WASHINGTON SNIPER
Question:
epidemiologic studies suggest that affluence is correlated with better health (at least in OUR day and age vs pre-20the c.). money is associated with less smoking, less fat intake, more/fresher vegetables and fruits, more exercise, cleaner living environment. conversely, poverty is associated with the opposite, including alcohol consumption other than wine (which has positive correlations with health). breast cancer has not been clearly associated with any lifestyle factors, though fat and lack of exercise have some links, it appears, though non-definitive. Mark replied: << how do you account for the increased incidence of breast cancer on Long Island? I have a *hunch* that it is various aspects of lifestyle more than anything else. I would be curious to know of other clusters of BC, and whether those areas have a similar affluence. <BR<BR - – // oooO ( ) ( ) ) / ( (_
Response:
Mark, you mention multiple chemical sensitivies (MCS). MCS is NOT psychosomatic. that notion is antique, by any clinician with knowledge based on the last 20 years of immunue studies. i have MANY chemical sensititivities, and i can smell (via instant head pound) a solvent 16 floors below.
Recent (like within the pat month) epidemiological studies point out that there is a strong psychosomatic link. The few cases we have dealt with have followed the pattern of psychosomatization. However, I do not believe that all cases are purely psychosomatic. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – there is considerable research and thinking these days on imflammation factors, eg, cytokines, and their relation to a broad spectum of disorders (see abstracts below). cytokines (inflammatory factors) are gradually being regarded as central/or contributing players in many neuro (MS, Alzhemiers, ADD, depression, et al), autoimmune (allergy, skin, asthma, etc), cardio-vasculature problems (plaque rupture). and any perusal of recent research on Gulf War Sydrome reveals that cytokines likely play a role. much of the problem with GWS is that there is difficulty with Factor Analysis, meaning, it is difficult to find consistent patterns of symtoms and complaints by those affected. but newer, more refined research into GWS is finding subtle but detectable neuro-damage, likely initiated through pathways that affected by these inflammation factors. quite simply, some individuals are genetically more prone, it seems, to have a dysregulated response. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001 Mar;933:185-200 Related Articles, Links Cytokines and chronic fatigue syndrome. Patarca R. Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients show evidence of immune activation, as demonstrated by increased numbers of activated T lymphocytes, including cytotoxic T cells, as well as elevated levels of circulating cytokines. Nevertheless, immune cell function of CFS patients is poor, with low natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC), poor lymphocyte response to mitogens in culture, and frequent immunoglobulin deficiencies, most often IgG1 and IgG3. Immune dysfunction in CFS, with predominance of so-called T-helper type 2 and proinflammatory cytokines, can be episodic and associated with either cause or effect of the physiological and psychological function derangement and/or activation of latent viruses or other pathogens. The interplay of these factors can account for the perpetuation of disease with remission/exacerbation cycles. A T-helper type 2 predominance has been seen among Gulf War syndrome patients and this feature may also be present in other related disorders, such as multiple chemical sensitivity. Therapeutic intervention aimed at induction of a more favorable cytokine expression pattern and immune status appears promising. Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev 1998 Mar;17(1):1-17 Related Articles, Links Gulf War syndrome–a model for the complexity of biological and environmental interaction with human health. Jamal GA.University Department of Neurology, Southern General Hospital NHS Trust, Glasgow. Since the end of the Gulf War, tens of thousands of American, Canadian and British soldiers who participated in that war have claimed to be suffering from a variety of incapacitating symptoms which are generally termed as Gulf War Syndrome (GWS). The symptoms are multiple but mainly consist of excessive tiredness, muscle and joint pain, loss of balance, sensory symptoms, neurobehavioural manifestations, diarrhoea, bladder dysfunction, sweating disturbances, and respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and skin manifestations. These veterans have been exposed to a variety of damaging or potentially damaging risk factors including environmental adversities, pesticides such as organophosphate chemicals, skin insect repellents, medical agents such as pyridostigmine bromide (NAPS), possible low-levels of chemical warfare agents, multiple vaccinations in combinations, depleted uranium, and other factors. A large number of basic research findings, clinical epidemiological studies, and case control studies are reviewed to try and link them together to produce a coherent picture and to demonstrate the complexity of the interaction of biological systems, environmental and genetic factors, combinations of drugs and toxins with human health. The findings of these studies so far have demonstrated that many of the previous assumptions made about the ’safety’ of certain drugs and toxic substances or vaccines must be radically reviewed. Many of the findings have far reaching implications not only in terms of explanation of what might have gone wrong during the Gulf War, but also have wider implications for many occupational groups who are exposed daily to some of these risk factors. More open-mindedness and much less prejudice are required concerning the basic biology of interactions of the above factors and their effects on cell functions and wider intelligent research is urgently required with high priority. This review highlights the importance of intelligent research for answers for a new phenomenon, and demonstrates the necessity for a combination of this approach with high quality epidemiological research. The reader will notice an emerging clear picture that the majority (if not all) of these advances have been achieved from studies funded by independent or charity organizations rather than by the responsible authorities who are supposed and are duty bound to take on this task. if that’s true, regarding recent reports, there is other research stating a direct correlation. it is a controversial topic, for sure. further, it’s impossible to prove that a manifestation of disease, eg, skin problems, asthma, etc, are psychomatic. the cause the link may as yet be unknow, that’s not rare in medicine. how do you account for the increased incidence of breast cancer on Long Island? I have a *hunch* that it is various aspects of lifestyle more than anything else. I would be curious to know of other clusters of BC, and whether those areas have a similar affluence. or clusters of MS in the NW? genetic clusters do not account for these cases, in whole.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Recent research has shown that there is a direct link between *deployment* and GWS. There is evidence suggesting tyhat it is a psychosomatic disorder, much akin to MCS. - – // oooO ( ) ( ) ) / ( (_
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and further, regarding MCS, take a look at the Probs W Heat thread. *L* what the heck is going on there? - – // oooO ( ) ( ) ) / ( (_
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and further in addition to, etc, chronic pain is a good analogy. not long ago, chronic pain without an apparent source was regarded as psychosomatic. now neurologist know that chronic pain is likely a dysregulation is th pain pathway, and sensation that are painless for NT are magnified in the brains of other chronic pain sufferers. the interesting thing about this is they treat the underlying pathology with TCAs and other interventions that affect norepinephrine. but the treatment, according to these new clinicians/researchers, is not geared to a psychiattric disordeer; it’s geared to a neurologic dysfunction in nerve signal pathways (sort of like ADD, in a way). it took a LONG time for chronic pain sufferers to get some respect, and treatment! - – // oooO ( ) ( ) ) / ( (_
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I meant more than just wealthy lifestyles. In my neighborhood, which is rather affluent, most women do not work outside the home. Our take-out restaurants and fast food joints are jammed at dinner time, and I rarely see most people out exercising. While I am not in every house, I do see many of the women buying prepared foods, etc. As for exercise, they do go to the gyms (and fight to see who can get the parking place closest to the door!). Exercise is just a thing to do, not a lifestyle. I suspect that this plays a big role.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – epidemiologic studies suggest that affluence is correlated with better health (at least in OUR day and age vs pre-20the c.). money is associated with less smoking, less fat intake, more/fresher vegetables and fruits, more exercise, cleaner living environment. conversely, poverty is associated with the opposite, including alcohol consumption other than wine (which has positive correlations with health). breast cancer has not been clearly associated with any lifestyle factors, though fat and lack of exercise have some links, it appears, though non-definitive. Mark replied: << how do you account for the increased incidence of breast cancer on Long Island? I have a *hunch* that it is various aspects of lifestyle more than anything else. I would be curious to know of other clusters of BC, and whether those areas have a similar affluence. <BR<BR - – // oooO ( ) ( ) ) / ( (_
Response:
if you’re referring to this one (see below), this simply rep[orts a correlation with MCS and other neuro disorders, eg, depression, cognitive dysfunction, etc. and says they met the critieris of "somatization disorder." these kinds of studies are not looking at micro/molecular biology; they are using old models of disease, perpetuating the problem. one needs to look not this curde measure using DSM criteria of mood disorders; one must look at the neurobiology of pathways. ADD and hoax believes were this primitive not so long ago. now we have neuro-imaging. is ADD psychosomatic? one could say that it has correlation with other mood disorders, yadda, yadda, etc. J Occup Environ Med 2002 Oct;44(10):890-901<A HREF="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=D isplay&dopt=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=12391767" Related Articles,</A<A HREF="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=D isplay&dopt=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=12391767"
Mark, you mention multiple chemical sensitivies (MCS). MCS is NOT psychosomatic. that notion is antique, by any clinician with knowledge based on the last 20 years of immunue studies. i have MANY chemical sensititivities, and i can smell (via instant head pound) a solvent 16 floors below.
Recent (like within the pat month) epidemiological studies point out that there is a strong psychosomatic link. The few cases we have dealt with have followed the pattern of psychosomatization. However, I do not believe that all cases are purely psychosomatic.
Mark, you mention multiple chemical sensitivies (MCS). MCS is NOT psychosomatic. that notion is antique, by any clinician with knowledge based on the last 20 years of immunue studies. i have MANY chemical sensititivities, and i can smell (via instant head pound) a solvent 16 floors below.
Recent (like within the pat month) epidemiological studies point out that there is a strong psychosomatic link. The few cases we have dealt with have followed the pattern of psychosomatization. However, I do not believe that all cases are purely psychosomatic.</A<A HREF="javascript:window.showMenu(window.Menu12391767);" Links</A Anxiety sensitivity and depression in multiple chemical sensitivities and asthma. Caccappolo-van Vliet E, Kelly-McNeil K, Natelson B, Kipen H, Fiedler N. Department of Environmental and Community Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, New York, NY 10032, USA. Patients with sensitivities to multiple chemicals report symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, respiratory distress, and mood disturbance. Lifetime and current psychiatric disorders, personality traits associated with symptom reporting, and tests of cognitive function were compared between 30 subjects with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), 19 asthmatics, and 31 healthy controls. Relative to asthmatics and controls, more MCS subjects met criteria for current depression and somatization disorder. MCS subjects and asthmatics scored significantly higher than controls on scales of chemical odor intolerance and anxiety sensitivity, both of which were significant predictors of physical symptoms. Few differences on objective neuropsychological tests were noted. However, MCS subjects with comorbid depression performed significantly worse on a verbal memory test relative to asthmatics but not to controls. Anxiety and depression are significant contributors to the physical and cognitive symptoms of MCS subjects. - - // oooO ( ) ( ) ) / ( (_
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WASHINGTON SNIPER DAVID WOOD NEWHOUSE NEWS SERVICE - The alleged Washington sniper, John Allen Muhammad, may have been exposed to chemical weapons that have been linked to Gulf War Syndrome, an illness which experts said can result in unexplained bouts of intense violence. Muhammad served with the Army's 84th Engineer Company during the Persian Gulf War, military officers said. That unit, attached to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, helped inspect, catalog and destroy extensive stockpiles of Iraqi chemical weapons at a depot near Khamisiyah, Iraq, in March 1991 following the cease-fire March 3, Pentagon records show. According to Defense Department and CIA documents, the 84th Engineers worked handled the Iraqi chemical weapons stored in bunkers at the Tall al Lahm Storage Depot South and Tall al Lahm Ammo Storage Facility near Khamisiyah. The 84th Engineers also helped demolish Iraqi rockets filled with the deadly nerve agent Sarin during March 10-13, 1991, Pentagon documents show. The process of blowing up the rockets may have vaporized dangerous amounts of the nerve agent, Pentagon investigators later concluded. According to a final Pentagon report on the issue, "U.S. troops may have been exposed to chemical agents that are a suspected cause of Gulf War Syndrome." . . . "Once it came out that he had a military background, I said this must be a Gulf War veteran," said Dr. William E. Baumzweiger, a Los Angeles neurologist and psychiatrist who specializes in treating Gulf War Syndrome patients. "There is no doubt that a small but significant number of Gulf War veterans become homicidal" because of Gulf War Syndrome, said Baumzweiger, until recently a staff psychiatrist and neurologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. [The student who killed three instructors at the University of Arizona nursing school and Timothy McVeigh were also Gulf War veterans] IRAQ — WARNING! When trying to withdraw from many psychiatric drugs, patients can develop serious and even life-threatening emotional and physical reactions. In short, it is dangerous not only to start taking psychiatric drugs but also can be hazardous to stop taking them. Therefore, withdrawal from psychiatric drugs should be done under clinical supervision. Principles of drug withdrawal are discussed in Your Drug May Be Your Problem: How and Why to Stop Taking Psychiatric Medications. information on Prozac and Prozac-like drugs can be found in Talking Back to Prozac by Peter R. Breggin, M.D. and Ginger Ross Breggin. DSM IV is the fabrication upon which psychiatry seeks acceptance by medicine in general. Insiders know it is more a political than scientific document. To its credit it says so –Loren R. Mosher, M.D.
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interesting. is this printed in a credible source? - – // oooO ( ) ( ) ) / ( (_
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interesting. is this printed in a credible source?
Of course not. The guy is a propagandist who just scoops up the usual ka ka from the net. You know how many conspiracy, anti-government , kook sites there are on the net? Even if 1 % of the mentally ill US population sat on their duffs and wrote , that would millions. Multiply that by some smatterings outside the US and youve got a diaper load. A recent news show speculated about a spate of wife killings by GIs, was it Army training ? Was it sexism in western society? Was it video games? Was it violence in the media? Was it avaliablity of guns? Was it capitalism ? As opposed diaper rash that is. This wart on the ass of the life , just made his nest in the support groups like all good kooks do.
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interesting. is this printed in a credible source?
The threat seemed real enough. If it could be demonstrated that Gulf War veterans are suffering from the effects of chemical or biological weapons, they might have grounds for some restitution from the United States government, or perhaps the Iraqi government. Organizations began to form in response to rising concern over the plight of Gulf War veterans. Some place the number of U.S. citizens who took part in the Gulf War at over 1 million. Official Pentagon numbers only show a total of 697,000, but they may not include non-military members. 45,000, about 6 percent of Gulf War veterans have reported an ailment they believe is linked to their service. The Pentagon found that 85 percent had ailments or diseases with known causes not linked to the Gulf War. Further Defense Department research is focusing on the 15 percent, slightly less than 1 percent of all Gulf War veterans, whose ailments could not be diagnosed. Their problems included headache and memory loss, fatigue, sleep disorders, and intestinal and respiratory ailments. These have come to be known as the symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of Gulf War Illnesses (according to the American Legion) Chronic Fatigue Signs and symptoms involving skin (including skin rashes and unusual hair loss) Headache Muscle pain Neurologic signs or symptoms (nervous system disorders which could manifest themselves in numbness in one’s arm, for instance) Neuropsychological signs or symptoms (including memory loss) Signs or symptoms involving upper or lower respiratory system Sleep disturbances Gastrointestinal signs or symptoms (including recurrent diarrhea and constipation) Cardiovascular signs or symptoms Menstrual disorders Is this a real disease? Probably not. Gulf War Syndrome appears to be a myth. The New England Journal of Medicine, so far, is one of the only publications that has taken a stand against the Gulf War Syndrome advocates. In November 1996 they published results disputing the existance of Gulf War Syndrome. Gulf War Syndrome is, most likely, an unfortunate bi-product of a combination of things. Tremendous media hype surrounding the threat of chemical and biological weapons during the Gulf War. The litigious nature of our society, and The fact that the United States Government is a target for litigation with very deep pockets. If Gulf War Syndrome were actually caused by the release of chemical or biological weapons, the situation would be quite different. The less than 1% of Gulf War veterans complaining of symptoms were spread almost evenly throughout the Gulf War theater. No particular platoon or region shows any increased rate of occurance characteristic of the release of a real weapon. Even the accidental release of real chemical weapons would not spread in this manner. The symptoms are almost identical to those of several other "mysterious" diseases not associated with the Gulf War: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia. You can read more about these three on the CO-CURE Page which I do NOT endorse. Many have already concluded that MCS is not a real illness, it’s more of a modern version of hypocondria, but I can’t speak to the other disorders. According to the New England Journal of Medicine the rate of symptoms among Gulf War veterans is not significantly different among military who did not go to the Gulf War. This constitutes extremely strong evidence for what’s called the "nul hypothesis" in scientific studies, the hypothesis that there is no Gulf War Syndrome. I have debated with spokesmen for Gulf War Syndrome organizations on local radio programs. They operate on fear and propaganda, rather than on a sound and objective debate of the facts. The U.S. government lied about the threat to neighboring countries to get us into the war. They lied about the size and power of Iraq’s army to get money from the coalition partners. It’s easy to conclude that they also lied about the extent of the threat of chemical and biological weapons to generate public support for the war. Now we’re asked to believe in a mystery weapon so ingenious, it took years to even be discovered, and seems to strike randomly affecting only a tiny fraction of those exposed. Evidence to even believe in such a weapon would have to be extreme. Without insurmountable evidence, the only reasonable conclusion is that the disease does not exist. At best, there is no scientific evidence for a Gulf War Syndrome at present. The New England Journal of Medicine article in November of 1996 disputing claims of a Gulf War Syndrome may not be available on the internet, but InSCIght has a summary of thier findings, it’s called "Gulf War Syndrome Hits a Land Mine".
Response:
Mark, you mention multiple chemical sensitivies (MCS). MCS is NOT psychosomatic. that notion is antique, by any clinician with knowledge based on the last 20 years of immunue studies. i have MANY chemical sensititivities, and i can smell (via instant head pound) a solvent 16 floors below. there is considerable research and thinking these days on imflammation factors, eg, cytokines, and their relation to a broad spectum of disorders (see abstracts below). cytokines (inflammatory factors) are gradually being regarded as central/or contributing players in many neuro (MS, Alzhemiers, ADD, depression, et al), autoimmune (allergy, skin, asthma, etc), cardio-vasculature problems (plaque rupture).
