrity of the peripheral and central nervous system with a group of 13 healthy civilian control subjects using predetermined outcome measures. The controls were matched closely for age, sex, handedness, and physical activity. Outcome measures included scoring of symptoms and clinical neurological signs, quantitative sensory testing of heat, cold and vibration sensibilities, motor and sensory nerve conduction studies on upper and lower limbs, needle EMG of distal and proximal muscles and multimodality evoked potential (visual, brainstem, and somatosensory) studies. Three measurements, all related to peripheral nerve function (cold threshold (P = 0.0002), sural nerve latency (P = 0.034), and median nerve sensory action potential (P = 0.030) were abnormal in the veterans compared with the controls. There may be a dysfunction in the veterans but more studies are required to investigate the findings further and to characterise the dysfunction if confirmed.
Can Radiation From Wi Fi Cause Fertility Problems, A.D.H.D. & Cancer? Hear Dr. Martin Pall (of Portland) & U.K. Microwave Expert Prof. Barrie Trower Speak
Can Radiation From Wi Fi Cause Fertility Problems, A.D.H.D. & Cancer? Hear Dr. Martin Pall (of Portland) & U.K. Microwave Expert Prof. Barrie Trower Speak
http://www.thelundreport.org/resource/can_radiation_from_wi_fi_cause_fertility_problems_adhd_cancer_hear_dr_martin_pall_of_portla
http://www.thelundreport.org/resource/can_radiation_from_wi_fi_cause_fertility_problems_adhd_cancer_hear_dr_martin_pall_of_portla
Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
https://www.createspace.com/382645
https://www.createspace.com/382645
Disclosure: NFI
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Study to track firefighter exposure to chemicals
Study to track firefighter exposure to chemicals
http://www.kjonline.com/news/Study-to-track-firefighter-exposure-to-chemicals.html
"The times have changed, and research now shows firefighters are at a greater risk of developing cancer because of exposure to toxic chemicals while fighting fires."
http://www.kjonline.com/news/Study-to-track-firefighter-exposure-to-chemicals.html
"The times have changed, and research now shows firefighters are at a greater risk of developing cancer because of exposure to toxic chemicals while fighting fires."
Asthma related to cleaning agents: a clinical insight -- Vandenplas et al. 3 (9) -- BMJ Open
Asthma related to cleaning agents: a clinical insight -- Vandenplas et al. 3 (9) -- BMJ Open
http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/3/9/e003568.full?sid=e2e75ce0-58ff-4e13-b51d-75a73f839193
BMJ Open 2013;3:e003568 doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003568
Occupational and environmental medicine
http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/3/9/e003568.full?sid=e2e75ce0-58ff-4e13-b51d-75a73f839193
BMJ Open 2013;3:e003568 doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003568
Occupational and environmental medicine
Olivier Vandenplas, et al.
Abstract
Objective To determine the agents causing asthmatic reactions during specific inhalation challenges (SICs) in workers with cleaning-related asthma symptoms and to assess the pattern of bronchial responses in order to identify the mechanisms involved in cleaning-related asthma.
Design A retrospective case series analysis.
Setting The study included all participants who completed an SIC procedure with the cleaning/disinfection products suspected of causing work-related asthma over the period 1992–2011 in a tertiary centre, which is the single specialised centre of the French-speaking part of Belgium where all participants with work-related asthma are referred to for SIC.
Results The review identified 44 participants who completed an SIC with cleaning/disinfection agents. Challenge exposure to the suspected cleaning agents elicited a ≥20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in 17 (39%) participants. The cleaning products that induced a positive SIC contained quaternary ammonium compounds (n=10), glutaraldehyde (n=3), both of these agents (n=1) and ethanolamines (n=2). Positive SICs were associated with a significant decrease in the median (IQR) value of the provocative concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20) from 1.4 (0.2–4.2) mg/mL at baseline to 0.5 (0.4–3.0) mg/mL after the challenge and a significant increase in sputum eosinophils from 1.8 (0.8–7.2)% at baseline to 10.0 (4.1–15.9)% 7 h after the challenge exposure while these parameters did not significantly change in participants with a negative SIC. Overall, 11 of 17 participants with positive SICs showed greater than threefold decrease in postchallenge histamine PC20 value, a >2% increase in sputum eosinophils, or both of these outcomes.
Conclusions These data indicate that a substantial proportion of workers who experience asthma symptoms related to cleaning materials show a pattern of bronchial reaction consistent with sensitiser-induced occupational asthma. The results also suggest that quaternary ammonium compounds are the principal cause of sensitiser-induced occupational asthma among cleaners.
Green Cleaning Toolkit for Child Care Providers
Green Cleaning Toolkit for Child Care Providers
http://apps.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/childcare/toolkit/green_cleaning/main.cfm
http://apps.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/childcare/toolkit/green_cleaning/main.cfm
Fukushima Watch: Stemming One Leak Causes Another
Fukushima Watch: Stemming One Leak Causes Another
http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2013/10/03/fukushima-watch-stemming-one-leak-causes-another/
"It seems the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is destined to lurch from one blunder to another. In the latest unfortunate episode Wednesday, it ended up causing a leak as it attempted to prevent another leak elsewhere."
http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2013/10/03/fukushima-watch-stemming-one-leak-causes-another/
"It seems the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is destined to lurch from one blunder to another. In the latest unfortunate episode Wednesday, it ended up causing a leak as it attempted to prevent another leak elsewhere."
Dangerous levels of radioactivity found at fracking waste site in Pennsylvania
Dangerous levels of radioactivity found at fracking waste site in Pennsylvania
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/02/dangerous-radioactivity-fracking-waste-pennsylvania
"Scientists have for the first time found dangerous levels of radioactivity and salinity at a shale gas waste disposal site that could contaminate drinking water. If the UK follows in the steps of the US "shale gas revolution", it should impose regulations to stop such radioactive buildup, they said."
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/02/dangerous-radioactivity-fracking-waste-pennsylvania
"Scientists have for the first time found dangerous levels of radioactivity and salinity at a shale gas waste disposal site that could contaminate drinking water. If the UK follows in the steps of the US "shale gas revolution", it should impose regulations to stop such radioactive buildup, they said."
FDA's Voice of the Patient Report on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Reveals Disease Impact and Areas for Progress
FDA's Voice of the Patient Report on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Reveals Disease Impact and Areas for Progress
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/10/03/5791682/fdas-voice-of-the-patient-report.html
"GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PANDORA Org and other patient organizations say a recent report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows the agency must take further action to open up opportunities for ME/CFS drug development. Titled "The Voice of the Patient," this report is a detailed summary of an April 25 FDA Patient-Focused Drug Development meeting, the first of its kind, where patients explained the reality of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). "
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/10/03/5791682/fdas-voice-of-the-patient-report.html
"GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PANDORA Org and other patient organizations say a recent report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows the agency must take further action to open up opportunities for ME/CFS drug development. Titled "The Voice of the Patient," this report is a detailed summary of an April 25 FDA Patient-Focused Drug Development meeting, the first of its kind, where patients explained the reality of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). "
Highway proximity associated with cardiovascular disease risk: the influence of individual-level confounders and exposure misclassification
Research
Highway proximity associated with cardiovascular disease risk: the influence of individual-level confounders and exposure misclassification
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/12/1/84/abstract
http://www.ehjournal.net/content/12/1/84/abstract
Doug Brugge, Kevin Lane, Luz T Padró-Martínez, Andrea Stewart, Kyle Hoesterey, David Weiss, Ding Ding Wang, Jonathan I Levy, Allison P Patton, Wig Zamore and Mkaya Mwamburi
Environmental Health 2013, 12:84 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-12-84
Published: 3 October 2013
Environmental Health 2013, 12:84 doi:10.1186/1476-069X-12-84
Published: 3 October 2013
Abstract (provisional)
Background
Elevated cardiovascular disease risk has been reported with proximity to highways or busy roadways, but proximity measures can be challenging to interpret given potential confounders and exposure error.
Elevated cardiovascular disease risk has been reported with proximity to highways or busy roadways, but proximity measures can be challenging to interpret given potential confounders and exposure error.
Methods
We conducted a cross sectional analysis of plasma levels of C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha receptor II (TNF-RII) and fibrinogen with distance of residence to a highway in and around Boston, Massachusetts. Distance was assigned using ortho-photo corrected parcel matching, as well as less precise approaches such as simple parcel matching and geocoding addresses to street networks. We used a combined random and convenience sample of 260 adults >40 years old. We screened a large number of individual-level variables including some infrequently collected for assessment of highway proximity, and included a subset in our final regression models. We monitored ultrafine particle (UFP) levels in the study areas to help interpret proximity measures.
We conducted a cross sectional analysis of plasma levels of C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha receptor II (TNF-RII) and fibrinogen with distance of residence to a highway in and around Boston, Massachusetts. Distance was assigned using ortho-photo corrected parcel matching, as well as less precise approaches such as simple parcel matching and geocoding addresses to street networks. We used a combined random and convenience sample of 260 adults >40 years old. We screened a large number of individual-level variables including some infrequently collected for assessment of highway proximity, and included a subset in our final regression models. We monitored ultrafine particle (UFP) levels in the study areas to help interpret proximity measures.
Results
Using the orthophoto corrected geocoding, in a fully adjusted model, hsCRP and IL-6 differed by distance category relative to urban background: 43% (-16%,141%) and 49% (6%,110%) increase for 0-50 m; 7% (-39%,45%) and 41% (6%,86%) for 50-150 m; 54% (-2%,142%) and 18% (-11%,57%) for 150-250 m, and 49% (-4%, 131%) and 42% (6%, 89%) for 250-450 m. There was little evidence for association for TNF-RII or fibrinogen. Ortho-photo corrected geocoding resulted in stronger associations than traditional methods which introduced differential misclassification. Restricted analysis found the effect of proximity on biomarkers was mostly downwind from the highway or upwind where there was considerable local street traffic, consistent with patterns of monitored UFP levels.
Using the orthophoto corrected geocoding, in a fully adjusted model, hsCRP and IL-6 differed by distance category relative to urban background: 43% (-16%,141%) and 49% (6%,110%) increase for 0-50 m; 7% (-39%,45%) and 41% (6%,86%) for 50-150 m; 54% (-2%,142%) and 18% (-11%,57%) for 150-250 m, and 49% (-4%, 131%) and 42% (6%, 89%) for 250-450 m. There was little evidence for association for TNF-RII or fibrinogen. Ortho-photo corrected geocoding resulted in stronger associations than traditional methods which introduced differential misclassification. Restricted analysis found the effect of proximity on biomarkers was mostly downwind from the highway or upwind where there was considerable local street traffic, consistent with patterns of monitored UFP levels.
Conclusion
We found associations between highway proximity and both hsCRP and IL-6, with non-monotonic patterns explained partly by individual-level factors and differences between proximity and UFP concentrations. Our analyses emphasize the importance of controlling for the risk of differential exposure misclassification from geocoding error.
We found associations between highway proximity and both hsCRP and IL-6, with non-monotonic patterns explained partly by individual-level factors and differences between proximity and UFP concentrations. Our analyses emphasize the importance of controlling for the risk of differential exposure misclassification from geocoding error.
The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.
Special: Toxic gases choke Hyderabad
Special: Toxic gases choke Hyderabad
http://www.asianage.com/india/special-toxic-gases-choke-hyderabad-055
"Hyderabad: It is not just nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that causes pollution in the city. A new study claims to have found high levels of toxic benzene in Hyderabad's air."
http://www.asianage.com/india/special-toxic-gases-choke-hyderabad-055
"Hyderabad: It is not just nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that causes pollution in the city. A new study claims to have found high levels of toxic benzene in Hyderabad's air."
Utah doctors call for year-round ban on burning wood
Utah doctors call for year-round ban on burning wood
"SALT LAKE CITY — As the weather gets cooler and many Utahns are firing up their wood burning stoves and fireplaces, some Utah doctors are calling for policy that will ban wood burning year round, not just on certain red-air days.
Dr. Brian Moench, president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, said it's a necessary action.
"We don't have a lot of options," he said. "We can accept our air pollution is not solvable, we can stop driving all our cars, we can tell industry to shut down, or we can stop burning wood.""
Friday, August 9, 2013
ITU Workshop on Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)
ITU Workshop on Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)
http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/emf/201307/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/emf/201307/Pages/default.aspx
Is Your Smart Meter Causing Brain Damage?
Key Words: multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, chemical sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS, EI, environmental illness, sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatiuge, FM, CFS, mold illness, clinical ecology, alternative medicine, environmental medicine, neuropathy, encephalopathy, toxic, chemical
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Link between chronic fatigue and sinusitis
Link between chronic fatigue and sinusitis
http://www.tele-management.ca/2013/08/link-between-chronic-fatigue-and-sinusitis/
http://www.tele-management.ca/2013/08/link-between-chronic-fatigue-and-sinusitis/
"According to the study, sinus symptoms were nine times more common among patients with fatigue and six times more common among those with chronic pain."
Jindal: Chemicals leaking from Lawtell train derailment
Jindal: Chemicals leaking from Lawtell train derailment
http://www.katc.com/news/jindal-chemicals-leaking-from-lawtell-train-derailment/#_
"The train that derailed in Lawtell is leaking chemicals and at least one of two cars carrying a hazardous chemical, vinyl chrloride, is damaged. That's according to Gov. Bobby Jindal who flew into St. Landry Parish to speak about the situation a little after 9:30 p.m. tonight. "Although it's not leaking at this moment, it does have signs of damage," Jindal said. The damage has to be assessed before residents can return home, he said of the vinyl chloride. US 190 near the accident site will be closed for at least two days as the situation is assessed. As of now, 101 homes have been evacuated and 30 families have checked into the evacuation check point, and four are looking for shelter."
http://www.katc.com/news/jindal-chemicals-leaking-from-lawtell-train-derailment/#_
"The train that derailed in Lawtell is leaking chemicals and at least one of two cars carrying a hazardous chemical, vinyl chrloride, is damaged. That's according to Gov. Bobby Jindal who flew into St. Landry Parish to speak about the situation a little after 9:30 p.m. tonight. "Although it's not leaking at this moment, it does have signs of damage," Jindal said. The damage has to be assessed before residents can return home, he said of the vinyl chloride. US 190 near the accident site will be closed for at least two days as the situation is assessed. As of now, 101 homes have been evacuated and 30 families have checked into the evacuation check point, and four are looking for shelter."
Nerve damage and fibromyalgia
Nerve damage and fibromyalgia
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/07/nerve-damage-and-fibromyalgia/
"Small study could lead to identification of treatable diseases for some with chronic pain syndrome"
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/07/nerve-damage-and-fibromyalgia/
"Small study could lead to identification of treatable diseases for some with chronic pain syndrome"
Half of Fibromyalgia Patients Suffer from Nerve Damage
Half of Fibromyalgia Patients Suffer from Nerve Damage
http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/8503/20130730/half-fibromyalgia-patients-suffer-nerve-damage.htm
"Fibromyalgia, a disorder that's characterized by a widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues, damages the nerve fibers in the skin of many patients, and for some, shows evidence of a disease called small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN). Unlike fibromyalgia, which has few treatments and a relatively unknown cause, SFPN has a clear pathology and is known to be caused by certain medical symptoms which do respond to treatment in some instances. And fortunately, in some instances, some can even be cured."
http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/8503/20130730/half-fibromyalgia-patients-suffer-nerve-damage.htm
"Fibromyalgia, a disorder that's characterized by a widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues, damages the nerve fibers in the skin of many patients, and for some, shows evidence of a disease called small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN). Unlike fibromyalgia, which has few treatments and a relatively unknown cause, SFPN has a clear pathology and is known to be caused by certain medical symptoms which do respond to treatment in some instances. And fortunately, in some instances, some can even be cured."
Sunday, August 4, 2013
High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals alterations of intestinal microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals alterations of intestinal microbiota in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23791918
Frémont M, Coomans D, Massart S, De Meirleir K.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23791918
Frémont M, Coomans D, Massart S, De Meirleir K.
Anaerobe. 2013 Aug;22:50-6. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2013.06.002. Epub 2013 Jun 19.
Source
R.E.D Laboratories NV, Z-1 Researchpark 100, 1731 Zellik, Belgium. Electronic address: mfremont@redlabs.be.
Source
R.E.D Laboratories NV, Z-1 Researchpark 100, 1731 Zellik, Belgium. Electronic address: mfremont@redlabs.be.
Abstract
Human intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of host health by providing energy, nutrients, and immunological protection. Intestinal dysfunction is a frequent complaint in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients, and previous reports suggest that dysbiosis, i.e. the overgrowth of abnormal populations of bacteria in the gut, is linked to the pathogenesis of the disease. We used high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the presence of specific alterations in the gut microbiota of ME/CFS patients from Belgium and Norway. 43 ME/CFS patients and 36 healthy controls were included in the study. Bacterial DNA was extracted from stool samples, PCR amplification was performed on 16S rRNA gene regions, and PCR amplicons were sequenced using Roche FLX 454 sequencer. The composition of the gut microbiota was found to differ between Belgian controls and Norwegian controls: Norwegians showed higher percentages of specific Firmicutes populations (Roseburia, Holdemania) and lower proportions of most Bacteroidetes genera. A highly significant separation could be achieved between Norwegian controls and Norwegian patients: patients presented increased proportions of Lactonifactor and Alistipes, as well as a decrease in several Firmicutes populations. In Belgian subjects the patient/control separation was less pronounced, however some abnormalities observed in Norwegian patients were also found in Belgian patients. These results show that intestinal microbiota is altered in ME/CFS. High-throughput sequencing is a useful tool to diagnose dysbiosis in patients and could help designing treatments based on gut microbiota modulation (antibiotics, pre and probiotics supplementation).
PMID: 23791918 [PubMed - in process]
Human intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of host health by providing energy, nutrients, and immunological protection. Intestinal dysfunction is a frequent complaint in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients, and previous reports suggest that dysbiosis, i.e. the overgrowth of abnormal populations of bacteria in the gut, is linked to the pathogenesis of the disease. We used high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the presence of specific alterations in the gut microbiota of ME/CFS patients from Belgium and Norway. 43 ME/CFS patients and 36 healthy controls were included in the study. Bacterial DNA was extracted from stool samples, PCR amplification was performed on 16S rRNA gene regions, and PCR amplicons were sequenced using Roche FLX 454 sequencer. The composition of the gut microbiota was found to differ between Belgian controls and Norwegian controls: Norwegians showed higher percentages of specific Firmicutes populations (Roseburia, Holdemania) and lower proportions of most Bacteroidetes genera. A highly significant separation could be achieved between Norwegian controls and Norwegian patients: patients presented increased proportions of Lactonifactor and Alistipes, as well as a decrease in several Firmicutes populations. In Belgian subjects the patient/control separation was less pronounced, however some abnormalities observed in Norwegian patients were also found in Belgian patients. These results show that intestinal microbiota is altered in ME/CFS. High-throughput sequencing is a useful tool to diagnose dysbiosis in patients and could help designing treatments based on gut microbiota modulation (antibiotics, pre and probiotics supplementation).
PMID: 23791918 [PubMed - in process]
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Migraine in gulf war illness and chronic fatigue syndrome: prevalence, potential mechanisms, and evaluation.
Migraine in gulf war illness and chronic fatigue syndrome: prevalence, potential mechanisms, and evaluation.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23898301
Rayhan RU, Ravindran MK, Baraniuk JN.
Front Physiol. 2013 Jul 24;4:181. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00181. Print 2013.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23898301
Rayhan RU, Ravindran MK, Baraniuk JN.
Front Physiol. 2013 Jul 24;4:181. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00181. Print 2013.
Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Washington, DC, USA.
Abstract
Objective: To assess the prevalence of headache subtypes in Gulf War Illness (GWI) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) compared to controls.
Background: Approximately, 25% of the military personnel who served in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War have developed GWI. Symptoms of GWI and CFS have considerable overlap, including headache complaints. Migraines are reported in CFS. The type and prevalence of headaches in GWI have not been adequately assessed.
Methods: 50 GWI, 39 CFS and 45 controls had structured headache evaluations based on the 2004 International Headache Society criteria. All subjects had history and physical examinations, fatigue and symptom related questionnaires, measurements of systemic hyperalgesia (dolorimetry), and assessments for exclusionary conditions.
Results: Migraines were detected in 64% of GWI (odds ratio = 11.6 [4.1-32.5]) (mean [±95% CI]) and 82% of CFS subjects (odds ratio = 22.5 [7.8-64.8]) compared to only 13% of controls. There was a predominance of females in the CFS compared to GWI and controls. However, migraine status was independent of gender in GWI and CFS groups (x (2) = 2.7; P = 0.101). Measures of fatigue, pain, and other ancillary criteria were comparable between GWI and CFS subjects with and without headache.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of migraine in CFS was confirmed and extended to GWI subjects. GWI and CFS may share dysfunctional central pathophysiological pathways that contribute to migraine and subjective symptoms. The high migraine prevalence warrants the inclusion of a structured headache evaluation in GWI and CFS subjects, and treatment when present.
KEYWORDS:
central sensitization, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia, gulf war illness, migraine, neurolimbic pathway
central sensitization, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia, gulf war illness, migraine, neurolimbic pathway
PMID: 23898301
Oral Argument: Sublingual Findings Challenge Key Assumptions about BPA Exposure
Oral Argument: Sublingual Findings Challenge Key Assumptions about BPA Exposure
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/121-a257/
"Key assumptions about bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and bioavailability may be off base, according to a new report in EHP that questions the traditional interpretation of biomonitoring data underlying current risk assessments of the chemical.1 Laboratory research suggests that BPA, a widely used chemical for polycarbonate plastics and other products, is an endocrine disruptor with potential adverse health effects involving reproduction, metabolism, and cancer.2,3"
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/121-a257/
"Key assumptions about bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and bioavailability may be off base, according to a new report in EHP that questions the traditional interpretation of biomonitoring data underlying current risk assessments of the chemical.1 Laboratory research suggests that BPA, a widely used chemical for polycarbonate plastics and other products, is an endocrine disruptor with potential adverse health effects involving reproduction, metabolism, and cancer.2,3"
Necrostatin-1 Counteracts Aluminum's Neurotoxic Effects
Necrostatin-1 Counteracts Aluminum's Neurotoxic Effects
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130802094852.htm
"Investigators have linked aluminum accumulation in the brain as a possible contributing factor to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience sheds light on the mechanism underlying aluminum-induced neuronal cell death and identifies necrostatin-1 as a substance which counteracts several of aluminum's neurotoxic effects."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130802094852.htm
"Investigators have linked aluminum accumulation in the brain as a possible contributing factor to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience sheds light on the mechanism underlying aluminum-induced neuronal cell death and identifies necrostatin-1 as a substance which counteracts several of aluminum's neurotoxic effects."
Pesticide exposure and self-reported incident depression among wives in the Agricultural Health Study
Pesticide exposure and self-reported incident depression among wives in the Agricultural Health Study
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935113001096
Abstract
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935113001096
Abstract
Background
Depression in women is a public health problem. Studies have reported positive associations between pesticides and depression, but few studies were prospective or presented results for women separately.
Depression in women is a public health problem. Studies have reported positive associations between pesticides and depression, but few studies were prospective or presented results for women separately.
Objectives
We evaluated associations between pesticide exposure and incident depression among farmers' wives in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort study in Iowa and North Carolina.
We evaluated associations between pesticide exposure and incident depression among farmers' wives in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort study in Iowa and North Carolina.
Methods
We used data on 16,893 wives who did not report physician-diagnosed depression at enrollment (1993–1997) and who completed a follow-up telephone interview (2005–2010). Among these wives, 1054 reported physician diagnoses of depression at follow-up. We collected information on potential confounders and on ever use of any pesticide, 11 functional and chemical classes of pesticides, and 50 specific pesticides by wives and their husbands via self-administered questionnaires at enrollment. We used inverse probability weighting to adjust for potential confounders and to account for possible selection bias induced by the death or loss of 10,639 wives during follow-up. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
We used data on 16,893 wives who did not report physician-diagnosed depression at enrollment (1993–1997) and who completed a follow-up telephone interview (2005–2010). Among these wives, 1054 reported physician diagnoses of depression at follow-up. We collected information on potential confounders and on ever use of any pesticide, 11 functional and chemical classes of pesticides, and 50 specific pesticides by wives and their husbands via self-administered questionnaires at enrollment. We used inverse probability weighting to adjust for potential confounders and to account for possible selection bias induced by the death or loss of 10,639 wives during follow-up. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Results
After weighting for age at enrollment, state of residence, education level, diabetes diagnosis, and drop out, wives' incident depression was positively associated with diagnosed pesticide poisoning, but was not associated with ever using any pesticide. Use of individual pesticides or functional or chemical classes of pesticides was generally not associated with wives' depression. Among wives who never used pesticides, husbands' ever use of individual pesticides or functional or chemical classes of pesticides was generally not associated with wives' incident depression.
After weighting for age at enrollment, state of residence, education level, diabetes diagnosis, and drop out, wives' incident depression was positively associated with diagnosed pesticide poisoning, but was not associated with ever using any pesticide. Use of individual pesticides or functional or chemical classes of pesticides was generally not associated with wives' depression. Among wives who never used pesticides, husbands' ever use of individual pesticides or functional or chemical classes of pesticides was generally not associated with wives' incident depression.
Conclusions
Our study adds further evidence that high level pesticide exposure, such as pesticide poisoning, is associated with increased risk of depression and sets a lower bound on the level of exposure related to depression, thereby providing reassurance that the moderate levels of pesticide exposure experienced by farmers' wives likely do not increase risk.
Our study adds further evidence that high level pesticide exposure, such as pesticide poisoning, is associated with increased risk of depression and sets a lower bound on the level of exposure related to depression, thereby providing reassurance that the moderate levels of pesticide exposure experienced by farmers' wives likely do not increase risk.
Abbreviations
2,4-D, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid;
2,4,5-T, (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid;
2,4,5-TP, (RS)2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propanonic acid;
CI, Confidence interval;
DDT, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane;
EPTC, S-ethyl dipropyl(thiocarbamate);
IQR, Interquartile range;
NIEHS, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
RR, Risk ratio
2,4-D, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid;
2,4,5-T, (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid;
2,4,5-TP, (RS)2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propanonic acid;
CI, Confidence interval;
DDT, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane;
EPTC, S-ethyl dipropyl(thiocarbamate);
IQR, Interquartile range;
NIEHS, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
RR, Risk ratio
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http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/08/02/13113/chemical-boards-unfinished-investigations-hinder-agency-mission-ig-finds
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http://www.bna.com/workers-silica-exposure-n17179875594/
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http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-mercury-fish-warning-california-lake-reservoir-20130801,0,2446669.story
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http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-mercury-fish-warning-california-lake-reservoir-20130801,0,2446669.story
"Children and women of childbearing age should not eat bass, carp and larger brown trout caught in California lakes and reservoirs because they contain unhealthy levels of mercury, according to a state health advisory issued Thursday.
Instead, they should opt for wild-caught rainbow trout and smaller brown trout, which have less mercury and higher amounts of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment says. The agency also suggests women over 45 and men limit themselves to one serving per week of bass, carp or brown trout more than 16 inches long."
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