Reply To: Scripts 2013

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Alcohol in Moderation Can Reduce Asthma Risk, Study Suggests
Sep. 29, 2011 — Drinking alcohol in moderate quantities can reduce the risk of asthma, according to Danish researchers. The study, presented at the European Respiratory Society’s Annual Congress in Amsterdam, found that drinking 1-6 units of alcohol a week could reduce the risk of developing the condition. The research examined 19,349 twins between the ages of 12 and 41 yrs of age. All participants completed a questionnaire at the start and end of the study to compare alcohol intake with the risk of developing asthma over 8 yrs. The results showed that the lowest risk of asthma was seen in the group which had a moderate intake of alcohol, as less than 4% of those who drank 1-6 units per week developed asthma. The highest risk of asthma was observed in people who drunk rarely or never, as they were 1.4-times more likely to develop the condition. Heavy drinkers also had an increased risk of asthma development and were 1.2-times more likely to develop asthma. The results also suggested that a preference for beer drinking was associated with an increased risk of asthma when compared with no preference. Previous studies have found a link between excessive intake of alcohol and asthma attacks; however, this is the first study of its kind to show a link between alcohol intake and the onset of asthma for adults over a long period of time.—- Sofie Lieberoth, from the Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark, said: “Whilst excessive alcohol intake can cause health problems, the findings of our study suggest that a moderate intake of 1-6 units can reduce the risk of developing asthma. By examining all the factors linked with the development of asthma, we can understand more about what causes the condition and how to prevent it.”—Story Source—The above story is reprinted from materials provided by European Lung Foundation, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.
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Cleaning Jobs Linked to Asthma Risk
Jan. 21, 2013 — A new study has found strong evidence for a link between cleaning jobs and risk of developing asthma. -Researchers at Imperial College London tracked the occurrence of asthma in a group of 9,488 people born in Britain in 1958. Not including those who had asthma as children, nine per cent developed asthma by age 42. Risks in the workplace were responsible for one in six cases of adult onset asthma – even more than the one in nine cases attributed to smoking, according to the analysis.—=There are many occupations that are thought to cause asthma. In this study, 18 occupations were clearly linked with asthma risk, four of which were cleaning jobs and a further three of which were likely to involve exposure to cleaning products.–Farmers, hairdressers, and printing workers were also found to have increased risk, as previous studies have reported. Farmers were approximately four times more likely to develop asthma as an adult than office workers.—=Besides cleaning products, flour, enzymes, metals, and textiles were among materials in the workplace identified in the study as being linked to asthma risk.—The study’s lead author, Dr Rebecca Ghosh of the MRC-HPA Centre for Environment and Health at Imperial College London, said: “This study identified 18 occupations that are clearly linked with asthma risk, but there are others that did not show up in our analysis, mainly because they are relatively uncommon. Occupational asthma is widely under-recognised by employers, employees and healthcare professionals. Raising awareness that this is an almost entirely preventable disease would be a major step in reducing its incidence.”—
The study, published in the journal Thorax, was funded by Asthma UK and the Colt Foundation.—Malayka Rahman, Research Analysis and Communications Officer at Asthma UK, said: “This research has highlighted a new group of people, specifically those working in occupations related to cleaning, such as cleaners or home-based personal care workers, who may have developed adult onset asthma due to exposure to chemicals they work with on a daily basis. We advise anyone who works in the industries highlighted in this study and who have experienced breathing problems to discuss this with their GP, and we urge healthcare professionals to make sure they consider possible occupational causes in adult onset asthma and tailor their advice to people with asthma accordingly.”—-Around 5.4 million people in the UK have asthma, some of whom suffer as children and some of whom develop the disease in later life.–Story Source—The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Imperial College London, via AlphaGalileo. —Journal Reference–Rebecca Elisabeth Ghosh, Paul Cullinan, David Fishwick, Jennifer Hoyle, Chris J Warburton, David P Strachan, Barbara K Butland, Debbie Jarvis. Asthma and occupation in the 1958 birth cohort. Thorax, 2013 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-202151
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Modulation of endothelial nitric oxide by plant-derived products.
Nitric Oxide. 2009 Jun 1;–Authors: Schmitt CA, Dirsch VM
Nitric oxide (NO), produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), is recognised as a central anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic principle in the vasculature. Decreased availability of NO in the vasculature promotes the progression of cardiovascular diseases. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL STUDIES HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT A GROWING LIST OF NATURAL PRODUCTS, AS COMPONENTS OF THE DAILY DIET OR PHYTOMEDICAL PREPARATIONS, MAY IMPROVE VASCULAR FUNCTION BY ENHANCING NO BIOAVAILABILITY. In this article we first outline common pathways modulating endothelial NO production or bioavailability to provide a basis for subsequent mechanistic discussions. Then we comprehensively review natural products and plant extracts known to positively influence eNOS activity and/or endothelial function in vitro orin vivo. WE WILL DISCUSS RED WINE, HIGHLIGHTING POLYPHENOLS, OLIGOMERIC PROCYANIDINS (OPC) AND RESVERATROL AS MODULATORS OF ENDOTHELIAL NO PRODUCTION. Other dietary products and their active components known to activate eNOS include COCOA (OPC AND ITS MONOMER ()EPICATECHIN), POMEGRANATES (POLYPHENOLS), BLACK AND GREEN TEA (FLAVANOIDS, ESPECIALLY EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE), OLIVE OIL (OLEIC ACID AND POLYPHENOLS), AND QUERCETIN, ONE OF THE MOST ABUNDANT FLAVONOIDS IN PLANTS. In addition, phytomedical preparations made from ginkgo, hawthorn and ginseng, as well as formulations used in traditional Chinese Medicine, have been shown to affect endothelial NO production. Recurring phytochemical patterns among active fractions and purified compounds are discussed. In summary, there is increasing evidence that several single natural products and plant extracts influence endothelial NO production. Identification of such compounds and characterisation of their cellular actions may increase our knowledge of the regulation of endothelial NO production and could provide valuable clues for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases.–PMID: 19497380 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]
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A New Herbal Combination, Etana, For Enhancing Erectile Function: An Efficacy And Safety Study In Animals.
Int J Impot Res. 2009 Jun 4; Authors: Qinna N, Taha H, Matalka KZ, Badwan AA
We present herein a new herbal combination called Etana that is composed of five herbal extracts including Panax Quinquelotius (Ginseng), Eurycoma Longifolia (Tongkat Ali), Epimedium Grandiflorum (Horny Goat Weed), Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) and Flower Pollen Extracts. Most of the above-mentioned extracts have a long historical and traditional use for erectile dysfunction (ED). On the basis of the mechanism of action of each of the above, a combination is introduced to overcome several physiological or induced factors of ED. This study was conducted to show an enhancement of erectile function in male rats. The animals were observed for 3 h after each administration for penile erection, genital grooming and copulation mounting, and the penile erection index (PEI) was calculated. The maximum response was observed at the concentration of 7.5 mg kg(-1) of Etana. At a 7.5 mg kg(-1) single dose, the percentage of responding rats was 53+/-7 with a PEI of 337+/-72 compared with 17+/-6 with a PEI of 30+/-10 for control animals. This PEI was significantly (P<0.001) higher than each single component and than the sum of any two herbal components of Etana. When compared with sildenafil citrate, Etana Induced More Pronounced PEI Than 0.36 mg kg(-1), but similar to 0.71 mg kg(-1) of sildenafil. Furthermore, full acute and sub-acute toxicity studies showed no toxic effects of Etana. In conclusion, this study describes a new and safe combination of herbal components that enhance erectile function in male rats. Clinical studies are warranted for evaluating Etana’s significance in ED.International Journal of Impotence Research advance online publication, 4 June 2009; doi:10.1038/ijir.2009.18.—PMID: 19494825 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]
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TABLE I – USUAL BOWEL TOLERANCE DOSES of ASCORBIC ACID
GRAMS ASCORBIC ACID NUMBER OF DOSES
CONDITION PER 24 HOURS PER 24 HOURS
normal 4 – 15 4 – 6
mild cold 30 – 60 6 – 10
severe cold 60 – 100+ 8 – 15
influenza 100 – 150 8 – 20
ECHO, coxsackievirus 100 – 150 8 – 20
mononucleosis 150 – 200+ 12 – 25
viral pneumonia 100 – 200+ 12 – 25
hay fever, asthma 15 – 50 4 – 8
environmental and
food allergy 0.5 – 50 4 – 8
burn, injury, surgery 25 – 150+ 6 – 20
anxiety, exercise and
other mild stresses 15 – 25 4 – 6
cancer 15 – 100 4 – 15
ankylosing spondylitis 15 – 100 4 – 15
Reiter’s syndrome 15 – 60 4 – 10
acute anterior uveitis 30 – 100 4 – 15
rheumatoid arthritis 15 – 100 4 – 15
bacterial infections 30 – 200+ 10 – 25
infectious hepatitis 30 – 100 6 – 15
candidiasis 15 – 200+ 6 – 25
FIGURE 1. REPRESENTATIVE DOSES TO TREAT ACUTE SYMPTOMS OF
DISEASE IN PATIENTS VERY TOLERANT TO ASCORBIC ACID
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Extracts from Radix Astragali and Radix Rehmanniae promote keratinocyte proliferation by regulating expression of growth factor receptors.
Phytother Res. 2012 Oct;26(10):1547-54
Authors: Ren JW, Chan KM, Lai PK, Lau CB, Yu H, Leung PC, Fung KP, Yu WF, Cho CH
Abstract
Chinese herbal medicine has long been used as a treatment for wounds. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study it was shown that the proliferation of keratinocytes, which is known to play an important role in wound healing as the major cell type in the epidermis, was promoted by three herbal extracts/natural compounds: NF3 (an extract from the mixture of Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Rehmanniae (RR) in the ratio of 2:1), stachyose (an isolated compound from Radix Rehmanniae) and extract P2-2 (a sub-fraction from the extract of Radix Astragali). The effect of the herbal extracts/natural compounds on the growth of keratinocytes was not influenced by a high glucose level, a condition similar to diabetic patients who usually suffer from diabetic foot ulcers. Real time RT-PCR results showed that the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, but not transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor, was up-regulated by NF3. Moreover, treatments with the EGF receptor kinase inhibitor AG1478 and the MEK inhibitor U0126 resulted in the diminishment of the effect of the three herbal extracts/natural compounds on keratinocyte proliferation, indicating that EGF receptor might have a significant role in this action. This study has further elucidated the molecular mechanism under which herbal extracts/natural compounds exert their effects on the wound healing process.—PMID: 22359405 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
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The Self-Assembling Particles That Come from InSPACE
NASA astronaut Suni Williams photographing InSPACE-3 vial assembly after particles redistribution operation on the International Space Station. (Credit: NASA)
Jan. 7, 2013 — Shape-shifting malleable, gelatinous forms are orbiting Earth at this very moment — assembling and disassembling, growing as they are bombarded by magnetic pulses. These forms will take shape as astronauts run experiments involving smart fluids aboard the International Space Station.–While they may change shape, the forms are not things of science fiction. They are the things of fundamental science.—The purpose of the Investigating the Structures of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions-3, or InSPACE-3, study is to gather fundamental data about Magnetorheological, or MR fluids. These fluids are a type of smart fluid that tends to self-assemble into shapes. When they are exposed to a magnetic field, they can quickly transition into a nearly solid-like state. When the magnetic field is removed, they return to a liquid state[U1] .
“Initially the particles in the fluid form long, thin chains,” said Eric Furst, InSPACE-3 principal investigator, University of Delaware, Newark, Del. “The magnetic dipoles induced in the particles cause these singular chains to grow parallel to the applied field. Over time the chains parallel to each other interact and bond together. These ‘bundles’ of chains become more like columns when the magnetic field is toggled on and off. And these columns grow in diameter with time exposed to a pulsed magnetic field.”–This self-directed “bundling” was never before observed until it was seen in an earlier space station investigation, InSPACE-2, which ended in 2009. The results of InSPACE-2 were highlighted in a September 2012 article titled “Multi-scale Kinetics of a Field-directed Phase Transition” published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.—“Earlier InSPACE investigations looked at MR fluids composed of spherical, or round, particles,” said Bob Green, InSPACE-3 project scientist, NASA’s Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio. “InSPACE-3 is focused on oval or ellipsoid-shaped particles. The expectation is that these shapes will pack differently and form column-like structures differently than in previous experiments. The particles in InSPACE-3 are made of a polystyrene material embedded with tiny nano-sized iron oxide particles[U2] .”—Iron oxide is chemically similar to rust. In fact, when the fluid is mixed, it has a brownish rust-type hue. Astronauts, under the direction of the project team, are currently running a series of experiments on this rust-colored mixture and will continue to do so for the next few months.–“We have six vials of which three are primary and three are backups,” said Nang Pham, InSPACE-3 project manager at Glenn. “We’ll run 12 tests on each of the three vials of different sized ellipsoid-shaped particles for a total of 36 test runs.”–A test run could be changing the frequency of the magnetic pulse, altering the magnetic field strength, or using different particle sizes. The first InSPACE-3 test was Oct. 5. Plans are to complete the test runs in early 2013.—For the investigation, astronauts apply a magnetic field of a certain strength, which is pulsed from a low frequency of around 0.66 hertz up to 20 hertz. The pulse is on for a very short time and then is turned off. Scientists are looking for formation of structures that are at a lower energy state. Typically in an MR fluid application, a constant field is applied and the particles form a gel-like structure. They don’t pack very well, so the particles have no definite form. They are like a cloud or hot glass that can form into almost any shape.—In a pulsed field, the on-off magnetic field forces the particles to assemble, disassemble, assemble, disassemble and so on. This on-and-off action occurs in millisecond pulses over the approximately two hours of the experiment. In this pulsed field, the particles organize into a more tightly packed structure. Scientists can then measure and plot the column growth over time.—“The idea is to understand the fundamental science around this directed self-assembly in the hopes of better defining new methods of manufacturing materials composed of small colloidal or nanoparticle building blocks,” Furst said.–New manufacturing models resulting from InSPACE-2 and -3 studies could be used to improve or develop active mechanical systems such as new brake systems, seat suspensions, stress transducers, robotics, rovers, airplane landing gears and vibration damping systems.—Coupled with the work of InSPACE-2, the InSPACE-3 investigation into fundamental science could advance these systems and improve how we ride, drive and fly. Thanks to these space station investigations, the fluids that come from space may one day further improve your daily commute, whether on the highway or off the road.—Story Source-The above story is reprinted from materials provided by NASA.
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Show of the Month February 9 2013
The Drug Regulatory Agency Warnings on Psychiatric drugs and violence
Antidepressant Birth Defect Drug Warnings
Antidepressant Studies
Supplements with aloe vera may slash cholesterol levels by over 40%, suggests a new study with lab rats
MORGELLONS FACE & BODY STRIPPER / SCRUBBER SOLUTION & APPLICATION
Eczema in Infants Linked to Gut Bacteria
Caloric Restriction Has a Protective Effect On Chromosomes
Health Canada Approves Bio-K+® as a New and Effective Mean for the Reduction of Clostridium difficile Infections in Hospitals
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The Drug Regulatory Agency Warnings on Psychiatric drugs and violence:
United States, November 2005: The FDA’s Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program reported “homicidal ideation“ as an adverse event of Effexor ER (extended release).
Source: “Detailed View: Safety Labeling Changes Approved By FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) — November 2005,” FDA MedWatch, November 2005.
United States, March 22, 2004: The FDA Public Health Advisory was issued, on antidepressants stating: “Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia [severe restlessness], hypomania [abnormal excitement, mild mania] and mania [psychosis characterized by exalted feelings, delusions of grandeur and overproduction of ideas], have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants.”
Source: “WORSENING DEPRESSION AND SUICIDALITY IN PATIENTS BEING TREATED WITH ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS,” FDA Public Health Advisory, 22 Mar. 2004.
United States, October 1995: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said Ritalin use could lead to addiction and that “psychotic episodes, violent behavior and bizarre mannerisms had been reported” with its abuse.
Source: “Methylphenidate,” U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), October 1995.
United States, June 28, 2005: The FDA announced its intention to make labeling changes for Concerta and other methylphenidate (Ritalin) products (stimulants) to include, “psychiatric events such as visual hallucinations, suicidal ideation, psychotic behavior, as well as aggression or violent behavior.” The FDA announced its intention to also investigate possible cardiac concerns with these drugs.
Source: “Statement on Concerta and Methylphenidate for the June 30 PAC”, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), June 2005.
Canada, February 2006: Health Canada approved a new warning label for Paxil that read, in part: “A small number of patients taking drugs of this type may feel worse instead of better. For example, they may experience unusual feelings of agitation, hostility or anxiety, or have impulsive or disturbing thoughts, such as thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.“ Health Canada required Paxil’s product information to detail a list of “rare” side effects, affecting fewer than one in 1,000 patients. These include delusions, hostility, psychosis, and psychotic depression.
Source: Kate Jaimet, “’I’ve learned a lesson in the worst way possible’: What drove a loving father to kill his son?,” Ottawa Citizen, 27 Aug. 2006.
Canada, June 03, 2004: Health Canada issued an advisory to the public that stated that stronger warnings have been placed on antidepressants. These warnings indicate that people taking these drugs at any age are at greater risk of behavioral or emotional changes including self-harm or harm to others. The advisory said, “A small number of patients taking drugs of this type may feel worse instead of better…. For example, they may experience unusual feelings of agitation, hostility or anxiety, or have impulsive or disturbing thoughts that could involve self-harm or harm to others.”
Source: Jirina Vlk, “Health Canada advises Canadians of stronger warnings for SSRIs and other newer anti-depressants,” Health Canada, 2004-31, June 3, 2004.
Japan, May 2009: The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare investigated news reports of antidepressant users “who developed increased feelings of hostility or anxiety, and have even committed sudden acts of violence against others.” After its investigation, the Ministry decided to revise the label warnings on newer antidepressants stating, “There are cases where we cannot rule out a causal relationship [of hostility, anxiety, and sudden acts of violence] with the medication.”
Source: “Japan Revises SSRI Warnings–Hostility, Violence,” Medical News Today, May 28, 2009.
European Union, August 19, 2005: The Commission of the European Communities, representing 25 European countries, endorsed and issued the strongest warning yet against child antidepressant use as recommended by Europe’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). Clinical trials had shown that the drugs caused suicidal behavior including suicide attempts and suicidal ideation, aggression, hostility (predominantly aggression, oppositional behavior and anger) and/or related behavior.
Source: Commission of the European Communities Commission Decision concerning the placement on the market, under Article 21 of the Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Brussels 19-VIII-2005, C (2205) 3256.
Australia, February 2009: The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration reported that a boxed warning (the strongest warning) was placed onto the ADHD psychostimulant drug methylphenidate (Concerta and Ritalin) for drug dependence. It warns that chronic abuse of methylphenidate can lead to a marked tolerance and psychological dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behavior and frank psychotic episodes can also occur.
Source: “Boxed Warning, Contraindications and strengthened Precautions for Methylphenidate,” Janssen-Cilag, February 2009.
Australia, December 2004: The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration published an Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin recommending that any use of SSRI antidepressants in children and adolescents should be carefully monitored for the emergence of suicidal ideation. In a recent study involving Prozac, it said, there was an increase in adverse psychiatric events of suicide, self-harm, aggression and violence.
Source: “Use of antidepressants in children and adolescents,” The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) published an Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin, Vol 23, No. 6, Dec. 2004, p. 22.
United States, July 01, 2009: The FDA has required the manufacturers of the smoking cessation aids varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban, aka the antidepressant Wellbutrin) to add new Boxed Warnings and develop patient Medication Guides highlighting the risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients using these products. These symptoms include changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and attempted suicide.
Source: “Information for Healthcare Professionals: Varenicline (marketed as Chantix) and Bupropion (marketed as Zyban, Wellbutrin, and generics),” FDA, July 1, 2009.
United Kingdom, March 2009: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK) published in their Drug Safety Update newsletter new information about Atomoxetine (Strattera, a non-stimulant ADHD drug). They warned that Atomoxetine is associated with treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms in children without a history of such disorders.
Source: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Drug Safety Update newsletter, Vol. 2, March 8, 2009.
Australia, December 2008: The Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin published an article about the psychostimulant Modafinil. The bulletin advised that this drug has been reported to cause serious adverse skin and psychiatric reactions including anxiety, hallucination, aggression, and mania.
Source: Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee, Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin, Vol. 27, No. 6, December 2008.
European Union, November 20, 2008: Eli Lilly included in their Strattera label in Europe warnings that Strattera causes “hallucinations, delusional thinking, mania or agitation in children and adolescents without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania…” Strattera is an antidepressant prescribed as a “non stimulant” drug to treat ADHD.
Source: “Official warnings issued: The ADHD drug Strattera CAUSES psychosis, hallucinations, mania and agitation” TransWorldNews, November 20, 2008.
United States, September 2007: The Vice President of Medical Services at the drug company Cephalon sent out a letter to health care professionals informing them of new warnings for the company’s psychostimulant Provigil. “Updated Safety Information: Warnings regarding serious rash, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome [a life-threatening condition affecting the skin] and hypersensitivity reactions, and psychiatric symptoms (including anxiety, mania, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation). 1. Provigil can cause life-threatening skin and other serious hypersensitivity reactions… 2. Provigil is not approved for use in pediatric patients for any indication. 3. Provigil can cause psychiatric symptoms.”
Source: Jeffrey M. Dayno, M.D., “Dear Healthcare Professional,” Cephalon, September 2007.
United States, February 21, 2007: The FDA directed ADHD drug manufacturers to distribute “patient friendly” guides to consumers warning about serious psychiatric and cardiovascular problems, including stroke, heart attack, sudden death and psychotic reactions caused by ADHD drugs. The psychiatric adverse events included hearing voices, becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming manic, even in patients who did not have previous psychiatric problems.
Source: “FDA Directs ADHD Drug Manufacturers to Notify Patients about Cardiovascular Adverse Events and Psychiatric Adverse Events,” FDA News, February 21, 2007.
United States, August 21, 2006: The FDA said that ADHD drug manufacturers have to strengthen their warning labels to warn that the drugs can cause suppression of growth, psychosis, bipolar illness, aggression, and ‘serious’ cardiovascular side effects, including misuse possibly leading to sudden death from heart attacks and strokes. Psychostimulant drug companies GlaxoSmithKline and Shire posted a letter to doctors about the revised prescribing information.
Source: “UPDATE 2-US FDA calls for new warnings on ADHD drugs”, Reuters, August 21, 2006.
European Union, April 25, 2005: The European Medicines Agency’s scientific committee, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, concluded that Prozac-type antidepressants were associated with increased suicide-related behavior and hostility in young people. The London-based watchdog said it recommended the inclusion of strong warnings across the whole of the European Union to doctors and parents about these risks and that the drugs should not be used in children and adolescents in off label situations.
Source: “EU calls for tougher warnings on antidepressants for kids” News-Medical.net April 25, 2005.
United Kingdom, September 21, 2004: The British Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority advised that it had issued guidelines that children should not be given most SSRI antidepressants because of clinical trial data showing an increase rate of harmful outcomes, including hostility.
Source: “Antidepressant aggression concern,” BBC News, 21 Sept. 2004.
European Union, April 22, 2004: The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products issued a press release to the press and public. In this press release, they reported that, according to clinical trials, Paroxetine (Paxil in the U.S.) containing medicines could cause suicidal behavior and hostility in children. It recommended that Paroxetine not be used in children and recommended that young adults be observed carefully for signs and symptoms of suicidal behavior or hostility. Paroxetine was shown to have little effectiveness in children according to clinical trials. The committee also recommended strengthened warnings on the withdrawal symptoms of paroxetine, which are common.
Source: “European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products: Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products 20-22 April 2004″ EMEA, The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products, Press Release April 2004.
Canada, August 22, 2003: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the makers of the antidepressant Effexor, issued a warning to U.S. and Canadian doctors that use of this drug could cause hostility, suicidal ideation and self-harm in patients under the age of 18.
Source: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, “Dear Health Care Professional…” Health Canada, Health Products and Food Branch, August 22, 2003.
United States, May 2007: The FDA’s MedWatch system published a warning on the psychostimulant Desoxyn which is used for ADHD stating that the drug could cause: sudden death with pre-existing structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems, psychiatric adverse avents including aggression and the emergence of new psychotic or manic symptoms, long-term suppression of growth, seizures, visual disturbance, as well as serious cardiovascular adverse event.
Source: Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Detailed View: Safety Labeling Changes Approved By FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)”, MedWatch, May 2007
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Antidepressant Birth Defect Drug Warnings:
There have been 15 drug regulatory agency warnings from seven countries (United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany), showing how antidepressants have been tied to birth defects, listed below:
United States, December 14, 2011: The FDA notified healthcare professionals and the public about the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, by women during pregnancy and the potential risk of a rare heart and lung condition known as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). Source: “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Antidepressants: Drug Safety Communication – Use During Pregnancy and Potential Risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn” FDA, December 14, 2011, http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/ucm283375.htm
United States, April 01, 2011: The FDA issued label changes to the antidepressant Prozac to warn of the potential risk of cardiovascular defects in infants exposed during first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, the following side effects were added to the “Adverse Reaction” section: balance disorder, bruxism (habitual grinding of teeth), gynecological bleeding, hypotension (low blood pressure), alopecia (hair loss), dysuria (painful urination), micturition (urination) disorder and depersonalization. Source: “Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride), Detailed View: Safety Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)” FDA, April 2011, http://www.fda.gov/Safty/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm255402.htm
New Zealand, September 01, 2010: MedSafe (NZ) issued information in their Prescriber Update publication about the use of antidepressants during pregnancy. The Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee (after reviewing studies on two types of antidepressants – SSRIs and SNRIs) concluded that there is a small increased risk of heart birth defects associated with fluoxetine (Prozac), similar to that seen with Paroxetine (Paxil). Also, there is a possibility of this increased risk for all SSRIs or SNRIs antidepressants (not just Paxil and Prozac). In addition to the risk of birth defects, SSRIs and SNRIs antidepressants have been associated with an increase in risk of pre-term birth, persistent pulmonary hypertension (little or no blood flow enters into an infants lungs after birth) and newborn withdrawal symptoms. Source: “The use of antidepressants in pregnancy,” Prescriber Update, MedSafe, Vol. 31, No. 3, Sept. 2010.
United Kingdom, May 01, 2010: The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency issued a warning about the use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants in pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension, where there is a defect in the newborns arteries causing little or no blood flow to enter the lungs after birth. Source: “SSRIs and SNRIs: risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn,” Drug Safety Updates, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Vol. 3, Iss. 10, May 2010, p. 2.
United Kingdom, March 2010: The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) published in their Drug Safety Update a warning that there was an increased risk of heart birth defects with the use of the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) in the first three months of pregnancy, similar to that seen with paroxetine. Source: “Fluoxetine: possible small risk of congenital cardiac defects,” Drug Safety Updates, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Vol. 3, Iss. 8, March 2010.
Ireland, March 2010: The Irish Medicines Board published in there Drug Safety Newsletter, a report warning about the increased risk of heart birth defects and the use of fluoxetine (Prozac) in the first three months of pregnancy. This was based on the European Medicines Agency analysis of the subject, which included nine studies. They found that the risk of having a baby born with a cardiovascular birth defect following the use of fluoxetine during the first trimester is slightly increased. Source: “Fluoxetine and risk of cardiovascular birth defects,” Drug Safety, Irish Medicines Board, Iss. 36, March 2010.
United States, July 19, 2006: The FDA warned of the risk of a fatal lung condition in newborns whose mothers took newer antidepressants during pregnancy. The agency added it was seeking more information about persistent pulmonary hypertension (a heart and lung disorder) in newborns from the drugs. It asked drug makers to list the potential risk on their drug labels. Source: Susan Heavey, “U.S. FDA warns of new antidepressant risks,” Reuters, July 19, 2006.
Germany, May 08, 2006: The German Drug Regulatory Agency (BfArM) issued risk information on the newer antidepressant Paroxetine (Paxil), that it increased the risk of cardiac malformation in newborns when the mother took Paroxetine during her pregnancy. All German drug manufacturers producing Paroxetine drugs were ordered to implement the warning and safety notes on their drug information leaflets. Source: “Questions and answers on Paroxetine,” Risk information of the BfArM, May 8, 2006.
Canada, March 10, 2006: Health Canada issued an advisory warning for antidepressant use in pregnant women. Research shows newer antidepressants may increase risk of a serious lung disorder in newborns. The warning applies to all newer antidepressants including Wellbutrin, Celexa, Cipralex, Prozac, Luvox, Remeron, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Zyban. Source: “Newer antidepressants linked to serious lung disorder in Newborns” Health Canada, March 10, 2005.
Canada, February 25, 2006: Health Canada issued an advisory to the press regarding newer antidepressants being linked to serious lung disorders in newborns. Health Canada advises that pregnant women taking newer antidepressants should discuss the situation with their doctor because of the potential risk to the baby. Source: “Advisory – Newer antidepressants linked to serious lung disorder in newborns” CNW Group, February 25, 2006.
Canada, December 16, 2005: Health Canada issued Important Safety Information on Paxil, publishing GlaxoSmithKline’s letter to healthcare professionals about a Swedish study that had found heart malformations in newborns of mothers taking Paxil during their first trimester. “Due to the potential for discontinuation symptoms, doctors should inform patients that the drug should not be stopped without first discussing it with their doctor,” the letter further states. Source: “New Safety Information Regarding Paroxetine: Second Large Study Shows an Increased Risk of Cardiac Defects, Over Other Antidepressants, Following First Trimester Exposure to Paroxetine” Health Canada, December 16, 2005.
United States, December 08, 2005: The FDA issued a Public Health Advisory that warned physicians about the potential risk to the fetus if they prescribed Paxil to pregnant women in their first trimester. The drug may cause birth defects, including heart malformations. Source: “FDA Public Health Advisory Paroxetine” Food and Drug Administration (FDA), December 8, 2005.
Canada, September 29, 2005: GlaxoSmithKline, after discussions with Health Canada, issued a letter to healthcare professionals advising of a change to their prescribing information stating that Paxil is associated with an increase of congenital malformations when used by pregnant women. Source: “Important Prescribing Information,” GlaxoSmithKline, September 2005.
United States, September 27, 2005: The FDA and GlaxoSmithKline issued a warning that showed a recent study the drug company conducted on 3,581 pregnant women taking Paxil or other antidepressants during their first trimester of pregnancy. They found an increased risk of major congenital [defect at birth] and cardiovascular [heart] malformations at birth for those mothers taking Paxil. The most common defect was malformations between the heart’s two main pumping chambers. Paxil’s website also said, “Babies born to mothers who have taken antidepressants, including newer ones such as Paxil, in the third trimester of pregnancy have reported complications, including difficulties with breathing, turning blue, seizures, changing body temperature, feeding problems, vomiting, low blood sugar, floppiness, stiffness, shakiness, irritability or constant crying…There have also been reports of premature births in pregnant women exposed to SSRIs [newer antidepressants], including Paxil.” Source: Miranda Hitti, “New Study Links Paxil to Twice as Many Birth Defects as Other Antidepressants” WebMD, September 27, 2005.
Australia, September 07, 2005: The Australian Therapeutics Goods Administration issued an information sheet to health professionals warning that use of newer antidepressants-especially Paxil-in early pregnancy could cause congenital heart abnormalities in newborns. It reported that Danish researchers had determined an association in the first trimester of pregnancy. Source: “General information concerning use of SSRI antidepressants in pregnant women” Australian Government, Department of Health and Aging, September 7, 2005.
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Antidepressant Studies:
There have been 18 studies in eight countries (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Finland, Denmark and Sweden), which found a connection between antidepressants and birth defects listed below:
Nordic Countries, January 12, 2012: A study published in the British Medical Journal looked at 1.6 million infants born between 1996-2007. The authors found that mothers who used SSRIs late in pregnancy increased the risk of their child being born with a birth defect effecting breathing, known as persistent pulmonary hypertension. This increased risk was more than two folds. Source: Helle Kieler, Miia Artama, Anders Engeland, Orjan Ericsson, Kari Furu, Mika Gissler, Rikke Beck Nielsen, Mette Norgaard, Olof Stephansson, Unnur Valdimarsdottir, Helga Zoega, Bengt Haglund, “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy and risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn: population based cohort study from the five Nordic countries,” British Medical Journal, Vol. 344, Jan 12, 2012.
Finland, July 01, 2011: The journal Obstetrics & Gynecology published a Finnish population-based study of 635,583 births, where 6,976 (1.1%) of the fetuses were exposed to SSRIs (newer antidepressants) during their first trimester. The authors found “that exposure to fluoxetine (Prozac) and Paroxetine (Paxil) in early pregnancy is associated with a small but established risk of specific cardiovascular anomalies [heart defects]…” Source: Heli Malm, MD, PhD, Miia Artama, MSc, PhD, Mika Gissler, MSocSc, PhD, and Annukka Ritvanen, MD, “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Risk for Major Congenital Anomalies,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vol. 118, No. 1, July 2011.
Denmark, June 23, 2010: A study in BioMed Central, Ltd., showed how the prescribing of psychotropic drugs in infants is rapidly increasing. In attempts to curb the use of these drugs, regulatory authorities have issued various warnings about risks associated with use of these products in childhood. This team of researchers analyzed data submitted to a national adverse drug reactions (ADR) database to categorize ADRs reported for psychiatric drugs in the Danish pediatric population. They found that almost 20% of psychotropic ADRs were reported for children from birth up to 2 years of age and one half of ADRs were reported in adolescents. The authors concluded that, “The high number of serious ADRs reported for psychotropic medicines in the pediatric population should be a concern for health care professionals and physicians. Considering the higher number of birth defects being reported greater care has to be given while prescribing these drugs for pregnant women.” Source: Lise Aagaard and Ebba H Hansen, “Adverse drug reactions from psychotropic medicines in the paediatric population: analysis of reports to the Danish Medicines Agency over a decade,” BioMed Central Ltd., vol. 3, no. 176, June 23, 2010.
Australia, May 01, 2010: A study in Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry looked at whether newborn outcomes, including age at birth, growth at birth and then at 1 month, were altered by exposure to antidepressants during pregnancy. They found that antidepressant exposure during pregnancy resulted in an eightfold increase in chance of being born premature, and with a smaller birth weight. This association was not found with depressed mothers. In addition, at 1 month in age, the difference in weight in the exposed group became significantly greater then those not exposed to antidepressants. Source: Andrew J. Lewis, et al, “Neonatal growth outcomes at birth and one month postpartum following in utero exposure to Antidepressant medication,” Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 44, No. 5, May 2010.
Canada, April 26, 2010: The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a study that researched whether maternal bupropion (an antidepressant) treatment in early pregnancy is associated with birth heart defects in the infant. They found that mother’s of infants with left outflow tract heart defects were more likely to have reported taking bupropion. The authors concluded that there is an association between early pregnancy bupropion use and left outflow tract heart defects. Source: Alwan S, Reefhuis J, Botto LD, et al., “Maternal use of bupropion and risk for congenital heart defects.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Volume 203, Issue 1 , Pages 52.e1-52.e6, July 2010.
Denmark, March 01, 2010: The journal Pediatrics published a study that investigated the possible association between antidepressant exposure (including Paxil) to the fetus during pregnancy and normal milestone developments at 6 and 19 months. Their concluding research found that exposure to antidepressants affected fetal brain development. Source: Lars Henning Pedersen, MD, et al., “Fetal Exposure to Antidepressants and Normal Milestone Development at 6 and 19 Months of Age,” Pediatrics, Vol. 125, No. 3, March 3, 2010.
Sweden, January 05, 2010: Authors of a study published in Psychological Medicine investigated possible adverse effects of the use of antidepressant medication during pregnancy. They reviewed 14,821 women from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. The researchers found that there was an association between antidepressant treatment and many pregnancy complications, notably after tricyclic antidepressant use. An association between use of Paroxetine (Paxil) and birth heart defects and urinary tube defects was also found. The authors concluded that women using antidepressants during pregnancy and their newborns have an increase in health issues. Source: M. Reis, and B. Kallen, “Delivery outcome after maternal use of antidepressant drugs in pregnancy: an update using Swedish data,” The Psychological Medicine, 1-11, [Epub ahead of print], Jan. 5, 2010.
United States, January 01, 2010: A study published in the Current Drug Delivery researched the “under evaluated” impact of antidepressant use during pregnancy on the risk of spontaneous abortion. After reviewing the data collected, they said the information suggests fetal exposure to antidepressants, especially Paroxetine (Paxil) and venlafaxine (Effexor), can lead to spontaneous abortion. Source: Broy, Perrine and Berard, Anick., “Gestational Exposure to Antidepressants and the Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Review,” Current Drug Delivery, Vol. 7, No. 1, January 2010.
United States, December 01, 2009: A study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology looked at the effects of psychiatric drugs taken during pregnancy on fetal outcomes. It found that Selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs – newer antidepressants) were associated with preterm deliveries when women started treatment after the first trimester. The researchers recommend more studies about risks and benefits of psychotropic medication use during pregnancy. Source: Ronit Calderon-Margalit, MD, MPH, et al., “Risk of preterm delivery and other adverse perinatal outcomes in relation to maternal use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vol. 201, Iss. 6, Page 579, December 2009.
United Kingdom, September 23, 2009: A study published in the British Medical Journal reviewed the chances of SSRIs (newer antidepressants) causing birth defects when taken during pregnancy. The authors found a significant increase in risk of septal (the muscle wall that divides the heart chambers) heart defects among children who’s mothers took SSRIs during pregnancy, particularly with sertraline and citalopram. This risk nearly doubled when more then one SSRI was taken. Source: Lars Henning Pedersen, et al, “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy and congenital malformations: population based cohort study,” British Medical Journal, Vol. 339, September 23, 2009.
Canada, September 01, 2009: The journal Current Drug Safety published a study that found when pregnant women used Paroxetine (Paxil) during the stage in pregnancy when their baby’s organs are being developed, there was a connection to the increased risk of heart malformations. Source: Simoncelli M, Martin BZ, Brard A, “Antidepressant Use during Pregnancy: A Critical Systematic Review of the Literature,” Current Drug Safety, September 1, 2009.
Netherlands, August 14, 2009: The journal BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology published a study that found children of mothers who used antidepressants during pregnancy showed increased healthcare use during the first year of life, independent of the mother’s healthcare use, and had an increased risk of major cardiac interventions such as cardiovascular surgery or heart catheterization in early childhood. Source: TF Ververs, et al., “Association between Antidepressant drug use during pregnancy and child healthcare utilization,” BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, August 14, 2009.
United States, October 24, 2007: A study presented at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry by Sheila Marcus, MD, found that babies born to mothers who take antidepressant drugs during pregnancy have high levels of cortisol (primary stress hormone) in cord-blood at birth, and their mothers are more likely to experience delivery complications. Source: Sheila Marcus, M.D., “Antidepressant Medication and Depression Status: Impact on Neonatal Outcomes,” presented at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, October 24, 2007.
United States, June 28, 2007: A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that infants born to women taking commonly prescribed newer antidepressants during the first trimester of their pregnancies have a slightly higher risk of life-threatening birth defects. Source: Carol Louik, Sc.D., et al., “First-Trimester Use of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and the Risk of Birth Defects,” New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 356, No. 26, June 28, 2007.
Canada, December 29, 2006: A new study published in Birth Defects Research Part B: Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology on Paxil, found that Paxil and other antidepressant use in pregnant women increased the possibility that their babies would be born with birth defects. Source: Roman Bystrianyk, “Paroxetine (Paxil or Paxil CR) can more than triple major cardiac birth Defects,” Health Sentinel, December 29, 2006 citing: Birth Defects Research Part B: Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology, December 2006.
Denmark, November 01, 2006: An Epidemiology study found that pregnant women who took newer antidepressants were more likely to have babies with birth defects than mothers who didn’t take these drugs. Source: Wogelius, Pia, Norgaard, Mette, Gislum, Mette, Pedersen, Lars, Munk, Estrid, et al., “Maternal Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Risk of Congenital Malformations,” Epidemiology, Vol. 17, No. 6, November 2006.
Finland, July 15, 2003: A Finnish study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that infants whose mothers took newer antidepressants during pregnancy could suffer neurological problems during their first week of life. The symptoms included tremors, restlessness and rigidity. Source: “Newer Antidepressants Can Harm Newborns,” Connecticut Post, July 15, 2003.
United States, May 01, 1993: A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that out of 117 mother who took fluoxetine (Prozac) during the first trimester had a 14.8% risk of miscarriage compared to 7.8% in mothers not exposed to fluoxetine or older antidepressants. There were 19 spontaneous abortions and 13 abnormalities, including heart and small intestine defects in the Prozac group. One baby was born with clubfeet, and a second with a congenital dislocation of the hip. In comparison, there were only 10 spontaneous abortions and 4 anomalies in the non-drug group. Source: Anne Pastuszak, BSc, et al., “Pregnancy Outcome Following First-Trimester Exposure to Fluoxetine (Prozac),” Journal of The American Medical Association, Vol. 269, No. 17, May 5, 1993.
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Antidepressant Side Effects Reported to the FDA:
There have been 6,011 birth defects adverse reactions that have been reported to the US FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (MedWatch), between 2004 and 2011, these break down to:
3,386 cases of antidepressants causing heart problems
2,190 cases of antidepressants causing general birth defects
218 cases of a antidepressants causing lung and heart defect causing normal blood circulation failure
217 cases of antidepressants causing clubfoot
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Supplements with aloe vera may slash cholesterol levels by over 40%, suggests
a new study with lab rats
The combination was also associated with similar significant reductions in triacylglycerol levels, and a 12% increase in HDL cholesterol levels, according to findings published in An optimized blend of the probiotic LGG and aloe vera gel could be exploited as a potential biotherapeutic remedy to decrease cholesterol levels and lower the risk of CVD, although the field is open for further studies wrote researchers led by Manoj Kumar, PhD, from India’s National Institute of Nutrition High cholesterol levels, hypercholesterolemia, have a long association with many diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), the cause of almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe and the USA recent report from the American Heart Study The Indian researchers divided lab rats into four groups: The first group acted as the control and was fed a normal diet; the other three groups were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet with supplemental LGG, Aloe vera gel, or a combination of both for 45 days Results showed that LGG consumption alone was associated with a 32% reduction in total cholesterol levels, and this increased to 43% when administered in combination with Aloe vera In addition to the improvements in triacylglycerol and HDL levels, the LGG Aloe vera combination was also associated with reductions in very low-density (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 45% and 30%, respectively “There has been a surge of interest in using phytometabolites for nutritional and health applications,” wrote the researchers.“The present study showed that probiotic-fermented milk alone or in combination with AV gel had a positive effect on the lipid profile in experimental animals, although the mechanisms involved warrant further investigations.
Special Note—any combo with aloe or yogurt or kefir —will have a profound effect on the intestinal and stomach health—aloe will effect– Aloe vera (consumed orally or applied topically) may inhibit various types of Detrimental Bacteria and Aloe vera (gel applied topically for long periods) may prevent Detrimental Bacteria from penetrating the Skin. references Bacteria inhibited by Aloe vera include: —Bacillus subtilis -Citrobacter species –Enterobacter cloacae Eschericia coli –Klebsiella pneumoniae –Mycobacterium tuberculosis –Propionibacterium acnes–Pseudomonas aeruginosa –Salmonella species –Serratia marcescens –Staphylococcus aureus—Streptococcus agalactiae –Streptococcus faecalis -Streptococcus pyogenes — Yogurt may stimulate the growth of Immune Cells to combat the Detrimental Bacteria within the Digestive Tract that cause Diarrhea. –May help to prevent Gastric Ulcers (due to the Lactobacillus acidophilus content of Yogurt inhibiting Helicobacter pylori, the Detrimental Bacteria that is implicated in Gastric Ulcers).- May stimulate the production of Antibodies (due to Beneficial Bacteria in Yogurt). May prevent some forms of Cancer–High consumption of Yogurt may help to prevent Breast Cancer. — May help to prevent Colon Cancer (due to Beneficial Bacteria in Yogurt detoxifying the Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines (HAAs) that may initiate Colon Cancer).–May inhibit the proliferation of Candida albicans (by recolonizing the Digestive Tract with Beneficial Bacteria). May inhibit the growth of Detrimental Bacteria in the Intestine (due to the presence of Beneficial Bacteria within the Digestive Tract)-May suppress the proliferation of Eschericia coli.- May inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa. May increase the resistance of the Digestive System to Salmonella infection. –Yogurt may suppress the proliferation of Staphylococci aureus Bacteria—=Yogurt may stimulate the Immune System. — Yogurt may lower serum Cholesterol levels by up to 30%-Yogurt may increase HDL Cholesterol levels.—Kefir-will as well provide beneficial bacteria as well as enzymes
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MORGELLONS FACE & BODY STRIPPER / SCRUBBER SOLUTION & APPLICATION.
(Please note that this is NOT a cure! It’s purely to assist your system to expel SOME of the fibres, thus reducing the load and resulting in some comfort.)
MUST WATCH: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO5lt2O0Fo8 for a complete demonstration.
INGREDIENTS:
1. Aloe Vera Gel – 250ml (Aloe Vera penetrates up to 3 layers of skin)
2. Citric Acid – 1 Heaped Teaspoon
3. PURE powdered Aspirin (Salicyclic Acid) – 1/4 to half Teaspoon (Strips toxins off the skin & reduces inflammation on the skin)
4. Powdered Vit C – 15 grams (OR 1 to 3 HEAPED Teaspoons) Tony varies on this, but says it’s NOT as issue!
5. Only added LATER ~ AFTER blending the above 4 as recommended below: IODINE ~ DO NOT ADD NOW!
METHOD for mixing:
1: Blend the above first 4 ingredients together until evenly blended. (1 – 2mins depending on what method you choose to use.)
2. Remove from blender & pour into a PLASTIC lidded container / jar. (Not a metal lid)
3. Add 5th ingredient ~ IODINE (clear & not brown IF available) – 20 – 25 drops (Iodine breaks down METAL, so don’t put it in your blender or beat with a metal whisk ~ Iodine also helps to rid the system of any radiation poisoning).
Tips:
1. If you have Colloidal Copper or Silver, you can add a little.
2. You can add about 5 – 8 drops of any Essential Oil (NOT Tea Tree Oil!) to scent your mix. eg. Lemon Grass
METHOD for application:
1. Pour a little at a time into the palm of your hand and lightly rub / blend all over your skin ~ but NOT the genitals where it may sting.
2. After sometime ??? – you will probably or more than likely notice tiny ‘fibres’ surfacing. THESE ARE STILL TOXIC & dangerous, so it would be best to take a special Morgellons BATH afterwards, to wash these toxic fibres off.
BATH SUGGESTION:
1. Use Betadine SOAP.
2. Add 1/4 Cup if each added to your bath water ~ BICARB OF SODA; TSP (Trisodium phosphate); Epsom Salts OR if available, but not necessary, you can possibly add 1 ounce of “Miracle” Salt in place of Epsom Salts.
3. Add 1 CAP of Betadine solution.
5. Fill the bath as high as possible and sit in it for at least 20 minutes, then use a nice soft body-scrub brush & start brushing!!!
6. Once toweled down (put that towel in the wash away from other laundry items) and RE-APPLY the above SOLUTION / MIXTURE to whichever parts of your face and/or body that will be exposed to the outdoor elements.
OVERALL AVOIDANCE TIPS:
1. Absolutely AVOID any / ALL GMOs (Genetically Modified products)!!!
2. When CHEMTRAILS are obvious in your sky, avoid skin exposure whilst outdoors.
3. If you ever see ‘web-like’ things outdoors, NEVER ever touch them!!!
4. After applying the Stripper Solution, once it dries on the skin, it leaves a slight sheen BARRIER (protection for further contamination), and when coming into contact with Chemtrail poisons, you MAY sometimes even feel as though you have walked through a spiders web. That’s because the solution is reacting with whatever toxins are in the atmosphere.
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Eczema in Infants Linked to Gut Bacteria
Jan. 21, 2013 — Children with eczema have a more diverse set of bacteria in their guts than non affected children, finds a new study in BioMed Central’s open access journal BMC Microbiology. The types of bacteria present were also more typical of adult gut microbes than for toddlers without eczema[U1] .—Eczema is a chronic inflammation of the epidermis. The gut bacteria of children with or without eczema was examined when they were six and 18 months old. At six months all the infants had the same types of bacteria but by 18 months old the children with eczema had more of a type of bacteria normally associated with adults (Clostridium clusters IV and XIVa) while the healthy children had a greater amount of Bacteroidetes.—MSc Lotta Nylund from University of Turku, Finland, who led the project explained, “The composition of bacteria in a child’s gut depends on its environment and the food it eats. You would expect that as a child’s diet changes so will the bacteria present. The number of bifidobacteria naturally falls with age and in total we found 21 groups of bacteria which changed in this time period. However it is the early change towards adult-type bacteria which seems to be a risk factor for eczema.”—Journal Reference-Lotta Nylund, Reetta Satokari, Janne Nikkilä, Mirjana Rajilic-Stojanovic, Marko Kalliomäki, Erika Isolauri, Seppo Salminen and Willem M de Vos (in press). Microarray analysis reveals marked intestinal microbiota aberrancy in infants having eczema compared to healthy children in at-risk for atopic disease. BMC Microbiology, 2013 [link]
Special Note On Healthy Bacteria–To mimize this while breast feeding consume a good priobiotic enriched yogurt or dairy or a kefir and while gestating the child consume it orally as well—other studies have validated that the increased levels of yogurt during this time will increase the protection for respiratory ad digestive system
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Caloric Restriction Has a Protective Effect On Chromosomes
A sustained lowering of food intake over time results in an increase of telomere length — the ends of chromosomes — Jan. 23, 2013 — One of the indicators of a cell’s health is the state of its DNA and containers — the chromosomes — so when these fuse together or suffer anomalies, they can become the source of illnesses like cancer and/or aging processes.–According to a study carried out by a team led by María Blasco, the director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) and head of the Telomeres and Telomerase Group, a sustained lowering of food intake over time results in an increase of telomere length — the ends of chromosomes — in adult mice, which has a protective effect on the DNA and genetic material.—These beneficial effects on the youth of the chromosomes translate to a lower incidence of cancer and other age-related illnesses. The journal PLOS ONE is to publish the details of this study in its online edition this week.
A lower incidence of cancer and better health—To carry out the study, researchers used young mice — just three months old — and reduced their caloric intake by 40[U2] % before observing them until the end of their life cycle.-“We see that mice that undergo caloric restriction show a lower telomere shortening rate than those fed with a normal diet,” says Blasco. “These mice therefore have longer telomeres as adults, as well as lower rates of chromosome anomalies,” she adds.—To study the effects of this phenomenon on the health of the mammals, researchers observed the incidence of age-related illnesses like cancer. The mice that had been fed a lower calorie intake showed a reduction in the incidence of cancer. Furthermore, these mice also showed a lower incidence of other age-related illnesses such as osteoporosis, greater glucose uptake or improvements in motor coordination.—When the researchers carried out these same experiments with a variety of mice that produce more telomerase — a protein that lengthens telomeres and protects chromosomes — they observed that these mice not only enjoyed better health but also lived up to 20% longer.—“We believe that such a significant increase in longevity is due to the protective effect against cancer produced by caloric restriction — incidents fall by 40% if we compare them with the mice that produce more telomerase and have a normal diet — and, added to the presence of longer telomeres, this makes the mice live longer and better,” says Blasco.—Despite the effects of caloric restriction depending on the genetic characteristics of each organism, this study opens the way to studying the effect other factors and lifestyle habits, such as smoking or exercise, might have on aging.—Furthermore, it is calculated that there are currently more than 10,000 people in the world on some form of controlled caloric restriction, so the observation of these individuals will be decisive in discovering the effects of this type of diet on humans.—=Story Source-The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO), via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS. –Journal Reference-Elsa Vera, Bruno Bernardes de Jesus, Miguel Foronda, Juana M. Flores, Maria A. Blasco. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Synergizes with Calorie Restriction to Increase Health Span and Extend Mouse Longevity. PLoS ONE, 2013; 8 (1): e53760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053760
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Health Canada Approves Bio-K+® as a New and Effective Mean for the Reduction of Clostridium difficile Infections in Hospitals
Bio-K+®, A UNIQUE FORMULA, TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN RISK REDUCTION OF C.DIFFICILE IN MEDICAL SETTINGS
MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ – Today, Bio-K Plus International Inc., a leading Canadian biotechnology company, announced that Health Canada has approved its exclusive and patented Bio-K+® probiotic formula to help reduce the risk of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections in hospitalized patients and those in long-term care facilities. Based on solid clinical evidence published in prestigious medical journals, including the American Journal of Gastroenterology, this approval is confirmation that Bio-K+® is a proven safe and effective product. Despite all preventive measures used, C. difficile still remains a high cause of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) responsible for over 1,000 Canadian deaths yearly unrelated to the cause of hospitalization. Health professionals can benefit from this effective product to protect their patients and help fight C. difficile infection at a very low cost compared to C. difficile treatment. —“Although the company continues its R&D program, the clinical results published to date, on this unique product, have demonstrated its potential of reducing the risk of this prevalent disease. Health Canada’s approval is further support for the product’s role in prevention of C. difficile associated diarrhea,” said Dr. Donald Low, Microbiologist-in-Chief at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.
Making Our Healthcare System Safer—A Canadian hospital study found that of 136,877 hospital admissions, 1 in 100 patients will contract a C. difficile infection, and of those, 1 in 10 will die regardless of the initial reasons for admission. “Bio-K+® is an innovative product that works to reduce the risk of hospital acquired or antibiotic-associated C. difficile infections. Health Canada’s approval of Bio-K+® represents a milestone in further recognizing the importance of such products in the prevention landscape,” said Dr. Ian Bookman, Gastroenterologist at St. Joseph’s Health Center in Toronto. —In Quebec, there were 3,934 C. difficile infections resulting in 619 deaths (i.e. 16% of infected patients) between 2010 – 2011. Since 2004, the Pierre-Le-Gardeur Hospital in Montreal, reacting to a major outbreak, has used Bio-K+® on its formulary and also provides the product to all patients treated with antibiotics with no exclusion factors, as a risk reduction measure to control C. difficile. -“Our hospital has almost 9 years of pharmaco-vigilance with more than 40,000 patients using Bio-K+® products with no serious adverse events reported and we have maintained one of the lowest rates of C. difficile in the Province of Quebec,” said Dr. Pierre-Jean Maziade, Microbiologist and Head Officer of Infection Preventions at Pierre-Le-Gardeur Hospital, Montreal.
About Bio-K Plus International Inc.
Bio-K Plus International Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company, committed to medical research and to develop breakthrough innovative products capable of improving human health and quality of life. The company has over 100 employees in Canada and the United States. Bio-K+® is a quality probiotic product that is distinguished by its exclusive and patented formula. It is available in fermented drinks or enteric-coated capsules, dispensed in hospitals, pharmacies, health food stores and supermarkets in North America. The company is also GMP certified by NSF International. This certification confirms the commitment of the company to provide high quality products of international standards. http://www.biokplus.com —SOURCE: Bio-K+ International Inc.
For further information:
Source:
Dr. Serge Carrière
Managing Director, Scientific Affairs
Bio-K Plus International Inc.
Isabèle Chevalier
Co-présidente
Bio-K Plus International Inc.
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Tanguay
Cohn & Wolfe | Montréal
Direct line: 514 845-7064 |cellphone: 514-627-6919
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TOP A
[U1]This would imply strongly a contaminant that the child has gotten exposed to as the adult—a carcinogen—a food contaminant or even a food genetically disorienting the colon
[U2]So if you were to explore this take your full caloric intake –example 2000cal a day take 40% that would keave you 1200—so the idea is to keep using that number daily—would see a increase in metabolism—less pollutant build up of foods and chemicals or genetics on the foods—less wear and tear on pancreas and stomach and liver
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TOP B
HOME
Show of the Month February 16 2013
Serum cholesterol levels and in-hospital mortality in the elderly
HAARP FASCILITIES
Uncovered, the ‘toxic’ gene hiding in GM crops: Revelation throws new doubt over safety of food
Chemotherapy can backfire, make cancer worse by triggering tumor growth
Splenda’s Many Secrets– Gut Flora Destruction–Side Effects
Undiagnosed coeliac disease in patients with emphysema-
Hydrogen Sulfide- The Next Anti-Aging Agent
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Serum cholesterol levels and in-hospital mortality in the elderly
Purpose—Although total cholesterol levels among middle-aged persons correlate with long-term mortality from all causes, this association remains controversial in older persons. We explored whether total cholesterol levels were independently associated with in-hospital mortality among elderly patients.
Methods–We analyzed data from a large collaborative observational study, the Italian Group of Pharmacoepidemiology in the Elderly (GIFA), which collected data on hospitalized patients. A total of 6984 patients aged 65 years or older who had been admitted to 81 participating medical centers during four survey periods (from 1993 to 1998) were enrolled. Patients were divided into four groups based on total cholesterol levels at hospital admission: <160 mg/dL (n = 2115), 160 to 199 mg/dL (n = 2210), 200 to 239 mg/dL (n = 1719), and ≥240 mg/dL (n = 940).
Results–Patients (mean [± SD] age, 78 ± 7 years) were hospitalized for an average of 15 ± 10 days. The mean total cholesterol level was 186 ± 49 mg/dL. A total of 202 patients died during hospitalization. Mortality was inversely related to cholesterol levels (<160 mg/dL: 5.2% [110/2115]; 160–199 mg/dL: 2.2% [49/2210]; 200–239 mg/dL: 1.6% [27/1719]; and ≥240 mg/dL: 1.7% [16/940]; P for linear trend <0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders (demographic characteristics, smoking, alcohol use, indicators of nutritional status, markers of frailty, and comorbid conditions), low cholesterol levels continued to be associated with in-hospital mortality. Compared with patients who had cholesterol levels <160 mg/dL, the odds ratios for in-hospital mortality were 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34 to 0.70) for participants with cholesterol levels of 160 to 199 mg/dL, 0.41 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.65) for those with cholesterol levels of 200 to 239 mg/dL, and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.32 to 0.98) for those with cholesterol levels ≥240 mg/dL. These estimates were similar after further adjustment for inflammatory markers and after excluding patients with liver disease.
Conclusion–Among older hospitalized adults, low serum cholesterol levels appear to be an independent predictor of short-term mortality
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HAARP FASCILITIES
In addition to HAARP, the United States has operated two other ionosphere research sites in recent years, one in Puerto Rico, near the Arecibo Observatory, and the other (known as HIPAS) in Alaska near Fairbanks. Both of these facilities were built with both active and passive radio instrumentation similar to those at the HAARP facility. Interest in the ionosphere is not limited to the US: a five-country consortium operates the European Incoherent Scatter Radar site (EISCAT), a premier ionosphere research facility located in northern Norway near Tromso. Facilities also are located at Jicamarca, Peru; near Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod (“SURA”) and Apatity, Russia; near Kharkov, Ukraine and in Dushanbe, Tadzhikistan. All of these installations have as their primary purpose the study of the ionosphere, and most employ the capability of stimulating to a varying degree small, localized regions of the ionosphere in order to study methodically, and in a detailed manner what nature produces randomly and regularly on a much larger scale.
More information on the HAARP Fact Sheet – Click Here LINKhttphttp://www.haarp.alaska.edu/haarp/factSheet.htmltext-align: -webkit-left;LINK
 
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Uncovered, the ‘toxic’ gene hiding in GM crops: Revelation throws new doubt over safety of foods
EU watchdog reveals approval for GM foods fails to identify poisonous gene
54 of the 86 GM plants approved contain the dangerous gene
Gene found in food for farm animals producing meat, milk and eggs
Biotech supporters argue there is no evidence that GM foods are harmful
By Sean Poulter, Consumer Affairs Editor
A virus gene that could be poisonous to humans has been missed when GM food crops have been assessed for safety[U1] . GM crops such as corn and soya, which are being grown around the world for both human and farm animal consumption, include the gene. –A new study by the EU’s official food watchdog, the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA), has revealed that the international approval process for GM crops failed to identify the gene[U2] . A new study conducted by the EU has shown that standard tests for GM foods may be missing a potentially poisonous gene for humans–As a result, watchdogs have not investigated its impact on human health and the plants themselves when assessing whether they were safe. –The findings are particularly powerful because the work was carried out by independent experts, rather than GM critics.-It was led by Nancy Podevin, who was employed by EFSA, and Patrick du Jardin, of the Plant Biology Unit at the University of Liege in Belgium. They discovered that 54 of the 86 GM plants approved for commercial growing and food in the US, including corn and soya, contain the viral gene, which is known as ‘Gene VI’. –In this country, these crops are typically fed to farm animals producing meat, milk and eggs.–Significantly, the EFSA researchers concluded that the presence of segments of Gene VI ‘might result in unintended phenotypic changes’. –Such changes include the creation of proteins that are toxic to humans. They could also trigger changes in the plants themselves, making them more vulnerable to pests. -Critics say the revelations make clear that the GM approvals process, which has been in place for 20 years, is fatally flawed. –They argue the only correct response is to recall all of the crops and food products involved. Director of the campaigning group, GM Freeze, Pete Riley, said the discovery of the gene, ‘totally undermines claims that GM technology is safe, precise and predictable’. He said: ‘This is a clear warning the GM is not sufficiently understood to be considered safe. ‘Authorisation for these crops must be suspended immediately, and they should be withdrawn from sale, until a full and extended review of their safety has been carried out[U3] .’ Typically, GM crops are modified in the laboratory to give them resistance to being sprayed with powerful weed killers such as Monsanto’s Round-up. -This means that, in theory, fields can be doused with the chemical, so wiping out the weeds and allowing the food plants to thrive. —It was previously assumed that virus genes are not present in plants once they are grown in the field and reach consumers, however it is now clear that this is not the case–The modification process involves inserting genes into the plants using a technique that allows them to piggyback on viruses that are commonly found in the soil and plants. It has been assumed that virus genes are not present in the plant once it is grown in the field and reaches consumers, however it is now clear that this is not the case. –A review of the EFSA research in Independent Science News said the presence of the viral gene appears to have been missed by biotech companies, universities and government regulators.’This situation represents a complete and catastrophic system failure[U4] ,’ it said. ‘There are clear indications that this viral gene might not be safe for human consumption[U5] . It also may disturb the normal functioning of crops, including their natural pest resistance. ‘A reasonable concern is that the protein produced by Gene VI might be a human toxin. This is a question that can only be answered by future experiments[U6] .’ -Biotech supporters argue that there is no evidence from countries such as the USA that eating GM food causes any harm[U7] . However, the reality is that no health monitoring has taken place to establish this. The findings will embarrass the government and the food and farming Secretary, Owen Patterson, who has embarked on a pro-GM propaganda exercise designed to win over sceptical consumers. -Mr Patterson recently rejected public concerns as ‘humbug’ and ‘complete nonsense’. Policy director at the Soil Association, Peter Melchett said: ‘For years, GM companies have made a deliberate and chilling effort to stop independent scientists from looking at their products ‘This is what happens when there is a complete absence of independent scrutiny of their GM crops.’ Biotech firms are represented by the Agricultural Biotechnology Council(ABC). -Its chairman, Dr Julian Little, said the EFSA study was one small part of a strict and complex scrutiny process. -He said: ‘Over the past 25 years, the European Commission has funded more than 130 research projects involving 500 independent research groups which have found no higher risks to the environment or food chain from GM crops than from conventional plants and organisms.–‘Furthermore, nearly three trillion meals containing GM ingredients have been eaten without a single substantiated case of ill-health. The combination of these two facts can give consumers a huge amount of confidence in the safety of GM crops[U8] .’ GM critics and EFSA are at odds over the implications of the research paper, which was written by the deputy chairman of the organisation’s advisory panel on the issue and a former senior member of staff.—EFSA insists that the research highlighting the presence of Gene VI does not represent a new discovery of a viral gene and does not indicate a safety concern about GM crops already approved.[U9] It said the viral gene ‘cannot infect animals or humans and therefore presents no threat to human or animal health’. This is challenged by GM critics who say there is no research evidence to justify this statement.