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News - week 8 - 2008
Ban on products with
phenylpropanolamine
All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE
are being recalled. STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been
linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the
three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA
recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.
The following medications contain
Phenylpropanolamine:
Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine (Cherry or Orange )
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Dura tion
Dexatrim Gel caps
Dexatrim Vitamin C - Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp! DM Col d & Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Relief
Triaminic Expec torant Chest & Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold & amp; Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/
Marjan
Smokeless tobacco products are
addictive and hazardous to health, scientific committee concludes
The Scientific Committee on Emerging and
Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) in its opinion on smokeless tobacco products
addressed their health effects and addiction potential. Furthermore, it examined the role
of these products in smoking initiation and cessation, as well as the possibility to
extrapolate the experience and use patterns from countries permitting the use of oral
tobacco to other EU-countries, where this use is currently banned.
According to the opinion, which was
published today after a public consultation, smokeless tobacco is addictive and withdrawal
symptoms are broadly similar to those seen in smokers. Smokeless tobacco products
contain various levels of toxic substances and these products are carcinogenic to humans.
The Committee also stated that on the
available evidence it is not possible to draw conclusions as to the relative effectiveness
of smokeless tobacco as an aid to smoking cessation in comparison with established
therapies. Moreover, trends in prevalence of smoking and use of oral tobacco are not
predictable, as no extrapolation can be derived on the use of oral tobacco in countries
were it has not been used before.
SCENIHR provides the Commission with an
updated and useful assessment in order to manage health risks in a responsible way
according
to its competences.
The opinion can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_scenihr/docs/scenihr_o_013.pdf
Ditta
Chemical Used in Non-Stick Cookware
Continues to Prove Its Toxicity
There seems to be more evidence mounting in the ongoing Perflurooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
debate. PFOA is used in the production of Teflon and other non-stick surfaces and is found
in the packaging of candy bars, microwave popcorn, fast food packaging like french fry and
pizza boxes, bakery items, drinks, paper plates, and a host of "stain resistant"
products such as carpets. Other well-known brand names containing PFOA include
Stainmaster, Scotchgard, SilverStone, Fluron, Supra, Excalibur, Greblon, Xylon, Duracote,
Resistal, Autograph and T-Fal.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022645.html
Enzyme structure may pave way for
cancer, diabetes therapies
Researchers have discovered the structure of an enzyme, making it possible to have a clear
understanding of the mechanism by which its mutations may lead to diseases like cancer and
diabetes.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/enzyme-structure
Nutrient Search Tool
This tool finds foods with the highest or lowest concentrations of specific nutrients. For
example, you can use this tool to generate a list of low-carbohydrate foods, or to
identify foods from a particular category that are high in protein and low in fat.
http://www.nutritiondata.com/tools/nutrient-search
Fast-food binge harms liver, but
boosts good cholesterol
A month-long diet of fast food and no exercise led to dangerously high levels of enzymes
linked to liver damage, in an unusual experiment inspired by the docu-movie
"Supersize Me."
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jWRfNVt_dQqnP0fGYvSRtovVY9Qg
Study aims to cut antibiotics use
The Cardiff University study aims to reduce the rate of resistance to the
infection-fighting drugs by helping GPs reappraise their use of them.
http://www.alfonsven.com/He.htm
CFS - Poor heart function could be
to blame
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may be linked to reduced heart activity – but
researchers aren’t sure if heart function causes CFS, or if it’s the other way
round.
http://www.wddty.com/03363800369799468194/cfs-poor-heart-function
Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Increases Risk of Breast Cancer
As little as three years of using combined estrogen and progestin menopausal hormone
therapy substantially increases the risk of developing lobular breast carcinoma, the
results of new research indicate. "Previous studies suggest that only women who use
these hormones for at least five years have an increase in breast cancer risk, but none
have evaluated how shorter durations of use impact risk of lobular breast cancer,"
lead author Dr Christopher I Li said.
http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/200802/market06.shtml
Body fat level linked to rise in
cancer risk
Too much body fat raises the risk of about a dozen different cancers, according to a major
new study that adds to growing evidence linking excess weight to cancer at most sites in
the body.
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=309098
Study Links Maternal Antibodies to
Autism
According to today's Science Daily, "New research from the UC Davis M.I.N.D.
Institute and Center for Children's Environmental Health has found that antibodies in the
blood of mothers of children with autism bind to fetal brain cells, potentially
interrupting healthy brain development.
http://autism.about.com/b/2008/02/12/study-links-maternal-antibodies-to-autism.htm
Is it Lead poisoning, or Autism?
In October of 2007, there were 27 Million lead-related recalls of toys and other items,
including jewelry. And the symptoms of lead poisoning also mimic those of Autism. This is
creating quite the dilemma for many parents, and medical professionals.
http://www.kcrg.com/news/health/15306516.html
Sacking Saccharin - Experts Weigh
In on Ditching Diet Soda
No one has quite understood why obesity continues to rise even though the advent of
artificial sweeteners was supposed to give us a healthy alternative to calorie-laden
sugar.
http://www.injuryboard.com/national-news/sacking-saccharin
A Global Assessment of Salmon
Aquaculture Impacts on Wild Salmonids
Since the late 1980s, wild salmon catch and abundance have declined dramatically in the
North Atlantic and in much of the northeastern Pacific south of Alaska. In these areas,
there has been a concomitant increase in the production of farmed salmon. Previous studies
have shown negative impacts on wild salmonids, but these results have been difficult to
translate into predictions of change in wild population survival and abundance. We
compared marine survival of salmonids in areas with salmon farming to adjacent areas
without farms in Scotland, Ireland, Atlantic Canada, and Pacific Canada to estimate
changes in marine survival concurrent with the growth of salmon aquaculture. Through a
meta-analysis of existing data, we show a reduction in survival or abundance of Atlantic
salmon; sea trout; and pink, chum, and coho salmon in association with increased
production of farmed salmon. In many cases, these reductions in survival or abundance are
greater than 50%. Meta-analytic estimates of the mean effect are significant and negative,
suggesting that salmon farming has reduced survival of wild salmon and trout in many
populations and countries.
http://biology.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document
Cancer tutor
Did you know there are natural or alternative cancer treatments that can provide a 97%
true cure rate on recently diagnosed cancer patients, and can even achieve a 50% true cure
rate on cancer patients given up on by orthodox medicine?
http://www.cancertutor.com/index.html#Treatments
Do Statins Dull the Minds of Some
Patients?
Here’s what the vice chairman of medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital says
about the effects of Lipitor on the cognitive function of some women - “This drug
makes women stupid.”
http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/02/12/do-statins-dull-the-minds-
Get your omega-3s from the sea
When it comes to heart health, all omega-3 fats seem to have beneficial effects (though,
again, many believe the greatest protection comes from EPA and DHA). Acting as a natural
anti-inflammatory (much like taking an aspirin a day), they seem to prevent or stabilize
the formation of plaques in the arteries, keeping the wall of the artery (known as the
endothelium) more healthy and elastic.
http://www.nationalpost.com/life/health/story.html?id=302063
Airport noise instantly boosts
blood pressure
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-31914620080213
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-31914620080213
22,000 died amid delayed Bayer drug
recall
The lives of 22,000 patients could have been saved if U.S. regulators had been quicker to
remove a Bayer AG drug used to stem bleeding during open heart surgery, according to a
medical researcher interviewed by CBS Television's 60 Minutes program.
http://in.reuters.com/article/health/idINN1450916820080215
Brown rice lowers risk of diabetes
A simple change in your diet can now lower your cholesterol level and protect you against
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and breast and colon cancer.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Brown_rice_lowers_risk_of_
Biomarker expression patterns that
correlate with high grade features in treatment naive, organ-confined prostate cancer
The early detection of prostate cancer has resulted in an increase in the number of
patients with localized prostate cancer and has paralleled the reported reduction in
prostate cancer mortality. The increased rate of detection of patients with localized
prostate cancer may also increase the risk of potentially morbid therapy in a patient with
indolent cancer. Defining the biomarker correlates of prostate cancer virulence will
facilitate the appropriate application and development of therapy for patients with early
disease.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1755-8794/1/1
Dysregulated Epstein-Barr virus
infection in the multiple sclerosis brain
Contrary to previous studies, we found evidence of EBV infection in a substantial
proportion of brain-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells in nearly 100% of the MS cases
examined (21 of 22), but not in other inflammatory neurological diseases. Ectopic B cell
follicles forming in the cerebral meninges of some cases with secondary progressive MS
were identified as major sites of EBV persistence.
http://www.jem.org/cgi/content/abstract/204/12/2899
Green vegetables might hold clue to
Alzheimer's
Deficiencies in the levels of folate in the blood can triple a person's risk of developing
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, according to researchers. Folate, which is also
known as vitamin B9, is found in most dark green vegetables.
http://www.mcknights.com/Green-vegetables-might-hold-clue-to
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
One course of treatment within toenail fungus home remedies is the use of tea tree oil.
Such oil contains natural antiseptic and fungicidal properties that can combat the fungus.
As a source of treatment in the array of toenail fungus home remedies, combine pure tea
tree oil with olive oil to the infected nail of the toe.
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/51983
Early Puberty Caused By Fungus?
Toxins in the environment may disrupt normal development in girls because they act like
hormones such as estrogen, a new study said.
http://www.kcci.com/family/15270471/detail.html
Drugs fall behind placebo in
treatment of inflamed sinuses
Neither amoxicillin nor budesonide, taken alone or together, proved better than a placebo
at resolving symptoms.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/0212quickstudy0212.html
One-Year Results of Bronchial
Thermoplasty in Refractory Asthma
We found that, in this population of severe asthma patients, bronchial thermoplasty was
associated with a short-term increase in asthma-related symptoms around the time of
treatment but showed a potential for a longer-term improvement in rescue medication use,
lung function, asthma control and quality of life," states Ian D. Pavord, MD and
principle investigator of the study at the Glenfield General Hospital, University
Hospitals of Leicester. "These potential long term improvements make us hopeful that
bronchial thermoplasty could some day be a viable new treatment option for these severe
asthma patients.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/one-year-results-of-bronchial-
Scientists identify genetic cause
of prostate cancer
Scientists have made a major advance in understanding the genetic causes of prostate
cancer, opening a new front in the battle against the most common malignant disease in
men.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientists-identify-
Chemical disrupts cell division by
targeting protein
A chemical widely used in plastic beverage and food containers can disrupt cell division
by interfering with a protein that is critical to the process, a team of New Mexico State
University researchers has found.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_8226391?source=most_emailed
Avian Influenza - Chronology of
Events
This website provides information on the main events and the Commission actions taken in
relation to avian influenza (AI) outbreaks in Member States and third countries. All
actions taken by the Commission aim to stop the spread of the disease, to eradicate it as
soon as possible, to ensure the safe movement, imports and exports of animals and their
products and to inform trading partners and other interested parties about the actions
taken at Community level. The measures taken are in line with Community legislation and
the requirements of the Word Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/controlmeasures/avian/
The dreaded food additives
This is no excuse for putting additives in all foods. Sometimes, looking at the back of a
package the large amount of E numbers on it is frightening. I recommend everyone to
understand what the additives are, especially those commonly used to avoid those which can
do without and do not worry with those that are completely harmless if not beneficial.
http://www.foodreactions.org/allergy/additives/index.html
'Tobacco epidemic' could kill 1
billion in 21st century unless governments act now
The World Health Organization warned that the "tobacco epidemic" is growing and
could claim 1 billion lives by the end of the century unless governments dramatically step
up efforts to curb smoking.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/08/america/NA-GEN-UN-Tobacco-Epidemic.php
Schimmels, darmen, arabinose en
autisme
Schimmels, met name candida albicans, zijn in staat om Arabinose te produceren. Arabinose
is een (abnormale) suiker. Arabitol (ook Arabinitol) lijkt op Arabinose en is normaal erg
laag in bloedserum van gezonde personen, maar als mensen zieker worden - gekoloniseerd
raken - van/door een schimmel, dan stijgt deze waarde. Bij een extreme kolonisatie -
invasieve candidiasis - stijgt dezewaarde tot 1000 maal de controle groep. Veel literatuur
bevestigt deze bevindingen in zowel mens als dier. Waarschijnlijk kunnen mensen arabitol
omzetten in arabinose, maar het kan ook door darmbacteriën plaatsvinden.Bij gezonde
mensen vinden we lage waardes van arabitol in het bloed. Bij pasgeborenen, waarschijnlijk
door een volledig schimmelvrij maag-darmkanaal, zijn deze waarden waarden enorm laag. Hele
hoge waarden van deze suikervorm leiden soms tot hypoglycaemie. Bij autisten kunnen deze
waarden extreem hoog worden. Er zijn gevallen bekend waarbij autisten chronische
hypoglycaemie ontwikkelden telkens nadat er een antibioticakuur werd voorgeschreven. Ook
bij vrouwen met een vaginale candidiasis vindt men hogere waarden van arabinose. Arabinose
kan ook gevormd worden uit glucose. Antioxidanten, zoals glutathion, remmen dit effect.
http://www.mbog.nl/nieuws/documenten/MBOG-Nieuwsbrief-juni-2007.pdf
Biofuels Are Bad for Feeding People
and Combating Climate Change
Converting corn to ethanol in Iowa not only leads to clearing more of the Amazonian
rainforest, researchers report in a pair of new studies in Science, but also would do
little to slow global warming—and often make it worse.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=biofuels-bad-for-people-and-climate
Seawater spray cures kids colds
It may be that the salt water has a simple mechanical effect of clearing mucus, or it
could be that trace elements in the water play some more significant role, though the
exact reason why such a solution works is not known, said Dr. Ivo Slapak and colleagues at
the Teaching Hospital of Brno in the Czech Republic.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN1830740020080121
Biofuel crops may worsen global
warming
Converting land for biofuel crops results in major carbon emissions and actually worsens
the problem of global warming instead of mitigating it, says a new study.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080209/biofuel
Chronic pain should be considered a
disease
The concept that chronic pain is a disease in its own right is leading to new specific
treatments aimed at physical, psychological, and environmental components of this major
disease, including genetic predisposition, according to a world renowned pain medicine
expert.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/aaop-cps021508.php
U-M scientists develop tool to
probe role of oxidative stress in aging, disease
Oxygen, although essential for human life, can turn into an aggressive chemical that is
outright toxic to important molecules inside our cells. This "oxidative stress"
is associated with many diseases, such as Alzheimer's, heart disease and cancer, and has
been suggested to be the culprit underlying aging.
http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6345
French paradox redux? US vs. French
on being full
It's the French paradox redux: Why don't the French get as fat as Americans, considering
all the baguettes, wine, cheese, pate and pastries they eat? Because they use internal
cues -- such as no longer feeling hungry -- to stop eating, reports a new Cornell study.
Americans, on the other hand, tend to use external cues -- such as whether their plate is
clean, they have run out of their beverage or the TV show they're watching is over.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/cfb-fpr021508.php
7-year neck pain study sheds light
on best care
A seven-year, international study published today finds that some alternative therapies
such as acupuncture, neck manipulation and massage are better choices for managing most
common neck pain than many current practices.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/aca-snp021508.php
Mesothelin engineered on virus-like
particles provides treatment clues for pancreatic cancer
New understanding of a protein that spurs the growth of pancreatic cancer could lead to a
new vaccine against the deadly disease, said researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in
Houston in a report appearing in the current edition of the journal Molecular Cancer
Therapeutics.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/bcom-meo021308.php
Using HEPA filters may improve
cardiovascular health
One day doctors may recommend using high efficiency particle air filters along with weight
loss, smoking cessation, and exercise to improve cardiovascular health, according to
researchers in Denmark. In a recent study, they found that using HEPA filters for just two
days significantly improved a key measure of cardiovascular health in healthy, non-smoking
elderly individuals.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/ats-uhf021108.php
Stress may increase a woman's risk
of developing cervical cancer
A woman's daily stress can reduce her ability to fight off a common sexually transmitted
disease and increase her risk of developing the cancer it can cause, according to a new
study. No such association is seen, however, between past major life events, such as
divorce or job loss, and the body's response to the infection.
http://www.fccc.edu/news/2008/Fang-Stress-HPV-02-14-08.html
Study Identifies Which Men Are
Likely to Have Persistent Prostate Cancer
A new Fox Chase Cancer Center study suggests a biopsy reveals more important information
about a man's prostate cancer than previously understood. Doctors hope the new findings
will help them tailor radiation treatment.
http://www.fccc.edu/news/2008/Buyyounouski-GU-02-14-08.html
Yale study offers insight into
possible cause of lymphoma
The immune system's powerful cellular mutation and repair processes appear to offer
important clues as to how lymphatic cancer develops, Yale School of Medicine researchers
report this week in Nature.
http://www.yale.edu/opa/newsr/08-02-13-03.all.html
Cell phone-cancer link found by Tel
Aviv University scientist
A new study finds an association between heavy cell phone use and tumors of the salivary
gland.
http://www.aftau.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6425
Protein maintains cross talk
between cells that control hair growth
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a signaling molecule that is
critical for a type of skin cell, called dermal papilla, to ratchet up or clamp down the
activity of genes that give them their molecular identity. Without these signals, these
skin cells lose their hair-inducing properties -- findings that may provide a new
understanding of how stem cells differentiate.
http://newswire.rockefeller.edu/?page=engine&id=716
Public disagrees with doctors on
when it's right
Doctors do not think like the general public when it comes to making decisions about how
to treat -- or not treat -- severely ill patients. According to research published in the
open access journal Critical Care, the majority of doctors would withhold treatment in
certain circumstances, whereas most members of the public would not.
http://ccforum.com/content/12/1/R13
Mitochondrial DNA mutations can
cause degenerative heart and muscle disease
A single change in the DNA of mitochondria -- the cellular power plants that generate
energy in all human cells -- has been found to cause degenerative heart and muscle
disease, according to University of California-Irvine researchers.
http://today.uci.edu/news/release_detail.asp?key=1730
Immune system protein starves
'staph' bacteria
A multi-disciplinary team led by Vanderbilt University investigators has discovered that a
protein inside certain immune system cells blocks the growth of "staph" bacteria
by sopping up manganese and zinc. The findings, reported Feb. 15 in Science, support the
notion that binding metals -- to starve bacteria -- is a viable therapeutic option for
treating localized bacterial infections. New treatments are urgently needed to combat
antibiotic-resistant forms of staph, such as MRSA.
http://sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/newspub/crmQtG/2008/2/15/immune-
Metabolic syndrome linked to cold
tolerance
Many of the genetic variations that have enabled human populations to tolerate colder
climates may also affect their susceptibility to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of related
abnormalities such as obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease and diabetes.
http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2008/20080215-cold.html
Link between treating osteoporosis
with bisphosphonates and incidence of bone necrosis examined
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects some 25 million
Americans annually, 80 percent of them women. Because the disease causes a thinning of the
bone, it can lead to hip fractures, spinal fractures and a whole host of debilitating and
sometimes deadly complications. Bisphosphonates (BFs), such as popularly prescribed
Fosamax® (alendronate sodium), are a class of drugs that act to prevent bone fractures in
patients with osteoporosis as well as prevent bone metastases and related skeletal
problems in patients with cancer, including multiple myeloma, metastatic breast and
prostate cancers. In 2003, the first reports emerged of a “new” disease, called
osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), found in patients who were using BFs. ONJ is characterized
by bone necrosis and prolonged exposure of the jaw bone to the oral cavity. It has
frequently occurred in older people who have had an oral surgical procedure or trauma to
the jaw bones.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/cumc-lbt021508.php
Health effects of pesticide
mixtures - Unexpected insights from the salmon brain
In his research, NOAA scientist Nat Scholz examines how pesticides that run off the land
and mix in rivers and streams combine to have a greater than expected toxic effect on the
salmon nervous system. These pesticides are widely used in the United States and their
occurrence as mixtures in the food supply for humans may also pose an unexpected risk for
people.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-02/nh-nsa_1021208.php
Heparin Blood Thinner Drug Linked
to Sudden Deaths
In case you haven't heard, the popular blood thinning drug Heparin was voluntarily
recalled by its manufacturer (Baxter) after hundreds of reports surfaced linking the drug
to sudden deaths and severe allergic reactions requiring hospitalization. Drug safety
investigators have now confirmed "irregularities" in various batches of the
drug, meaning that some pills contained more active chemicals than other pills.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022654.html
Suffering From Hair Colouring - A
Chemical Overdose
Recently a young woman in the U.K. suffered a severe reaction to a hair dye with chemical
burns to her skin around her face, neck and scalp and a rash over her body (1). This is in
line with reports of an increase in hair dye allergies. A survey in London found that
contact dermatitis due to a hair dye allergy rose by 7.1 percent over a six-year period
after a patch test .
http://www.naturalnews.com/022651.html
Trial Results for the Cholesterol
Blocker Zetia Have Not Been Revealed
Has your doctor prescribed Zetia or the combination drug Vytorin to you to lower your
total cholesterol or your LDL cholesterol? If so, you and your doctor should know that
data from clinical trials designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of Zetia has yet
to be published even though the FDA approved Zetia five years ago.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022647.html
Private Study Links Vaccinations to
Neurological Disorders
The results are stunning. The data shows dramatic increases in neurological diseases and
asthma in vaccinated children. Generation Rescue is cautious in its interpretations. They
have taken a humble position, saying that, "We are a small non-profit organization.
For less than $200,000, we were able to complete a study that the CDC, with an $8 billion
a year budget, has been unable or unwilling to do. We think the results of our survey lend
credibility to the urgent need to do a larger scale study to compare vaccinated and
unvaccinated children for neurodevelopmental outcomes."
http://www.naturalnews.com/022642.html
FDA Wants Big Pharma to Use
Terminally Ill Patients as Guinea Pigs for Unapproved Drugs
The FDA has proposed allowing the testing of experimental drugs on terminally ill patients
once the drugs have passed the first safety testing phase, but before they have received
final approval. The plan has already sparked controversy, with physicians staking out
positions both for and against the proposed rule change.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022635.html
Protein from Deer Tick Saliva
Prevents the Hiv-1 Virus from Attaching to T Cells, Say UMass Amherst Researchers
The HIV-1 virus cripples the human immune system by targeting white blood cells called T
cells that form the body’s first line of defense in fighting infections. A recent
study by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a protein
found in the saliva of deer ticks prevents the HIV-1 virus from attaching to the surface
of T cells, which is the critical first step in the virus’ attack strategy. Results
were published in the February 2008 issue of Biochemical and Biophysical Research
Communications.
http://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/newsreleases/articles/71841.php
Probiotic Cuts Respiratory Illness
Rates in Endurance Athletes
The probiotic Lactobacillus substantially cuts the rate and length of respiratory illness
in professional long distance runners, reveals a small study published ahead of print in
the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537711/
Little Evidence That Psychotherapy
Helps Elderly With Depression
The jury is still out on whether psychotherapy can help older people with depression,
according to a new review of recent research. Among the small number of patients studied,
there were some signs that a treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy could help
older patients manage their depression, at least compared to those waiting to start
therapy.
Overall, however, “the findings do not
provide strong support for psychotherapeutic treatments in the management of depression in
older people,” said lead review author Kenneth Wilson, of the University of
Liverpool, in England. The review of studies appears in the latest issue of The Cochrane
Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that
evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews like this one draw evidence-based
conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of
existing medical trials on a topic. Depression is a common – but often undiagnosed
– problem among older people.
“A significant proportion of older
people with the condition will describe themselves as experiencing a loss of enjoyment and
a feeling of ill health rather than sadness or a feeling of depression,” Wilson said.
Wilson and colleagues reviewed nine studies focused on the use of psychotherapy for mild
depression in some 700 older patients. Most of the studies involved cognitive behavioral
therapy, which encourages patients to replace daily “unhealthy thoughts” with a
more positive and realistic viewpoint. A few of the studies used psychodynamic therapy,
which attempts to reveal unconscious thoughts and feelings that might be contributing to
depression. In five studies, patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy had
significantly fewer symptoms of depression than those waiting to enter a therapy program.H
owever, most of the studies were small,
with relatively few men and many patients who dropped out before the end of their
treatment. The patients ranged from mildly to severely depressed, and the treatments
themselves were not standard between studies. Despite stronger evidence of psychotherapy
helping younger people, “all of these complications make it hard to say whether
psychotherapy could be beneficial among older people,” Wilson said.
http://www.hbns.org/getDocument.cfm?documentID=1662
One Drink of Red Wine Or Alcohol Is
Relaxing to Circulation, but Two Drinks Are Stressful
One drink of either red wine or alcohol slightly benefits the heart and blood vessels, but
the positive effects on specific biological markers disappear with two drinks, say
researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of the Toronto General Hospital.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537678/
Human Growth Hormone Abuse Raises
Serious Health Risks, Endocrine Society Warns Congress
Testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform Committee on behalf
of The Endocrine Society, Dr. Alan Rogol outlined the legitimate medical uses of HGH and
the serious health consequences surrounding its abuse by athletes, celebrities, and those
hoping to find a way to combat the effects of aging.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/537686/
Global Trade and Farm Animal
Welfare
The rules of international trade can have
an immense impact on animal welfare, and mostly on the welfare of farmed animals. The
development of trade agreements can either undermine important legislative achievements,
or offer relevant opportunities to promote
animal welfare legislation and standards at the international level. Similarly,
legislation approved by single countries and policies adopted by
either farmers or retailers can have a major impact on the way farm animals are treated.
The European Commission (DG SANCO and DG
TRADE) together with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA),
Eurogroup for Animals, Compassion In World Farming and World Society for the Protection of
Animals (WSPA), have decided
to organize an International Forum on Global Aspects of Farm Animal Welfare on 22-23 April
2008 and a Conference on Global Trade and Farm Animal Welfare on 20-21 January 2009.
The aim of these events is to bring
together different constituents from all continents, who will present and discuss positive
experiences of inclusion of animal welfare in the trade environment. Through exchange and
sharing of concrete case studies, the Forum and Conference should prepare the ground for
and facilitate the adoption of similar policies worldwide.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.animalwelfareandtrade.com/
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/welfare/international/index_en.htm
[
News of week 7 ]
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