with a nasty case of jiggers (large red bumps where the buggers had
burrowed into the skin). My mother would paint the bumps with clear
finger nail polish. This was repeated daily for about a week or so. The
application of the polish is supposed to suffocate them as it seals of
the skin. All I can say is it worked for us. One word of caution
though. Putting finger nail polish on a jigger bite stings like hell.
(If I do get flamed for this just put jam in my pockets and call me
toast.:)
--
_______________________________________________________________________________
kentcomm!jperkski@aldhfn.akron.oh.us (and) kentcomm!jperkski@legend.akron.oh.us
Subject: Teenage acne
From: pchurch@swell.actrix.gen.nz (Pat Churchill)
Organization: Actrix Networks
Lines: 26
My 14-y-o son has the usual teenage spotty chin and greasy nose.  I
bought him Clearasil face wash and ointment.  I think that is probably
enough, along with the usual good diet.  However, he is on at me to
get some product called Dalacin T, which used to be a
doctor's-prescription only treatment but is not available over the
chemist's counter.  I have asked a couple of pharmacists who say
either his acne is not severe enough for Dalacin T, or that Clearasil
is OK.  I had the odd spots as a teenager, nothing serious.  His
father was the same, so I don't figure his acne is going to escalate
into something disfiguring.  But I know kids are senstitive about
their appearance.  I am wary because a neighbour's son had this wierd
malady that was eventually put down to an overdose of vitamin A from
acne treatment.  I want to help - but with appropriate treatment.
My son also has some scaliness around the hairline on his scalp.  Sort
of teenage cradle cap.  Any pointers/advice on this?  We have tried a
couple of anti dandruff shampoos and some of these are inclined to
make the condition worse, not better.
Shall I bury the kid till he's 21 :)
--
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The floggings will continue until morale improves
pchurch@swell.actrix.gen.nz  Pat Churchill, Wellington New Zealand
From: rog@cdc.hp.com (Roger Haaheim)
Subject: Re: sex problem.
Article-I.D.: news.C52E58.L8G
Organization: HP California Design Center, Santa Clara, CA
Lines: 15
Nntp-Posting-Host: hammer.cdc.hp.com
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
larry silverberg (ls8139@albnyvms.bitnet) wrote:
> Hello out there,
> She suggested we go to a sex counselor, but I really don't want to (just yet).
Interesting.  Does she know you have placed this info request on the
net for the world to see?  If not, how do you think she would react
if she found out?  Why would you accept the advice of unknown entities
rather than a counselor?
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
See the counselor.
Well, you asked.
From: news&aio.jsc.nasa.gov (USENET News System)
Subject: Re: Oily skin - problem?
Article-I.D.: aio.1993Apr6.133244.14717
Distribution: sci.med
Organization: Lockheed Engineering & Sciences Co.
Lines: 17
In article <1993Apr5.044140.1@vaxc.stevens-tech.edu>, u92_hwong@vaxc.stevens-tech.edu writes:
>
> Hi there,
>
> 	I have a very oily skin.  My problem is when I wash my face, it becomes
> oily in half an hour.  Especially in the nose region.  Is this an illness?  How
> can I prevent it from occuring in such short time?  Is there a cleanser out
> there that will do a better job -- that is after cleaning, my face won't become
> oily in such a short time.
>
> 	Thank you for any suggestion.
>
>if this is a disease, everyone should have it.  My skin has always been oily -
i used to say "if i were hot enough, you could fry an egg on my oily face".
i am now 50 yrs old and my skin looks younger (i'm told) than some people's
skin at 30 (it's still oily).  i have only a very few tiny wrinkles.  Thank
your lucky stars for that skin.
From: jec@watson.ibm.com
Subject: Contraceptive pill
Reply-To: jec@zurich.ibm.com
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM
Nntp-Posting-Host: mythen.zurich.ibm.com
Organization: Watson Research Center
Lines: 9
A very simple question : it seems to me that the contraceptive
pill just prevents the ovule to nest in the vagina and forces it to
fall every month. But it does not prevent the fertilzation of the
ovule. Is it true ? If yes, is there a risk of extra-uterine
pregnancy, that is the development of the ovule inside the Fallopian
tube ?
J.Cherbonnier
jec@zurich.ibm.com
From: bmdelane@quads.uchicago.edu (brian manning delaney)
Subject: Brain Tumor Treatment (thanks)
Reply-To: bmdelane@midway.uchicago.edu
Organization: University of Chicago
Lines: 12
There were a few people who responded to my request for info on
treatment for astrocytomas through email, whom I couldn't thank
directly because of mail-bouncing probs (Sean, Debra, and Sharon).  So
I thought I'd publicly thank everyone.
Thanks!
(I'm sure glad I accidentally hit "rn" instead of "rm" when I was
trying to delete a file last September. "Hmmm... 'News?' What's
this?"....)
-Brian
Subject: Re: Can't Breathe -- Update
From: RGINZBERG@eagle.wesleyan.edu (Ruth Ginzberg)
Distribution: world
Organization: Philosophy Dept., Wesleyan University
Nntp-Posting-Host: wesleyan.edu
X-News-Reader: VMS NEWS 1.20In-Reply-To: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu's message of 5 Apr 93 19:06:39 -0600Lines: 17
Lines: 17
Thanks to all those who responded to my original post on this question.  The
final diagnosis was Stress.  I did not take her for a chiropractic adjustment.
(Rachel receives all her medical care at Keller Army Hospital since she is a
military dependant, and the Army does not yet provide chiropractic adjustments
as part of its regular health care.)  I am hoping that the arrival of (1)
Spring Break, and (2) College Acceptance Letters, will help.  *UNFORTUNATELY*
she was wait-listed at the college she most dearly wanted to attend, so it
seems as though that stressor may just continue for a while.  :-(
Meanwhile she is going on a camping trip with her religious youth group for
spring break, which seems like a good stress-reliever to me.
Thanks again for everybody's help/advice/suggestions/ideas.
------------------------
Ruth Ginzberg <rginzberg@eagle.wesleyan.edu>
Philosophy Department;Wesleyan University;USA
From: kaminski@netcom.com (Peter Kaminski)
Subject: Re: What about sci.med.chemistry
Article-I.D.: netcom.kaminskiC52n0s.2uA
Organization: The Information Deli - via Netcom / San Jose, California
Lines: 19
In <julkunen.734086202@messi.uku.fi> julkunen@messi.uku.fi (Antero
Julkunen) writes:
>There is this newsgroup sci.med.physics and there has been quite a lot
>discussion in this group about many chemical items e.g. prolactin
>cholesterol, TSH etc. Should there also be a newsgroup sci.med.chemistry?
It's got potential.  Instead of *.chemistry, how about splitting the
classification into *.biochemistry (which are probably the topics
you're thinking of) and *.pharmaceutical (which otherwise might end up
in *.(bio)chemistry)?
(This is separate from the issue of whether there is sufficient potential
news volume to support either or both groups.)
I'll add 'em to my medical/health newsgroup wish list (which I'm looking
forward to posting and discussing -- but not for another 10 days or so).
Pete
From: shafer@rigel.dfrf.nasa.gov (Mary Shafer)
Subject: Re: Inner Ear Problems from Too Much Flying?
Article-I.D.: rigel.SHAFER.93Apr6095951
Organization: NASA Dryden, Edwards, Cal.
Lines: 33
In-Reply-To: vida@mdavcr.mda.ca's message of 5 Apr 93 23:27:26 GMT
On 5 Apr 93 23:27:26 GMT, vida@mdavcr.mda.ca (Vida Morkunas) said:
Vida> Can one develop inner-ear problems from too much flying?  I hear
Vida> that pilots and steward/esses have a limit as to the maximum
Vida> number of flying hours -- what are these limits?  What are the
Vida> main problems associated with too many long-haul (over 4 hours)
Vida> trips?
The crew rest requirements are to prevent undue fatigue.  The cockpit
crew (pilot) limits are somewhat more stringent than the cabin crew
limits for this reason.  Crew rest requirements address amount of time
on duty plus rest time.  A tired crew is an accident-prone crew.
The only limits I know of for inner-ear problems are in military
aircraft, which are frequently unpressurized or less reliably
pressurized.  Not being able to clear the ears renders aircrew members
DNIF (duties not involving flying) or grounded until the ears clear.
Flying can accentuate problems if ears don't clear.  If you don't have
big pressure changes, you may not know that you've got a problem.  But
if you zip up to 5,000 or 6,000 ft (the usual cabin altitude in an
airliner) and then back down to sea level, you may discover a problem.
Ears don't clear readily because of allergies, colds, infections, and
anatomical problems.  The last won't change; the first three can.
Medication (decongestants or antihistimines, usually) can help.
Chewing gum, sucking hard candy (or a bottle for babies),
yawning--these will help all four causes.
--
Mary Shafer  DoD #0362 KotFR NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, CA
shafer@rigel.dfrf.nasa.gov                    Of course I don't speak for NASA
"A MiG at your six is better than no MiG at all."  Unknown US fighter pilot
From: kxgst1@pitt.edu (Kenneth Gilbert)
Subject: Re: Contraceptive pill
Article-I.D.: blue.7984
Lines: 20
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
jec@watson.ibm.com wrote:
: A very simple question : it seems to me that the contraceptive
: pill just prevents the ovule to nest in the vagina and forces it to
: fall every month. But it does not prevent the fertilzation of the
: ovule. Is it true ? If yes, is there a risk of extra-uterine
: pregnancy, that is the development of the ovule inside the Fallopian
: tube ?
Actually that is not how the pill works, but it *is* how the IUD works.
The oral contraceptive pill actually *prevents* ovulation from occuring
by providing negatve feedback to the pituitary gland, and thus preventing
the LH surge that normally occurs at the time of ovulation.  With the IUD
what happens is that fertilization may occur, but the device prevents
implantation within the wall of the uterus (*not* the vagina).
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=  Kenneth Gilbert              __|__        University of Pittsburgh   =
=  General Internal Medicine      |      "...dammit, not a programmer!  =
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From: bytor@cruzio.santa-cruz.ca.us
Subject: Lupus
Keywords: Information wanted
Article-I.D.: cruzio.5254
Reply-To: bytor@cruzio.santa-cruz.ca.us
Lines: 12
I have a friend who has just been diagnosed with Lupus, and I know nothing
about this disease. The only thing I do know is that this is some sort of
skin disease, and my friend shows no skin rashes - in fact, they used a
blood test to determine what had been wrong with an on going sacro-
illiac joint problem.
I am finding a hard time finding information on this disease. Could
anyone please enlighten me as to the particulars of this disease.
please feel free to E-mail me at
bytor@cruzio.santa-cruz.ca.us
Thanks in advance.
From: bbesler@ouchem.chem.oakland.edu (Brent H. Besler)
Subject: Is an oral form of Imitrex(sumatriptan) available in CA
Article-I.D.: vela.1psee5$c3t
Distribution: na
Organization: Oakland University, Rochester MI.
Lines: 9
NNTP-Posting-Host: ouchem.chem.oakland.edu
Sumatriptan(Imitrex) just became available in the US in a subcutaneous
injectable form.  Is there an oral form available in CA?  A friend(yes
really not me!)  has severe migranes about 2-3 times per week.  We
live right by the CA border and he has gotten drugs for GERD prescribed
by a US physician and filled in a CA pharmacy, but not yet FDA approved
in the US.  What would be the cost of the oral form in CA$ also if
anyone would have that info?
Thanks
From: jmetz@austin.ibm.com ()
Subject: Re: Twitching eye?
Originator: jmetz@jmetz.austin.ibm.com
Organization: IBM Austin
Lines: 4
I had this one time.  I attributed it to a lack of sleep since it disappeared
after a few nights of good zzz's.
From: vida@mdavcr.mda.ca (Vida Morkunas)
Subject: Inner Ear Problems from Too Much Flying?
Organization: MacDonald Dettwiler, 13800 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC, Canada  V6V 2J3
Lines: 6
Can one develop inner-ear problems from too much flying?  I hear that pilots
and steward/esses have a limit as to the maximum number of flying hours --
what are these limits?  What are the main problems associated with too many
long-haul (over 4 hours) trips?
Frequent Flyer.
From: rjb3@cbnewsk.cb.att.com (robert.j.brown)
Subject: Re: Human breast-feeding : Myths or reality ?
Organization: AT&T
Summary: experience with three children
Lines: 32
In article <C4vHwo.HLt@tripos.com>, homer@tripos.com (Webster Homer) writes:
> rjasoar@vnet.IBM.COM (Robert J. Alexander MD) writes:
>
> I have an additional question. How long should a mother breast feed her
> child? A friend of mine is still nursing her two year old. Is this beneficial?
> Her ex-husband is trying to use her coninued nursing of a two year old as
> "proof" of her being unfit to be a mother. What studies have been done
> on breast feeding past a year etc... upon the psychological health of the
> child?
>
>
> Web Homer
>
My wife breast-fed my three boys 12 months, 16 months, and 29 months
respectively and they are 18, 16, and 10 years old respectively.  So
far everybody seems fairly normal.  I noticed a negative correlation
with ear infections and length of time nursed in my very small sample.
I do notice that the 16 and 18 year old seem to eat a lot, could that
be from the breast feeding :-)  ?
I don't understand the "unfit mother" charge other than any tactic is
not too low down for some folks during divorce/child custody battles.
Most of the developing nations practice breast feeding to 3 and 4 years
old.  Are they screwed up because of it ?  Would they be much better
off if they could use cow's milk or commercial formula ?  Doctors ?
Bobby - akgua!rjb
From: jose@csd.uwo.ca (Jose Thekkumthala)
Subject: recurrent volvulus
Organization: Department of Computer Science, UWO, Canada
Keywords: volvulus
Nntp-Posting-Host: berfert.csd.uwo.ca
Lines: 35
Recurrent Volvulus
-------------------
This is regarding recurrent volvulus which our little boy
has been suffering from ever since he was an infant. He had
a surgery when he was one year old. Another surgery had
to be performed one year after, when he was two years old.
He turned three this February and he is still getting
afflicted by this illness, like having to get hospitalised
for vomitting and accompanying stomach pain.He managed
not having a third surgery so far.
*  	One thing me and my wife noticed is that his affliction
peaks around the time he was born, on nearabouts, like in
March every year.  Any significance to this?
*	Why does this recur? Me and my family go through severe pain
when our little boy have to undergo surgery. Why does surgery
not rectify the situation?
*	Also, which hospital in US or Canada specialize in this malady?
*	What will be a good book explaining this disease in detail?
*	Will keeping a particular diet keep down the probability of
recurrence?
*	As time goes on, will the probability of recurrence go down
considering he is getting stronger and healthier and probably
less prone to attacks? Or is this assumption wrong?
*	Any help throwing light on these queries will be highly appreciated.
Thanks very much!
jose@csd.uwo.ca
From: mrb@cbnewsj.cb.att.com (m..bruncati)
Subject: Re: Smoker's Lungs
Article-I.D.: cbnewsj.1993Apr6.161858.12132
Distribution: na
Organization: AT&T
Lines: 15
In article <1993Apr5.123315.48837@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu>, bennett@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu writes:
> How long does it take a smoker's lungs to clear of the tar after quitting?
> Does your chances of getting lung cancer decrease quickly or does it take
> a considerable amount of time for that to happen?
Seems to me that I read in either a recent NY Times
Science Times or maybe it was Science News that there is
evidence that ex-smoker's risk of lung cancer never returns
to that of a person who has never smoked (I think it may
get close).  I'll find the article and post it since my
memory is hazy on the specifics - if you are interested.
Michael
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: various migraine therapies
Article-I.D.: pitt.19396
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 21
In article <C4HtMw.H3J@olsen.ch> lindy@olsen.ch (Lindy Foster) writes:
>I've been treated to many therapies for migraine prophylaxis and treatment,
>and it looks like they'll try a few more on me.  I have taken propanolol
>(I think it was 10mg 3xdaily) with no relief.  I have just been started
30mg per day of propranolol is a homeopathic dose in migraine.
If you got fatigued at that level, it is unlikely that you will
tolerate enough beta blocker to help you.
>
>If we go the antidepressant route, what is it likely to be?  How do
>antidepressants work in migraine prophylaxis?
>
Probably a single nightime dose.  We don't know how they work in migraine, but
it probably has something to do with seratonin.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: vangus nerve (vagus nerve)
Article-I.D.: pitt.19397
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 16
In article <52223@seismo.CSS.GOV> bwb@seismo.CSS.GOV (Brian W. Barker) writes:
>mostly right. Is there a connection between vomiting
>and fainting that has something to do with the vagus nerve?
>
Stimulation of the vagus nerve slows the heart and drops the blood
pressure.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Migraines
Article-I.D.: pitt.19398
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 19
In article <DRAND.93Mar26112932@spinner.osf.org> drand@spinner.osf.org (Douglas S. Rand) writes:
>So I'll ask this,  my neurologist just prescribed Cafergot and
>Midrin as some alternatives for me to try.  He stated that
>the sublingual tablets of ergotamine were no longer available.
>Any idea why?  He also suggested trying 800 mg ibuprophen.
>
I just found out about the sublinguals disappearing too.  I don't
know why.  Perhaps because they weren't as profitable as cafergot.
Too bad, since tablets are sometimes vomited up by migraine patients
and they don't do any good flushed down the toilet.  I suspect
we'll be moving those patients more and more to the DHE nasal
spray, which is far more effective.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: 3 AIDS Related Questions
Article-I.D.: pitt.19407
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 29
In article <93087.011308PXF3@psuvm.psu.edu> PXF3@psuvm.psu.edu (Paula Ford) writes:
>A friend of mine was a regular volunteer blood donor.  During surgery, he
>was given five units of blood, and after a suitable recovery time, he went
>to donate blood at a "bloodmobile." He was HIV+, and did not know it.
>
>The Red Cross notified him with a _registered letter_.  That's all.  No
>counselling, no nothing.  He died two years ago, this week.  He left behind
How long ago was this?  When I said you'd get counselling, I meant if
you did it now.  Long ago, practices varied and agencies had to gear
up to provide the counselling.
>a wife and a four-year-old son.  Many people have suggested that his wife
>should sue the Red Cross, but she would not.  She says that without the
>blood transfusions he would have died during the surgery.
>
Good for her.  What we don't need is everyone suing community service
agencies that provide blood that people need.  Testing is not fool proof.
The fact that he got AIDS from a transfusion (if he really did) does
not mean the Red Cross screwed up.  Prior to 1983 or so, there wasn't
a good test and a lot of bad blood got through.  This wasn't the fault
of the Red Cross.  When did he get the transfusions?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: health care reform
Article-I.D.: pitt.19408
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 24
In article <LMC001@wrc.wrgrace.com> custer@wrc.wrgrace.com (Linda Custer) writes:
>This is my first post, and I am not even sure it will work. Here goes.
>
>Did anyone read the editorial on page 70 in the 29 march 1993 edition of Time
>Magazine, noting that managed care is extremely inefficient?  Of all the possible
>clients that Billary could be pandering to, the insurance industry is the worst!
>
>Comments?
I agree. Adding layers of managers and bureaucrats simply eat up
money that could be spent on those who actually are doing the work
such as doctors and nurse, and supplies.  The most efficient system
is probably one that has limited management and a fixed budget such
as England's or even Canada's.  I'm afraid we are on the wrong
track.  The problem may be that the insurance lobby is too powerful.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: health care reform
Article-I.D.: pitt.19409
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 20
In article <1993Mar28.200619.5371@cnsvax.uwec.edu> nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye) writes:
>and may be a total disaster and that the Canadian model is preferable, a
>position with which I agree.  The other is surprising sympathy for the
>physicians in all of this, to the effect that beating up on us won't
>help anything.
>
I'm not sure about that.  Did you see the "poll" they took that showed
that most people thought physicians should be paid $80,000 per year
tops?  That's all I make, but I doubt that most physicians are going
to work very hard for that kind of bread.  Many wouldn't be able
to service their med school debts on that.  Mike Royko had a good
column about it.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Subject: Re: Update (Help!) [was "What is This [Is it Lyme's?]"]
Article-I.D.: pitt.19421
Reply-To: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 15
In article <1993Mar24.182145.11004@equator.com> jod@equator.com (John Setel O'Donnell) writes:
>IMHO, you have Lyme disease.  I told you this in private email and predicted
>that you might next start having the migrating pains and further joint
IMHO, the original poster has no business soliciting diagnoses off the net,
nor does Dr./Mr.  O'Donnell have any business supplying same. This is one
major reason real physicians avoid this newsgroup like the plague. It is
also another example of the double standard: if I as a physician offered
to diagnose and treat on the net, I can be sued. But people without
qualifications are free to do whatever they want and disclaim it all with
"I'm not a doctor."
Get and keep this crap off the net. Period.
-km
From: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Subject: Re: Patient-Physician Diplomacy
Article-I.D.: pitt.19422
Reply-To: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 22
In article <C4Hyou.1Iz@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> hrubin@pop.stat.purdue.edu (Herman Rubin) writes:
>In article <188@ky3b.UUCP> km@ky3b.pgh.pa.us (Ken Mitchum) writes:
>
>>Ditto. Disease is a great leveling experience, however. Some people
>>are very much afronted to find out that all the money in the world
>>does not buy one health. Everyone looks the same when they die.
>
>If money does not buy one health, why are we talking about paying
>for medical expenses for those not currently "adequately covered"?
Herman, I would think you of all people would/could distinguish
between "health" and "treatment of disease." All the prevention
medicine people preach this all the time. You cannot buy health.
You can buy treatment of disease, assuming you are lucky enough
to have a disease which can be treated. A rich person with a
terminal disease is a bit out of luck. There is no such thing
as "adequately covered" and there never will be.
And for what it's worth, I'll be the first to admit that all my
patients die.
-km
From: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Subject: Re: Immotile Cilia Syndrome
Article-I.D.: pitt.19423
Reply-To: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 31
In article <1993Mar26.213522.26224@ncsu.edu> andrea@unity.ncsu.edu (Andrea M Free-Kwiatkowski) writes:
>I would like to know if there is any new information out there about the
>subject or any new studies being conducted.  I am confident in my
>pediatrician and her communication with the people in Chapel Hill, but
>since this is a life-long disorder and genetically transferred I would
>like keep current.  I do realize that since this is a relatively new
>disorder (first documented in 1974 in a fertility clinic in Scandanavia)
>and is therefore "controversial".
I do not know a lot about this, except from seeing one patient with
"Kartagener's syndrome", which is a form of immotile cilia syndrome
in which there is situs inversus, bronchiectasis, and chronic
infections. "Situs inversus" means that organs are on the wrong
side of the body, and can be complete or partial. It is interesting
medically because the normal location of organs is caused in part
by the "normal" rotation associated with ciliary motion, so that in
absence of this, laterality can be "random." People with situs
inversus are quite popular at medical schools, because of their
rarity, and the fact that most doctors get a bit upset when they
can't find the patient's heart sounds (because they're on the wrong
side).
According to Harrison's, immotile cilia syndrom is an autosomal
recessive, which should imply that on average one child in four
in a family would be affected. But there may be much more current
information on this, and as usual in medicine, we may be talking
about more than one conditiion. I would suggest that you ask your
pediatrician about contacting a medical geneticics specialist, of
which there is probably one at NCSU.
-km
From: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Subject: Re: Lung disorders and clubbing of fingers
Article-I.D.: pitt.19424
Reply-To: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 36
In article <SLAGLE.93Mar26205915@sgi417.msd.lmsc.lockheed.com> slagle@lmsc.lockheed.com writes:
>Can anyone out there enlighten me on the relationship between
>lung disorders and "clubbing", or swelling and widening, of the
>fingertips?  What is the mechanism and why would a physician
>call for chest xrays to diagnose the cause of the clubbing?
Purists often distinguish between "true" clubbing and "pseudo"
clubbing, the difference being that with "true" clubbing the
angle of the nail when viewed from the side is constantly
negative when proceeding distally (towards the fingertip).
With "pseudo" clubbing, the angle is initially positive, then
negative, which is the normal situation. "Real" internists
can talk for hours about clubbing. I'm limited to a couple
of minutes.
Whether this distinction has anything to do with reality is
entirely unclear, but it is one of those things that internists
love to paw over during rounds. Supposedly, only "true" clubbing
is associated with disease. The problem is that the list of
diseases associated with clubbing is quite long, and includes
both congenital conditions and acquired disease. Since many of
these diseases are associated with cardiopulmonary problems
leading to right to left shunts and chronic hypoxemia, it is
very reasonable to get a chest xray. However, many of the
congenital abnormalities would only be diagnosed with a cardiac
catheterization.
The cause of clubbing is unclear, but presumably relates to
some factor causing blood vessels in the distal fingertip to
dilate abnormally.
Clubbing is one of those things from an examination which is
a tipoff to do more extensive examination. Often, however,
the cause of the clubbing is quite apparent.
-km
From: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Subject: Re: Open letter to Hillary Rodham Clinton (#7)
Article-I.D.: pitt.19425
Reply-To: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 3
How about posting one of her replies to your letters?
-km
From: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Subject: Re: Menangitis question
Article-I.D.: pitt.19427
Reply-To: km@cs.pitt.edu (Ken Mitchum)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 42
In article <C4nzn6.Mzx@crdnns.crd.ge.com> brooksby@brigham.NoSubdomain.NoDomain (Glen W Brooksby) writes:
>This past weekend a friend of mine lost his 13 month old
>daughter in a matter of hours to a form of menangitis.  The
>person informing me called it 'Nicereal Meningicocis' (sp?).
>In retrospect, the disease struck her probably sometime on
>Friday evening and she passed away about 2:30pm on Saturday.
>The symptoms seemed to be a rash that started small and
>then began progressing rapidly. She began turning blue
>eventually which was the tip-off that this was serious
>but by that time it was too late (this is all second hand info.).
>
>My question is:
>Is this an unusual form of Menangitis?  How is it transmitted?
>How does it work (ie. how does it kill so quickly)?
There are many organisms, viral, bacterial, and fungal, which can
cause meningitits, and the course of these infections varies
widely. The causes of bacterial meningitis vary with age: in adults
pneumococcus (the same organism which causes pneumococcal pneumonia)
is the most common cause, while in children Hemophilus influenzae
is the most common cause.
What you are describing is meningitis from Neisseria meningitidis,
which is the second most common cause of bacterial meningitis in
both groups, but with lower incidence in infants. This organism
is also called the "meningococcus", and is the source of the
common epidemics of meningitis that occur and are popularized in
the press. Without prompt treatment (and even WITH it in some cases),
the organism typically causes death within a day.
This organism, feared as it is, is actually grown from the throats
of many normal adults. It can get to the meninges by different
ways, but blood borne spread is probably the usual case.
Rifampin (an oral antibiotic) is often given to family and contacts
of a case of meningococcal meningitis, by the way.
Sorry, but I don't have time for a more detailed reply. Meningitis
is a huge topic, and sci.med can't do it justice.
-km
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: 3 AIDS Related Questions
Article-I.D.: pitt.19428
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 17
In article <93088.130924PXF3@psuvm.psu.edu> PXF3@psuvm.psu.edu (Paula Ford) writes:
>we know ours is not HIV+ and people need it.  I think my husband should give
>blood, especially, because his is O+, and I understand that's a very useful
>blood type.
>
It's O- that is especially useful.  Still, he isn't punishing the
Red Cross but some O+ person that needed his blood and couldn't
get it.  You are right, nagging probably won't help.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Update (Help!) [was "What is This [Is it Lyme's?]"]
Article-I.D.: pitt.19436
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 42
In article <1993Mar29.181958.3224@equator.com> jod@equator.com (John Setel O'Donnell) writes:
>
>I shouldn't have to be posting here.  Physicians should know the Lyme
>literature beyond Steere & co's denial merry-go-round.  Patients
>should get correctly diagnosed and treated.
>
Why do you think Steere is doing this?  Isn't he acting in good faith?
After all, as the "discoverer" of Lyme for all intents and purposes,
the more famous Lyme gets, the more famous Steere gets.  I don't
see the ulterior motive here.  It is easy for me to see it the
those physicians who call everything lyme and treat everything.
There is a lot of money involved.
>I'm a computer engineer, not a doctor (,Jim).  I was building a
>computer manufacturing company when I got Lyme. I lost several
>years of my life to near-total disability; partially as a result,
>the company failed, taking with it over 150 jobs, my savings,
>and everything I'd worked for for years.  I'm one of the "lucky"
>ones in that I found a physician through the Lyme foundation
>and now can work almost full-time, although I have persistent
>infection and still suffer a variety of sypmtoms.  And now
>I try to follow the Lyme literature.
>
Well, it is tragic what has happened to you, but it doesn't
necessarily make you the most objective source of information
about it.  If your whole life is focussed around this, you
may be too emotionally involved to be advising other people
who may or may not have Lyme.  Certainly advocacy of more research
on Lyme would not be out of order, though, and people like you
can be very effective there.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: CAN'T BREATHE
Article-I.D.: pitt.19438
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 33
In article <1p8t1p$mvv@agate.berkeley.edu> romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff) writes:
>
>Re: the prostate treatment is worse than the disease...In medicine there
>really is something histologically identified as prostate tissue and
>there are observable changes which take place, that whenever they occur,
>can be identified as prostate cancer. What if I told you that most chiropractorstreat Subluxation (Spinal Demons), which don't exist at all. Therefore any
>tissue damage incurred in a chiropractic treatment performed
>in an effort to exorcise this elusive Silent Killer, such as ligamentous
>damage and laxity, microfracture of the joint surfaces, rib fractures,
>strokes, paralysis,etc., is by definition worse than non-treatment.
>
>John Badanes, DC, CA
>email: romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu
What does "DC" stand for?  Couldn't be an antichiropractic posting
from a chiropractor, could it?  My curiosity is piqued.
Prostate CA is an especially troublesome entity for chiropractors.
It so typically causes bone pain due to spinal metastases that it
gets manipulated frequently.  Manipulating a cancer riddled bone
is highly dangerous, since it can then fracture.  I've seen at
least three cases where this happened with resulting neurologic
damage, including paraplegia.  This is one instance where knowing
how to read x-rays can really help a chiropractor stay out of trouble.
DO chiropractors know what bony mets from prostate look like?
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Menangitis question
Article-I.D.: pitt.19439
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 42
In article <C4nzn6.Mzx@crdnns.crd.ge.com> brooksby@brigham.NoSubdomain.NoDomain (Glen W Brooksby) writes:
>This past weekend a friend of mine lost his 13 month old
>daughter in a matter of hours to a form of menangitis.  The
>person informing me called it 'Nicereal Meningicocis' (sp?).
>In retrospect, the disease struck her probably sometime on
>Friday evening and she passed away about 2:30pm on Saturday.
>The symptoms seemed to be a rash that started small and
>then began progressing rapidly. She began turning blue
>eventually which was the tip-off that this was serious
>but by that time it was too late (this is all second hand info.).
>
>My question is:
>Is this an unusual form of Menangitis?  How is it transmitted?
>How does it work (ie. how does it kill so quickly)?
>
No, the neiseria meningococcus is one of the most common
forms of meningitis.  It's the one that sometimes sweeps
schools or boot camp.  It is contagious and kills by attacking
the covering of the brain, causing the blood vessels to thrombose
and the brain to swell up.
It is very treatable if caught in time.  There isn't much time,
however.  The rash is the tip off.  Infants are very susceptible
to dying from bacterial meningitis.  Any infant with a fever who
becomes stiff or lethargic needs to be rushed to a hospital where
a spinal tap will show if they have meningitis.  Seizures can also
occur.
>Immediate family members were told to take some kind of medication
>to prevent them from being carriers, yet they didn't have
>any concerns about my wife and I coming to visit them.
>
It can live in the throat of carriers.  Don't worry, you won't get
it from them, especially if they took the medication.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: "CAN'T BREATHE"
Article-I.D.: pitt.19440
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 23
In article <1993Mar29.204003.26952@tijc02.uucp> pjs269@tijc02.uucp (Paul Schmidt) writes:
>I think it is important to verify all procedures with proper studies to
>show their worthiness and risk.  I just read an interesting tidbit that
>80% of the medical treatments are unproven and not based on scientific
>fact.  For example, many treatments of prostate cancer are unproven and
>the treatment may be more dangerous than the disease (according to the
>article I read.)
Where did you read this?  I don't think this is true.  I think most
medical treatments are based on science, although it is difficult
to prove anything with certitude.  It is true that there are some
things that have just been found "to work", but we have no good
explanation for why.  But almost everything does have a scientific
rationale.  The most common treatment for prostate cancer is
probably hormone therapy.  It has been "proven" to work.  So have
radiation and chemotherapy.  What treatments did the article say
are not proven?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jer@prefect.cc.bellcore.com (rathmann,janice e)
Subject: Re: Sinus vs. Migraine (was Re: Sinus Endoscopy)
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Summary: Headaches and analgesics
Lines: 95
I noticed several years ago that when I took analgesics fairly regularly,
(motrin at the time), I seemed to get a lot of migraines.  But had
forgotten about that until I started reading some of the posts here.
I generally don't take NSAIDS or Tylenol for headaches, because I've
found them to be ineffective.  However, I have two other pain sources
that force me to take NSAIDS (currently Naprosyn).  First, is some
pelvic pain that I get at the beginning of my period, and then much
worse at midcycle.  I have had surgery for endometriosis in the past
(~12 years ago), so the Drs. tell me that my pain is probably due
to the endometriosis coming back.  I've tried Synarel, it reduced
the pain while I took it (3 mos), but the pain returned immediately
after I stopped.  Three doctors have suggested hysterectomy as the
only "real solution" to my problem.  Although I don't expect to have
any more children, I don't like the idea of having my uterus and
one remaining ovary removed (the first ovary was removed when I had
the surgery for endometriosis).  One of the Drs that suggested
I get a hysterectomy is an expert in laser surgery, but perhaps thinks
that type of procedure is only worthwhile on women who still plan
to have children.  So basically all I'm left with is toughing out
the pain.  This would be impossible without Naprosyn (or something
similar - but not aspirin, that doesn't work, and Motrin gave me
horrible gastritis a few years ago, so I'm through with it).  In
fact, Naprosyn works very well at eliminating the pain if I take
it regularly as I did when I had severe back pain (and pain in both
legs) as I'll discuss in a moment.  Generally though, I wait until
I have the pain before I take the Naprosyn, but then it takes
several hours for it reduce the pain (it's actually quite effective
at reducing the pain, it just takes quite a while).  In the meantime
I'm frequently in severe pain.
The other pain source I have is chronic lower back pain resulting in
bilateral radiculopathy.  I've had MRIs, Xrays, CT scan, and EMGs
(I've had 2 of them, and don't intend to ever do that again) with
nerve conduction tests.  The tests have not been conclusive as to
what is causing my back and leg pain.  The MRI reports both say I have
several bulging, degeneratig disks, and from the Xrays (and MRI, I think)
it is apparent that I have arthritis.  The reading on the CT scan
was that there are two herniations (L3-L4, and L4-L5), but others
hav looked at the films and concluded that there are no herniations.
The second EMG and nerve conduction studies shows significant denervation
compared to the first EMG.  Oh yeah, I had some other horrible test,
called something like Somatic Evoked Response which showed that the
"internal nerves" are working fine.   Anyway, the bottom line is that
I sometimes have severe pain in both legs and back pain.  The back pain
is there all the time, but I can live with it.  When the leg pain is there,
I need some analgesic/anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain
to a level where I can work.  So I took Naprosyn regulary for 6-9
months (every time I tried to stop the leg pain got worse, so I'd
always resume).  Since last November I have taken it much less frequently,
and primarily for the pelvic pain.  I have been going to physical
therapy for the last 8 months (2-3 times a week).  After the first month
or so, my therapist put me on pelvic traction (she had tried it earlier,
but it had caused a lot of pain in my back, this time she tried it at
a lower weight).  After a month or two, the pain in my legs began going
away (but the traction aways caused discomfort in my lower back, which
could be reduced with ultrasound and massage).  So now, I don't have
nearly as much pain in my legs, in fact my therapist took me off
traction about 2 weeks ago.
Getting back to my original reason for this post...  Even if I can avoid
taking analgesic for headaches, I really can't avoid them entirely because
I have other pain sources, that "force" me to use them (Oh, I forgot
to mention that it has been suggested to me that I have back surgery,
but I'm avoiding that too).  I find the migraines difficult to deal with,
occassionally I have to take off work, but usually I can work, but at
a reduced capacity (I'm a systems engineer and do a lot of reading
and writing).  When the pelvic pain is bad, I can't concentrate much,
I usually end up jumping out of my chair every few minutes, because
the pain is so bothersome.  When the pain in my back is bad, it can
cause severe burning in both legs, shooting pains in my legs, electric
shock type of pain in my feet and toes, and basically when it gets bad
I can't really sit at all.  Then I end up spending most of my time home
and in bed.  So even if the analgesics contribute to the migraines, the
migraines are more tolerable than the other pain sources.  I get a lot
of migraines, an average of 3 to 4 a month, which last 1-3 days.
I've taken cafergot (the first time the caffiene really got to me so
I reduced the dosage), but I don't like the side effects (if I take
more than two I get diahrea).  If I get a very bad headache, I will
eventually take the cafergot.  My neurologist wasn't very helpful when
I told him my problems with cafergot, he said that when sumatriptan
becomes available, I should try that.  I've tried several other medications
(fiornal, midrin, fiornal with codeine, tegretol, and inderal) but
they either didn't work, or I couldn't tolerate them.  So what can I do?
My doctor's seem to be satisfied with me just trying to tolerate the
pain, which I agree with most of the time, but not when I have a lot of
pain.  I've had some bad experiences with surgery (my heart stopped
once from the anesthesia - I was told that it was likely the
succinylcholine), and I've already had surgery several times.
Anyway, the point of what I'm saying is that even if analgesics can contribute
to migraines, some people NEED to take them to tolerate other pain.
Janice Rathmann
From: aldridge@netcom.com (Jacquelin Aldridge)
Subject: Re: Teenage acne
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Lines: 57
pchurch@swell.actrix.gen.nz (Pat Churchill) writes:
>My 14-y-o son has the usual teenage spotty chin and greasy nose.  I
>bought him Clearasil face wash and ointment.  I think that is probably
>enough, along with the usual good diet.  However, he is on at me to
>get some product called Dalacin T, which used to be a
>doctor's-prescription only treatment but is not available over the
>chemist's counter.  I have asked a couple of pharmacists who say
>either his acne is not severe enough for Dalacin T, or that Clearasil
>is OK.  I had the odd spots as a teenager, nothing serious.  His
>father was the same, so I don't figure his acne is going to escalate
>into something disfiguring.  But I know kids are senstitive about
>their appearance.  I am wary because a neighbour's son had this wierd
>malady that was eventually put down to an overdose of vitamin A from
>acne treatment.  I want to help - but with appropriate treatment.
>My son also has some scaliness around the hairline on his scalp.  Sort
>of teenage cradle cap.  Any pointers/advice on this?  We have tried a
>couple of anti dandruff shampoos and some of these are inclined to
>make the condition worse, not better.
>Shall I bury the kid till he's 21 :)
:) No...I was one of the lucky ones. Very little acne as a teenager. I
didn't have any luck with clearasil. Even though my skin gets oily it
really only gets miserable pimples when it's dry.
Frequent lukewarm water rinses on the face might help. Getting the scalp
thing under control might help (that could be as simple as submerging under
the bathwater till it's softened and washing it out). Taking a one a day
vitamin/mineral might help. I've heard iodine causes trouble and that it
is used in fast food restaurants to sterilize equipment which might be
where the belief that greasy foods cause acne came from. I notice grease
on my face, not immediately removed will cause acne (even from eating
meat).
Keeping hair rinse, mousse, dip, and spray off the face will help. Warm
water bath soaks or cloths on the face to soften the oil in the pores will
help prevent blackheads. Body oil is hydrophilic, loves water and it
softens and washes off when it has a chance. That's why hair goes limp with
oilyness.
Becoming convinced that the best thing to do with
a whitehead is leave it alone will save him days of pimple misery. Any
prying of black or whiteheads can cause infections, the red spots of
pimples. Usually a whitehead will break naturally in a day and there won't
be an infection afterwards.
Tell him that it's normal to have some pimples but the cosmetic industry
makes it's money off of selling people on the idea that they are an
incredible defect to be hidden at any cost (even that of causing more pimples).
-Jackie-
From: Mark W. Dubin
Subject: Re: ringing ears
Originator: dubin@spot.Colorado.EDU
Keywords: ringing ears, sleep, depression
Nntp-Posting-Host: spot.colorado.edu
Reply-To: dubin@spot.colorado.edu
Organization: Univ. of Colorado-Boulder
Lines: 31
jfare@53iss6.Waterloo.NCR.COM (Jim Fare) writes:
>A friend of mine has a trouble with her ears ringing. [etc.]
A.  Folks, do we have an FAQ on tinnitus yet?
B.  As a lo-o-o-ong time sufferer of tinnitus and as a neuroscientist
who has looked over the literature carefully I believe the following
are reasonable conclusions:
1. Millions of people suffer from chronic tinnitus.
2. The cause it not understood.
3. There is no accepted treatment that cures it.
4. Some experimental treatments may have helped some people a bit, but
there have be no reports--even anecdotal--of massive good results with
any of these experimental drugs.
5. Some people with chronic loud tinnitus use noise blocking to get to sleep.
6. Sudden onset loud tinnitus can be caused by injuries and sometimes
abates or goes away after a few months.
7. Aspirin is well known to exacerbate tinnitus in some people.
8. There is a national association of tinnitus sufferers in the US.
9. One usually gets used to it.  Especially when concentrating on
something else the tinnitus becomes unnoticed.
10.  Stress and lack of sleep make tinnitus more annoying, sometimes.
11.  I'm sure those of us who have it wish there was a cure, but there
is not.
Mark dubin
the ol' professor
From: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill)
Subject: Re: jiggers
Originator: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com
Nntp-Posting-Host: theseus.unx.sas.com
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Lines: 62
I may not be the world's greatest expert on chiggers (a type of
mite indigenous to the south), but I certainly have spent a lot
of time contemplating the little buggers over the past six years
(since we moved to N.C.).  Here are some observations gained from
painful experience:
1. Reactions to chiggers vary greatly from person to person.
Some people get tiny red bites.  Others (like me) are more
sensitive and get fairly large swollen sore-like affairs.
2. Chigger bites are the gift that keeps on giving.  I swear
that these things will itch for months.
3. There is a lot of folklore about chiggers.  I think most of
it is fiction.  I have tried to do research on the critters,
since they have such an effect on me.  The only book I could
find on the subject was a *single* book in UNC's special
collections library.  I have not yet gone through what is
required to get it.
4. Based on my experience and that of my family members, the old
folk remedy of fingernail polish simply doesn't work.  I recall
reading that the theory upon which it is based (that the chiggers
burrow into your skin and continue to party there) is false.  I
think it is more likely that the reaction is to toxins of some
sort the little pests release.  But this is speculation.
5. The *best* approach is prevention.  A couple of things work well.
A good insect repellent (DEET) such as Deep Woods Off liberally
applied to ankles, waistband, etc. is a good start.  There is
another preparation called "Chig Away" that is a combination of
sulfur and some kind of cream (cortisone?) that originally was
prepared for the Army and is not commercially available.  In
the summer I put this on my ankles every morning when I get
up on weekends since I literally can't go outside where we
live (in the country) without serious consequences.  (They
apparently don't like sulfur much at all.  You can use sulfur
as a dust on your body or clothing to repel them.)
6. No amount of prevention will be *completely* successful.  Forget
the fingernail polish.  I have finally settled upon a treatment
that involves topical application of a combination of cortisone
creme (reduces the inflamation and swelling) and benzocaine
(relieves the itch).  I won't tell you all the things I've tried.
Nor will I tell you some of the things my wife does since this
counts as minor surgery and is best not mentioned (I also think
it gains nothing).
7. The swelling and itching can also be significantly relieved
by the application of hot packs, and this seems to speed recovery
as well.
Doctors seem not to care much about chiggers.  The urban and suburban
doctors apparently don't encounter them much.  And the rural doctors
seem to regard them as a force of nature that one must endure.  I
suspect that anyone who could come up with a good treatment for chiggers
would make a *lot* of money.
--
Gary H. Merrill  [Principal Systems Developer, C Compiler Development]
SAS Institute Inc. / SAS Campus Dr. / Cary, NC  27513 / (919) 677-8000
sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com ... !mcnc!sas!sasghm
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 20
In article <1993Mar27.142431.25188@inmet.camb.inmet.com> mazur@bluefin.camb.inmet.com (Beth Mazur) writes:
>In article <1ov4toINNh0h@lynx.unm.edu> bhjelle@carina.unm.edu () writes:
>
>On the other hand, we do a good job of implying that the person who
>weighs 400lbs is "overeating" when in fact, the body probably doesn't
>make any moral judgements about its composition.  Conceivably, the
>body works just as hard maintaining its weight at 400 as someone else's
>does at 200.
>
Undoubtedly it does, to maintain such a weight.  And it does so
primarily by overeating.  If it didn't, the weight would drop
back to normal.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Blindsight
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 18
In article <werner-240393161954@tol7mac15.soe.berkeley.edu> werner@soe.berkeley.edu (John Werner) writes:
>In article <19213@pitt.UUCP>, geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) wrote:
>>
>> Explain.  I thought there were 3 types of cones, equivalent to RGB.
>
>You're basically right, but I think there are just 2 types.  One is
>sensitive to red and green, and the other is sensitive to blue and yellow.
>This is why the two most common kinds of color-blindness are red-green and
>blue-yellow.
>
Yes, I remember that now.  Well, in that case, the cones are indeed
color sensitive, contrary to what the original respondent had claimed.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Sinus vs. Migraine (was Re: Sinus Endoscopy)
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 16
In article <Lauger-240393141539@lauger.mdc.com> Lauger@ssdgwy.mdc.com (John Lauger) writes:
>In article <19201@pitt.UUCP>, geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) wrote:
>What's the best approach to getting off the analgesics.  Is there something
Two approaches that I've used: Tofranil, 50 mg qhs, Naproxen 250mg bid.
The Naproxen doesn't seem to be as bad as things like Tylenol in promoting
the analgesic abuse Headache.  DHE IV infusions for about 3 days (in
hospital).  Cold turkey is the only way I think.  Tapering doesn't
help. I wouldn't know how you can do this without your doctor.  I haven't
seen anyone successfully do it alone.  Doesn't mean it can't be done.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Sinus vs. Migraine (was Re: Sinus Endoscopy)
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 15
In article <1993Mar26.001004.10983@news.eng.convex.com> cash@convex.com (Peter Cash) writes:
>
>By the way, does the brain even have pain receptors? I thought not--I heard
>that brain surgery can be performed while the patient is conscious for
>precisely this reason.
>
No, no, we aren't talking about receptors for the brain's sensory
innervation, but structures such as the thalamus that handle pain
for the entire organism.  Apples and oranges.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: tuberculosis
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 20
In article <1993Mar25.020646.852@news.columbia.edu> jhl14@cunixa.cc.columbia.edu (Jonathan H. Lin) writes:
>I was wondering what steps are being taken to prevent the spread of
>multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.  I've heard that some places are
>thinking of incarcerating those with the disease.  Doesn't this violate
>the civil rights of these individuals?  Are there any legal precedents
>for such action?
>
Who knows in this legal climate, but there is tremendous legal precendent
for forcibly quarantining TB patients in sanitariums.  100 yrs ago
it was done all the time.  It has been done sporadically all along
in patients who won't take their medicine.  If you have TB you
may find yourself under surveilence of the Public Health Department
and you may find they have the legal power to insist you make your
clinic visits.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Blindsight
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 14
In article <1993Mar26.185117.21400@cs.rochester.edu> fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
>In article <33587@castle.ed.ac.uk> hrvoje@castle.ed.ac.uk (H Hecimovic) writes:
>compensation?  Or are lesions localized to the SC too rare to be able
>to tell?
Extremely rare in humans.  Usually so much else is involved you'd
just have a mess to sort out.  Birds do all vision in the tectum,
don't they?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Name of MD's eyepiece?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 13
In article <C4IHM2.Gs9@watson.ibm.com> clarke@watson.ibm.com (Ed Clarke) writes:
>|> |It's not an eyepiece.  It is called a head mirror.  All doctors never
>
>A speculum?
The speculum is the little cone that fits on the end of the otoscope.
There are also vaginal specula that females and gynecologists are
all too familiar with.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Patient-Physician Diplomacy
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 18
In article <1993Mar29.130824.16629@aoa.aoa.utc.com> carl@aoa.aoa.utc.com (Carl Witthoft) writes:
>What is "unacceptable" about this is that hospitals and MDs by law
>have no choice but to treat you if you show up sick or mangled from
>an accident.  If you aren't rich and have no insurance, who is going
>to foot your bills?  Do you actually intend to tell the ambulance
>"No, let me die in the gutter because I can't afford the treatment"??
By law, they would not be allowed to do that anyhow.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: "Exercise" Hypertension
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 18
In article <93084.140929RFM@psuvm.psu.edu> RFM@psuvm.psu.edu writes:
>I took a stress test a couple weeks back, and results came back noting
>"Exercise" Hypertension.  Fool that I am, I didn't ask Doc what this meant,
>and she didn't explain; and now I'm wondering.  Can anyone out there
>enlighten.  And I promise, next time I'll ask!
Probably she meant that your blood pressure went up while you were on
the treadmill.  This is normal.  You'll have to ask her if this is
what she meant, since no one else can answer for another person.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Striato Nigral Degeneration
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 16
In article <9303252134.AA09923@walrus.mvhs.edu> ktodd@walrus.mvhs.edu ((Ken Todd)) writes:
>I would like any information available on this rare disease.  I understand
>that an operation referred to as POLLIDOTOMY may be in order.  Does anyone
>know of a physician that performs this procedure.  All responses will be
>appreciated.  Please respond via email to ktodd@walrus.mvhs.edu
It isn't that rare, actually.  Many cases that are called Parkinson's
Disease turn out on autopsy to be SND.  It should be suspected in any
case of Parkinsonism without tremor and which does not respond to
L-dopa therapy.  I don't believe pallidotomy will do much for SND.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: MORBUS MENIERE - is there a real remedy?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 39
In article <lindaeC4JGLK.FxM@netcom.com> lindae@netcom.com writes:
>
>My biggest resentment is the doctor who makes it seem like most
>people with dizziness can be cured.  That's definitely not the
>case.  In most cases, like I said above, it is a long, tedious
>process that may or may not end up in a partial cure.
>
Be sure to say "chronic" dizziness, not just dizziness.  Most
patients with acute or subacute dizziness will get better.
The vertiginous spells of Meniere's will also eventually go
away, however, the patient is left with a deaf ear.
>To anyone suffering with vertigo, dizziness, or any variation
>thereof, my best advice to you (as a fellow-sufferer) is this...
>just keep searching...don't let the doctors tell you there's
>nothing that can be done...do your own research...and let your
This may have helped you, but I'm not sure it is good general
advice.  The odds that you are going to find some miracle with
your own research that is secret or hidden from general knowledge
for this or any other disease are slim.  When good answers to these
problems are found, it is usually in all the newspapers.  Until
then, spending a great deal of time and energy on the medical
problem may divert that energy from more productive things
in life.  A limited amount should be spent to assure yourself
that your doctor gave you the correct story, but after it becomes
clear that you are dealing with a problem for which medicine
has no good solution, perhaps the best strategy is to join
the support group and keep abreast of new findings but not to
make a career out of it.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Donating organs
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 24
In article <1993Mar25.161109.13101@sbcs.sunysb.edu> mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu (Michael Holloway) writes:
>Dr. Banks,
>	I don't know if you make a point of keeping up with liver transplant
>research but you're certainly in the right place for these questions.  Has
>there been anything recent in "Transplant Proceedings" or somesuch, on
>xenografts?  How about liver section transplants from living donors?
>
I'm sure the Pittsburgh group has published the baboon work, but I
don't know where.  In Chicago they were doing lobe transplants from
living donors, and I'm sure they've published.  I don't read the
transplant literature.  I just see the liver transplant patients
when they get into neurologic trouble (pretty frequent), so that
and the newspapers and scuttlebutt is the way I keep up with what
they are doing.  Howard Doyle works with them, and can tell you more.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Update (Help!) [was "What is This [Is it Lyme's?]"]
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 24
In article <1993Mar24.182145.11004@equator.com> jod@equator.com (John Setel O'Donnell) writes:
>IMHO, you have Lyme disease.
>I sent you in private email a summary of the treatment protocols put
>forth by the Lyme Disease Foundation.  I respectfully suggest that you
>save yourself a great deal of suffering by contacting them for a
>Lyme-knowledgeable physician referral and seek treatment at once.
>You'll know in 2 weeks if you're on the right course; and the clock is
>ticking on your 6 weeks if you have it. 1-800-886-LYME.
If these folks are who I think they are, Lyme-knowledgeable may
mean a physician to whom everything that walks in the door is
lyme disease, and you will be treated for lyme, whether or not
you have it.  Hope you have good insurance.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Use of codine in narcolepsy.
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 18
In article <1993Mar26.005148.7899@aio.jsc.nasa.gov> stevel@aio.jsc.nasa.gov (Steve Lancaster) writes:
>3) Is there any way around the scheduled drug mess so that he can use
>just the substance that works and not one adulterated with Tylenol?
>Can the MD perscribe a year long supply on one script? His doctor
>basically refused to prescribe it, saying "His clinic does not prescribe
>controled substances. Its is 'company' rule.!"
>
Short of changes by the feds, there is no way.  Codeine alone is very
difficult to prescribe without a lot of hassles.  Tylenol #3 is the
best compromise.  That way he can get refills.  The amount of acetominophen
he is getting with his codeine won't hurt him any.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Migraines and Estrogen
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 12
In article <3FB51B6w165w@jupiter.spk.wa.us> pwageman@jupiter.spk.wa.us (Peggy Wageman) writes:
>I read that hormonal fluctuations can contribute to migraines, could
>taking supplemental estrogen (ERT) cause migraines?  Any information
I'm not sure it is the fluctuation so much as the estrogen level.
Taking Premarin can certainly cause migraines in some women.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: migraine and exercise
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 20
In article <C4Iozx.7wx@world.std.com> rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver) writes:
>I have two questions. Is there any obvious connection between the
>flushed appearance and the migraine? Was I foolish to play through
>the migraine (aside from the visual disturbance affecting my play)?
>I just prefer to ignore it when possible.
>
The flushing is due to vascular dilation, part of a migraine attack.
Some people event get puffy and swollen.  As long as you are careful
you can see well enough to avoid getting hit in the face or eye by
the ball, migraine will not hurt your health.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: new Multiple Sclerosis drug?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 13
In article <12252@news.duke.edu> adm@neuro.duke.edu (Alan Magid) writes:
>Disclaimer: I speak only for myself.
So just what was it you wanted to say?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Need Info on RSD
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 13
In article <1993Mar27.004627.21258@rmtc.Central.Sun.COM> lrd@rmtc.Central.Sun.COM writes:
>I just started working for a rehabilitation hospital and have seen RSD
>come up as a diagnosis several times.  What exactly is RSD and what is
>the nature of it?  If there is a FAQ on this subject, I'd really
>appreciate it if someone would mail it to me.  While any and all
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy.  I'm sure there's an FAQ, as I have
made at least 10 answers to questions on it in the last year or so.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: km@ky3b.pgh.pa.us (Ken Mitchum)
Subject: Re: tuberculosis
Organization: KY3B - Vax Pittsburgh, PA
Lines: 19
In article <1993Mar25.085526.914@news.wesleyan.edu>, RGINZBERG@eagle.wesleyan.edu (Ruth Ginzberg) writes:
|>
|> But I'll be damned, his "rights" to be sick & to fail to treat his disease & to
|> spread it all over the place were, indeed preserved.  Happy?
Several years ago I tried to commit a patient who was growing Salmonella out of his
stool, blood, and an open ulcer for treatment. The idea was that the guy was a
walking public health risk, and that forcing him to receive IV antibiotics for
a few days was in the public interest. I will make a long story short by saying
that the judge laughed at my idea, yelled at me for wasting his time, and let
the guy go.
I found out that tuberculosis appears to be the only MEDICAL (as oppsed to psychiatric)
condition that one can be committed for, and this is because very specific laws were
enacted many years ago regarding tb. I am certain these vary from state to state.
Any legal experts out there to help us on this?
-km
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: amitriptyline
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 14
In article <1993Mar27.010702.8176@julian.uwo.ca> roberts@gaul.csd.uwo.ca (Eric Roberts) writes:
>Could someone please tell me, what effect an overdose (900-1000mg) of
>amitriptyline would have?
Probably would not be fatal in an adult at that dose, but could kill
a child.  Patient would be very somnolent, with dilated pupils, low
blood pressure.  Possibly cardiac arrhythmias.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Medication For Parkinsons
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 15
In article <19621.3049.uupcb@factory.com> jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein) writes:
>If you want to throw around names, Drs. Donald Calne, Terry Elizan,
>and Jesse Cedarbaum don't recommend selegiline (not to mention Dr.
>William Landau).
>
Gosh, Jesse is that famous now?  He was my intern.  Landau not liking
it makes me like it out of spite.  (Just kidding, Bill).
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Fingernail "moons"
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 16
In article <733196190.AA00076@calcom.socal.com> Daniel.Prince@f129.n102.z1.calcom.socal.com (Daniel Prince) writes:
>I only have lunulas on my thumbs.  Is there any medical
>significance to that finding?  Thank you in advance for all
>replies.
>
Try peeling the skin back at the base of your other fingernails
(not too hard, now, don't want to hurt yourself).  You'll find
nice little lunulas there if you can peel it back enough.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: health care reform
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 20
In article <LMC006@wrc.wrgrace.com> custer@wrc.wrgrace.com (Linda Custer) writes:
>
>Also, I'm not sure that physician fees at the very, very highest levels
>don't have to come down. (I'm not talking about the bulk of physicians
>making good but not great salaries who have mega-loans from medical school
>debts.) I'd also like to see some strong ethics with teeth for physicians
I agree that some specialties have gotten way out of line.  The main
problem is the payment method for procedures rather than time distorts
the system.  I hope they will fix that.  But I'm afraid, as usual,
the local doc is going to take the brunt.  People grouse about paying
$50 to see their home doctor in his office, but don't mind paying
$20,000 to have brain surgery.  They think their local doc is cheating
them but worship the feet of the neurosurgeon who saved their life.
What they don't realize is that we need more local docs and fewer
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: High Prolactin
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 12
In article <93088.112203JER4@psuvm.psu.edu> JER4@psuvm.psu.edu (John E. Rodway) writes:
>Any comments on the use of the drug Parlodel for high prolactin in the blood?
>
It can suppress secretion of prolactin.  Is useful in cases of galactorrhea.
Some adenomas of the pituitary secret too much.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Toxoplasmosis
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 33
In article <1240002@isoit109.BBN.HP.COM> sude@isoit109.BBN.HP.COM (#Susanne Denninger) writes:
>
>1. How dangerous is it ? From whom is it especially dangerous ?
>
Dangerous only to immune suppressed persons and fetuses.  To them,
it is extremely dangerous.  Most of the rest of us have already had
it and it isn't dangerous at all.
>2. How is it transmitted (I read about raw meat and cats, but I'd like to
>   have more details) ?
>
Cat feces are the worst.  Pregnant women should never touch the litter box.
>3. What can be done to prevent infection ?
>
Cook your meat.  Watch it with pets.
>4. What are the symptoms and long-term effects ?
>
You'll have to read up on it.
>5. What treatments are availble ?
>
There is an effective antibiotic that can keep it in check.
Of course, it can't reverse damage already done, such as in
a fetus.
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 16
In article <1993Mar30.030105.26772@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:
>Sometime in the future diet evangelists may get off their "our
>diet will work if only the obese would obey it" mode and do
>useful research to allow prediction of which types of diet might
>be useful to a given individual.
>
"Diet Evangelist".  Good term.  Fits Atkins to a "T".
--
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Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Should patients read package inserts (PDR)?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 48
In article <1993Mar29.113528.930@news.wesleyan.edu> RGINZBERG@eagle.wesleyan.edu (Ruth Ginzberg) writes:
>Hmmmm... here's one place where I really think the patient ought to take more
>responsibility for him- or herself.  There is absolutely no reason why you
>can't ask the pharmacist filling the prescription for the "Physicians' Package
>Insert" for the medication when you pick it up at the pharmacy.  Make sure to
>tell the pharmacist that you want the "Physicians' Package Insert" *NOT* the
If people are going to do this, I really wish they would tell me first.
I'd be happy to go over the insert (in the PDR) with them and explain
everything.  All too many patients read the insert and panic and then
on the next visit sheepishly admit they were afraid to take the drug
and we are starting over again at square one.  Some of them probably
didn't even come back for followup because they didn't want to admit
they wouldn't take the drug or thought I was trying to kill them or
something.  What people don't understand about the inserts is that they
report every adverse side effect ever reported, without substantiating
that the drug was responsible.  The insert is a legal document to slough
liability from the manufacturer to the physician if something was to
happen.  If patients want to have the most useful and reliable information
on a drug they would be so much better off getting hold of one of the
AMA drug evaluation books or something similar that is much more scientific.
There are very few drugs that someone hasn't reported a death from taking.
Patients don't realize that and don't usually appreciate the risks
to themselves properly.  I'm sure Herman is going to "go ballistic",
but so be it.  Another problem is that probably most drugs have been
reported to cause impotence.  Half the males who read that will falsely assume
it could permanently cause them to lose sexual function and so will
refuse to take any drug like that.  This can be a real problem for
PDR readers.  There needs to be some way of providing patients with
tools geared to them that allow them to get the information they need.
I am involved in a research project to do that, with migraine as the
domain.  It involves a computer system that will provide answers to questions
about migraine as well as the therapy prescribed for the patient.
For common illnesses, such as migraine and hypertension, this may help
quite a bit.  The patient could spend as much time as needed with the
computer and this would then not burden the physician.  Clearly,
physicians in large part fail to answer all the questions patients have,
as is demonstrated over and over here on the net where we get asked
things that the patients should have found out from their physician
but didn't.  Why they didn't isn't always the physician's fault either.
Sometimes the patients are afraid to ask.  They won't be as afraid to
ask the system, we hope.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: tuberculosis
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 17
In article <206@ky3b.UUCP> km@ky3b.pgh.pa.us (Ken Mitchum) writes:
>
>I found out that tuberculosis appears to be the only MEDICAL (as oppsed to psychiatric)
>condition that one can be committed for, and this is because very specific laws were
>enacted many years ago regarding tb. I am certain these vary from state to state.
I think in Illinois venereal disease (the old ones, not AIDS) was included.
Syphillis was, for sure.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: tuberculosis
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 26
In article <1993Mar29.181406.11915@iscsvax.uni.edu> klier@iscsvax.uni.edu writes:
>
>Multiple drug resistance in TB is a relatively new phenomenon, and
>one of the largest contributing factors is that people are no longer
>as scared of TB as they were before antibiotics.  (It was roughly as
>feared as HIV is now...)
>
Not that new.  20 years ago, we had drug addicts harboring active TB
that was resistant to everything (in Chicago).  The difference now
is that such strains have become virulent.  In the old days, such
TB was weak.  It didn't spread to other people very easily and just
infected the one person in whom it developed (because of non-compliance
with medications).  Non-compliance and development of resistant strains
has been a problem for a very long time.  That is why we have like 9
drugs against TB.  There is always a need to develop new ones due to
such strains.  Now, however, with a virulent resistant strain, we
are in more trouble, and measures to assure compliance may be necessary
even if they entail force.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Fungus "epidemic" in CA?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Distribution: na
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 19
>In article steward@cup.portal.com (John Joseph Deltuvia) writes:
>
>>There was a story a few weeks ago on a network news show about some sort
>>of fungus which supposedly attacks the bone structure and is somewhat
>>widespread in California.  Anybody hear anything about this one?
>
The only fungus I know of from California is Coccidiomycosis.  I
hadn't heard that it attacked bone.  It attacks lung and if you
are especially unlucky, the central nervous system.  Nothing new
about it.  It's been around for years.  THey call it "valley
fever", since it is found in the inland valleys, not on the coast.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Travel outside US (Bangladesh)
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 17
In article <1p7ciqINN3th@tamsun.tamu.edu> covingc@ee.tamu.edu (Just George) writes:
>I will be traveling to Bangaldesh this summer, and am wondering
>if there are any immunizations I should get before going.
>
You can probably get this information by calling your public health
department in your county (in Pittsburgh, they give the shots free,
as well).  There are bulletins in medical libraries that give
recommendations, or you could call the infectious diseases section
of the medicine department of your local medical school.  You also
will probably want to talk about Malaria prophylaxis.  You will
need your doctor to get the prescription.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: compartment syndrome - general information, references, etc.
Keywords: compartment syndrome, blood clots
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 20
In article <639@cfdd50.boeing.com> lry1219@cfdd50.boeing.com (Larry Yeagley) writes:
>I have an acquaintance who has been diagnosed as having blood clots and
>"compartment syndrome". I searched the latest edition of the Columbia medical
>encyclopedia and found nothing. Mosby's medical dictionary gives a very brief
>description which suggests it's an arterial condition. Can someone point me (an
Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling happens in a "compartment"
bounded by fascia.  The pressure rises in the compartment and blood
supply and nerves are compromised.  The treatment is to open the
compartment surgically.  THe most common places for compartment
syndromes are the forearm and calf.  It is an emergency, since
if the pressure is not relieved, stuff will die.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: x-rays
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 22
In article <1993Mar30.195242.8070@leland.Stanford.EDU> iceskate@leland.Stanford.EDU ( Lin) writes:
>
>	First question - how bad is x-ray?  i've heard that it's nothing
>compared to the amount of time spent under the sun and i've also heard that it
>is very harmful.  second question - is there anyway out of this yearly test for
>me?
The yearly chest x-ray provides a minute amount of radiation.  It is
a drop in the bucket as far as increased risk is concerned.  Who can
tell you whether you can get out of it or not?  No one here controls
that.  It may well be a matter of the law, in which case, write your
legislator, but don't hold your breath.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: wright@duca.hi.com (David Wright)
Subject: Re: Name of MD's eyepiece?
Organization: Hitachi Computer Products, OSSD division
Lines: 21
NNTP-Posting-Host: duca.hi.com
In article <19387@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>In article <C4IHM2.Gs9@watson.ibm.com> clarke@watson.ibm.com (Ed Clarke) writes:
>>|> |It's not an eyepiece.  It is called a head mirror.  All doctors never
>>
>>A speculum?
>
>The speculum is the little cone that fits on the end of the otoscope.
>There are also vaginal specula that females and gynecologists are
>all too familiar with.
In fairness, we should note that if you look up "speculum" in the
dictionary (which I did when this question first surfaced), the first
definition is "a mirror or polished metal plate used as a reflector in
optical instruments."
Which doesn't mean the name fits in this context, but it's not as far
off as you might think.
-- David Wright, Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc.  Waltham, MA
wright@hicomb.hi.com  ::  These are my opinions, not necessarily
Hitachi's, though they are the opinions of all right-thinking people
From: ritley@uimrl7.mrl.uiuc.edu ()
Subject: MYSTERY ILLNESS WITH SPOTS
Reply-To: ritley@uiucmrl.bitnet ()
Organization: Materials Research Lab
Lines: 13
I attended high school in the San Jose, California area in the early 1980's,
and I remember a (smallish) outbreak of a strange illness, in which
people developed measles-like spots on their bodies.  This condition
seemed to last only a few days, and I don't recall anyone reporting any other
symptoms.  I seem to recall reading somewhere that this was believed to have
been viral in nature, but I don't know for sure.
However, I have been curious since then about this.
Anyone have any ideas about what this might have been?
From: walkup@cs.washington.edu (Elizabeth Walkup)
Subject: Re: Menangitis question
Organization: Computer Science & Engineering, U. of Washington, Seattle
Distribution: na
Lines: 19
In article <19439@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>... the neiseria meningococcus is one of the most common
>forms of meningitis.  It's the one that sometimes sweeps
>schools or boot camp.  It is contagious and kills by attacking
>the covering of the brain, causing the blood vessels to thrombose
>and the brain to swell up.
>
>	...
>
>It can live in the throat of carriers.  Don't worry, you won't get
>it from them, especially if they took the medication.
Assuming one has been cultured as having a throat laden with
neiseria meningococcus and given (and taken) a course of ERYC
without the culture becoming negative, should one worry about
being a carrier?
-- Elizabeth
walkup@cs.washington.edu
From: ns14@crux3.cit.cornell.edu (Nathan Otto Siemers)
Subject: Re: Analgesics with Diuretics
In-Reply-To: dyer@spdcc.com's message of Tue, 6 Apr 1993 03:28:57 GMT
Nntp-Posting-Host: crux3.cit.cornell.edu
Organization: Department of Chemistry, Cornell Univ.
Lines: 34
>>>>> On Tue, 6 Apr 1993 03:28:57 GMT, dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) said:
| In article <ofk=lve00WB2AvUktO@andrew.cmu.edu> Lawrence Curcio <lc2b+@andrew.cmu.edu> writes:
|>I sometimes see OTC preparations for muscle aches/back aches that
|>combine aspirin with a diuretic.
| You certainly do not see OTC preparations advertised as such.
| The only such ridiculous concoctions are nostrums for premenstrual
| syndrome, ostensibly to treat headache and "bloating" simultaneously.
| They're worthless.
|>The idea seems to be to reduce
|>inflammation by getting rid of fluid. Does this actually work?
| That's not the idea, and no, they don't work.
I *believe* there is a known synergism between certain
analgesics and caffiene.  For treating pain, not inflammation.
Now that I am an ibuprofen convert I haven't taken it for some
time, but excedrin really works! (grin)
Nathan
| --
| Steve Dyer
| dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
--
......:bb|`:||,	nathan@chemres.tn.cornell.edu
...  .||:   `||bbbbb
..   ,:`     .``"P$$$
.||. ,  .  `  .`P$
From: eb3@world.std.com (Edwin Barkdoll)
Subject: Re: Blindsight
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
Lines: 64
In article <19382@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>In article <werner-240393161954@tol7mac15.soe.berkeley.edu> werner@soe.berkeley.edu (John Werner) writes:
>>In article <19213@pitt.UUCP>, geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) wrote:
>>>
>>> Explain.  I thought there were 3 types of cones, equivalent to RGB.
>>
>>You're basically right, but I think there are just 2 types.  One is
>>sensitive to red and green, and the other is sensitive to blue and yellow.
>>This is why the two most common kinds of color-blindness are red-green and
>>blue-yellow.
>>
>
>Yes, I remember that now.  Well, in that case, the cones are indeed
>color sensitive, contrary to what the original respondent had claimed.
I'm not sure who the "original respondent" was but to
reiterate cones respond to particular portions of the spectrum, just
as _rods_ respond to certain parts of the visible spectrum (bluegreen
in our case, reddish in certain amphibia), just as the hoseshoe crab
_Limulus polyphemus_ photoreceptors respond to a certain portion of
the spectrum etc.  It is a common misconception to confound wavelength
specificity with being color sensitive, however the two are not
synonymous.
So in sum and to beat a dead horse:
(1) When the outputs of a cone are matched for number of
absorbed photons _irrespective_ of the absorbed photons wavelength,
the cone outputs are _indistinguishable_.
(2) Cones are simply detectors with different spectral
sensitivities and are not any more "color sensitive" than are rods,
ommatidia or other photoreceptors.
(3) Color vision arises because outputs of receptors which
sample different parts of the spectrum (cones in this case) are
"processed centrally".  (The handwave is intentional)
I've worked and published research on rods and cones for over
10 years so the adherence to the belief that cones can "detect color"
is frustrating.  But don't take my word for it.  I'm reposting a few
excellent articles together with two rather good but oldish color
vision texts.
The texts:
Robert Boynton (1979) _Human Color Vision_ Holt, Rhiehart and Winston
Leo M. Hurvich (1981) _Color Vision_, Sinauer Associates.
The original articles:
Baylor and Hodgkin (1973) Detection and resolution of visual stimuli by
turtle phoreceptors, _J. Physiol._ 234 pp163-198.
Baylor Lamb and Yau (1978) Reponses of retinal rods to single photons.
_J. Physiol._ 288 pp613-634.
Schnapf et al. (1990) Visual transduction in cones of the monkey
_Macaca fascicularis_. J. Physiol. 427 pp681-713.
--
Edwin Barkdoll
barkdoll@lepomis.psych.upenn.edu
eb3@world.std.com
--
Edwin Barkdoll
eb3@world.std.com
From: doyle+@pitt.edu (Howard R Doyle)
Subject: Re: Donating organs
Article-I.D.: blue.8016
Organization: Pittsburgh Transplant Institute
Lines: 31
In article <19393@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>In article <1993Mar25.161109.13101@sbcs.sunysb.edu> mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu (Michael Holloway) writes:
>
>>there been anything recent in "Transplant Proceedings" or somesuch, on
>>xenografts?  How about liver section transplants from living donors?
>>
>
>I'm sure the Pittsburgh group has published the baboon work, but I
>don't know where.  In Chicago they were doing lobe transplants from
>living donors, and I'm sure they've published.
The case report of the first xenotransplant was published in Lancet 1993; 341:65-71.
I can send you a reprint if you are interested.
There was  another paper, sort of a tour of the horizon, written by Starzl and
published in the Resident's Edition of the Annals of Surgery (vol 216, October 1992).
It's in the Surgical Resident's Newsletter section, so you won't find it in the regular
issue of the Annals. I don't have any reprints of that one.
A paper has been accepted for publication by Immunology Today, though I'm not sure
when it's coming out, describing our experience with the two xenografts done to date.
As for segmental liver transplants from living related donors I must confess to a total
ignorance of that literature. We are philosophically opposed to those, and I don't keep
up with that particular field.
=====================================================
Howard Doyle
doyle+@pitt.edu
From: mcelwre@cnsvax.uwec.edu
Subject: NATURAL ANTI-cancer/AIDS Remedies
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 224
The biggest reason why the cost of medical care is so EXTREMELY high and
increasing is that NATURAL methods of treatment and even diagnosis are still
being SYSTEMATICALLY IGNORED and SUPPRESSED by the MONEY-GRUBBING and POWER-
MONGERING "medical" establishment.
Some examples of very low cost NATURAL ANTI-cancer Remedies are listed in
the following article:
NATURAL ANTI-CANCER REMEDIES
A 3RD OPINION
( Some of these Remedies also work against AIDS. )
DISCLAIMER: This list was compiled from unorthodox sources
that have shown themselves to be reliable.  The compiler of
this list is NOT a doctor of any kind, but is exercising his
First Amendment Constitutional RIGHT of FREE SPEECH on the
subjects of his choice.
( MOST of these Remedies can be found in ANY Grocery Store.
MOST of the rest of them can be found in ANY Health Food
Store.  What is important is HOW they are used, and what
else is EXCLUDED DURING their use. )
(1) THE 7-DAY FAST.
1st day: Eat as much fresh fruit as you want, one kind
at a time, preferably grapes.
2nd day: Eat all the vegetables you want, at least half
raw, including GARLIC; also, whole kernel corn to help scrape
clean the intestinal linings.
3rd day: Drink all the fresh fruit and vegetable juice
you want.  Preferably start with 16 to 32 ounces of prune
juice WITH PULP, followed by a gallon of pure (NOT from
concentrate) apple juice, then grape juice.  (Stay close to
your home bathroom.)
4th day: Eat all the UN-salted nuts (NO peanuts) and
dried fruit you want, preferably raisins and almonds (ALMONDS
CONTAIN LAETRILE.).
5th day: ONE GALLON OF LEMONADE.  Squeeze the juice from
two lemons into a gallon of water (preferably distilled), and
add 2 to 4 tablespoons of locally-made honey, (NO sugar).
Drink one glass per hour.
[EVERYone, including healthy people, should do this one day
every week, preceded by a large glass of prune juice WITH
PULP.]
6th day: Same as 5th day.
7th day: Same as 6th day.
All 7 days, eat ONLY the foods listed above for each
day, along with your usual vitamin and mineral supplements,
plus as much DISTILLED WATER as you want.
(2) THE GRAPE DIET.
Eat 2 to 3 ounces of fresh grapes every 2 hours, 8 AM to
8 PM, every day for six days.  Eat NOTHING else during the
six days, but drink as much DISTILLED WATER as you want.
(3) APPLE CIDER VINEGAR.
Mix a teaspoon of pure apple cider vinegar (NOT apple
cider "flavored" vinegar.  Regular vinegar is HARMFUL.) in a
glass of water (preferably distilled) and drink all of it.
Do this 3 or 4 times per day, for 3 weeks; then stop for a
week.  Repeat if desired.  Do this along with a normal
healthy diet of natural foods.  This remedy is especially
effective against those types of cancer that resemble a
FUNGUS, as well as against other kinds of fungus infections.
(4) THE SEA-SALT & SODA BATH.  [Please keep an OPEN MIND.]
Fill a bathtub with moderately warm water so the level
comes up almost to the overflow drain when you get in.
Immerse yourself in it for a minute, and then completely
dissolve in the bath water 1 pound of SUN-evaporated SEA-salt
(regular salt won't work.) and 1 pound of fresh baking-soda.
Soak in this bath for 10 to 20 minutes, while exercising
your fingers, toes, and limbs, turning sideways and onto your
stomach, dunking your head, sitting up and laying back down,
chomping your teeth together, etc..
Among other things, the SEA-salt & Soda Bath neutralizes
the accumulated effects of X-rays, etc., as described in the
book "Born To Be Magnetic, Vol. 2", by Frances Nixon, 1973.
PRECAUTIONS: Only the ONE person using each bath should
prepare it and drain it.
For at least 30 minutes after taking the bath, stay away
from, and even out of sight of, other people.  (Your greatly
expanded Aura energy-field during that time could disrupt
other people's fields.)  Two hours after the bath, eat at
least 8 ounces of yogurt containing ACTIVE Yogurt Cultures.
(The bath may kill FRIENDLY bacteria also.)  Better yet, take
a 2-Billion-bacteria "Acidophilus" capsule, which is also an
EXCELLENT DAILY REMEDY AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF "A.I.D.S."
(because it kills all kinds of harmful bacteria in the
digestive tract, taking a big load off the remaining immune
system).  [Because this external bath can kill IN-ternal
bacteria, it may also be a CURE for "Lyme disease".]
Do NOT take this bath within a few hundred miles of a thunder
storm, within 3 days of a full moon, nor during "Major" or
"Minor Periods" as listed in the "Solunar Tables" published
bimonthly in "Field & Stream" Magazine, (because of the
measurable disruptive ambient environmental energy-fields
present at those times).
Do NOT take this bath more than four times per year.
(5) MISCELLANEOUS NATURAL ANTI-CANCER REMEDIES:
For skin cancer, apply STABILIZED Aloe Vera Jel to the
affected skin twice daily, and take 2 to 4 tablespoons
per day of STABILIZED Aloe Vera Juice internally, for
about 2 months.
D.M.S.O. (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) causes cancer cells to
perform NORMAL cell functions.
ALMONDS (UN-blanched, UN-roasted) CONTAIN LAETRILE.
To help prevent cancer, eat several almonds every day.
To help cure cancer, eat several OUNCES of almonds per
day.
[NEVER take large concentrated doses of Laetrile orally.
IT WILL KILL YOU!  Take it INTRAVENOUSLY ONLY.  (Cancer
cells contain a certain enzyme which converts Laetrile
into cyanide, which then kills the cell.  This enzyme is
ALSO present in the digestive system.)]
ANTI-OXIDANTS are FREE-RADICAL SCAVENGERS, and include
Vitamin E, Selenium (200 mcg. per day is safe for most
people.), Chromium (up to 100 mcg. per day), Vitamin A
(25,000 IU per day is safe for most people.), Superoxide
Dismutase (up to 4,000,000 Units per day), Vitamin C (up
to 3000 mg. per day), and BHT (Butylated Hydroxy-
toluene), [1 to 4 capsules of BHT every night at bedtime
will also MAKE ONE IMMUNE AGAINST HERPES (BOTH types),
suppress herpes symptoms if one already has herpes,
prevent spreading herpes to other people, but will not
cure herpes.  BHT MIGHT ALSO DO THESE THINGS AGAINST
"A.I.D.S.", which is really a form of cancer similar to
leukemia.]  (See the book "Life Extension", by Durk
Pearson and Sandy Shaw.)
HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE.  Dilute twelve(12) drops of 3%
hydrogen-peroxide in a glass of pure water (preferably
DISTILLED) and drink it.  Do this once or twice per day,
hours before or after eating or drinking anything else.
Apply 3% hydrogen-peroxide directly to skin cancers
several times per day.
Use hydrogen-peroxide ONLY if you are taking a good
daily dose of some of the various anti-oxidants
described above.
VITAMIN & MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS are more effective, and
much less expensive, when COMBINED together in MEGA
doses into SINGLE tablets made from NATURAL sources.
Cancer cells can NOT live in a strong (100,000 Maxwell)
NORTH MAGNETIC FIELD, especially if it is pulsating on
and off.  [A strong south magnetic field is an
aphrodisiac.]  In my opinion, ALL types of ionizing-
radiation treatments for cancer should be REPLACED with
daily 30-minute doses of pulsating 100,000-Maxwell NORTH
magnetic fields.
Properly made and operated RADIONICS/PSIONICS MACHINES
can both diagnose and cure all forms of cancer, as well
as most other medical problems.  Some Radionics/Psionics
Machines can even take cross-sectional X-ray-like photos
of cancer tumors, etc., with-OUT X-rays!
INTERFERON tablets.
TAHEEBO TEA, (Lapacho).
HOMEOPATHY can cure cancer, and many other medical
problems (even drug addiction!).
50 mg. per day of CHELATED ZINC can help prevent or cure
prostate trouble.
This list is NOT exhaustive.
The above NATURAL Remedies can CURE both diagnosed AND UN-
DIAGNOSED cancers, as well as PREVENT them, and also prevent
and cure many other medical problems including heart-
diseases.  They are NOT too simple and inexpensive to work
effectively.
Besides acting on a person biologically and chemically, these
remedies, especially The 7-Day Fast and The Grape Diet, send
a strong message to one's subconscious mind, PROGRAMMING it
to CURE the cancer.
In my opinion, if a person finds out that s/he has cancer,
then s/he should promptly try at least the first 4 remedies
described above, in sequence (starting with The 7-Day Fast),
BEFORE resorting to the UN-natural and expensive mutilations
and agonies [POISON, BURN, and MUTILATE!] of orthodox cancer
treatment [organi$ed-CRIME!].
DISCLAIMER: This list was compiled from unorthodox sources
that have shown themselves to be reliable.  The compiler of
this list is NOT a doctor of any kind, but is exercising his
First Amendment Constitutional RIGHT of FREE SPEECH on the
subjects of his choice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Cancer Control Society, 2043 N.
Berendo St., Los Angeles, CA  90027, and/or other organiza-
tions listed in the "Alternative Medicine" and "Holistic
Medicine" portions of the "Health and Medical Organizations"
Section (Section 8) of the latest edition of the "Encyclope-
dia of Associations" reference book in your local public or
university library.
UN-altered REPRODUCTION and DISSEMINATION of this
IMPORTANT Information is ENCOURAGED.
Robert E. McElwaine
From: bhjelle@carina.unm.edu ()
Subject: Re: Fungus "epidemic" in CA?
Organization: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Lines: 26
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: carina.unm.edu
In article <19435@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>>In article steward@cup.portal.com (John Joseph Deltuvia) writes:
>>
>>>There was a story a few weeks ago on a network news show about some sort
>>>of fungus which supposedly attacks the bone structure and is somewhat
>>>widespread in California.  Anybody hear anything about this one?
>>
>
>The only fungus I know of from California is Coccidiomycosis.  I
>hadn't heard that it attacked bone.  It attacks lung and if you
>are especially unlucky, the central nervous system.  Nothing new
>about it.  It's been around for years.  THey call it "valley
>fever", since it is found in the inland valleys, not on the coast.
There is a mini-epidemic of Coccidiodes that is occurring in,
I believe, the Owen's Valley/ Bishop area east of the Sierras.
I don't believe there has been any great insight into the
increased incidence in that area. There is a low-level
of endemic infection in that region. Many people with
evidence of past exposure to the organism did not have
serious disease.
Brian
>
From: bshelley@ucs.indiana.edu ()
Subject: Xanax...please provide info
Nntp-Posting-Host: jh224-718622.ucs.indiana.edu
Organization: Indiana University
Lines: 9
I am currently doing a group research project on the drug Xanax.  I would
be exponentially gracious to receive any and all information you could
provide
me regarding its usage, history, mechanism of reaction, side effects, and
other pertinent information.  I don't care how long or how short your
response is.
Thanks in advance!
Brent E. Shelley
From: lindae@netcom.com
Subject: Re: MORBUS MENIERE - is there a real remedy?
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Lines: 87
In article <19392@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>In article <lindaeC4JGLK.FxM@netcom.com> lindae@netcom.com writes:
>
>>
>>My biggest resentment is the doctor who makes it seem like most
>>people with dizziness can be cured.  That's definitely not the
>>case.  In most cases, like I said above, it is a long, tedious
>>process that may or may not end up in a partial cure.
>>
>
>Be sure to say "chronic" dizziness, not just dizziness.  Most
>patients with acute or subacute dizziness will get better.
>The vertiginous spells of Meniere's will also eventually go
>away, however, the patient is left with a deaf ear.
All true.  And all good points.
>
>>To anyone suffering with vertigo, dizziness, or any variation
>>thereof, my best advice to you (as a fellow-sufferer) is this...
>>just keep searching...don't let the doctors tell you there's
>>nothing that can be done...do your own research...and let your
>
>This may have helped you, but I'm not sure it is good general
>advice.  The odds that you are going to find some miracle with
>your own research that is secret or hidden from general knowledge
>for this or any other disease are slim.  When good answers to these
>then, spending a great deal of time and energy on the medical
>problem may divert that energy from more productive things
>in life.  A limited amount should be spent to assure yourself
>that your doctor gave you the correct story, but after it becomes
>clear that you are dealing with a problem for which medicine
>has no good solution, perhaps the best strategy is to join
>the support group and keep abreast of new findings but not to
>make a career out of it.
Well, making a career out of it is a bit strong.  I still believe
that doing your own research is very, very necessary.  I would
not have progressed as much as I have today, unless I had spent
the many hours in Stanford's Med Library as I have done.
And 5 years ago, it was clear that there was no medicine that
would help me.  So should I have stopped searching.  Thank
goodness I didn't.  Now I found that there is indeed medicine
that helps me.
I think that what you've said is kind of idealistic.  That you
would go to one doctor, get a diagnosis, maybe get a second
opinion, and then move on with your life.
Just as an example... having seen 6 of the top specialists in
this field in the country, I have received 6 different diagnoses.
These are the top names, the ones that people come to from all over
the country.  I have HAD to sort all of this out myself.  Going
to a support group (and in fact, HEADING that support group) was
helpful for a while, but after a point, I found it very
unproductive.  It was much more productive to do library research,
make phone calls and put together the pieces of the puzzle myself.
A recent movie, Lorenzo's Oil, offers a perfect example of what
I'm talking about.  If you haven't seen it, you should.  It's not
a put down of doctor's and neither is what I'm saying.  Doctors are
only human and can only do so much.  But there are those of us
out here who are intelligent and able to sometimes find a missing
piece of the puzzle that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
I guess I'm biased because dizziness is one of those weird things
that is still so unknown.  If I had a broken arm, or a weak heart,
or failing kidneys, I might not have the same opinion.  That's because
those things are much more tangible and have much more concise
definitions and treatments.  With dizziness, you just have to
decide to live with it or decide to live with it while trying to
find your way out of it.
I have chosen the latter.
Linda
lindae@netcom.netcom.com
>
>--
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
>geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (3/4): Keyboard Alternatives [monthly posting]
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/keyboards_732179032@cs.berkeley.edu>
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 652
Expires: 22 May 1993 01:24:03 GMT
Reply-To: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
NNTP-Posting-Host: elmer-fudd.cs.berkeley.edu
Summary: everything you ever wanted to know about replacing your keyboard
Originator: dwallach@elmer-fudd.cs.berkeley.edu
Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/keyboards
Version: $Revision: 5.11 $ $Date: 1993/04/13 01:20:43 $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions about Keyboard Alternatives
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Alternative Keyboard FAQ
Copyright 1992,1993 By Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
The opinions in here are my own, unless otherwise mentioned, and do not
represent the opinions of any organization or vendor.
[Current distribution: sci.med.occupational, sci.med, comp.human-factors,
{news,sci,comp}.answers, and e-mail to c+health@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu,
sorehand@vm.ucsf.edu, and cstg-L@vtvm1.cc.vt.edu]
Changes since previously distributed versions are marked with change        ||
bars to the right of the text, as is this paragraph.                        ||
Information in this FAQ has been pieced together from phone conversations,
e-mail, and product literature.  While I hope it's useful, the information
in here is neither comprehensive nor error free.  If you find something
wrong or missing, please mail me, and I'll update my list.  Thanks.
All phone numbers, unless otherwise mentioned, are U.S.A. phone numbers.
All monetary figures, unless otherwise mentioned, are U.S.A. dollars.
Products covered in this FAQ:
Using a PC's keyboard on your workstation / compatibility issues
Apple Computer, Inc.
Key Tronic FlexPro
Dragon Systems
The Bat
DataHand
Comfort Keyboard System
Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard
Maltron
The Tony! Ergonomic KeySystem
The Vertical
The MIKey
The Wave
The Minimal Motion Computer Access System
Twiddler
Half-QWERTY
Microwriter
Braille 'n Speak
Octima
AccuKey
GIF pictures of many of these products are available via anonymous ftp
from soda.berkeley.edu:pub/typing-injury.  (128.32.149.19)  I highly
recommend getting the pictures.  They tell much more than I can fit
into this file.
If you can't ftp, send me mail, and I'll uuencode and mail them to you
(they're pretty big...)
==============
Using a PC's keyboard on your workstation / compatibility issues
Mini outline:
1. Spoofing a keyboard over the serial port
2. X terminals
3. NeXT
4. Silicon Graphics
5. IBM RS/6000
6. Other stuff
1. Spoofing a keyboard over the serial port
If you've got a proprietary computer which uses its own keyboard
(Sun, HP, DEC, etc.) then you're going to have a hard time finding
a vendor to sell you a compatible keyboard.  If your workstation
runs the X window system, you're in luck.  You can buy a cheap used
PC, hook your expensive keyboard up to it, and run a serial cable
to your workstation.  Then, run a program on the workstation to read
the serial port and generate fake X keyboard events.
The two main programs I've found to do this are KT and A2X.
a2x is a sophisticated program, capable of controlling the mouse, and
even moving among widgets on the screen.  It requires a server
extension (XTEST, DEC-XTRAP, or XTestExtension1).  To find out if your
server can do this, run 'xdpyinfo' and see if any of these strings
appear in the extensions list.  If your server doesn't have this,
you may want to investigate compiling X11R5, patchlevel 18 or later,
or bugging your vendor.
kt is a simpler program, which should work with unextended X servers.
Another program called xsendevent also exists, but I haven't seen it.
Both a2x and kt are available via anonymous ftp from soda.berkeley.edu.
2. X terminals
Also, a number of X terminals (NCD, Tektronics, to name a few) use
PC-compatible keyboards.  If you have an X terminal, you may be all
set.  Try it out with a normal PC keyboard before you go through the
trouble of buying an alternative keyboard.  Also, some X terminals add
extra buttons -- you may need to keep your original keyboard around
for the once-in-a-blue-moon that you have to hit the Setup key.
3. NeXT
NeXT had announced that new NeXT machines will use the Apple Desktop
Bus, meaning any Mac keyboard will work.  Then, they announced they
were cancelling their hardware production.  If you want any kind of
upgrade for an older NeXT, do it now!
4. Silicon Graphics
Silicon Graphics has announced that their newer machines (Indigo^2 and
beyond) will use standard PC-compatible keyboards and mice.  I don't
believe this also applies to the Power Series machines.  It's not
possible to upgrade an older SGI to use PC keyboards, except by
upgrading the entire machine.  Contact your SGI sales rep for more
details.
5. IBM RS/6000
IBM RS/6000 keyboards are actually similar to normal PC keyboards.  ||
Unfortunately, you can't just plug one in.  You need two things: a  ||
cable converter to go from the large PC keyboard connector to the   ||
smaller PS/2 style DIN-6, and a new device driver for AIX.  Believe ||
it or not, IBM wrote this device driver recently, I used it, and it ||
works.  However, they don't want me to redistribute it.  I've been  ||
told Judy Hume (512) 823-6337 is a potential contact.  If you learn ||
anything new, please send me e-mail.				    ||
6. Other stuff
Some vendors here (notably: Health Care Keyboard Co. and AccuCorp)
support some odd keyboard types, and may be responsive to your
queries regarding supporting your own weird computer.  If you can
get sufficient documention about how your keyboard works (either
from the vendor, or with a storage oscilloscope), you may be in
luck.  Contact the companies for more details.
Apple Adjustable Keyboard
Apple Computer, Inc.
Sales offices all over the place.
Availability: February, 1993
Price: $219
Supports: Mac only
Apple has recently announced their new split-design keyboard.  The
keyboard has one section for each hand, and the sections rotate
backward on a hinge.  The sections do not tilt upward.  The keys are
arranged in a normal QWERTY fashion.
The main foldable keyboard resembles a normal Apple Keyboard.
A separate keypad contains all the extended key functions.
The keyboard also comes with matching wrist rests, which are not
directly attachable to the keyboard.
As soon as soda comes back up, I'll have a detailed blurb from
TidBITS available there.
FlexPro Keyboard
Key Tronic
Phone: 800-262-6006
Possible contact: Denise Razzeto, 509-927-5299
Sold by many clone vendors and PC shops
Availability: Spring, 1993 (?)
Price: $489 (?)
Supports: PC only (highly likely)
Keytronic apparently showed a prototype keyboard at Comdex.  It's
another split-design.  One thumb-wheel controls the tilt of both
the left and right-hand sides of the main alphanumeric section.
The arrow keys and keypad resemble a normal 101-key PC keyboard.
Keytronic makes standard PC keyboards, also, so this product will
probably be sold through their standard distribution channels.
DragonDictate-30K (and numerous other Dragon products)
Dragon Systems, Inc.
320 Nevada Street
Newton, MA  02160
Phone: 800-TALK-TYP or 617-965-5200
Fax: 617-527-0372
Shipping: Now.
Price: DragonDictate-30K -- $4995 (end user system)
DragonWriter 1000 -- $1595 / $2495 (end user/developer system)
various other prices for service contracts, site licenses, etc.
Compatibility: 386 (or higher) PC only
(3rd party support for Mac)
Free software support for X windows is also available -- your
PC with Dragon hardware talks to your workstation over a
serial cable or network.  The program is called a2x, and is
available via anonymous ftp:
soda.berkeley.edu:pub/typing-injury/a2x.tar.Z
export.lcs.mit.edu:contrib/a2x.tar.Z (most current)
If you want to use your Dragon product with X windows, you may want
to ask for Peter Cohen, an salesman at Dragon who knows more about
this sort of thing.
Dragon Systems sells a number of voice recognition products.
Most (if not all) of them seem to run on PC's and compatibles
(including PS/2's and other MicroChannel boxes).  They sell you
a hardware board and software which sits in front of a number
of popular word processors and spreadsheets.
Each user `trains' the system to their voice, and there are provisions
to correct the system when it makes mistakes, on the fly.  Multiple
people can use it, but you have to load a different personality file
for each person.  You still get the use of your normal keyboard, too.
On the DragonDictate-30K you need to pause 1/10th sec between
words.  Dragon claims typical input speeds of 30-40 words per minute.
I don't have specs on the DragonWriter 1000.
The DragonDictate-30K can recognize 30,000 words at a time.
The DragonWriter 1000 can recognize (you guessed it) 1000 words at a time.
Dragon's technology is also part of the following products
(about which I have no other info):
Microsoft Windows Sound System (Voice Pilot)
IBM VoiceType
Voice Navigator II (by Articulate Systems -- for Macintosh)
EMStation (by Lanier Voice Products -- "emergency medical workstation")
The Bat
old phone number: 504-336-0033
current phone number: 504-766-8082
Infogrip, Inc.
812 North Blvd.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, U.S.A.
Ward Bond (main contact)
David Vicknair (did the Unix software)  504-766-1029
Shipping: Now.
Supports: Mac, IBM PC (serial port -- native keyboard port version
coming very soon...).  No other workstations supported, but serial
support for Unix with X Windows has been written.  PC and Mac are
getting all the real attention from the company.
A chording system.  One hand is sufficient to type everything.
The second hand is for redundancy and increased speed.
Price:
$495 (dual set -- each one is a complete keyboard by itself)
$295 (single)
(cheaper prices were offered at MacWorld Expo as a show-special.)
DataHand   602-860-8584
Industrial Innovations, Inc.
10789 North 90th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260-6727, U.S.A.
Mark Roggenbuck (contact)
Supports: PC and Mac
Shipping: In beta.  "Big backlog" -- could take 3+ months.
Price: $2000/unit (1 unit == 2 pods). (new price!)			    ||
Each hand has its own "pod".  Each of the four main fingers has five
switches each: forward, back, left, right, and down.  The thumbs have
a number of switches.  Despite appearances, the key layout resembles
QWERTY, and is reported to be no big deal to adapt to.  The idea is
that your hands never have to move to use the keyboard.  The whole pod
tilts in its base, to act as a mouse.
(see also: the detailed review, written by Cliff Lasser <cal@THINK.COM>
available via anonymous ftp from soda.berkeley.edu)
Comfort Keyboard System   414-253-4131
FAX: 414-253-4177
Health Care Keyboard Company
N82 W15340 Appleton Ave
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 U.S.A.
Jeffrey Szmanda (Vice President -- contact)
Shipping: Now.
Supports: PC (and Mac???)						    ||
Planned future support:
IBM 122-key layout (3270-style, I believe)
Sun Sparc
Decision Data
Unisys UTS-40
Silicon Graphics
Others to be supported later.  The hardware design is relatively
easy for the company to re-configure.
Price: $690, including one system "personality module".		    ||
The idea is that one keyboard works with everything.  You purchase
"compatibility modules", a new cord, and possibly new keycaps, and
then you can move your one keyboard around among different machines.
It's a three-piece folding keyboard.  The layout resembles the
standard 101-key keyboard, except sliced into three sections.  Each
section is on a "custom telescoping universal mount."  Each section
independently adjusts to an infinite number of positions allowing each
individual to type in a natural posture.  You can rearrange the three
sections, too (have the keypad in the middle if you want).  Each
section is otherwise normal-shaped (i.e.: you put all three sections
flat, and you have what looks like a normal 101-key keyboard).
Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard   206-455-9220
206-455-9233 (fax)
Kinesis Corporation
15245 Pacific Highway South,
Seattle, Washington 98188, U.S.A.
Shirley Lunde (VP Marketing -- contact)
Shipping: Now.
Supports: PC.  Mac and Sun Sparc in the works.
Price: $690.  Volume discounts available.  The $690 includes one foot
pedal, one set of adhesive wrist pads, and a TypingTutor program.
An additional foot pedal and other accessories are extra.
The layout has a large blank space in the middle, even though the
keyboard is about the size of a normal PC keyboard -- slightly
smaller.  Each hand has its own set of keys, laid out to minimize
finger travel.  Thumb buttons handle many major functions (enter,
backspace, etc.).
You can remap the keyboard in firmware (very nice when software won't
allow the reconfig).
Foot pedals are also available, and can be mapped to any key on the
keyboard (shift, control, whatever).
Maltron		(+44) 081 398 3265 (United Kingdom)
P.C.D. Maltron Limited
15 Orchard Lane
East Molesey
Surrey KT8 OBN
England
Pamela and Stephen Hobday (contacts)
U.S. Distributor:
Jim Barrett
Applied Learning Corp.
1376 Glen Hardie Road
Wayne, PA  19087
Phone: 215-688-6866
Supports: PC's, Amstrad 1512/1640, BBC B, BBC Master,
Mac apparently now also available
Price: 375 pounds
$735 shipped in the U.S.A. (basically, converted price + shipping)
The cost is less for BBC computers, and they have a number of
accessories, including carrying cases, switch boxes to use both
your normal keyboard and the Maltron, an articulated arm that
clamps on to your table, and training 'courses' to help you learn
to type on your Maltron.
You can also rent a keyboard for 10 pounds/week + taxes.
U.S. price: $120/month, and then $60 off purchase if you want it.
Shipping: Now (in your choice of colors: black or grey)
Maltron has four main products -- a two-handed keyboard, two one-handed
keyboards, and a keyboard designed for handicapped people to control with
a mouth-stick.
The layout allocates more buttons to the thumbs, and is curved to
bring keys closer to the fingers.  A separate keypad is in the middle.
AccuKey
AccuCorp, Inc.
P.O. Box 66
Christiansburg, VA  24073, U.S.A.
703-961-3576 (Pete Rosenquist -- Sales)
703-961-2001 (Larry Langley -- President)
Shipping: Now.
Supports: PC, Mac, IBM 3270, Sun Sparc, and TeleVideo 935 and 955.
Cost: $495 + shipping.
Doesn't use conventional push-keys.  Soft rubber keys, which rock
forward and backward (each key has three states), make chords for
typing keys.  Learning time is estimated to be 2-3 hours, for getting
started, and maybe two weeks to get used to it.
Currently, the thumbs don't do anything, although a thumb-trackball
is in the works.
The company claims it takes about a week of work to support a
new computer.  They will be happy to adapt their keyboard to
your computer, if possible.
Twiddler	516-474-4405, or 800-638-2352
Handykey
141 Mt. Sinai Ave.
Mt. Sinai, NY 11766
Chris George (President)
Shipping: now.
Price: $199.
Supports: PC only.  Mac and X Windows in the works.
The Twiddler is both a keyboard and a mouse, and it fits in one hand.
You type via finger chords.  Shift, control, etc. are thumb buttons.
When in "mouse" mode, tilting the Twiddler moves the mouse, and mouse
buttons are on your fingers.
The cabling leaves your normal keyboard available, also.
Most applications work, and Windows works fine.  DESQview has trouble.
GEOWorks also has trouble -- mouse works, keyboard doesn't.
Braille 'n Speak     301-879-4944
Blazie Engineering
3660 Mill Green Rd.
Street, Md 21154, U.S.A.
(information provided by Doug Martin <martin@nosc.mil>)
The Braille N Speak uses any of several Braille codes for entering
information: Grade I, Grade II, or computer Braille.  Basically,
letters a-j are combinations of dots 1, 2, 4, and 5.  Letters k-t are
the same combinations as a-j with dot 3 added. Letters u, v, x, y, and
z are like a-e with dots 3 and 6 added.  (w is unique because Louis
Braille didn't have a w in the French alphabet.)
The Tony! Ergonomic KeySystem        415-969-8669
Tony Hodges
The Tony! Corporation
2332 Thompson Court
Mountain View, CA  94043, U.S.A.
Supports: Mac, PC, IBM 3270, Sun, and DEC.
Shipping: ???
Price: $625 (you commit now, and then you're in line to buy the
keyboard.  When it ships, if it's cheaper, you pay the cheaper price.
If it's more expensive, you still pay $625)
The Tony! should allow separate positioning of every key, to allow
the keyboard to be personally customized.  A thumb-operated mouse
will also be available.
The Vertical
Contact: Jeffrey Spencer or Stephen Albert, 619-454-0000
P.O. Box 2636
La Jolla, CA  92038, U.S.A.
Supports: no info available, probably PC's
Available: Summer, 1993
Price: $249
The Vertical Keyboard is split in two halves, each pointing straight up.
The user can adjust the width of the device, but not the tilt of each
section.  Side-view mirrors are installed to allow users to see their
fingers on the keys.
The MIKey     301-933-1111
Dr. Alan Grant
3208 Woodhollow Drive
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, U.S.A.
Shipping: As of July, 1992: "Should be Available in One Year."
Supports: PC, Mac (maybe)
Price: $200 (estimated)
The keyboard is at a fixed angle, and incorporates a built-in mouse
operated by the thumbs.  Function keys are arranged in a circle at
the keyboard's left.
The Wave	(was: 213-)  310-644-6100
FAX: 310-644-6068
Iocomm International Technology
12700 Yukon Avenue
Hawthorne, California 90250, U.S.A.
Robin Hunter (contact -- in sales)
Cost: $99.95 + $15 for a set of cables
Supports: PC only.
Shipping: now.
Iocomm also manufactures "ordinary" 101-key keyboard (PC/AT) and
84-key keyboard (PC/XT), so make sure you get the right one.
The one-piece keyboard has a built-in wrist-rest.  It looks *exactly*
like a normal 101-key PC keyboard, with two inches of built-in wrist
rest.  The key switch feel is reported to be greatly improved.
The Minimal Motion Computer Access System 	508-263-6437
508-263-6537 (fax)
Equal Access Computer Technology
Dr. Michael Weinreigh
39 Oneida Rd.
Acton, MA  01720, U.S.A.
Price: InfoGrip-compatible: "a few hundred dollars" + a one-handed Bat
For their own system: $300 (DOS software) + "a few hundred dollars"
Shipping: these are custom-made, so an occupational therapist would
make moulds/do whatever to make it for you.  You can buy one now.
Supports: PC only, although the InfoGrip-compatible version might
work with a Mac.
In a one-handed version, there is exactly one button per finger.  In a
two-handed version, you get four buttons per finger, and the thumbs
don't do anything.  You can also get one-handed versions with three
thumb buttons -- compatible with the InfoGrip Bat.  Basically, get it
any way you want.
They also have a software tutorial to help you learn the chording.
Works on a PC under DOS, not Windows.  Planning on Macintosh and
PC/Windows support.  No work has been done on a Unix version, yet.
Half-QWERTY	(Canada) 416-749-3124
The Matias Corporation
178 Thistledown Boulevard
Rexdale, Ontario, Canada
M9V 1K1
E-mail: ematias@dgp.toronto.edu
Supports: Mac and PC (but, not Windows)
Demo for anonymous ftp: explorer.dgp.toronto.edu:/pub/Half-QWERTY	    ||
Price:   $129.95 (higher in Canada, quantity discounts available)
Shipping: Now.
This thing is purely software.  No hardware at all.
The software will mirror the keyboard when you hold down the space
bar, allowing you type one-handed.
Octima	(Israel) 972-4-5322844
FAX: (+972) 3 5322970
Ergoplic Keyboards Ltd.
P.O. Box 31
Kiryat Ono 55100, Israel
(info from Mandy Jaffe-Katz <RXHFUN@HAIFAUVM.BITNET>)
A one-handed keyboard.
Microwriter AgendA (U.K.) (+44) 276 692 084
FAX: (+44) 276 691 826
Microwriter Systems plc
M.S.A. House
2 Albany Court
Albany Park
Frimley
Surrey GU15 2XA, United Kingdom
(Info from Carroll Morgan <Carroll.Morgan@prg.oxford.ac.uk>)
The AgendA is a personal desktop assistant (PDA) style machine.  You
can carry it along with you.  It has chording input.  You can also
hook it up to your PC, or even program it.
It costs just under 200 pounds, with 128K memory.
===========
Thanks go to Chris Bekins <AS.CCB@forsythe.stanford.edu> for providing
the basis for this information.
Thanks to the numerous contributors:
Doug Martin <martin@nosc.mil>
Carroll Morgan <Carroll.Morgan@prg.oxford.ac.uk>
Mandy Jaffe-Katz <RXHFUN@HAIFAUVM.BITNET>
Wes Hunter <Wesley.Hunter@AtlantaGA.NCR.com>
Paul Schwartz <pschwrtz@cs.washington.edu>
H.J. Woltring <WOLTRING@NICI.KUN.NL>
Dan Sorenson <viking@iastate.edu>
Chris VanHaren <vanharen@MIT.EDU>
Ravi Pandya <ravi@xanadu.com>
Leonard H. Tower Jr. <tower@ai.mit.edu>
Dan Jacobson <Dan_Jacobson@ATT.COM>
Jim Cheetham  <jim@oasis.icl.co.uk>
Cliff Lasser <cal@THINK.COM>
Richard Donkin <richardd@hoskyns.co.uk>
Paul Rubin <phr@napa.Telebit.COM>
David Erb <erb@fullfeed.com>
Bob Scheifler <rws@expo.lcs.mit.edu>
Chris Grant <Chris.Grant@um.cc.umich.edu>
Scott Mandell <sem1@postoffice.mail.cornell.edu>
and everybody else who I've probably managed to forget.
The opinions in here are my own, unless otherwise mentioned, and do not
represent the opinions of any organization or vendor.
--
Dan Wallach               "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Office#: 510-642-9585     of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (4/4): Software Monitoring Tools [monthly posting]
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/software_732179032@cs.berkeley.edu>
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 333
Expires: 22 May 1993 01:24:03 GMT
Reply-To: Richard Donkin <richardd@hoskyns.co.uk>
NNTP-Posting-Host: elmer-fudd.cs.berkeley.edu
Summary: software tools to help out injured typists
Originator: dwallach@elmer-fudd.cs.berkeley.edu
Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/software
Version: 1.8, 7th December 1992
This FAQ is actually maintained by Richard Donkin <richardd@hoskyns.co.uk>.
I post it, along with the other FAQ stuff.  If you have questions, you want
to send mail to Richard, not me.  -- Dan
Software Tools to help with RSI
-------------------------------
This file describes tools, primarily software, to help prevent or manage RSI.
This version now includes information on such diverse tools as calendar
programs and digital watches...
Please let me know if you know any other tools, or if you have information
or opinions on these ones, and I will update this FAQ.
I am especially interested in getting reviews of these products from people
who have evaluated them or are using them.
Richard Donkin
Internet mail: richardd@hoskyns.co.uk
Tel: +44 71 814 5708 (direct)
Fax: +44 71 251 2853
Changes in this version:
Added information on StressFree, another typing management tool
for Windows.
TYPING MANAGEMENT TOOLS: these aim to help you manage your keyboard use,
by warning you to take a break every so often.  The better ones also include
advice on exercises, posture and workstation setup.  Some use sound hardware to
warn of a break, others use beeps or screen messages.
Often, RSI appears only after many years of typing, and the pain has
a delayed action in the short term too: frequently you can be typing
all day with little problem and the pain gets worse in the evening.
These tools act as an early warning system: by listening to their
warnings and taking breaks with exercises, you don't have to wait for your
body to give you a more serious and painful warning - that is, getting RSI.
Tool: At Your Service (commercial software)
Available from:
Bright Star
Tel: +1 (206) 451 3697
Platforms: Mac (System 6.0.4), Windows
Description:
Provides calendar, keyboard watch, email watch, and system info.
Warns when to take a break (configurable).  Has a few recommendations
on posture, and exercises.  Sound-oriented, will probably work best
with sound card (PC) or with microphone (Mac).  Should be possible
to record your own messages to warn of break.
Tool: AudioPort (sound card and software)
Available from:
Media Vision
Tel: +1 (510) 226 2563
Platforms: PC
Description:
A sound card to plug into your PC parallel port.
Includes 'At Your Service'.
Tool: Computer Health Break (commercial software)
Available from:
Escape Ergonomics, Inc
1111 W. El Camino Real
Suite 109
Mailstop 403
Sunnyvale, CA
Tel: +1 (408) 730 8410
Platforms: DOS
Description:
Aimed at preventing RSI, this program warns you to take
breaks after a configurable interval, based on clock time, or
after a set number of keystrokes -- whichever is earlier.
It gives you 3 exercises to do each time, randomly selected from
a set of 70.  Exercises are apparently tuned to the type of work
you do - data entry, word processing, information processing.
Exercises are illustrated and include quite a lot of text on
how to do the exercise and on what exactly the exercise does.
CHB includes hypertext information on RSI that you can use
to learn more about RSI and how to prevent it.  Other information
on non-RSI topics can be plugged into this hypertext viewer.
A full glossary of medical terms and jargon is included.
CHB can be run in a DOS box under Windows, but does not then
warn you when to take a break; it does not therefore appear
useful when used with Windows.
Cost: $79.95; quantity discounts, site licenses.
Comments:
The keystroke-counting approach looks good: it seems better
to measure the activity that is causing you problems than to
measure clock time or even typing time.  The marketing stuff
is very good and includes some summaries of research papers,
as well as lots of arguments you can use to get your company
to pay up for RSI management tools.
Tool: EyerCise (commercial software)
Available from:
RAN Enterprises
One Woodland Park Dr.
Haverhill, MA  01830, US
Tel: 800-451-4487 (US only)
Platforms: Windows (3.0/3.1), OS/2 PM (1.3/2.0) [Not DOS]
Description:
Aimed at preventing RSI and eye strain, this program warns you to take
breaks after a configurable interval (or at fixed times). Optionally
displays descriptions and pictures of exercises - pictures are
animated and program beeps you to help you do exercises at the
correct rate.  Includes 19 stretches and 4 visual training
exercises, can configure which are included and how many repetitions
you do - breaks last from 3 to 7 minutes.  Also includes online help
on workplace ergonomics.
Quote from their literature:
"EyerCise is a Windows program that breaks up your day with periodic
sets of stretches and visual training exercises.  The stretches work
all parts of your body, relieving tension and helping to prevent
Repetitive Strain Injury.  The visual training exercises will improve
your peripheral vision and help to relieve eye strain.  Together these
help you to become more relaxed and productive."
"The package includes the book _Computers & Visual Stress_ by Edward C.
Godnig, O.D. and John S. Hacunda, which describes the ergonomic setup
for a computer workstation and provides procedures and exercises to
promote healthy and efficient computer use.
Cost: $69.95 including shipping and handling, quantity discounts
for resellers.  Free demo ($5 outside US).
Comments:
I have a copy of this, and it works as advertised: I would say
it is better for RSI prevention than RSI management, because it
does not allow breaks at periods less than 30 minutes.  Also, it
interrupts you based on clock time rather than typing time, which
is not so helpful unless you use the keyboard all day.  Worked OK on
Windows 3.0 though it did occasionally crash with a UAE - not sure
why. Also refused to work with the space bar on one PC, and has
one window without window controls.  Very usable though, and does not
require any sound hardware.
Tool: Lifeguard (commercial software)
Available from:
Visionary Software
P.O. Box 69447
Portland, OR  97201, US
Tel: +1 (503) 246-6200
Platforms: Mac, DOS (Windows version underway)
Description:
Aimed at preventing RSI.  Warns you to take a break
with dialog box and sound.  Includes a list of exercises
to do during breaks, and information on configuring your
workstation in an ergonomic manner.  Price: $59;
quantity discounts and site licenses.  The DOS product is
bought in from another company, apparently; not sure how
equivalent this is to the Mac version.
The Mac version got a good review in Desktop Publisher
Magazine (Feb 1991).  Good marketing stuff with useful
2-page summaries of RSI problems and solutions, with
references.
Tool: StressFree (commercial software, free usable demo)
Available from:
LifeTime Software
P.O. Box 87522
Houston
Texas 77287-7522, US
Tel: 800-947-2178 (US only)
Fax: +1 (713) 474-2067
Mail: 70412.727@compuserve.com
Demo (working program but reduced functions) available from:
Compuserve: Windows Advanced Forum, New Uploads section, or
Health and Fitness Forum, Issues At Work section.
Anon FTP:   ftp.cica.indiana.edu (and mirroring sites)
Platforms: Windows (3.0/3.1) (Mac and DOS versions underway)
Description:
Aimed at preventing RSI, this program warns you to take
breaks after a configurable interval (or at fixed times).
Displays descriptions and pictures of exercises - pictures are
animated and program paces you to help you do exercises at the
correct rate.  Quite a few exercises, can configure which ones
are included to some extent.  Online help.
Version 2.0 is out soon, Mac and DOS versions will be based
on this.
Cost: $29.95 if support via CompuServe or Internet, otherwise $39.95.
Site license for 3 or more copies is $20.00 each.
(NOTE: prices may have gone up for V2.0).
Comments:
I have had a play with this, and it works OK.  Its user interface
design is much better in 2.0, though still a bit unusual.
expensive tool around and it does the job.  It is also the only
tool with a redistributable demo, so if you do get the demo, post it
on your local bulletin boards, FTP servers and Bitnet servers!
Does not include general info on RSI and ergonomics, but it does
have the ability to step backward in the exercise sequence,
which is good for repeating the most helpful exercises.
Tool: Typewatch (freeware), version 3.8 (October 1992)
Available from:
Email to richardd@hoskyns.co.uk
Anonymous ftp: soda.berkeley.edu:pub/typing-injury/typewatch.shar
Platforms: UNIX (tested on SCO, SunOS, Mach; character and X Window mode)
Description:
This is a shell script that runs in the background and warns you
to stop typing, based on how long you have been continuously
typing.  It does not provide exercises, but it does check
that you really do take a break, and tells you when you
can start typing again.
Typewatch now tells you how many minutes you have been typing
today, each time it warns you, which is useful so you
know how much you *really* type.  It also logs information
to a file that you can analyse or simply print out.
The warning message appears on your screen (in character mode),
in a pop-up window (for X Windows), or as a Zephyr message
(for those with Athena stuff).   Tim Freeman <tsf@cs.cmu.edu>
has put in a lot of bug fixes, extra features and support for
X, Zephyr and Mach.
Not formally supported, but email richardd@hoskyns.co.uk
(for SCO, SunOS, character mode) or tsf@cs.cmu.edu (for Mach,
X Window mode, Zephyr) if you have problems or want to give
feedback.
Tool: Various calendar / batch queue programs
Available from:
Various sources
Platforms: Various
Description:
Any calendar/reminder program that warns you of an upcoming
appointment can be turned into an ad hoc RSI management tool.
Or, any batch queue submission program that lets you submit
a program to run at a specific time to display a message to
the screen.
Using Windows as an example: create a Calendar file, and
include this filename in your WIN.INI's 'load=' line so
you get it on every startup of Windows.  Suppose you
want to have breaks every 30 minutes, starting from 9 am.
Press F7 (Special Time...) to enter an appointment, enter
9:30, hit Enter, and type some text in saying what the break
is for.  Then press F5 to set an alarm on this entry, and repeat
for the next appointment.
By using Windows Recorder, you can record the keystrokes
that set up breaks throughout a day in a .REC file.  Put this
file on your 'run=' line, as above, and you will then, with
a single keypress, be able to set up your daily appointments
with RSI exercises.
The above method should be adaptable to most calendar programs.
An example using batch jobs would be to submit a simple job
that runs at 9:30 am and warns you to take a break; this will
depend a lot on your operating system.
While these approaches are not ideal, they are a good way of forcing
yourself to take a break if you can't get hold of a suitable RSI
management tool.  If you are techie enough you might want to
write a version of Typewatch (see above) for your operating
system, using batch jobs or whatever fits best.
Tool: Digital watches with count-down timers
Available from:
Various sources, e.g. Casio BP-100.
Description:
Many digital watches have timers that count down from a settable
number of minutes; they usually reset easily to that number, either
manually or automatically.
While these are a very basic tool, they are very useful if you
are writing, reading, driving, or doing anything away from
a computer which can still cause or aggravate RSI.  The great
advantage is that they remind you to break from whatever you
are doing.
Comments:
My own experience was that cutting down a lot on my typing led to
my writing a lot more, and still reading as much as ever, which
actually aggravated the RSI in my right arm though the left
arm improved.  Getting a count-down timer watch has been
very useful on some occasions where I write a lot in a day.
I have tried an old fashioned hour-glass type egg timer, but
these are not much good because they do not give an audible
warning of the end of the time period!
KEYBOARD REMAPPING TOOLS: these enable you to change your keyboard mapping
so you can type one-handedly or with a different two-handed layout.
One-handed typing tools may help, but be VERY careful about how
you use them -- if you keep the same overall typing workload you
are simply doubling your hand use for the hand that you use for typing,
and may therefore make matters worse.
Tool: hsh (public domain)
Available from:
Anonymous ftp: soda.berkeley.edu:pub/typing-injury/hsh.shar
Platforms: UNIX (don't know which ones)
Description:
Allows one-handed typing and other general keyboard remappings.
Only works through tty's (so, you can use it with a terminal or
an xterm, but not most X programs).
Tool: Dvorak keyboard tools (various)
Available from:
Anonymous ftp: soda.berkeley.edu:pub/typing-injury/xdvorak.c
Also built into Windows 3.x.
Description:
The Dvorak keyboard apparently uses a more rational layout
that involves more balanced hand use.   It *may* help prevent
RSI a bit, but you can also use it if you have RSI, since
it will slow down your typing a *lot* :-)
--
Dan Wallach               "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Office#: 510-642-9585     of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.
From: lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Summary: Science is not mere methodology.
Organization: University of Hawaii (Mathematics Dept)
Expires: Sat, 1 May 1993 10:00:00 GMT
Lines: 85
In article <lsj4gnINNl6c@saltillo.cs.utexas.edu> turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin) writes:
>-*-----
>I wrote:
>>> ... Or, to use a phrasing that I think is more accurate, science
>>> is the investigation of phenomena that avoids methods and reasoning
>>> that are known to be erroneous from past foul-ups.
>
>In article <C57Iu2.HBn@bunyip.cc.uq.oz.au> bd@psych.psy.uq.oz.au writes:
>> I can agree with this if you are talking about the less fundamental
>> aspects of scientific method. ...
>    ...
>> ... In fact, I don't see the alternative, as I don't think that the
>> fundamentals are capable of experimental investigation.  In saying
>> this I am agreeing with the work of people like Kuhn (1970),
>> Feyerabend (1981) and Lakatos (1972).
>      ....
>While methodology cannot be subject to the same kind of "experimental
>investigation," as that to which it is applied, it *can* be critically
>appraised.  Methodologies can be compared to each other, sometimes by
>the conflicting results they produce.  This kind of critical appraisal
>and comparison, together with the inappropriateness of existing
>methodologies for new fields of study, is what drives the evolution of
>methodologies and how we think about them.
As usual, you are missing the whole point, Russell, because you are not
willing to even consider questionning your basic article of faith, which
is that science is merely a matter of methodology and that the highest
purpose of science is to avoid making mistakes.
This is like saying that the most important aspect of business management
is accurate bookkeeping.
If science were no more than methodology and not making mistakes, it
would be a poor thing indeed.  What was the methodology of Darwin?  What
was the methodology of Einstein?  What was, for that matter, the
methodology of Jenner and Pasteur?
In an earlier article, Russell Turpin writes:
>None of the foregoing should be read as meaning that we should
>open the door to practitioners of quackery and psuedo-science.
>Modern advocates of homeopathy, chiropracty, and traditional
>Chinese medicine receive little respect because, for the most
>part, they use methods and reasoning that the kind of research
>Lee Lady recommends has shown to be terribly faulty.  (This does
>*not* imply that all their treatments are ineffective.  It *does*
>imply that those who rely on faulty methodology and reasoning are
>incapable of discovering *which* treatments are effective and
>which are not.)
First of all, I think you are arguing against a straw man, because I
don't think that anyone here is arguing that quackery, pseudo-science,
homeopathy, chiropracty, and traditional Chinese medicine should be
accepted as science.  I, in particular, think the basic ideas of
homeopathy and chiropracty seem extremely flaky.
What some of us do believe, however, is that some of these things
(including some of the flaky ideas) are deserving of serious scientific
attention.
If in fact it were true, as you have stated above, that those who do not
use the currently fashionable methodology can have no idea what is
effective and what is not, then science today would not exist.  For all
of current science is based on the past work of scientists whose
methodology, by current standards, was seriously flawed.
It is certainly true that as methodology improves, we need to re-examine
those results derived in the past using less perfect methodologies.  It is
also true that the results obtained by people today who still rely on
those early methodologies needs to be re-examined in a more rigorous
fashion by those qualified to do so credibly.
But to say that nobody who fails to do elaborate double-blind studies is
capable of knowing their ass from a hole in the ground and to say that no
ideas that come from outside the scientific establishment could possibly
be worthy of serious investigation ... this truly marks one's attitude as
doctrinaire, cultist.  This attitude is not compatible with a belief in
reason.
--
In the arguments between behaviorists and cognitivists, psychology seems
less like a science than a collection of competing religious sects.
lady@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu         lady@uhunix.bitnet
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (1/4): Changes since last month [monthly posting]
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/changes_734664243@cs.berkeley.edu>
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 51
Expires: 22 May 1993 04:18:16 GMT
Reply-To: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
NNTP-Posting-Host: elmer-fudd.cs.berkeley.edu
Summary: what's new and happening with Dan's FAQ and ftp archive
Originator: dwallach@elmer-fudd.cs.berkeley.edu
Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/changes
Version: $Revision: 1.3 $ $Date: 1993/04/13 04:12:33 $
This file details changes to the soda.berkeley.edu archive and summarizes
what's new in the various FAQ (frequently asked questions) documents.
This will be posted monthly, along with the full FAQ to the various net
groups.  The various mailing lists will either receive the full FAQ
every month, or every third month, but will always get this file, once
per month.  Phew!
============================================================================
Changes to the Typing Injuries FAQ and soda.berkeley.edu archive, this month
============================================================================
a few new files on the soda.berkeley.edu archive
the TidBITS "Caring for your wrists" document
RSI Network #11
Advice about "adverse mechanical tension"
More details about the new Apple keyboard
more info about carpal tunnel syndrome (carpal.explained)
more general info about RSI (rsi.details, rsi.physical)
marketing info on the Vertical
MacWeek article the Bat
new details on hooking a normal PC keyboard to an RS/6000
updated pricing info on the DataHand and Comfort
Half-QWERTY now available for anonymous ftp on explorer.dgp.toronto.edu
new GIF picutures!
The Apple Adjustable Keyboard
The Key Tronic FlexPro
another picture of the Kinesis
The Vertical
The Tony!
============================================================================
If you'd like to receive a copy of the FAQ and you didn't find it in the
same place you found this document, you can either send e-mail to
dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu, or you can anonymous ftp to soda.berkeley.edu
(128.32.149.19) and look in the pub/typing-injury directory.
Enjoy!
--
Dan Wallach               "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Office#: 510-642-9585     of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (2/4): General Info [monthly posting]
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/general_734664243@cs.berkeley.edu>
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 409
Expires: 22 May 1993 04:18:16 GMT
Reply-To: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
NNTP-Posting-Host: elmer-fudd.cs.berkeley.edu
Summary: information about where to get more information
Originator: dwallach@elmer-fudd.cs.berkeley.edu
Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/general
Version: $Revision: 4.28 $ $Date: 1993/04/13 04:17:58 $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions about Typing Injuries
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Typing Injury FAQ -- sources of information for people with typing
injuries, repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.
Copyright 1992,1993 by Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu>
Many FAQs, including this one, are available on the archive site
pit-manager.mit.edu (alias rtfm.mit.edu) [18.172.1.27] in the directory
pub/usenet/news.answers.  The name under which a FAQ is archived appears
in the Archive-name line at the top of the article.  This FAQ is archived
as typing-injury-faq/general.Z
There's a mail server also.  Just e-mail mail-server@pit-manager.mit.edu
with the word 'help' on a line by itself in the body.
The opinions in here are my own, unless otherwise mentioned, and do not
represent the opinions of any organization or vendor.  I'm not a medical
doctor, so my advice should be taken with many grains of salt.
[Current distribution: sci.med.occupational, sci.med, comp.human-factors,
{news,sci,comp}.answers, and e-mail to c+health@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu,
sorehand@vm.ucsf.edu, and cstg-L@vtvm1.cc.vt.edu]
Changes since previously distributed versions are marked with change        ||
bars to the right of the text, as is this paragraph.                        ||
Table of Contents:
==1== Mailing lists, newsgroups, etc.
==2== The soda.berkeley.edu archive
==3== General info on injuries
==4== Typing posture, ergonomics, prevention, treatment
==5== Requests for more info
==6== References
==1== Mailing lists, newsgroups, etc.
USENET News:
-----------
comp.human-factors occasionally has discussion about alternative input devices.
comp.risks has an occasional posting relevant to injuries via computers.
sci.med and misc.handicap also tend to have relevant traffic.
There's a Brand New newsgroup, sci.med.occupational, chartered specifically
to discuss these things.  This would be the recommended place to post.
Mailing lists:
-------------
The RSI Network: Available both on paper and via e-mail, this publication
covers issues relevant to those with repetitive stress injuries.  For
a sample issue and subscription information, send a stamped, self-
addressed business envelope to Caroline Rose, 970 Paradise Way, Palo
Alto CA 94306.
E-mail to <crose@applelink.apple.com>
$2 donation, requested.
All RSI Network newsletters are available via anonymous ftp from
soda.berkeley.edu (see below for details).
c+health and sorehand are both IBM Listserv things.  For those familiar
with Listserv, here's the quick info:
c+health -- subscribe to listserv@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu
post to c+health@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu
sorehand -- subscribe to listserv@vm.ucsf.edu
post to sorehand@vm.ucsf.edu
Quick tutorial on subscribing to a Listserv:
% mail listserv@vm.ucsf.edu
Subject: Total Listserv Mania!
SUBSCRIBE SOREHAND J. Random Hacker
INFO ?
.
That's all there is to it.  You'll get bunches of mail back from the Listserv,
including a list of other possible commands you can mail.  Cool, huh?  What'll
those BITNET people think of, next?
==2== The soda.berkeley.edu archive
I've started an archive site for info related to typing injuries.  Just
anonymous ftp to soda.berkeley.edu:pub/typing-injury.  (128.32.149.19)
Currently, you'll find:
Informative files:
typing-injury-faq/
general           -- information about typing injuries
keyboards         -- products to replace your keyboard
software          -- software to watch your keyboard usage
changes		  -- changes since last month's edition (new!)	    ||
keyboard-commentary   -- Dan's opinions on the keyboard replacements
amt.advice		  -- about Adverse Mechanical Tension
caringforwrists.sit.hqx -- PageMaker4 document about your wrists
caringforwrists.ps	  -- PostScript converted version of above...
carpal.info           -- info on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
carpal.explained	  -- very detailed information about CTS
carpal.surgery	  -- JAMA article on CTS surgery
carpal.tidbits	  -- TidBITS article on CTS
tendonitis.info       -- info on Tendonitis
rsi.biblio		  -- bibliography of RSI-related publications
rsi-network/*         -- archive of the RSI Network newsletter
(currently, containing issues 1 through 11)    ||
rsi.details		  -- long detailed information about RSI
rsi.physical	  -- study showing RSI isn't just psychological
Various product literature:
apple-press		  -- press release on the Apple Adjustable Keyboard
apple-tidbits	  -- extensive info about Apple's Adjustable Keybd
bat-info		  -- MacWeek review on the Bat			    ||
comfort-*		  -- marketing info on the Comfort Keyboard
datahand-review	  -- detailed opinions of the DataHand
datahand-review2	  -- follow-up to above
datahand-desc	  -- description of the DataHand's appearance
kinesis-review	  -- one user's personal opinions
maltron-*		  -- marketing info on various Maltron products
maltron-review	  -- one user's personal opinions
vertical-info	  -- marketing info on the Vertical (new!)	    ||
Programs:
(With the exception of accpak.exe, everything here is distributed as
source to be compiled with a Unix system.  Some programs take advantage
of the X window system, also.)
hsh.shar		  -- a program for one-handed usage of normal keyboards
typewatch.shar	  -- tells you when to take a break
xdvorak.c		  -- turns your QWERTY keyboard into Dvorak
xidle.shar		  -- keeps track of how long you've been typing
rest-reminder.sh      -- yet another idle watcher
kt15.tar  		  -- generates fake X keyboard events from the
serial port -- use a PC keyboard on anything!
(new improved version!)
accpak.exe		  -- a serial port keyboard spoofer for MS Windows
(Note: a2x.tar and rk.tar are both from export.lcs.mit.edu:contrib/
so they may have a more current version than soda.)
a2x.tar  		  -- a more sophisticated X keyboard/mouse spoofing
program.  Supports DragonDictate.
(note: a new version is now available)	    ||
rk.tar  		  -- the reactive keyboard -- predicts what you'll
type next -- saves typing
Pictures (in the gifs subdirectory):
howtosit.gif	  -- picture of good sitting posture
(the caringforwrists document is better for this)
accukey1.gif	  -- fuzzy picture
accukey2.gif	  -- fuzzy picture with somebody using it
apple.gif		  -- the Apple Adjustable Keyboard		    ||
bat.gif               -- the InfoGrip Bat
comfort.gif           -- the Health Care Comfort Keyboard
datahand1.gif	  -- fuzzy picture
datahand2.gif	  -- key layout schematic
datahand3.gif	  -- a much better picture of the datahand
flexpro.gif		  -- the Key Tronic FlexPro keyboard		    ||
kinesis1.gif          -- the Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard
kinesis2.gif	  -- multiple views of the Kinesis		    ||
maltron[1-4].gif      -- several pictures of Maltron products
mikey1.gif            -- the MIKey
mikey2.gif            -- Schematic Picture of the MIKey
tony.gif		  -- The Tony! Ergonomic Keysystem		    ||
twiddler1.gif	  -- "front" view
twiddler2.gif	  -- "side" view
vertical.gif	  -- the Vertical keyboard			    ||
wave.gif		  -- the Iocomm `Wave' keyboard
Many files are compressed (have a .Z ending).  If you can't uncompress a file
locally, soda will do it.  Just ask for the file, without the .Z extension.
If you're unable to ftp to soda, send me e-mail and we'll see what we
can arrange.
==3== General info on injuries
First, and foremost of importance: if you experience pain at all, then
you absolutely need to go see a doctor.  As soon as you possibly can.  The
difference of a day or two can mean the difference between a short recovery
and a long, drawn-out ordeal.  GO SEE A DOCTOR.  Now, your garden-variety
doctor may not necessarily be familiar with this sort of injury.  Generally,
any hospital with an occupational therapy clinic will offer specialists in
these kinds of problems.  DON'T WAIT, THOUGH.  GO SEE A DOCTOR.
The remainder of this information is paraphrased, without permission, from
a wonderful report by New Zealand's Department of Labour (Occupational
Safety and Health Service): "Occupational Overuse Syndrome. Treatment and
Rehabilitation: A Practitioner's Guide".
First, a glossary (or, fancy names for how you shouldn't have your hands):
(note: you're likely to hear these terms from doctors and keyboard vendors :)
RSI: Repetitive Strain Injury - a general term for many kinds of injuries
OOS: Occupational Overuse Syndrome -- synonym for RSI
CTD: Cumulative Trauma Disorder -- another synonym for RSI
WRULD: Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders -- yet another synonym for RSI
CTS: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (see below)
Hyperextension:  Marked bending at a joint.
Pronation: Turning the palm down.
Wrist extension: Bending the wrist up.
Supination: Turning the palm up.
Wrist flexion: Bending the wrist down.
Pinch grip: The grip used for a pencil.
Ulnar deviation: Bending the wrist towards the little finger.
Power grip: The grip used for a hammer.
Radial Deviation: Bending the wrist toward the thumb.
Abduction: Moving away from the body.
Overspanning: Opening the fingers out wide.
Now then, problems come in two main types: Local conditions and diffuse
conditions.  Local problems are what you'd expect: specific muscles,
tendons, tendon sheaths, nerves, etc. being inflamed or otherwise hurt.
Diffuse conditions, often mistaken for local problems, can involve muscle
discomfort, pain, burning and/or tingling; with identifiable areas of
tenderness in muscles, although they're not necessarily "the problem."
--- Why does Occupational Overuse Syndrome occur?  Here's the theory.
Normally, your muscles and tendons get blood through capillaries which
pass among the muscle fibers.  When you tense a muscle, you restrict
the blood flow.  By the time you're exerting 50% of your full power,
you're completely restricting your blood flow.
Without fresh blood, your muscles use stored energy until they run out,
then they switch to anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism, which generates
nasty by-products like lactic acid, which cause pain.
Once one muscle hurts, all its neighbors tense up, perhaps to relieve the
load.  This makes sense for your normal sort of injury, but it only makes
things worse with repetitive motion.  More tension means less blood flow,
and the cycle continues.
Another by-product of the lack of blood flow is tingling and numbness from
your nerves.  They need blood too.
Anyway, when you're typing too much, you're never really giving a change
for the blood to get back where it belongs, because your muscles never
relax enough to let the blood through.  Stress, poor posture, and poor
ergonomics, only make things worse.
--- Specific injuries you may have heard of:
(note: most injuries come in two flavors: acute and chronic.  Acute
injuries are severely painful and noticable.  Chronic conditions have
less pronounced symptoms but are every bit as real.)
Tenosynovitis -- an inflamation of the tendon sheath.  Chronic tenosynovitis
occurs when the repetitive activity is mild or intermittent: not enough to
cause acute inflamation, but enough to exceed the tendon sheath's ability
to lubricate the tendon.  As a result, the tendon sheath thickens, gets
inflamed, and you've got your problem.
Tendonitis -- an inflammation of a tendon.  Repeated tensing of a tendon
can cause inflamation.  Eventually, the fibers of the tendon start separating,
and can even break, leaving behind debris which induces more friction, more
swelling, and more pain.  "Sub-acute" tendonitis is more common, which entails
a dull ache over the wrist and forearm, some tenderness, and it gets worse
with repetitive activity.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -- the nerves that run through your wrist into your
fingers get trapped by the inflamed muscles around them.  Symptoms include
feeling "pins and needles", tingling, numbness, and even loss of sensation.
CTS is often confused for a diffuse condition.
Adverse Mechanical Tension -- also known as 'neural tension', this is where
the nerves running down to your arm have become contracted and possibly
compressed as a result of muscle spasms in the shoulders and elsewhere.
AMT can often misdiagnosed as or associated with one of the other OOS
disorders.  It is largely reversible and can be treated with physiotherapy
(brachial plexus stretches and trigger point therapy).
Others: for just about every part of your body, there's a fancy name for
a way to injure it.  By now, you should be getting an idea of how OOS
conditions occur and why.  Just be careful: many inexperienced doctors
misdiagnose problems as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, when in reality, you
may have a completely different problem.  Always get a second opinion
before somebody does something drastic to you (like surgery).
==4== Typing posture, ergonomics, prevention, treatment
The most important element of both prevention and recovery is to reduce
tension in the muscles and tendons.  This requires learning how to relax.
If you're under a load of stress, this is doubly important.  Tune out
the world and breath deep and regular.  Relaxing should become a guiding
principle in your work: every three minutes take a three second break.
EVERY THREE MINUTES, TAKE A THREE SECOND BREAK.  Really, do it every
three minutes.  It's also helpful to work in comfortable surroundings,
calm down, and relax.
If you can't sleep, you really need to focus on this.  Rest, sleep, and
relaxation are really a big deal.
There are all kinds of other treatments, of course.  Drugs can reduce
inflamation and pain.  Custom-molded splints can forcefully prevent bad
posture.  Surgery can fix some problems.  Exercise can help strengthen
your muscles.  Regular stretching can help prevent injury.  Good posture
and a good ergonomic workspace promote reduced tension.  Ice or hot-cold
contrast baths also reduce swelling.  Only your doctor can say what's best
for you.
--- Posture -- here are some basic guidelines.  [I so liked the way this was
written in the New Zealand book that I'm lifting it almost verbatim from
Appendix 10. -- dwallach]
. Let your shoulders relax.
. Let your elbows swing free.
. Keep your wrists straight.
. Pull your chin in to look down - don't flop your head forward.
. Keep the hollow in the base of your spine.
. Try leaning back in the chair.
. Don't slouch or slump forward.
. Alter your posture from time to time.
. Every 20 minutes, get up and bend your spine backward.
Set the seat height, first.  Your feet should be flat on the floor.  There
should be no undue pressure on the underside of your thighs near the knees,
and your thighs should not slope too much.
Now, draw yourself up to your desk and see that its height is comfortable
to work at.  If you are short, this may be impossible.  The beest remedy
is to raise the seat height and prevent your legs from dangling by using a
footrest.
Now, adjust the backrest height so that your buttocks fit into the space
between the backrest and the seat pan.  The backrest should support you in
the hollow of your back, so adjust its tilt to give firm support in this
area.
If you operate a keyboard, you will be able to spend more time leaning
back, so experiment with a chair with a taller backrest, if available.
[Now, I diverge a little from the text]
A good chair makes a big difference.  If you don't like your chair, go
find a better one.  You really want adjustments for height, back angle,
back height, and maybe even seat tilt.  Most arm rests seem to get in
the way, although some more expensive chairs have height adjustable arm
rests which you can also rotate out of the way.  You should find a good
store and play with all these chairs -- pick one that's right for you.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly recommend "Just Chairs."  The
name says it all.
--- Keyboard drawers, wrist pads, and keyboard replacements:
There is a fair amount of controvery on how to get this right.  For some
people, wrist pads seem to work wonders.  However, with good posture, you
shouldn't be resting your wrists on anything -- you would prefer your
keyboard to be "right there".  If you drop your arms at your side and then
lift your hands up at the elbow, you want your keyboard under your hands
when your elbows are at about 90 degrees.  Of course, you want to avoid
pronation, wrist extension, and ulnar deviation at all costs.  Wrist pads
may or may not help at this.  You should get somebody else to come and
look at how you work: how you sit, how you type, and how you relax.  It's
often easier for somebody else to notice your hunched shoulders or
deviated hands.
Some argue that the normal, flat keyboard is antiquated and poorly
designed.  A number of replacements are available, on the market, today.
Check out the accompanying typing-injury-faq/keyboards for much detail.
==5== Requests for more info
Clearly, the above information is incomplete.  The typing-injury archive
is incomplete.  There's always more information out there.  If you'd like
to submit something, please send me mail, and I'll gladly throw it in.
If you'd like to maintain a list of products or vendors, that would be
wonderful!  I'd love somebody to make a list of chair/desk vendors.  I'd
love somebody to make a list of doctors.  I'd love somebody to edit the
above sections, looking for places where I've obviously goofed.
==6== References
I completely rewrote the information section here, using a wonderful
guide produced in New Zealand by their Occupational Safety & Health
Service, a service of their Department of Labour.  Special thanks
to the authors: Wigley, Turner, Blake, Darby, McInnes, and Harding.
Semi-bibliographic reference:
. Occupational Overuse Syndrome
. Treatment and Rehabilitation:
A Practitioner's Guide
Published by the Occupational Safety and Health Service
Department of Labour
Wellington,
New Zealand.
First Edition: June 1992
ISBN 0-477-3499-3
Price: $9.95 (New Zealand $'s, of course)
Thanks to Richard Donkin <richardd@hoskyns.co.uk> for reviewing this posting.
--
Dan Wallach               "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.berkeley.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Office#: 510-642-9585     of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.
From: lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady)
Subject: Re: Science and Methodology
Summary: Merely avoiding mistakes doesn't get you anywhere.
Organization: University of Hawaii (Mathematics Dept)
Expires: Mon, 10 May 1993 10:00:00 GMT
Lines: 57
In article <1993Apr11.015518.21198@sbcs.sunysb.edu> mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu
(Michael Holloway) writes:
>In article <C552Jv.GGB@news.Hawaii.Edu> lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu
(Lee Lady) writes:
>>I would also like to point out that most of the arguments about science
>>in sci.med, sci.psychology, etc. are not about cases where people are
>>rejecting scientific argument/evidence/proof.  They are about cases where
>>no adequate scientific research has been done.   (In some cases, there is
>>quite a bit of evidence, but it isn't in a format to fit doctrinaire
>>conceptions of what science is.)
>
>Here it is again.  This indicates confusion between "proof" and the process
>of doing science.
You are making precisely one of the points I wanted to make.
I fully agree with you that there is a big distinction between the
*process* of science and the end result.
As an end result of science, one wants to get results that are
objectively verifiable.  But there is nothing objective about the
*process* of science.
If good empirical research were done and showed that there is some merit
to homeopathic remedies, this would certainly be valuable information.
But it would still not mean that homeopathy qualifies as a science.  This
is where you and I disagree with Turpin.  In order to have science, one
must have a theoretical structure that makes sense, not a mere
collection of empirically validated random hypotheses.
Experiment and empirical studies are an important part of science, but
they are merely the culmination of scientific research.  The most
important part of true scientific methodology is SCIENTIFIC THINKING.
Without this, one does not have any hypotheses worth testing.  (No,
hypotheses do not just leap out at you after you look at enough data.
Nor do they simply come to you in a flash one day while you're shaving or
looking out the window.  At least not unless you've done a lot of really
good thinking beforehand.)
The difference between a Nobel Prize level scientist and a mediocre
scientist does not lie in the quality of their empirical methodology.
It depends on the quality of their THINKING.
It really bothers me that so many graduate students seem to believe that
they are doing science merely because they are conducting empirical
studies.  And it bothers me even more that there are many fields, such as
certain parts of psychology, where there seems to be no thinking at all,
but mere studies testing ad hoc hypotheses.
And I'm especially offended by Russell Turpin's repeated assertion that
science amounts to nothing more than avoiding mistakes.  Simply avoiding
mistakes doesn't get you anywhere.
--
In the arguments between behaviorists and cognitivists, psychology seems
less like a science than a collection of competing religious sects.
lady@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu         lady@uhunix.bitnet
From: wright@duca.hi.com (David Wright)
Subject: Re: NATURAL ANTI-cancer/AIDS Remedies
Organization: Hitachi Computer Products, OSSD division
Lines: 16
NNTP-Posting-Host: duca.hi.com
In article <19604@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
|In article <1993Apr6.165840.5703@cnsvax.uwec.edu> mcelwre@cnsvax.uwec.edu writes:
|>     The biggest reason why the cost of medical care is so EXTREMELY high and
|>increasing is that NATURAL methods of treatment and even diagnosis are still
|>being SYSTEMATICALLY IGNORED and SUPPRESSED by the MONEY-GRUBBING and POWER-
|>MONGERING "medical" establishment.
|That's not the half of it.  Did you realize that all medical doctors have
|now been replaced by aliens?
Yup.  By the way, what planet are you from, and once you got here, did
you encounter those prejudices against foreign medical graduates?
-- David Wright, Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc.  Waltham, MA
wright@hicomb.hi.com  ::  These are my opinions, not necessarily
Hitachi's, though they are the opinions of all right-thinking people
From: jchen@wind.bellcore.com (Jason Chen)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Nntp-Posting-Host: wind.bellcore.com
Reply-To: jchen@ctt.bellcore.com
Organization: Bell Communications Research
Lines: 31
In article <1qi2h1INNr3o@roundup.crhc.uiuc.edu>, mary@uicsl.csl.uiuc.edu (Mary E. Allison) writes:
|>
|> Two different Tuesdays (two weeks apart we used the same day of the
|> week just for consistancies sake) we ordered food from the local
|> Chinese take out - same exact food except ONE of the days we had them
|> hold the MSG.  I did not know which time the food was ordered without
|> the MSG but one time I had the reaction and one time I did not.
|>
|> NOW - you can TRY to tell me that it wasn't "scientific" enough and
|> that I have not PROVEN beyond the shadow of a doubt that I have a
|> reaction to MSG - but it was proof enough for ME and I'll have you
|> know that I do NOT wish to get sick from eating food thank you very
|> much.
|>
If you could not tell which one had MSG, why restaurants bother to
use it at all?
If you can taste the difference, psychological reaction might play a role.
The fact is, MSG is part of natural substance. Everyone, I mean EVERYONE,
consumes certain amount of MSG every day through regular diet without
the synthesized MSG additive.
Chinese, and many other Asians (Japanese, Koreans, etc) have used
MSG as flavor enhancer for two thousand years. Do you believe that
they knew how to make MSG from chemical processes? Not. They just
extracted it from natural food such sea food and meat broth.
Baring MSG is just like baring sugar which many people react to.
Jason Chen
From: cdm@pmafire.inel.gov (Dale Cook)
Subject: Re: MORBUS MENIERE - is there a real remedy?
Organization: WINCO
Lines: 19
In article <19607@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>>A recent movie, Lorenzo's Oil, offers a perfect example of what
>>I'm talking about.  If you haven't seen it, you should.  It's not
>
>I saw it.  It is almost a unique case in history.  First, ALD
>is a rare but fatal disease. [...]
>Their accomplishment was significant.  (Of course, it was overplayed
>in the movie for dramatic effect.  The oil is not curative, and doesn't even
>prevent progression, only slows it.)
There's a pretty good article in the the March 6, 1993 New Scientist titled
"Pouring cold water on Lorenzo's oil".  The article states that research
has shown that the oil has no discernable effect on the progression of the
disease in patients in which demyelination has begun.  In patients with
AMN (a less acute form of the same disease) there is some improvement
seen in the ability of nerve fibres to conduct impulses.  In ALD patients
who have not yet begun demyelination, the jury is still out.
---Dale Cook
From: ls8139@albnyvms.bitnet (larry silverberg)
Subject: podiatry School info?
Reply-To: ls8139@albnyvms.bitnet
Organization: University of Albany, SUNY
Lines: 21
Hello,
I am planning on attending Podiatry School next year.
I have narrowed my choices to the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric
Medicine, in Philadelphia, or the California College of Podiatric
Medicine in San Francisco.
If anyone has any information or oppinions about these two schools, please
tell me.  I am having a hard time deciding which one to attend, and must
make a decision very soon.
thank you, Larry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Live From New York, It's SATURDAY NIGHT...
Tonight's special guest:
Lawrence Silverberg from The State University of New York @ Albany
aka:ls8139@gemini.Albany.edu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: paulson@tab00.larc.nasa.gov (Sharon Paulson)
Subject: food-related seizures?
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton VA, USA
Lines: 45
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: cmb00.larc.nasa.gov
I am posting to this group in hopes of finding someone out there in
network newsland who has heard of something similar to what I am going
to describe here.  I have a fourteen year old daugter who experienced
a seizure on November 3, 1992 at 6:45AM after eating Kellog's Frosted
Flakes.  She is perfectly healthy, had never experienced anything like
this before, and there is no history of seizures in either side of the
family.  All the tests (EEG, MRI, EKG) came out negative so the decision
was made to do nothing and just wait to see if it happened again.
Well, we were going along fine and the other morning, April 5, she had
a bowl of another Kellog's frosted kind of cereal, Fruit Loops (I am
embarrassed to admit that I even bought that junk but every once
in a while...) So I pour it in her bowl and think "Oh, oh, this is the
same kind of junk she was eating when she had that seizure."  Ten
minutes later she had a full blown seizures. This was her first exposure
to a sugar coated cereal since the last seizure.
When I mentioned what she ate the first time as a possible reason for
the seizure the neurologist basically negated that as an idea.  Now
after this second episode, so similar in nature to the first, even
he is scratching his head.  Once again her EEG looks normal which I
understand can happen even when a person has a seizure.
Once again we are waiting. I have been thinking that it would be good
to get to as large a group as possible to see if anyone has any
experience with this kind of thing.  I know that members of the medical
community are sometimes loathe to admit the importance that diet and
foods play in our general health and well-being.  Anyway, as you can
guess, I am worried sick about this, and would appreciate any ideas
anyone out there has.  Sorry to be so wordy but I wanted to really get
across what is going on here.
Thanks.
--
Sharon Paulson                      s.s.paulson@larc.nasa.gov
NASA Langley Research Center
Bldg. 1192D, Mailstop 156           Work: (804) 864-2241
Hampton, Virginia.  23681           Home: (804) 596-2362
From: rogers@calamari.hi.com (Andrew Rogers)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Flames 'R Us
Lines: 13
NNTP-Posting-Host: calamari.hi.com
In article <1993Apr15.153729.13738@walter.bellcore.com> jchen@ctt.bellcore.com writes:
>Chinese, and many other Asians (Japanese, Koreans, etc) have used
>MSG as flavor enhancer for two thousand years. Do you believe that
>they knew how to make MSG from chemical processes? Not. They just
>extracted it from natural food such sea food and meat broth.
And to add further fuel to the flame war, I read about 20 years ago that
the "natural" MSG - extracted from the sources you mention above - does not
cause the reported aftereffects; it's only that nasty "artificial" MSG -
extracted from coal tar or whatever - that causes Chinese Restaurant
Syndrome.  I find this pretty hard to believe; has anyone else heard it?
Andrew
From: fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: University of Rochester
In article <1993Apr15.150550.15347@ecsvax.uncecs.edu> ccreegan@ecsvax.uncecs.edu (Charles L. Creegan) writes:
>
>What about Kekule's infamous derivation of the idea of benzene rings
>from a daydream of snakes in the fire biting their tails?  Is this
>specific enough to count?  Certainly it turns up repeatedly in basic
>phil. of sci. texts as an example of the inventive component of
>hypothesizing.
And has been rather thoroughly demolished as myth by Robert Scott Root-
Bernstein.  See his book, "Discovering".  Ring structures for benzene
had been proposed before Kekule', after him, and at the same time as him.
The current models do not resemble Kekule's.  Many of the predecessors
of Kekule's structure resemble the modern model more.
I don't think "extra-scientific" is a very useful phrase in a discussion
of the boundaries of science, except as a proposed definiens.  Extra-rational
is a better phrase.  In fact, there are quite a number of well-known cases
of extra-rational considerations driving science in a useful direction.
For example, Pasteur discovered that racemic acid was a mixture of
enantiomers (the origin of stereochemistry) partly because he liked a
friend's crank theory of chemical action.  The friend was wrong, but
Pasteur's discovery stood.  A prior investigator (Mitscherlich), looking
at the same phenomenon, had missed a crucial detail; presumably because he
lacked Pasteur's motivation to find something that distinguished racemic
acid from tartaric (now we say: d-tartaric) acid.
Again, Pasteur discovered the differential fermentation of enantiomers
(tartaric acid again) not because of some rational conviction, but because
he was trying to produce yeast that lived on l-tartaric acid.  His notebooks
contained fantasies of becoming the "Newton of mirror-image life," which
he never admitted publically.
Perhaps the best example is the discovery that DNA carries genes.  Avery
started this work because of one of his students, and ardent Anglophile
and Francophobe Canadian, defended Fred Griffiths' discoveries in mice.
Most of Griffiths' critics were French, which decided the issue for the
student.  Avery told him to replicate Griffiths' work in vitro, which the
student eventually did, whereupon Avery was convinced and started the
research program which, in 15 or so years, produced the famous discovery
(Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty, JEM 1944).
--
Mark A. Fulk			University of Rochester
Computer Science Department	fulk@cs.rochester.edu
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Update (Help!) [was "What is This [Is it Lyme's?]"]
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 30
In article <1993Apr7.221357.12533@lamont.ldgo.columbia.edu> brenner@ldgo.columbia.edu (carl brenner) writes:
>> see the ulterior motive here.  It is easy for me to see it the
>> those physicians who call everything lyme and treat everything.
>> There is a lot of money involved.
>
>	You keep bringing this up. But I don't understand what's in it
>financially for the physician to go ahead and treat. Unless the physician
>has an investment in (or is involved in some kickback scheme with) the
>home infusion company, where is the financial gain for the doctor?
Well, let me put it this way, based on my own experience.  A
general practitioner with no training in infectious diseases,
by establishing links to the "Lyme community", treating patients
who come to him wondering about lyme or having decided they
have lyme as if they did, saying that diseases such as MS
are probably spirochetal, if not Lyme, giving talks at meetings
of users groups, validating the feelings of even delusional
patients, etc.  This GP can go from being a run-of-the-mill
$100K/yr GP to someone with lots of patients in the hospital
and getting expensive infusions that need monitoring in his
office, and making lots of bread.  Also getting the adulation
of many who believe his is their only hope (if not of cure,
then of control) and seeing his name in publications put out
by support groups, etc.  This is a definite temptation.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: ndallen@r-node.hub.org (Nigel Allen)
Subject: Water supplies vulnerable to Milwaukee-type disease outbreak
Organization: R-node Public Access Unix - 1 416 249 5366
Lines: 182
Here is a press release from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
New Data Show About 100 Major U.S. Water Supplies Vulnerable To
Milwaukee-Type Disease Outbreak
To: National Desk, Environment Writer
Contact: Erik Olson or Sarah Silver, 202-783-7800, both
of the Natural Resources Defense Council
WASHINGTON, April 14  -- Internal EPA data released
today by the Natural Resources Defense Council reveals that about
100 large water systems -- serving cities from Boston to San
Francisco -- do not filter to remove disease-carrying organisms
leaving those communities potentially vulnerable to a disease
outbreak similar to the one affecting Milwaukee.
The EPA list is attached.
"These internal EPA documents reveal that the safety of water
supplies in many American cities is threatened by inadequate
pollution controls or filtration," said Erik Olson, a senior
attorney with NRDC.  "Water contamination isn't just a problem in
Bangladesh, it's also a problem in Bozeman and Boston."
"As of June 29, 1993, about 100 large surface water systems on
EPA's list probably will be breaking the law.  The 1986 Safe
Drinking Water Act requires all surface water systems to either
filter their water or fully protect the rivers or lakes they use
from pollution," Olson continued.  Some systems are moving
towards eventually implementing filtration systems but are
expected to miss the law's deadline.
Olson pointed out that the threat of contamination is already
a reality in other cities.  A 1991 survey of 66 U.S. surface
water systems by water utility scientists found that 87 percent
of raw water samples contained the Milwaukee organism
cryptosporidium, and 81 percent contained a similar parasite
called giardia.
Adding to the level of concern, a General Accounting Office
study released today by House Health and Environment Subcommittee
Chairman Henry Waxman indicates serious deficiencies in the
nation's system for conducting and following through on sanitary
surveys of water systems.
"This new information raises a huge warning sign that millions
of Americans can no longer simply turn on their taps and be
assured that their water is safe to drink.  We must immediately
put into place programs to protect water sources from
contamination and where this is not assured, filtration equipment
must be installed to protect the public," Olson noted.  "The time
has come for many of the nation's water utilities to stop
dragging their feet and to aggressively protect their water from
contamination; consumers are prepared to pay the modest costs
needed to assure their water is safe to drink."
NRDC is a national non-profit environmental advocacy organization.
Systems EPA Indicates Require Filtration and Do Not Adequately
Protect Watersheds
CONNECTICUT
Bridgeport            Bridgeport Hydraulic Co.
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston                H2O Resource Author (MWRA)
Medford               MWRA-Medford Water Dept
Melrose               MWRA-Melrose Water Dept
Hilton                MWRA-Hilton Water Dept
Needham               MWRA-Needham Water Division
Newtoncenter          MWRA-Newton Water Dept.
Marblehead            MWRA-Marblehead Water Dept
Quincy                MWRA-Quincy Water Dept
Norwood               MWRA-Norwood Water Dept
Framingham            MWRA-Framingham Water Div
Cambridge             MWRA-Cambridge Water Dept
Canton                MWRA-Canton Water Div-DPW
Chelsea               MWRA-Chelsea Water Dept
Everett               MWRA-Everett Water Dept
Lexington             MWRA-201 Bedford (PUO WRKS)
Lynn                  MWRA-Lynn Water & Sewer Co
Malden                MWRA-Malden Water Division
Revere                MWRA-Revere Water Dept
Woburn                MWRA-Woburn Water Dept
Swampscott            MWRA-Swampscott Water Dept
Saugus                MWRA-Saugus Water Dept
Somerville            MWRA-Somerville Water Dept
Stoneman              MWRA-Stoneman Water Dept
Brookline             MWRA-Brookline Water Dept
Wakefield             MWRA-Same as Above
Waltham               MWRA-Waltham Water Division
Watertown             MWRA-Watertown Water Division
Weston                MWRA-Weston Water Dept
Dedham                MWRA-Dedham-Westwood District
Winchester            MWRA-Winchester Water & Sewer
Winthrop              MWRA-Winthrop Water Dept
Boston                MWRA-Boston Water & Sewer Co
S. Hadley             MWRA-South Hadley Fire Dist
Arlington             MWRA-Arlington Water Dept
Belmont               MWRA-Belmont Water Dept
Clinton               MWRA-Clinton Water Dept
Attleboro             Attleboro Water Dept
Fitchburg             Fitchburg Water Dept
Northampton           Northampton Water Dept
North Adams           North Adams Water Dept
Amherst               Amherst Water Division DPW
Gardner               Gardner Water Dept
Worcester             Worcester DPW, Water Oper
Westboro              Westboro Water Dept
Southbridge           Southbridge Water Supply Co
Newburyport           Newburyport Water Dept
Hingham               Hingham Water Co
Brockton              Brockton Water Dept
MAINE
Rockland              Camden & Rockland Water Co
Bath                  Bath Water District
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Keene                 City of Keene
Salem                 Salem Water Dept
VERMONT
Barre City            Barre City Water System
Rutland City          Rutland City Water Dept
NEW YORK
Glens Falls           Glens Falls City
Yorktown Hts          Yorktown Water Storage & Dist
Rochester             Rochester City
Henrietta             Henrietta WD
Rochester             MCWA Upland System
Rochester             Greece Consolidated
New York              NYC-Aquaduct Sys (Croton)
Chappaqua             New Castle/Stanwood WD
Beacon                Beacon City
Mamaronek             Westchester Joint Water Works
PENNSYLVANIA
Bethlehem             Bethlehem Public Water Sys
Johnstown             Greater Johnstown Water Auth
Lock Haven            City of Lock Haven-Water Dept
Shamokin              Roaring Creek Water Comp
Harrisburg            Harrisburg City
Hazleton              Hazleton City Water Dept
Wind Gap              Blue Mt Consolidated
Apollo                Westmoreland Auth
Fayettville           Guilford Water Auth
Humlock Creek         PG&W-Ceasetown Reservoir
Springbrook           PG&W-Waters Reservoir
Wilkes Barre          PG&W-Gardners Creek
Wilkes Barre          PG&W-Hill Creek
Wilkes Barre          PG&W-Plymouth Relief
Altoona               Altoona City Auth
Tamaqua               Tamaqua Municipal water
Waynesboro            Waynesboro Borough Auth
Pottsville            Schuykill Co Mun Auth
VIRGINIA
Covington             City of Covington
Fishersville          South River Sa Dist-ACSA
SOUTH CAROLINA
Greenville            Greenville Water Sys
MICHIGAN
Sault Ste Marie       Sault Ste Marie
Marquette             Marquette
MONTANA
Butte                 Butte Water Co
Bozeman               Bozeman City
CALIFORNIA
San Francisco         City & County of San Fran
NEVADA
Reno                  Westpac
IDAHO
Twin Falls            Twin Falls City
WASHINGTON
Aberdeen              Aberdeen Water Dept
Centralia             Centralia Water Dept
-30-
--
Nigel Allen, Toronto, Ontario, Canada    ndallen@r-node.hub.org
From: turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
Lines: 18
Distribution: inet
NNTP-Posting-Host: im4u.cs.utexas.edu
-*-----
In article <1993Apr15.150550.15347@ecsvax.uncecs.edu> ccreegan@ecsvax.uncecs.edu (Charles L. Creegan) writes:
> What about Kekule's infamous derivation of the idea of benzene rings
> from a daydream of snakes in the fire biting their tails?  Is this
> specific enough to count?  Certainly it turns up repeatedly in basic
> phil. of sci. texts as an example of the inventive component of
> hypothesizing.
I think the question is: What is extra-scientific about this?
It has been a long time since anyone has proposed restrictions on
where one comes up with ideas in order for them to be considered
legitimate hypotheses.  The point, in short, is this: hypotheses and
speculation in science may come from wild flights of fancy,
daydreams, ancient traditions, modern quackery, or anywhere else.
Russell
From: janet@ntmtv.com (Janet Jakstys)
Subject: Exercise and Migraine
Nntp-Posting-Host: pegasus
Organization: Northern Telecom Inc, Mountain View, CA
Lines: 24
We were talking about Migraine and Exercise (I'm the one who can't
fathom the thought of exercise during migraine...).  Anyway, turning
the thread around, the other day I played tennis during my lunch
hour.  I'm out of tennis shape so it was very intense exercise.  I
got overheated, and dehydrated.  Afterwards, I noticed a tingling
sensation all over my head then about 2 hours later, I could feel
a migraine start.  (I continued to drink water in the afternoon.)
I took cafergot, but it didn't help and the pain started although
it wasn't as intense as it usually is and about 9pm that night, the
pain subsided.
This isn't the first time that I've had a migraine occur after exercise.
I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same experience and I wonder
what triggers the migraine in this situation (heat buildup? dehydration?).
I'm not giving up tennis so is there anything I can do (besides get into
shape and don't play at high noon) to prevent this?
Thanks,
--
**********************************************************************
Janet Jakstys         UUCP:{ames,mcdcup}!ntmtv!janet
Northern Telecom      INTERNET:janet@ntmtv.com
Mtn. View, CA.
**********************************************************************
From: wsun@jeeves.ucsd.edu (Fiberman)
Subject: erythromycin
Organization: University of California, San Diego
Lines: 4
Nntp-Posting-Host: jeeves.ucsd.edu
Is erythromycin effective in treating pneumonia?
-fm
From: colby@oahu.cs.ucla.edu (Kenneth Colby)
Subject: Re: chronic sinus and antibiotics
Keywords: sinus, antibiotics, antibacterial
Nntp-Posting-Host: oahu.cs.ucla.edu
Organization: UCLA, Computer Science Department
Distribution: na
Lines: 9
If the nose culture shows Staph, then Ceftin or even Ceclor
are better. Suprax does not kill Staph. Treating bacterial
infections involves a lot of try-and-fail because the
infections often involve multiple organisms with many resistant
strains. Some 60% of Hemophilus Influenza strains are now
resistant. What works for me and my organisms may not work
for you and yours. Keep experimenting.
Ken Colby
From: spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu (Steve Pope)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: U.C. Berkeley -- ERL
Lines: 16
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: zion.berkeley.edu
| article <1qjc0fINN841@gap.caltech.edu> carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU writes:
|| Now, if instead of using the MSG as a food additive, you put the MSG
|| in gelatin capsules or whatever, there may not
|| be a reaction, becasue the _sensory_response_ might be
|| a necessary element in the creation of the MSG reaction.  (I'll bet
|| the bogus medical researchers never even thought about
|| that obvious fact.)
| Gee.  He means "placebo effect."  Sorry, but the researchers DO know about
| this.
Carl, it is not "placebo effect" if as hypothesised the
sensory response to MSG's effect on flavor is responsible
for the MSG reaction.
Steve
From: bhjelle@carina.unm.edu ()
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Organization: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Lines: 27
NNTP-Posting-Host: carina.unm.edu
Gordon Banks:
>a lot to keep from going back to morbid obesity.  I think all
>of us cycle.  One's success depends on how large the fluctuations
>in the cycle are.  Some people can cycle only 5 pounds.  Unfortunately,
>I'm not one of them.
>
>
This certainly describes my situation perfectly. For me there is
a constant dynamic between my tendency to eat, which appears to
be totally limitless, and the purely conscious desire to not
put on too much weight. When I get too fat, I just diet/exercise
more (with varying degrees of success) to take off the
extra weight. Usually I cycle within a 15 lb range, but
smaller and larger cycles occur as well. I'm always afraid
that this method will stop working someday, but usually
I seem to be able to hold the weight gain in check.
This is one reason I have a hard time accepting the notion
of some metabolic derangement associated with cycle dieting
(that results in long-term weight gain). I have been cycle-
dieting for at least 20 years without seeing such a change.
I think a vigorous exercise program can go a long way toward
keeping the cycles smaller and the baseline weight low.
Brian
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Eugenics
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 15
Probably within 50 years, a new type of eugenics will be possible.
Maybe even sooner.  We are now mapping the human genome.  We will
then start to work on manipulation of that genome.  Using genetic
engineering, we will be able to insert whatever genes we want.
No breeding, no "hybrids", etc.  The ethical question is, should
we do this?  Should we make a race of disease-free, long-lived,
Arnold Schwartzenegger-muscled, supermen?  Even if we can.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: dmp1@ukc.ac.uk (D.M.Procida)
Subject: Re: Homeopathy: a respectable medical tradition?
Reply-To: dmp1@ukc.ac.uk (D.M.Procida)
Organization: Computing Lab, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK.
Lines: 26
Nntp-Posting-Host: eagle.ukc.ac.uk
In article <19609@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>Accepted by whom?  Not by scientists.  There are people
>in every country who waste time and money on quackery.
>In Britain and Scandanavia, where I have worked, it was not paid for.
>What are "most of these countries?"  I don't believe you.
I am told (by the person who I care a lot about and who I am worried
is going to start putting his health and money into homeopathy without
really knowing what he is getting into and who is the reason I posted
in the first place about homeopathy) that in Britain homeopathy is
available on the National Health Service and that there are about 6000
GPs who use homeopathic practices. True? False? What?
Have there been any important and documented investigations into
homeopathic principles?
I was reading a book on homeopathy over the weekend. I turned to the
section on the principles behind homeopathic medicine, and two
paragraphs informed me that homeopaths don't feel obliged to provide
any sort of explanation. The author stated this with pride, as though
it were some sort of virtue! Why am I sceptical about homeopathy? Is
it because I am a narrow-minded bigot, or is it because homeopathy
really looks more like witch-doctory than anything else?
Daniele.
From: tomca@microsoft.com (Tom B. Carey)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: Microsoft Corporation
Lines: 31
sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill) writes:
>
>ted@marvin.dgbt.doc.ca (Ted Grusec) writes:
>|> Gary: By "extra-scientific" I did not mean to imply that hypothesis
>|> generation was not, in most cases extremely closely tied to the
>|> state of knowledge within a scientific area.  I meant was that there
>|> was no "scientific logic" involved in the process.  It is inductive,
>|> not deductive.
>
>I am further puzzled by the proposed distinction between "scientific
>logic" and "inductive logic".  At this point I don't have a clue
>what you mean by "extra-scientific" -- unless you mean that at *some*
>times someone seems to come up with an idea that we can't trace to
>prior theories, concepts, knowledge, etc.  This is a fairly common
>observation, but just for grins I'd like to see some genuine examples.
OK, just for grins:
- Kekule hypothesized a resonant structure for the aromatic benzene
ring after waking from a dream in which a snake was swallowing his tail.
- Archimedes formalized the principle of buoyancy while meditating in
his bath.
In neither case was there "no connection to prior theories, concepts, etc."
as you stipulated above. What there was was an intuitive leap beyond
the current way of thinking, to develop ideas which subsequently proved
to have predictive power (e.g., they stood the test of experimental
verification).
pardon my kibbutzing...
Tom
From: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Originator: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com
Distribution: inet
Nntp-Posting-Host: theseus.unx.sas.com
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Lines: 43
In article <1qk4qqINNgvs@im4u.cs.utexas.edu>, turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin) writes:
|> -*-----
|> In article <1993Apr15.150550.15347@ecsvax.uncecs.edu> ccreegan@ecsvax.uncecs.edu (Charles L. Creegan) writes:
|> > What about Kekule's infamous derivation of the idea of benzene rings
|> > from a daydream of snakes in the fire biting their tails?  Is this
|> > specific enough to count?  Certainly it turns up repeatedly in basic
|> > phil. of sci. texts as an example of the inventive component of
|> > hypothesizing.
|>
|> I think the question is: What is extra-scientific about this?
|>
|> It has been a long time since anyone has proposed restrictions on
|> where one comes up with ideas in order for them to be considered
|> legitimate hypotheses.  The point, in short, is this: hypotheses and
|> speculation in science may come from wild flights of fancy,
|> daydreams, ancient traditions, modern quackery, or anywhere else.
|>
|> Russell
|>
Yes, but typically they *don't*.  Not every wild flight of fancy serves
(or can serve) in the appropriate relation to a hypothesis.  It is
somewhat interesting that when anyone is challanged to provide an
example of this sort the *only* one they come up with is the one about
Kekule.  Surely, there must be others.  But apparently this is regarded
as an *extreme* example of a "non-rational" process in science whereby
a successful hypothesis was proposed.  But how non-rational is it?
Of course we can't hope (currently at least) to explain how or why
Kekule had the daydream of snakes in the fire biting their tails.
Surely it wasn't the *only* daydream he had.  What was special about
*this* one?  Could it have had something to do with a perceived
*analogy* between the geometry of the snakes and problems concerning
geometry of molecules?  Is such analogical reasoning "extra-scientific"?
Or is it rather at the very heart of science (Perice's notion of abduction,
the use of models within and across disciplines)?  Upon close examination,
is there a non-rational mystical leap taking place, or is it perhaps
closer to a formal (though often incomplete) analogy or model?
--
Gary H. Merrill  [Principal Systems Developer, C Compiler Development]
SAS Institute Inc. / SAS Campus Dr. / Cary, NC  27513 / (919) 677-8000
sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com ... !mcnc!sas!sasghm
From: mmatusev@radford.vak12ed.edu (Melissa N. Matusevich)
Subject: Re: Emphysema question
Organization: Virginia's Public Education Network (Radford)
Lines: 13
Thanks for all your assistance. I'll see if he can try a
different brand of patches, although he's tried two brands
already. Are there more than two?
Melissa
---
mmatusev@radford.vak12ed.edu
"After a time you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing
after all as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true."
Spock to Stonn
From: turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin)
Subject: Re: Science and Methodology
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
Lines: 67
Distribution: inet
NNTP-Posting-Host: im4u.cs.utexas.edu
-*----
In article <C5I2Bo.CG9@news.Hawaii.Edu> lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady) writes:
> The difference between a Nobel Prize level scientist and a mediocre
> scientist does not lie in the quality of their empirical methodology.
> It depends on the quality of their THINKING.
>
> It really bothers me that so many graduate students seem to believe that
> they are doing science merely because they are conducting empirical
> studies. ...
>
> And I'm especially offended by Russell Turpin's repeated assertion that
> science amounts to nothing more than avoiding mistakes.  Simply avoiding
> mistakes doesn't get you anywhere.
I think that Lee Lady and I are talking at cross purposes.
Above, Lady seems concerned with the contrast between great
science that makes big advances in our knowledge and mediocre
science that makes smaller steps.  In most of this thread, I have
been concerned with the difference between what is science and
what is not.
Lee Lady is correct when she asserts that the difference between
Einstein and the average post-doc physicist is the quality of
their thought.  But what is the difference between Einstein and a
genius who would be a great scientist but whose great thoughts
are scientifically screwy?  (Some would give Velikovsky or
Korzybski as examples.  If you don't like these, choose your
own.)  I say it is the same as the difference between the mediocre
physicist and the mediocre proponent of qi.  Both Einstein and
the mediocre physcists have disciplined their work from the
cumulative knowledge of how previous researchers went wrong.
Both Velikovsky and the mediocre proponent of qi have failed to
do this.
Let me approach this from a second direction.  When one is asked
to review a paper for a journal or conference, there are many
kinds of criticism that one can make.  One kind of criticism is
that the work is just wrong or misinformed.  Another kind of
criticism is that the work, while technically correct, is either
not important or not interesting.  The first difference is the
one that I have been pointing to.  The second difference is the
one that Lee Lady seems to be discussing.
> If good empirical research were done and showed that there is some merit
> to homeopathic remedies, this would certainly be valuable information.
> But it would still not mean that homeopathy qualifies as a science.  This
> is where you and I disagree with Turpin.
I have often pointed out that for homeopathy to be considered
scientific, what is needed is a test of its theoretical claims,
not just of some of its proposed remedies.  Similarly, I suspect
that traditional Chinese medicine has many remedies that work;
what it lacks (as one example) is any experiment that tests the
presence of qi.
> ... In order to have science, one must have a theoretical
> structure that makes sense, not a mere collection of empirically
> validated random hypotheses.
Certainly a "theoretical structure that makes sense" is the goal.
In areas where we do not yet have this, I see nothing wrong with
forming and testing smaller hypotheses.  Let's face it: we cannot
always wait for an Einstein to come along and make everything
clear for us.  Sometimes those of us who are not Einstein have to
plug along and make small amounts of progress as best we can.
Russell
From: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Originator: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com
Nntp-Posting-Host: theseus.unx.sas.com
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Lines: 16
In article <1993Apr15.161112.21772@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
|> I don't think "extra-scientific" is a very useful phrase in a discussion
|> of the boundaries of science, except as a proposed definiens.  Extra-rational
|> is a better phrase.  In fact, there are quite a number of well-known cases
|> of extra-rational considerations driving science in a useful direction.
Yeah, but the problem with holding up the "extra-rational" examples as
exemplars, or as refutations of well founded methodology, is that you
run smack up against such unuseful directions as Lysenko.  Such "extra-
rational" cases are curiosities -- not guides to methodology.
--
Gary H. Merrill  [Principal Systems Developer, C Compiler Development]
SAS Institute Inc. / SAS Campus Dr. / Cary, NC  27513 / (919) 677-8000
sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com ... !mcnc!sas!sasghm
From: georgec@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark)
Subject: Re: chronic sinus and antibiotics
Organization: University of Maryland
Lines: 4
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: athens.eng.umd.edu
Keywords: sinus, antibiotics, antibacterial
You can also swab the inside of your nose with Bacitracin using a
Q tip. Bacitracin is an antibiotic that can be bought OTC as an
ointment in a tube. The doctor I listen to on the radio says to apply
it for 30 days, while you are taking other antibiotics by mouth.
From: dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Reply-To: dougb@ecs.comm.mot.com
Organization: Motorola Land Mobile Products Sector
Nntp-Posting-Host: 145.1.146.35
Lines: 39
In article <1993Apr14.122647.16364@tms390.micro.ti.com>, david@tms390.micro.ti.com (David Thomas) writes:
|> cnavarro@cymbal.calpoly.edu (CLAIRE) writes:
|> >>Is there such a thing as MSG (monosodium glutamate) sensitivity?
|> >>I saw in the NY Times Sunday that scientists have testified before
|> >>an FDA advisory panel that complaints about MSG sensitivity are
|> >>superstition. Anybody here have experience to the contrary?
|> >>
|> >>I'm old enough to remember that the issue has come up at least
|> >>a couple of times since the 1960s. Then it was called the
|> >>"Chinese restaurant syndrome" because Chinese cuisine has
|> >>always used it.
|> So far, I've seen about a dozen posts of anecdotal evidence, but
|> no facts.  I suspect there is a strong psychological effect at
|> work here.  Does anyone have results from a scientific study
|> using double-blind trials?
Here is another anecdotal story.  I am a picky eater and never wanted to
try chinese food, however, I finally tried some in order to please a
girl I was seeing at the time.  I had never heard of Chinese restaurant
syndrome.  A group of us went to the restaurant and all shared 6 different
dishes.  It didn't taste great, but I decided it wasn't so bad.  We went
home and went to bed early.  I woke up at 2 AM and puked my guts outs.
I threw up for so long that (I'm not kidding) I pulled a muscle in
my tongue.  Dry heaves and everything.  No one else got sick, and I'm
not allergic to anything that I know of.
Suffice to say that I wont go into a chinese restaurant unless I am
physically threatened.  The smell of the food makes me ill (and that *is*
a psycholgical reaction).  When I have been dragged in to suffer
through beef and broccoli without any sauces, I insist on no MSG.
I haven't gotten sick yet.
--
Doug Bank                       Private Systems Division
dougb@ecs.comm.mot.com          Motorola Communications Sector
dougb@nwu.edu                   Schaumburg, Illinois
dougb@casbah.acns.nwu.edu       708-576-8207
From: vilok@bmerh322.bnr.ca (Vilok Kusumakar)
Subject: Future of methanol
Reply-To: vilok@bnr.ca
Organization: Bell-Northern Research, Ottawa, Canada
Lines: 23
I hope this is the correct newsgroup for this.
What is the scoop on Methanol and its future as an alternative fuel for
vehicles ?  How does it compare to ethanol ?
There was some news about health risks involved.  Anybody know about
that.  How does the US Clean Air act impact the use of Methanol by the
year 1995 ?
I think its Methyl Tertiary butyl ether which the future industries will
use as a substitute for conventional fuels.
There is company Methanex which produces 12% of the world's supply of
Methanol. Does anybody know about it ?
Please reply by e-mail as I do not read these newsgroups.
Thanks in advance.
--
Vilok Kusumakar                    OSI Protocols for tomorrow......
vilok@bnr.ca                       Bell-Northern Research, Ltd.
Phone: (613) 763-2273              P.O. Box 3511, Station C
Fax:   (613) 765-4777              Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4H7
From: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Originator: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com
Nntp-Posting-Host: theseus.unx.sas.com
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Lines: 15
In article <1993Apr15.163923.25120@microsoft.com>, tomca@microsoft.com (Tom B. Carey) writes:
|> OK, just for grins:
|> - Kekule hypothesized a resonant structure for the aromatic benzene
|> ring after waking from a dream in which a snake was swallowing his tail.
|> - Archimedes formalized the principle of buoyancy while meditating in
|> his bath.
Well, certainly in Archimedes case the description "while observing the
phenomena in his bath" seems more accurate than "while meditating in
his bath" -- it was, after all, a rather buoyancy intense environment.
--
Gary H. Merrill  [Principal Systems Developer, C Compiler Development]
SAS Institute Inc. / SAS Campus Dr. / Cary, NC  27513 / (919) 677-8000
sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com ... !mcnc!sas!sasghm
From: jchen@wind.bellcore.com (Jason Chen)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Nntp-Posting-Host: wind.bellcore.com
Reply-To: jchen@ctt.bellcore.com
Organization: Bell Communications Research
Lines: 21
In article <1993Apr15.135941.16105@lmpsbbs.comm.mot.com>, dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank) writes:
|> I woke up at 2 AM and puked my guts outs.
|> I threw up for so long that (I'm not kidding) I pulled a muscle in
|> my tongue.  Dry heaves and everything.  No one else got sick, and I'm
|> not allergic to anything that I know of.
The funny thing is the personaly stories about reactions to MSG vary so
greatly. Some said that their heart beat speeded up with flush face. Some
claim their heart "skipped" beats once in a while. Some reacted with
headache, some stomach ache. Some had watery eyes or running nose, some
had itchy skin or rashes. More serious accusations include respiration
difficulty and brain damage.
Now here is a new one: vomiting. My guess is that MSG becomes the number one
suspect of any problem. In this case. it might be just food poisoning. But
if you heard things about MSG, you may think it must be it.
Jason Chen
From: mossman@cea.Berkeley.EDU (Amy Mossman)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: CEA
Lines: 31
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: mania.cea.berkeley.edu
In article <1993Apr15.135941.16105@lmpsbbs.comm.mot.com>, dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank) writes:
|>
|> Here is another anecdotal story.  I am a picky eater and never wanted to
|> try chinese food, however, I finally tried some in order to please a
|> girl I was seeing at the time.  I had never heard of Chinese restaurant
|> syndrome.  A group of us went to the restaurant and all shared 6 different
|> dishes.  It didn't taste great, but I decided it wasn't so bad.  We went
|> home and went to bed early.  I woke up at 2 AM and puked my guts outs.
|> I threw up for so long that (I'm not kidding) I pulled a muscle in
|> my tongue.  Dry heaves and everything.  No one else got sick, and I'm
|> not allergic to anything that I know of.
|>
|> Suffice to say that I wont go into a chinese restaurant unless I am
|> physically threatened.  The smell of the food makes me ill (and that *is*
|> a psycholgical reaction).  When I have been dragged in to suffer
|> through beef and broccoli without any sauces, I insist on no MSG.
|> I haven't gotten sick yet.
|>
|> --
I had a similar reaction to Chinese food but came to a completly different
conclusion. I've eaten Chinese food for ages and never had problems. I went
with some Chinese Malaysian friends to a swanky Chinses rest. and they ordered
lots of stuff I had never seen before. The only thing I can remember of that
meal was the first course, scallops served in the shell with a soy-type sauce.
I thought, "Well, I've only had scallops once and I was sick after but that
could have been a coincidence". That night as I sat on the bathroom floor,
sweating and emptying my stomach the hard way, I decided I would never touch
another scallop. I may not be allergic but I don't want to take the chance.
Amy Mossman
From: snichols@adobe.com (Sherri Nichols)
Subject: Re: Exercise and Migraine
Article-I.D.: adobe.1993Apr15.224049.15516
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated
Lines: 12
In article <1993Apr15.163133.25634@ntmtv> janet@ntmtv.com (Janet Jakstys) writes:
>This isn't the first time that I've had a migraine occur after exercise.
>I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same experience and I wonder
>what triggers the migraine in this situation (heat buildup? dehydration?).
>I'm not giving up tennis so is there anything I can do (besides get into
>shape and don't play at high noon) to prevent this?
I've gotten migraines after exercise, though for me it seems to be related
to exercising without having eaten recently.
Sherri Nichols
snichols@adobe.com
From: hrubin@pop.stat.purdue.edu (Herman Rubin)
Subject: Re: Science and Methodology
Organization: Purdue University Statistics Department
Distribution: inet
Lines: 28
In article <1qk92lINNl55@im4u.cs.utexas.edu> turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin) writes:
>In article <C5I2Bo.CG9@news.Hawaii.Edu> lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady) writes:
>> The difference between a Nobel Prize level scientist and a mediocre
>> scientist does not lie in the quality of their empirical methodology.
>> It depends on the quality of their THINKING.
....................
>Lee Lady is correct when she asserts that the difference between
>Einstein and the average post-doc physicist is the quality of
>their thought.  But what is the difference between Einstein and a
>genius who would be a great scientist but whose great thoughts
>are scientifically screwy?
This example is probably wrong.  There is the case of one famous
physicist telling another that he was probably wrong.  As I recall
the quote:
Your ideas are crazy, to be sure.  But they are not crazy
enough to be right.
The typical screwball is only somewhat screwy.
--
Herman Rubin, Dept. of Statistics, Purdue Univ., West Lafayette IN47907-1399
Phone: (317)494-6054
hrubin@snap.stat.purdue.edu (Internet, bitnet)
{purdue,pur-ee}!snap.stat!hrubin(UUCP)
From: fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: University of Rochester
In article <C5JE94.KrL@unx.sas.com> sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill) writes:
>
>In article <1993Apr15.161112.21772@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
>
>|> I don't think "extra-scientific" is a very useful phrase in a discussion
>|> of the boundaries of science, except as a proposed definiens.
>|> Extra-rational
>|> is a better phrase.  In fact, there are quite a number of well-known cases
>|> of extra-rational considerations driving science in a useful direction.
>
>Yeah, but the problem with holding up the "extra-rational" examples as
>exemplars, or as refutations of well founded methodology, is that you
>run smack up against such unuseful directions as Lysenko.  Such "extra-
>rational" cases are curiosities -- not guides to methodology.
As has been noted before, there is the distinction between _motivation_
and _method_.  No experimental result should be accepted unless it is
described in sufficient detail to be replicated, and the replications
do indeed reproduce the result.  No theoretical argument should be
accepted unless it is presented in sufficient detail to be followed, and
reasonable, knowlegeable, people agree with the force of the logic.
But people try experiments, and pursue arguments, for all sorts of crazy
reasons.  Irrational motivations are not just curiousities; they are a
large part of the history of science.
There are a couple of negative points to make here:
1) A theory of qi could, conceivably, become accepted without direct
verification of the existence of qi.  For example, quarks are an accepted
part of the standard model of physics, with no direct verification.  What
would be needed would be a theory, based on qi, that predicted medical
reality better than the alternatives.  The central theoretical claim could
lie forever beyond experiment, as long as there was a sufficient body of
experimental data that the qi theory predicted better than any other.
(I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the triumph of qi, though.
I don't think that there is even a coherent theory based on it, much less
a theory that explains anything at all better than modern biology.  And it
is hard to imagine a qi theory that would not predict some way of rather
directly verifying the existence of qi.)
2) Science has not historically progressed in any sort of rational
experiment-data-theory sequence.  Most experiments are carried out, and
interpreted, in pre-existing theoretical frameworks.  The theoretical
controversies of the day determine which experiments get done.  Overall,
there is a huge messy affair of personal jealousies, crazy motivations,
petty hatreds, and the like that determines which experiments, and which
computations, get done.  What keeps it going forward is the critical
function of science: results don't count unless they can be replicated.
The whole system is a sort of mechanism for generate-and-test.  The generate
part can be totally irrational, as long as the test part works properly.
Pasteur could believe whatever he liked about chemical activity and crystals;
but even Mitscherlich had to agree that racemic acid crystals were handed;
that when you separate them by handedness, you get two chemicals that rotate
polarized light in opposite directions; and the right-rotating version was
indistinguishable from tartaric acid.  Pasteur's irrational motivation had
led to a replicable, and important, result.
This is where Lysenko, creationists, etc. fail.  They have usually not
even produced coherent theories that predict much of anything.  When their
theories do predict, and are contradicted by experiment, they do not
concede the point and modify their theories; rather they try to suppress
the results (Lysenko) or try to divert attention to other evidence they
think supports their position (creationists).
--
Mark A. Fulk			University of Rochester
Computer Science Department	fulk@cs.rochester.edu
From: uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu!gila005 (Steve Holland)
Subject: Re: Crohn's Disease
Organization: UAB - Gastroenterology
Lines: 32
In article <1993Apr14.174824.12295@westminster.ac.uk>, kxaec@sun.pcl.ac.uk
(David Watters) wrote:
>
> Dear all,
>
> I am a Crohn's Disease sufferer and I'm interested if anyone knows of any current research that is going on into the subject. I've done some investigation myself so you don't need to spare me any details. I've had the fistulas, the ileostomy, etc..
>
> Is a "cure" on the horizon ?
>
> I am not in the medical profession so if you do reply I would appreciate plain speak.
>
> I'd prefer to be mailed direct as I don't always get a chance to read the news.
>
> Thank you in advance.
>
> Dave.
The best group to keep you informed is the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
of America.  I do not know if the UK has a similar organization.  The
address of
the CCFA is
CCFA
444 Park Avenue South
11th Floor
New York, NY  10016-7374
USA
They have a lot of information available and have a number of newsletters.
Good Luck.
Steve
From: sue@netcom.com (Sue Miller)
Subject: Re: Eugenics
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Lines: 7
In article <19617@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>we do this?  Should we make a race of disease-free, long-lived,
>Arnold Schwartzenegger-muscled, supermen?  Even if we can.
>
Sure, as long as they'll make one for me.
From: lehr@austin.ibm.com (Ted Lehr)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Originator: lehr@jan.austin.ibm.com
Distribution: inet
Organization: IBM Austin
Lines: 47
Gary Merrill writes:
> .. Not every wild flight of fancy serves
> (or can serve) in the appropriate relation to a hypothesis.  It is
> somewhat interesting that when anyone is challanged to provide an
> example of this sort the *only* one they come up with is the one about
> Kekule.  Surely, there must be others.  But apparently this is regarded
> as an *extreme* example of a "non-rational" process in science whereby
> a successful hypothesis was proposed.  But how non-rational is it?
Indeed, an extreme example.  It came "out of nowhere."  The connection
Kekule saw between it and his problem is fortunate but not extraordinary.
I, for example, often receive/conjure solutions (hypotheses for solutions)
to my everyday problems at moments when I appear to myself to be occupied
with activities quite removed.  Algorithms for that new software feature come
when I trample the meadow on my occasional runs.  Alternative (better>) ways
to instruct and rear my sons arrive while I weed the garden.  I'll swear I am
not thinking about any of it when ideas come.
These ideas are not the stuff of "great" discoveries, of course, but my
connecting them to particular problems is fraught with deliberation and
occasional fits of rationality.
> Surely it wasn't the *only* daydream [Kekule] had.  What was special about
> *this* one?  Could it have had something to do with a perceived
> *analogy* between the geometry of the snakes and problems concerning
> geometry of molecules?
Yes.  And he was lucky to have such a colorful, vivid image.  I, alas, will
never figure out why returning worms to the loose soil of my garden brought,
"have him count objects instead of merely count" to mind regarding my 2
year-old's fledging arithmetic skills.
> ... Upon close examination,
> is there a non-rational mystical leap taking place, or is it perhaps
> closer to a formal (though often incomplete) analogy or model?
The latter.  Worms wiggling around in the dirt fascinate my son.
Regards,
Ted
--
Ted Lehr                             | "...my thoughts, opinions and questions..."
Future Systems Technology Group, AWS |
IBM 				     | Internet: lehr@futserv.austin.ibm.com
Austin, TX  78758		     |
From: lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Summary: Asking the wrong question is the most fundamental error.
Keywords: science   errors   Turpin
Organization: University of Hawaii (Mathematics Dept)
Expires: Mon, 10 May 1993 10:00:00 GMT
Lines: 80
Avoiding mistakes is certainly highly desirable.  However it is also
widely acknowledged that perfectionism is inimicable to creativity.
And in ordinary life, perfectionism carried beyond a certain point is
indicative of a psychological disorder.  In the extreme case, a
perfectionist becomes so paralyzed by all the possible mistakes he might
make that he is unable to even leave the house.
In science, we want to discover as much truth about the world as possible
and we also want to have as much certainty as possible about these
discoveries.  Usually there is some trade-off between these two desiderata
--- the search for scope and the search for certainty.
If 18th century mathematicians had demanded total rigor from Newton and
Leibniz then there would probably be no calculus today, because neither
of the two could explain calculus in a way that really made sense, since
they lacked the concept of a limit.  And in fact, because of the lack of
a rigorous foundation, they made a number of errors in their use of calculus.
It was only a hundred years later that Weistrass was able to give a solid
grounding for the ideas of Newton and Leibniz.  Nonetheless, what Newton
and Leibniz did was undoubtedly science and mathematics gained a great
deal more from the application of their important ideas than it lost
through the mistakes they made.
In article <1993Apr14.171230.16138@kestrel.edu> king@reasoning.com
(Dick King) writes:
>  [ Somebody writes: ]
>>I doubt if Einstein used any formal methodology.  ....
>  ....
>He also proposed numerous experiments which if performed would distinguish a
>universe in which special relativity holds from one in which it does not.
>         ....
>Einstein played by the rules, which demand that hypotheses only be put out
>there if there exists a specific experiment that could disprove them.
These are not the rules according to many who post to sci.med and
sci.psychology.  According to these posters  "If it's not supported by
carefully designed controlled studies then it's not science."
Taken to the extreme, I believe that the attitude that empirical studies
are everything and ideas are nothing results in a complete stultification
of science.
For one thing, an insistence on an elaborate and expensive methodology
results in a sort of scientific trade-unionism, where those outside
the establishment and lacking institutional or corporate support have
no chance to obtain a hearing.  (I don't in the least believe that this
is the intention of the arbiters of scientific methodology.  Nonetheless,
it is one of the results.)   And although institutional science has
certainly produced many wonderful results, I think it is a foolish
arrogance for scientists to believe that no one outside the establishment
--- and using less than perfect empirical methodology --- will ever come
with anything worthwhile.
Furthermore, the big bucks approach to science promotes what I think is
one of the most significant errors in science:  choosing to investigate
questions because they can be readily handled by the currently
fashionable methodology (or because one can readily get institutional
or corporate sponsorship for them) instead of directing attention to
those questions which seem to have fundamental significance.
For instance, certain questions cannot be easily investigated with
statistical methods because the relevant factors are not quantitative.
(One could argue that this is the case for almost all questions in many
areas of psychology.  In my opinion, a perusal of many of the papers
resulting from the attempt by psychologists to force these questions
into a statistical framework gives the lie to Russell Turpin's
assertion that current scientific methods "avoid all known errors.")
I think that asking the wrong question is probably the most fundamental
error in science.  (Ignoring potentially valuable ideas is one of the
others.)  And I think that scientific journals are full of all
too many studies done with impeccable empirical methods but which are
worthless because the wrong question was asked in the first place.
--
In the arguments between behaviorists and cognitivists, psychology seems
less like a science than a collection of competing religious sects.
lady@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu         lady@uhunix.bitnet
From: johnf@HQ.Ileaf.COM (John Finlayson)
Subject: Re: Exercise and Migraine
Nntp-Posting-Host: findog
Organization: Interleaf, Inc.
Lines: 49
In article <1993Apr15.163133.25634@ntmtv> janet@ntmtv.com (Janet Jakstys) writes:
>               ... the other day I played tennis during my lunch
>hour.  I'm out of tennis shape so it was very intense exercise.  I
>got overheated, and dehydrated.  Afterwards, I noticed a tingling
>sensation all over my head then about 2 hours later, I could feel
>a migraine start.  (I continued to drink water in the afternoon.)
>I took cafergot, but it didn't help and the pain started although
>it wasn't as intense as it usually is and about 9pm that night, the
>pain subsided.
>
>This isn't the first time that I've had a migraine occur after exercise.
>I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same experience and I wonder
>what triggers the migraine in this situation (heat buildup? dehydration?).
>I'm not giving up tennis so is there anything I can do (besides get into
>shape and don't play at high noon) to prevent this?
Hi Janet,
Sounds exactly like mine.  Same circumstance, same onset symptoms,
same cafergot uselessness, same duration.  In fact, of all the people
I know who have migraines, none have been so similar.  There is such
a wide variation between people with respect to what causes their
headaches, that I generally don't bother sharing what I've learned
about mine, but since ours seem to be alike, here are my observations.
I don't think it's heat, per se (I've had more in winter than summer).
Dehydration could conceivably figure, though.  Try tanking up before
playing rather than after.
Being in shape doesn't seem to help me much, either.
I've identified four factors that do make a difference (listed in
descending order of importance):
1) Heavy exercise
2) Sleep deprivation
3) Fasting		(e.g., skipped breakfast)
4) Physical trauma	(e.g., head bonk)
Heavy exercise has preceded all of my post-adolescent migraines, but I
don't get migraines after every heavy exercise session.  One or more of
the other factors *must* be present (usually #2).  Since I discovered
this, I've been nearly migraine-free -- relapsing only once every two
or three years when I get cocky ("It's been so long, maybe I just don't
get them anymore") and stop being careful.
Hope this is helpful.
John.
From: kxgst1+@pitt.edu (Kenneth Gilbert)
Subject: Re: erythromycin
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 14
In article <47974@sdcc12.ucsd.edu> wsun@jeeves.ucsd.edu (Fiberman) writes:
:Is erythromycin effective in treating pneumonia?
:
:-fm
Not only is it effective, it is in fact the drug of choice for
uncomplicated cases of community-acquired penumonia.
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=  Kenneth Gilbert              __|__        University of Pittsburgh   =
=  General Internal Medicine      |      "...dammit, not a programmer!" =
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From: kxgst1+@pitt.edu (Kenneth Gilbert)
Subject: Re: Emphysema question
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 14
In article <1993Apr15.180621.29465@radford.vak12ed.edu> mmatusev@radford.vak12ed.edu (Melissa N. Matusevich) writes:
:Thanks for all your assistance. I'll see if he can try a
:different brand of patches, although he's tried two brands
:already. Are there more than two?
The brands I can come up with off the top of my head are Nicotrol,
Nicoderm and Habitrol.  There may be a fourth as well.
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=  Kenneth Gilbert              __|__        University of Pittsburgh   =
=  General Internal Medicine      |      "...dammit, not a programmer!" =
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From: dmp@fig.citib.com (Donna M. Paino)
Subject: Psoriatic Arthritis - Info Needed Please!
Originator: dmp@eagle
Organization: Citibank IBISM
Lines: 34
A friend of mine has been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis, as a result of
trauma sustained in a car accident several years ago.  The psoriasis is under
control but the arthritis part of the illness is not.
Ansaid (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) worked pretty well for three years but
isn't helping much now.  My friend is now taking Meclomen (another NSAID) but
this isn't helping control the pain at all.  In the past two months my friend
has also started taking Azulfadine along with the NSAID medicines, but the
effects of the combined drugs aren't supposed to be realized for several months.
As a result of the pain, my friend is having problems sleeping.  Staying in
one position too long is an ordeal.  Another major contributor to pain is that
tendonitis has now developed (left thumb and hand with numbness at the base of
the palm; bottom of feet; shoulders and outer thighs).  The tendonitis is
quite painful yet my friend's doctor has not recommended any form of treatment
to relieve it.
The latest twist is that the doctor has dropped the anti-inflammatories and is
now recommending Prednisone.  The hope is that the Prednisone will relieve some
of the pain from the tendonitis.
My friend is a 41 year old male who feels like he's 80 (his words, not mine).
If anyone is aware of any new treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis, alternative
courses of action, support groups or literature on it, I would be extremely
grateful if you could e-mail to me.  If anyone is interested, I'll post a
summary to this newsgroup.
thanks in advance,
Donna
dmp@fig.citib.com
From: rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind)
Subject: Re: erythromycin
Organization: Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Mass., USA
Lines: 11
NNTP-Posting-Host: enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
In article <47974@sdcc12.ucsd.edu> wsun@jeeves.ucsd.edu (Fiberman) writes:
>Is erythromycin effective in treating pneumonia?
It depends on the cause of the pneumonia.  For treating bacterial
pneumonia in young otherwise-healthy non-smokers, erythromycin
is usually considered the antibiotic of choice, since it covers
the two most-common pathogens: strep pneumoniae and mycoplasma
pneumoniae.
--
David Rind
rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
From: slyx0@cc.usu.edu
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Utah State University
Lines: 37
In article <1993Apr15.190711.22190@walter.bellcore.com>, jchen@wind.bellcore.com (Jason Chen) writes:
> In article <1993Apr15.135941.16105@lmpsbbs.comm.mot.com>, dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank) writes:
>
> |> I woke up at 2 AM and puked my guts outs.
> |> I threw up for so long that (I'm not kidding) I pulled a muscle in
> |> my tongue.  Dry heaves and everything.  No one else got sick, and I'm
> |> not allergic to anything that I know of.
>
> The funny thing is the personaly stories about reactions to MSG vary so
> greatly. Some said that their heart beat speeded up with flush face. Some
> claim their heart "skipped" beats once in a while. Some reacted with
> headache, some stomach ache. Some had watery eyes or running nose, some
> had itchy skin or rashes. More serious accusations include respiration
> difficulty and brain damage.
>
> Now here is a new one: vomiting. My guess is that MSG becomes the number one
> suspect of any problem. In this case. it might be just food poisoning. But
> if you heard things about MSG, you may think it must be it.
Surprise surprise, different people react differently to different things. One
slightly off the subject case in point. My brother got stung by a bee. I know
he is allergic to bee stings, but that his reaction is severe localized
swelling, not anaphylactic shock. I could not convince the doctors of that,
however, because that's not written in their little rule book.
I would not be surprised in the least to find out the SOME people have bad
reactions to MSG, including headaches, stomachaches and even vomiting. Not that
the stuff is BAD or POISON and needs to be banned, but people need to be aware
that it can have a bad effect on SOME people.
Lone Wolf
Happy are they who dream dreams,
Ed Philips                            And pay the price to see them come true.
slyx0@cc.usu.edu
-unknown
From: milsh@nmr-z.mgh.harvard.edu (Alex Milshteyn)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Mass General Hospital CIPR
Lines: 35
In article <C5H74z.9v4@crdnns.crd.ge.com> meltsner@crd.ge.com writes:
>
>
>I wouldn't call it a double-blind, but one local restaurant's soup
>provokes an impressive migraine headache for my wife -- that one
>take-out and no other...
Nothing unisual.
Quote:
"
Chinese Restaurant Syndrome (CRS):
a transient syndrome, associated with arterial dilatation, due to ingestion
of monosodium glutamate, which is used liberally in seasoning chinese
food; it is characterized by throbbing of the head, lightheadedness,
tightness of the jaw, neck and shoulders, and bachache.
"
End quote.
Source: Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 27th edition, 1988, W.B. Saunders, p 1632.
This was known long ago.  Brain produces and uses some MSG naturally,
but not in doses it is served at some chinese places.
Having said that, i might add, that in MHO, MSG does not enhance
flavor enoughf for me to miss it.  When I go to chinese places,
I order food without MSG.  Goos places will do it for you.
A prerequisite for such a service would be a waiter, capable of
understanding, what you want.
Good Luck.
am
--
Alexander M. Milshteyn M.D.   <milsh@cipr-server.mgh.harvard.edu>
CIPR, MGH in Boston, MA.     (617)724-9507 Vox  (617)726-7830 Fax
From: neal@cmptrc.lonestar.org (Neal Howard)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: CompuTrac Inc., Richardson TX
Lines: 20
In article <1993Apr15.150550.15347@ecsvax.uncecs.edu> ccreegan@ecsvax.uncecs.edu (Charles L. Creegan) writes:
>
>What about Kekule's infamous derivation of the idea of benzene rings
>from a daydream of snakes in the fire biting their tails?  Is this
>specific enough to count?  Certainly it turns up repeatedly in basic
>phil. of sci. texts as an example of the inventive component of
>hypothesizing.
I sometimes wonder if Kekule's dream wasn't just a wee bit influenced by
aromatic solvent vapors ;-) heh heh.
--
=============================================================================
Neal Howard   '91 XLH-1200      DoD #686      CompuTrac, Inc (Richardson, TX)
doh #0000001200   |355o33|      neal@cmptrc.lonestar.org
Std disclaimer: My opinions are mine, not CompuTrac's.
"Let us learn to dream, gentlemen, and then perhaps
we shall learn the truth." -- August Kekule' (1890)
=============================================================================
From: dwebb@unl.edu (dale webb)
Subject: Re: THE BACK MACHINE - Update
Organization: University of Nebraska--Lincoln
Lines: 15
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: unlinfo.unl.edu
I have a BACK MACHINE and have had one since January.  While I have not
found it to be a panacea for my back pain, I think it has helped somewhat.
It MAINLY acts to stretch muscles in the back and prevent spasms associated
with pain.  I am taking less pain medication than I was previously.
The folks at BACK TECHNOLOGIES are VERY reluctant to honor their return
policy.  They extended my "warranty" period rather than allow me to return
the machine when, after the first month or so, I was not thrilled with it.
They encouraged me to continue to use it, abeit less vigourously.
Like I said, I can't say it is a cure-all, but it keeps me stretched out
and I am in less pain.
--
***********************************************************************
Dale M. Webb, DVM, PhD           *  97% of the body is water.  The
Veterinary Diagnostic Center     *  other 3% keeps you from drowning.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln  *
From: rjf@lzsc.lincroftnj.ncr.com (51351[efw]-Robert Feddeler(MT4799)T343)
Subject: Re: centrifuge
Organization: AT&T Middletown N.J. U.S.A.
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
Distribution: usa
Lines: 16
Mr. Blue (car@access.digex.com) wrote:
: Could somebody explain to me what a centrifuge is and what it is
: used for? I vaguely remembre it being something that spins test tubes
: around really fast but I cant remember why youd want to do that?
Purely recreational.  They get bored sitting in that
rack all the time.
--
bob.					   | I only smile when I lie,
You can learn more in a bar		   | And I'll tell you why...
than you can in a lawyer's office. |
Were these more than just my opinions, they would have cost a bit more.
From: caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Organization: Omen Technology INC, Portland Rain Forest
Lines: 32
In article <1qk6v3INNrm6@lynx.unm.edu> bhjelle@carina.unm.edu () writes:
>
>Gordon Banks:
>
>>a lot to keep from going back to morbid obesity.  I think all
>>of us cycle.  One's success depends on how large the fluctuations
>>in the cycle are.  Some people can cycle only 5 pounds.  Unfortunately,
>>I'm not one of them.
>>
>>
>This certainly describes my situation perfectly. For me there is
>a constant dynamic between my tendency to eat, which appears to
>be totally limitless, and the purely conscious desire to not
>put on too much weight. When I get too fat, I just diet/exercise
>more (with varying degrees of success) to take off the
>extra weight. Usually I cycle within a 15 lb range, but
>smaller and larger cycles occur as well. I'm always afraid
>that this method will stop working someday, but usually
>I seem to be able to hold the weight gain in check.
>This is one reason I have a hard time accepting the notion
>of some metabolic derangement associated with cycle dieting
>(that results in long-term weight gain). I have been cycle-
>dieting for at least 20 years without seeing such a change.
As mentioned in Adiposity 101, only some experience weight
rebound.  The fact that you don't doesn't prove it doesn't
happen to others.
--
Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX          ...!tektronix!reed!omen!caf
Author of YMODEM, ZMODEM, Professional-YAM, ZCOMM, and DSZ
Omen Technology Inc    "The High Reliability Software"
17505-V NW Sauvie IS RD   Portland OR 97231   503-621-3406
From: smithmc@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Lost Boy)
Subject: Re: Can men get yeast infections?
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
Distribution: na
Lines: 25
In article <noringC5Fnx2.2v2@netcom.com> noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>In article Tammy.Vandenboom@launchpad.unc.edu (Tammy Vandenboom) writes:
>
>>Here's a potentially stupid question to possibly the wrong news group, but. .
>>
>>Can men get yeast infections? Spread them? What kind of symptoms?
>>Similar as women's?  I have a yeast infection and my husband (who is a
>>natural paranoid on a good day) is sure he's gonna catch it and keeps
>>asking me what it's like.  I'm not sure what his symptoms would be. .
>
>The answer is yes and no.  I'm sure others on sci.med can expand on this.
>
>Jon
I know from personal experience that men CAN get yeast infections. I
get rather nasty ones from time to time, mostly in the area of the
scrotum and the base of the penis. They're nowhere near as dangerous
for me as for many women, but goddamn does it hurt in the summertime!
Even in the wintertime, when I sweat I get really uncomfy down there. The
best thing I can do to keep it under control is keep my weight down and
keep cool down there. Shorts in 60 degree weather, that kind of thing. And
of course some occasional sun.
Lost Boy
From: black@sybase.com (Chris Black)
Subject: cystic breast disease
Organization: Sybase, Inc.
Lines: 18
My mom has just been diagnosed with cystic breast disease -- a big
relief, as it was a lump that could have been cancer.  Her doctor says
she should go off caffeine and chocolate for 6 months, as well as
stopping the estrogen she's been taking for menopause-related reasons.
She's not thrilled with this, I think especially because she just gave
up cigarettes -- soon she won't have any pleasures left!  Now, I thought
I'd heard that cystic breasts were common and not really a health risk.
Is this accurate?  If so, why is she being told to make various
sacrifices to treat something that's not that big of a deal?
Thanks for any information.
-- Chris
--
black@sybase.com
Note:  My mailer tends to garble subject lines.
From: naomi@rock.concert.net (Naomi T Courter)
Subject: Endometriosis
Organization: CONCERT-CONNECT -- Public Access UNIX
Lines: 15
can anyone give me more information regarding endometriosis?   i heard
it's a very common disease among women and if anyone can provide names
of a specialist/surgeon in  the north carolina research triangle  park
area (raleigh/durham/chapel  hill) who is familiar with the condition,
i would really appreciate it.
thanks.
--Naomi
--
Naomi L.T. Courter
Network Services Specialist
MCNC - Center for Communications
CONCERT Network
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Subject: Re: Migraines and scans
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 16
[reply to geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)]
>>If you can get away without ever ordering imaging for a patient with
>>an obviously benign headache syndrome, I'd like to hear what your magic
>>is.
>I certainly can't always avoid it (unless I want to be rude, I suppose).
I made a decision a while back that I will not be bullied into getting
studies like a CT or MRI when I don't think they are indicated.  If the
patient won't accept my explanation of why I think the study would be a
waste of time and money, I suggest a second opinion.
David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
From: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Subject: klonopin and pregnancy
Distribution: world
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Lines: 17
A(> From: adwright@iastate.edu ()
A(> A woman I know is tapering off klonopin. I believe that is one of the
A(> benzodiazopines. She is taking a very minimal dose right now, half a tablet
A(> a day. She is also pregnant. My question is Are there any known cases where
A(> klonopin or similar drug has caused harmful effects to the fetus?
A(>  How about cases where the mother took klonopin or similar substance and had
A(> normal baby. Any information is appreciated. She wants to get a feel for
A(> what sort of risk she is taking. She is in her first month of pregnancy.
Klonopin, according to the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference), is not a
proven teratogen.  There are isolated case reports of malformations,
but it is impossible to establish cause-effect relationships.  The
overwhelming majority of women that take Klonopin while pregnant have
normal babies.
---
. SLMR 2.1 . E-mail: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
From: C599143@mizzou1.missouri.edu (Matthew Q Keeler de la Mancha)
Subject: Infant Immune Development Question
Nntp-Posting-Host: mizzou1.missouri.edu
Organization: University of Missouri
Lines: 10
As an animal science student, I know that a number of animals transfer
immunoglobin to thier young through thier milk.  In fact, a calf _must_
have a sufficient amount of colostrum (early milk) within 12 hours to
effectively develop the immune system, since for the first (less than)
24 hours the intestines are "open" to the IG passage.  My question is,
does this apply to human infants to any degree?
Thanks for your time responding,
Matthew Keeler
c599143@mizzou1.missouri.edu
From: carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU (Carl J Lydick)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: HST Wide Field/Planetary Camera
Lines: 28
Distribution: world
Reply-To: carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU
NNTP-Posting-Host: sol1.gps.caltech.edu
In article <1993Apr15.173902.66278@cc.usu.edu>, slyx0@cc.usu.edu writes:
=Surprise surprise, different people react differently to different things. One
=slightly off the subject case in point. My brother got stung by a bee. I know
=he is allergic to bee stings, but that his reaction is severe localized
=swelling, not anaphylactic shock. I could not convince the doctors of that,
=however, because that's not written in their little rule book.
Of course, bee venom isn't a single chemical.  Could be your brother is
reacting to a different component than the one that causes anaphylactic shock
in other people.
Similarly, Chinese food isn't just MSG.  There are a lot of other ingredients
in it.  Why, when someone eats something with lots of ingredients they don't
normally consume, one of which happens to be MSG, do they immediately conclude
that any negative reaction is to the MSG?
=I would not be surprised in the least to find out the SOME people have bad
=reactions to MSG, including headaches, stomachaches and even vomiting.
I'd be surprised if some of these reactions weren't due to other ingredients.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL
Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.
From: texx@ossi.com (Robert "Texx" Woodworth)
Subject: Re: Can men get yeast infections?
Organization: Open Systems Solutions Inc.
Lines: 16
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: nym.ossi.com
noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>In article Tammy.Vandenboom@launchpad.unc.edu (Tammy Vandenboom) writes:
>>Here's a potentially stupid question to possibly the wrong news group, but. .
>>
>>Can men get yeast infections? Spread them? What kind of symptoms?
>>Similar as women's?  I have a yeast infection and my husband (who is a
>>natural paranoid on a good day) is sure he's gonna catch it and keeps
>>asking me what it's like.  I'm not sure what his symptoms would be. .
>The answer is yes and no.  I'm sure others on sci.med can expand on this.
Recently someone posted an account of this.
Unfortunately it was posted to alt.tasteless so the gross details were emphasized
instead of th e actual scientific facts.
From: dfitts@carson.u.washington.edu (Douglas Fitts)
Subject: Re: RA treatment question
Organization: University of Washington
Lines: 24
NNTP-Posting-Host: carson.u.washington.edu
eulenbrg@carson.u.washington.edu (Julia Eulenberg) writes:
>I'm assuming that you mean Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  I've never heard
>of the "cold treatment" you mentioned.  I can't imagine how it would
>work, since most of us who have Rh.Arthr./RA seem to have more problems
>in cold weather than in warm weather.  Would be interested to hear more!
>Z
>Z
No, obviously talking about Research Assistants.  I favor a high protein,
low fat diet, barely adequate salary on a fixed time schedule, four hours
of sleep a night, continuous infusion of latte, unpredictable praise
mixed randomly with anxiety-provoking, everpresent glances with
lowered eyebrows, unrealistic promises of rapid publication, and
every three months a dinner consisting of nothing but microbrewery ale
and free pretzels.  Actually, mine hails from San Diego, and indeed
has more problems in Seattle in cold weather than in warm.
Doug Fitts
dfitts@u.washington.edu
From: dfield@flute.calpoly.edu (InfoSpunj (Dan Field))
Subject: Can't wear contacts after RK/PRK?
Keywords: radial,keratotomy,contact,lenses
Organization: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Lines: 28
I love the FAQ.
The comment about contact lenses not being an option for any remaining
correction after RK and possibly after PRK is interresting.  Why is
this?  Does anyone know for sure whether this applies to PRK as well?
Also, why is it possible to get a correction in PRK with involvement of
only about 5% of the corneal depth, while RK is done to a depth of up to
95%?  Why such a difference?  I thought the proceedures were simmilar
with the exception of a laser being the cutting tool in PRK.  I must not
be understanding all of the differences.
In the FAQ, the vision was considered less clear after the surgery than
with glasses alone.  If this is completly attributable to the
intentional slight undercorrection, then it can be compensated for when
necessary with glasses (or contacts, if they CAN be worn afterall!).  It
is important to know if that is not the case, however, and some other
consequence of the surgery would often interfere with clear vision.  The
first thing that came to my mind was a fogging of the lense, which
glasses couldn't help.
would not help.
--
| Daniel R. Field, AKA InfoSpunj | I'm just a lowly phlebe.              |
| dfield@oboe.calpoly.edu        |                                       |
| Biochemistry, Biotechnology    | I'm at the phlebottom                 |
| California Polytechnic State U | of the medical totem pole.            |
From: ghilardi@urz.unibas.ch
Subject: left side pains
Organization: University of Basel, Switzerland
Lines: 21
Hello to everybody,
I write here because I am kind of desperate. For about six weeks, I've been
suffering on pains in my left head side, the left leg and sometimes the left
arm. I made many tests (e.g. computer tomography, negative, lyme borreliosis,
negative, all electrolytes in the blood in their correct range), they're
all o.K., so I should be healthy. As a matter of fact, I am not feeling so.
I was also at a Neurologist's too, he considered me healthy too.
The blood tests have shown that I have little too much of Hemoglobin (17.5,
common range is 14 to 17, I unfortunately do not know about the units).
Could these hemi-sided pains be the result of this or of a also possible
block of the neck muscles ?
I have no fever, and I am not feeling entirely sick, but neither entirely
healthy.
Please answer by direct email on <ghilardi@urz.unibas.ch>
Thanks for every hint
Nico
From: Nigel@dataman.demon.co.uk (Nigel Ballard)
Subject: Re: Sarchoidosis
Distribution: world
Organization: Infamy Inc.
Reply-To: Nigel@dataman.demon.co.uk
X-Newsreader: Simple NEWS 1.90 (ka9q DIS 1.21)
Lines: 34
>>       Hello,
>>Does anybody know if sarchoidosis is a mortem desease ?
>>(i.e if someone who tooke this desease can be kill
>>bye this one ?)
>
>People have died from sarcoid, but usually it is not
>fatal and is treatable.
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
>geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi there
I'm suffering from Sarcoidosis at present.  Although it's shown as a
chronic & rare tissue disorder, it is thankfully NOT life threatening.
The very worsed thing that can happen to a non-treated sufferer is
glaucoma.  My specialists are bombarding me with Prednisolone E.C. (a
cortico-steriod) and after four months at 20mg a day, it's totally done
away with my enlarged lymph glands, so somethings happening for the
good!
Cheers Nigel
************************************************************************
* NIGEL BALLARD  | INT: nigel@dataman.demon.co.uk  | MEXICAN FOOD      *
* BOURNEMOUTH    | CIS: 100015.2644   RADIO-G1HOI  | GUINNESS ON TAP   *
* UNITED KINGDOM | AMAZING! and all down two wires | TALL SKINNY WOMEN *
************************************************************************
Two penguins are walking along an iceberg. The first penguin turns to
the second penguin and says "it looks like you are wearing a tuxedo."
The second penguin turns to the first penguin and says, "maybe I am."
************************************************************************
From: ken@sugra.uucp (Kenneth Ng)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Private Computer, Totowa, NJ
Lines: 15
In article <szikopou.734725851@cunews: szikopou@superior.carleton.ca (Steven Zikopoulos) writes:
:In <1993Apr13.144340.3549@news.cs.brandeis.edu> reynold@binah.cc.brandeis.edu ("Susan Reynold (w/out the s)") writes:
:>I think the scientists are biased towards the food industry or something.
:>Was the article long? Would anyone be interested in posting it?
:a neuroscientist told me that MSG is used as a neurotoxin...that's
:right...some labs use it to "kill" neurons in mice and rats
Vitamin A (and I think vitamin D) in strong enough amounts can kill.  The key
words are DOSAGE and EXPOSURE MECHANISM.
--
Kenneth Ng
Please reply to ken@blue.njit.edu for now.
"All this might be an elaborate simulation running in a little device sitting
on someone's table" -- J.L. Picard: ST:TNG
From: backon@vms.huji.ac.il
Subject: Re: pointer for info (long shot)
Distribution: world
Organization: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Lines: 49
In article <ZONKER.93Apr14174640@splinter.coe.northeastern.edu>, Regis M Donovan <zonker@silver.lcs.mit.edu> writes:
> This is something of a long shot... but what the hell.  the net is
> full of people with strange knowledge...
>
> I'm looking for suggestions as to what could be causing health
> problems one of my relatives is having.
>
> One of my cousins has had health problems for much of her life.
> Around the age of 10 she had some gynecological problems.  Now she's
> in her early/mid twenties and she is going blind.
>
> Her eyes are not producing enough (if any) moisture.  She's been going
> to Mass Eye and Ear and the doctors there have no clue what the actual
> cause is.  THey have apparently tried eyedrops and such.  She is just
> about completely blind in one eye and the other is massively
> deteriorated.
Sjogren's syndrome has been known to induce dryness in vaginal tissue as well
as induce primary biliary cirrhosis. Otherwise the abdominal swelling could be
due to a complication of Sjogren's known as pseudolymphoma which *can* produce
a splenomegaly (enlarged spleen). She should definitely see a rheumatologist.
Since you don't mention skin disorder, anemia, or joint pain you'd probably
rule out erythema nodosum or scleroderma.
Josh
backon@VMS.HUJI.AC.IL
>
> Also, and this may or may not be related, she is having some changes
> in her abdomen.  her stomach has swelled (i'm not sure if this is
> stomach the organ or stomach teh area of the body).
>
> I guess the step they're going to take next is to do a whole battery
> of tests to check all the other internal systmes besides just the
> eyes...
>
> but just because the net is a source of large amounts of bizarre
> knowledge, i'm going to ask: has anyone ever heard of anything like
> this?  suggestions of things to ask about (since much of my knowledge
> about her state comes second or third hand)?
>
> Thanks.
> --Regis
>   zonker@silver.lcs.mit.edu
>
From: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Originator: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com
Nntp-Posting-Host: theseus.unx.sas.com
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Lines: 43
In article <1993Apr15.200344.28013@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
|> 2) Science has not historically progressed in any sort of rational
|> experiment-data-theory sequence.  Most experiments are carried out, and
|> interpreted, in pre-existing theoretical frameworks.  The theoretical
|> controversies of the day determine which experiments get done.  Overall,
|> there is a huge messy affair of personal jealousies, crazy motivations,
|> petty hatreds, and the like that determines which experiments, and which
|> computations, get done.  What keeps it going forward is the critical
|> function of science: results don't count unless they can be replicated.
|>
|> The whole system is a sort of mechanism for generate-and-test.  The generate
|> part can be totally irrational, as long as the test part works properly.
I think we agree on much.  However the paragraphs above seem to repeat
uncritically the standard Kuhn/Lakatos/Feyerabend view of "progress" and
"rationality" in science.  Since I've addressed these issues in this
newsgroup in the not too distant past, I won't go into them again now.
What is wrong with the above observation is that it explicitly gives the
impression (and you may not in fact hold this view) that the common (perhaps
even the "correct") approach for a scientist to follow is to sit around
having flights of fancy and scheming on the basis of his jealousies and
petty hatreds.  It further at least implicitly advances the position that
sciences goes "forward" (and it is not clear what this means given the
context in which it occurs) by generating in a completely non-rational
and even random way a plethora of hypotheses and theories that are then
weeded out via the "critical function" of science.  (Though why this critical
function should be less subject to the non-rational forces is a mystery.
If experimental design, hypotheses creation, and theory construction are
subject to jealousies and petty hatreds, then this must be equally true
of the application of any "critical function" concerning replication.
This is what leads one (ala Feyerabend) to an "anything goes" view.)
True, the generation part *can* be totally irrational.  But typically it is
*not*.  Anecdotes concerning instances where a hypothesis seems to have
resulted in some way from a dream or from one's political views simply
do not generalize well to the actual history of science.
--
Gary H. Merrill  [Principal Systems Developer, C Compiler Development]
SAS Institute Inc. / SAS Campus Dr. / Cary, NC  27513 / (919) 677-8000
sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com ... !mcnc!sas!sasghm
From: Donald Mackie <Donald_Mackie@med.umich.edu>
Subject: Re: Seeking advice/experience with back problem
Organization: UM Anesthesiology
Lines: 20
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 141.214.86.38
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d9
X-XXDate: Fri, 16 Apr 93 15:41:32 GMT
In article <C5FI9r.7yz@cbnewsk.cb.att.com> janet.m.cooper,
jmcooper@cbnewsk.cb.att.com writes:
>The mother of a friend of mine is experiencing a disabling back
>pain.  After MRIs, CT scans, and doctors visits she has been
presented
>with 2 alternatives:
>(1) live with the pain
>or (2) undergo a somewhat
>risky operation which may leave her paralyzed.  She also has a
Since her symptoms are only pain she would do weel to seek the
advice of a good, multi-disciplinary pain clinic. It is distressing
to think that people are stll being told they have to "live with the
pain" when many options for pain management (rather than treating
MRI findings) are available. A good pain clinic will accept that
this lady's problem is her pain and set about finding ways of
relieveing that.
Don Mackie - his opinions
UM Anesthesiology will disavow...
From: Donald Mackie <Donald_Mackie@med.umich.edu>
Subject: Re: options before back surgery for protruding disc at L4-L5
Organization: UM Anesthesiology
Lines: 33
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 141.214.86.38
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d9
X-XXDate: Fri, 16 Apr 93 15:37:39 GMT
Subject: options before back surgery for protruding disc at L4-L5
From: Alex Miller, amiller@almaden.ibm.com
Date: 13 Apr 93 18:30:42 GMT
In article <2241@coyote.UUCP> Alex Miller, amiller@almaden.ibm.com
writes:
>After two weeks of limping around with an acute pain in my low back
>and right leg, my osteopath sent me to get an MRI which revealed
>a protruding (and extruded) disc at L4-L5.  I went to a neurosurgeon
>who prescribed prednisole (a steroidal anti-inflamitory) and bed
rest
>for several days.  It's been nearly a week and overall I feel
>slightly worse - I take darvocet three times a day so I can
>deal with daily activities like preparing food and help me
>get to sleep.
>
>I'll see the neurosurgeon tomorrow and of course I'll be asking
>whether or not this rest is helpful or if surgery is the next
>step.  What are my non-surgical options if my goal is to resume
>full activity, including competitive cycling.  I should add this
>condition is, in my opinion, the result of commulative wear and
>tear - I've had chronic low-back pain for years - but I managed
You don't say whether or not you have any symptoms other than pain.
If you have numbness, weakness or bladder problems, for example,
these would suggest a need for surgery. If pain is your only symptom
you might do well to find a reputable, multi-disciplinary pain
clinic in your area. Chronic low back pain generally doesn't do well
with surgery, acute on chronic pain (as only symptom) doesn't fare
much better.
e correlation between MRI findings and symptoms is controversial.
Don Mackie -  his opinions
UM will disavow...
From: rcj2@cbnewsd.cb.att.com (ray.c.jender)
Subject: Looking for a doctor
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Keywords: San Francisco
Lines: 9
I was kind of half watching Street Stories last night
and one of the segments was about this doctor in
S.F. who provides a service of investigating treatment
for various diseases. I'm pretty sure his name is
Dr. Mark Renniger (sp?) or close to that.
Did anyone else watch this? I'd like to get his
correct name and address/phone number if possible.
Thanks.
From: dbc@welkin.gsfc.nasa.gov (David Considine)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Code 916, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Lines: 19
In article <1993Apr15.180459.17852@nmr-z.mgh.harvard.edu> milsh@nmr-z.mgh.harvard.edu (Alex Milshteyn) writes:
>This was known long ago.  Brain produces and uses some MSG naturally,
>but not in doses it is served at some chinese places.
>Having said that, i might add, that in MHO, MSG does not enhance
>flavor enoughf for me to miss it.  When I go to chinese places,
>I order food without MSG.  Goos places will do it for you.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I just wanted to point out that some of the food, particularly
the soups, are prepared in a big batch, so the restaurant
won't be able to take the MSG out of it.  Sometimes its
pretty hard to find out if this is the case or not.
>Alexander M. Milshteyn M.D.   <milsh@cipr-server.mgh.harvard.edu>
>CIPR, MGH in Boston, MA.     (617)724-9507 Vox  (617)726-7830 Fax
David B. Considine
dbc@welkin.gsfc.nasa.gov
From: debbie@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Debbie Forest)
Subject: Re: Can men get yeast infections?
Organization: Computing Services Division, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Lines: 18
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
In article <1993Apr14.184444.24065@galileo.cc.rochester.edu> jkis_ltd@uhura.cc.rochester.edu (Da' Beave) writes:
>
>Well folks, I currently have a yeast infection. I am male.
>[...] your best bet (or at least your husband's)
>is to treat and cure your infection before any intercourse. If you must, use
>a condom. Also, consider other forms of sexual release (ie. handjobs) until
>you are cured.
Though I can't imagine WANTING to have intercourse during a full-blown
yeast infection :-) chances of it being transmitted to the male are quite
low, especially if he's circumcised.  But it can happen.
At one point I was getting recurrent yeast infections and the Dr suspected
my boyfriend might have gotten it from me and be reinfecting me.  The
prescription was interesting.  For each day of the medication (a week) I
was to insert the medication, then to have intercourse.  The resulting
action would help the medicine be spread around in me better, and would
simultaneously treat him.
From: sdbsd5@cislabs.pitt.edu (Stephen D Brener)
Subject: Intensive Japanese at Pitt
Keywords: San Francisco
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 112
In article <C5KxIx.5Ct@cbnewsd.cb.att.com> rcj2@cbnewsd.cb.att.com (ray.c.jender) writes:
>
>	I was kind of half watching Street Stories last night
>	and one of the segments was about this doctor in
>	S.F. who provides a service of investigating treatment
>	for various diseases. I'm pretty sure his name is
>	Dr. Mark Renniger (sp?) or close to that.
>	Did anyone else watch this? I'd like to get his
>	correct name and address/phone number if possible.
>	Thanks.
INTENSIVE JAPANESE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH THIS SUMMER
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The University of Pittsburgh is offering two intensive Japanese language
courses this summer.  Both courses, Intensive Elementary Japanese and
Intensive Intermediate Japanese, are ten week, ten credit courses
each equivalent to one full year of Japanese language study.  They begin
June 7 and end August 13.  The courses meet five days per week, five hours
per day.  There is a flat rate tuition charge of $1600 per course.
Fellowships available for science and engineering students.  Contact
Steven Brener, Program Manager of the Japanese Science and Technology
Management Program, at the University of Pittsburgh at the number or
address below.
ALL INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY, THIS IS NOT LIMITED TO
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.
#######################################################################
#################   New Program Announcement   ########################
#######################################################################
JAPANESE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Japanese Science and Technology Management Program (JSTMP) is a new
program jointly developed by the University of Pittsbugh and Carnegie Mellon
University.  Students and professionals in the engineering and scientific
communitites are encouraged to apply for classes commencing in June 1993 and
January 1994.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The program intends to promote technology transfer between Japan and the
United States.  It is also designed to let scientists, engineers, and managers
experience how the Japanese proceed with technological development.  This is
facilitated by extended internships in Japanese research facilities and
laboratories that provide participants with the opportunity to develop
long-term professional relationships with their Japanese counterparts.
PROGRAM DESIGN
To fulfill the objectives of the program, participants will be required to
develop advanced language capability and a deep understanding of Japan and
its culture.  Correspondingly, JSTMP consists of three major components:
1. TRAINING IN THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Several Japanese language courses will be offered, including intensive courses
designed to expedite language preparation for scientists and engineers in a
relatively short time.
2. EDUCATION IN JAPANESE BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CULTURE
A particular enphasis is placed on attaining a deep understanding of the
cultural and educational basis of Japanese management approaches in
manufacturing and information technology.  Courses will be available in a
variety of departments throughout both universities including Anthropology,
Sociology, History, and Political Science.  Moreover, seminars and colloquiums
will be conducted.  Further, a field trip to Japanese manufacturing or
research facilities in the United States will be scheduled.
3. AN INTERNSHIP OR A STUDY MISSION IN JAPAN
Upon completion of their language and cultural training at PITT and CMU,
participants will have the opportunity to go to Japan and observe,
and participate in the management of technology.  Internships in Japan
will generally run for one year; however, shorter ones are possible.
FELLOWSHIPS COVERING TUITION FOR LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COURSES, AS WELL AS
STIPENDS FOR LIVING EXPENSES ARE AVAILABLE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION MATERIALS CONTACT
STEVEN BRENER				SUSIE BROWN
JSTMP					Carnegie Mellon University, GSIA
University of Pittsburgh		Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
4E25 Forbes Quadrangle			Telephone: (412) 268-7806
Pittsburgh, PA 15260			FAX:	   (412) 268-8163
Telephone: (412) 648-7414
FAX:       (412) 648-2199
############################################################################
############################################################################
Interested individuals, companies and institutions should respond by phone or
mail.  Please do not inquire via e-mail.
Please note that this is directed at grads and professionals, however, advanced
undergrads will be considered.  Further, funding is resticted to US citizens
and permanent residents of the US.
Steve Brener
From: anello@adcs00.fnal.gov (Anthony Anello)
Subject: HYPOGLYCEMIA
Organization: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia IL
Lines: 14
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: adcs01.fnal.gov
Keywords: 40 BLOODCOUNT DANGEROUS?
Can anyone tell me if a bloodcount of 40 when diagnosed as hypoglycemic is
dangerous, i.e. indicates a possible pancreatic problem?  One Dr. says no, the
other (not his specialty) says the first is negligent and that another blood
test should be done.  Also, what is a good diet (what has worked) for a hypo-
glycemic?  TIA.
Anthony Anello
Fermilab
Batavia, Illinois
--
From: wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Lines: 43
In article <1993Apr14.122647.16364@tms390.micro.ti.com> david@tms390.micro.ti.com (David Thomas) writes:
>>In article <13APR199308003715@delphi.gsfc.nasa.gov>, packer@delphi.gsfc.nasa.gov (Charles Packer) writes:
>>>Is there such a thing as MSG (monosodium glutamate) sensitivity?
>>>I saw in the NY Times Sunday that scientists have testified before
>>>an FDA advisory panel that complaints about MSG sensitivity are
>>>superstition. Anybody here have experience to the contrary?
>>>
>>>I'm old enough to remember that the issue has come up at least
>>>a couple of times since the 1960s. Then it was called the
>>>"Chinese restaurant syndrome" because Chinese cuisine has
>>>always used it.
>
>So far, I've seen about a dozen posts of anecdotal evidence, but
>no facts.  I suspect there is a strong psychological effect at
>work here.  Does anyone have results from a scientific study
>using double-blind trials?
Check out #27903, just some 20 posts before your own. Maybe you missed
it amidst the flurry of responses? Yet again, the use of this
newsgroup is hampered by people not restricting their posts to matters
they have substantial knowledge of.
For cites on MSG, look up almost anything by John W. Olney, a
toxicologist who has studied the effects of MSG on the brain and on
development.  It is undisputed in the literature that MSG is an
excitotoxic food additive, and that its major constituent, glutamate
is essentially the premierie neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain
(humans included).  Too much in the diet, and the system gets thrown
off.  Glutamate and aspartate, also an excitotoxin are necessary in
small amounts, and are freely available in many foods, but the amounts
added by industry are far above the amounts that would normally be
encountered in a ny single food.  By eating lots of junk food,
packaged soups, and diet soft drinks, it is possible to jack your
blood levels so high, that anyone with a sensitivity to these
compounds will suffer numerous *real* physi9logical effects.
Read Olney's review paper in Prog. Brain Res, 1988, and check *his*
sources. They are impecable. There is no dispute.
--Dianne Murray    wcsbeau@ccs.carleton.ca
From: fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: University of Rochester
In article <C5Kv7p.JM3@unx.sas.com> sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill) writes:
>
>In article <1993Apr15.200344.28013@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
>What is wrong with the above observation is that it explicitly gives the
>impression (and you may not in fact hold this view) that the common (perhaps
>even the "correct") approach for a scientist to follow is to sit around
>having flights of fancy and scheming on the basis of his jealousies and
>petty hatreds.
Flights of fancy, and other irrational approaches, are common.  The crucial
thing is not to sit around just having fantasies; they aren't of any use
unless they make you do some experiments.  I've known a lot of scientists
whose fantasies lead them on to creative work; usually they won't admit
out loud what the fantasy was, prior to the consumption of a few beers.
(Simple example: Warren Jelinek noticed an extremely heavy band on a DNA
electrophoresis gel of human ALU fragments.  He got very excited, hoping that
he'd seen some essential part of the control mechanism for eukaryotic
genes.  This fantasy led him to sequence samples of the band and carry out
binding assays.  The result was a well-conserved, 400 or so bp, sequence
that occurs about 500,000 times in the human genome.  Unfortunately for
Warren's fantasy, it turns out to be a transposon that is present in
so many copies because it replicates itself and copies itself back into
the genome.  On the other hand, the characteristics of transposons were
much elucidated; the necessity of a cellular reverse transcriptase was
recognized; and the standard method of recognizing human DNA was created.
Other species have different sets of transposons.  Fortunately for me,
Warren and I used to eat dinner at T.G.I. Fridays all the time.)
>It further at least implicitly advances the position that
>sciences goes "forward" (and it is not clear what this means given the
>context in which it occurs) by generating in a completely non-rational
>and even random way a plethora of hypotheses and theories that are then
>weeded out via the "critical function" of science.
I'm not sure that it's random.  But there is no known rational mechanism
for generating a rich set of interesting hypotheses.  If you are really
working in an unknown area, it is unlikely that you will have much sense
of what might or might not be true; under those circumstances, the best
thing to do is just follow whatever instincts you have.  If they are wrong,
you will find out soon enough; but at least, you will find out _something_.
If you try to do experiments at random, with no prior conceptions at all
in mind, you will probably get nowhere.
>(Though why this critical
>function should be less subject to the non-rational forces is a mystery.
Unfortunately, the critical function does sometimes become hostage to
non-rational forces.  Then we get varieties of pathological science:
Lysenko, Mirsky's opposition to DNA-as-gene, cold fusion, and so forth.
>If experimental design, hypotheses creation, and theory construction are
>subject to jealousies and petty hatreds, then this must be equally true
>of the application of any "critical function" concerning replication.
>This is what leads one (ala Feyerabend) to an "anything goes" view.)
I don't agree that this follows.  In fact, this is _exactly_ the point at
which I disagree with Feyerabend.  It is a most important part of the
culture of science that one keeps one's jealousies out of the refereeing
process.  Failures there are aplenty, but, on the whole, things work out.
Another point: there are a couple of senses of the phrase ``experimental
design''.  I'd say that the less rational part is in experimental _choice_,
not design.  Alexander Fleming (Proc. Royal Soc., 1922) chose to look for
bacteriophage in his own mucus for strange reasons (Phage had previously
been found in locust diarrhea; Fleming probably thought runny bottom, runny
nose, what the hell, it's worth a try.) but his method of looking for phage
was well-designed to detect anything phage-like; in fact, he found lysozyme.
>True, the generation part *can* be totally irrational.  But typically it is
>*not*.  Anecdotes concerning instances where a hypothesis seems to have
>resulted in some way from a dream or from one's political views simply
>do not generalize well to the actual history of science.
It is not clear to me what you mean by rational vs. irrational.  Perhaps
you can give a few examples of surprising experiments that were tried out
for perfectly rational reasons, or interesting new theories that were first
advanced from logical grounds.  The main examples I can think of are from
modern high-energy physics which is not typical of science as a whole.
--
Mark A. Fulk			University of Rochester
Computer Science Department	fulk@cs.rochester.edu
From: cab@col.hp.com (Chris Best)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: your service
Lines: 20
NNTP-Posting-Host: hpctdkz.col.hp.com
Jason Chen writes:
> Now here is a new one: vomiting. My guess is that MSG becomes the number one
> suspect of any problem. In this case. it might be just food poisoning. But
> if you heard things about MSG, you may think it must be it.
----------
Yeah, it might, if you only read the part you quoted.  You somehow left
out the part about "we all ate the same thing."  Changes things a bit, eh?
You complain that people blame MSG automatically, since it's an unknown and
therefore must be the cause.  It is equally (if not more) unreasonable to
defend it, automatically assuming that it CAN'T be the culprit.
Pepper makes me sneeze.  If it doesn't affect you the same way, fine.
Just don't tell me I'm wrong for saying so.
These people aren't condemning Chinese food, Mr. Chen - just one of its
(optional) ingredients.  Try not to take it so personally.
From: francis@ircam.fr (Joseph Francis)
Subject: Re: Can't wear contacts after RK/PRK?
Keywords: radial,keratotomy,contact,lenses
Organization: IRCAM, Paris (France)
Lines: 45
In article <1993Apr16.063425.163999@zeus.calpoly.edu> dfield@flute.calpoly.edu (InfoSpunj (Dan Field)) writes:
>I love the FAQ.
>
>The comment about contact lenses not being an option for any remaining
>correction after RK and possibly after PRK is interresting.  Why is
>this?  Does anyone know for sure whether this applies to PRK as well?
I've had PRK.
I would suggest asking a doctor about contacts. Mine said yes to
contacts. I think the scars from RK would preclude contacts.
>Also, why is it possible to get a correction in PRK with involvement of
>only about 5% of the corneal depth, while RK is done to a depth of up to
>95%?  Why such a difference?  I thought the proceedures were simmilar
>with the exception of a laser being the cutting tool in PRK.  I must not
>be understanding all of the differences.
No. RK makes radial cuts around the circumference of the cornea, up to
8 I think, and these change the curvature of the cornea through stress
chages. PRK vaporizes (burns) away a thin layer from the front of the
cornea making the optical axis of the eye shorter. The laser doesn't
cut in PRK, it vaporizes. In RK, the eye is cut into.
>In the FAQ, the vision was considered less clear after the surgery than
>with glasses alone.  If this is completly attributable to the
>intentional slight undercorrection, then it can be compensated for when
>necessary with glasses (or contacts, if they CAN be worn afterall!).  It
>is important to know if that is not the case, however, and some other
>consequence of the surgery would often interfere with clear vision.  The
>first thing that came to my mind was a fogging of the lense, which
>glasses couldn't help.
>
>would not help.
I find my vision is more clear for some things, and less clear for
others, only at night. I notice a definite haloing at night in the
darkness when I look at automobile headlamps, though this is not
something I spend inordinate amounts of time doing. For ordinary
things, my vision, in particular having a fully-operating peripheral
vision, is clearer than with glasses, or contacts.
--
| Le Jojo: Fresh 'n' Clean, speaking out to the way you want to live
| today; American - All American; doing, a bit so, and even more so.
From: fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: University of Rochester
Distribution: inet
In article <C5JDuo.K13@unx.sas.com> sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill) writes:
>Of course we can't hope (currently at least) to explain how or why
>Kekule had the daydream of snakes in the fire biting their tails.
>Surely it wasn't the *only* daydream he had.  What was special about
>*this* one?  Could it have had something to do with a perceived
>*analogy* between the geometry of the snakes and problems concerning
>geometry of molecules?  Is such analogical reasoning "extra-scientific"?
>Or is it rather at the very heart of science (Perice's notion of abduction,
>the use of models within and across disciplines)?  Upon close examination,
>is there a non-rational mystical leap taking place, or is it perhaps
>closer to a formal (though often incomplete) analogy or model?
I feel the need to repeat myself: Kekule's dream is a rather bad example
of much of anything.  Read Root-Bernstein's book on the history of the
benzene ring.
--
Mark A. Fulk			University of Rochester
Computer Science Department	fulk@cs.rochester.edu
From: turner@reed.edu (Havok impersonated)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Article-I.D.: reed.1993Apr16.170752.6312
Organization: Reed College, Portland, OR
Lines: 35
In article <1qlgdrINN79b@gap.caltech.edu> carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU writes:
>In article <1993Apr15.173902.66278@cc.usu.edu>, slyx0@cc.usu.edu writes:
>=Surprise surprise, different people react differently to different things. One
>=slightly off the subject case in point. My brother got stung by a bee. I know
>=he is allergic to bee stings, but that his reaction is severe localized
>=swelling, not anaphylactic shock. I could not convince the doctors of that,
>=however, because that's not written in their little rule book.
>Of course, bee venom isn't a single chemical.  Could be your brother is
>reacting to a different component than the one that causes anaphylactic shock
>in other people.
Hmmm.  The last time I got stung by a bee I experienced the same reaction
the first poster's brother did.  We went off to the doctor to see if I
should worry about the fact that my foot was now about 3 times it's normal
size.  (And itched!!!  Ow!)  He basically said I shouldn't this time, but
that bee sting allergy was not something you tended to get aclimatized to,
but were something that each time got progressively worse generally and that
next time could be the time I go into anaphylactic shock.  Admittedly this
was many years ago when I was young.  Since then I just make sure I don't
get stung.  I also should carry a bee sting kit with me, but I don't.
This isn't scientific or proof, but this would lead me to believe it's not a
different reaction, just a different degree of reaction.  Allergies work
that way.  People have various reactions.  Sort of like diabetes, some
people can get by with just monitoring their diet, others have to monitor
their diet and use insulin sometimes while others have to watch their diet
like a hawk and use insulin regularly.
I think MSG is probably similar...some people have allergic reactions to
it.  Some people are allergic to fermented things and can't use soy
sauce...but the chinese have been using it for centuries... that doesn't
necessarily mean that it's safe for everyone.
Johanna
turner@reed.edu
From: DEHP@calvin.edu (Phil de Haan)
Subject: Re: chronic sinus and antibiotics
Keywords: sinus, antibiotics, antibacterial
Nntp-Posting-Host: pcdehp
Organization: Calvin College
Distribution: na
Lines: 18
In article <1qk708INNa12@mojo.eng.umd.edu> georgec@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark) writes:
>You can also swab the inside of your nose with Bacitracin using a
>Q tip. Bacitracin is an antibiotic that can be bought OTC as an
>ointment in a tube. The doctor I listen to on the radio says to apply
>it for 30 days, while you are taking other antibiotics by mouth.
I have a new doctor who gave me a prescription today for something called
Septra DS.  He said it may cause GI problems and I have a sensitive stomach
to begin with.  Anybody ever taken this antibiotic.  Any good?  Suggestions
for avoiding an upset stomach?  Other tips?
Phil de Haan (DoD #0578) Why yes.  That is my 1974 Honda CL360.
=============================================================================
"That's the nature of being an executive in America.  You have to rely on
other people to do something you used to do yourself." -- Donald Fehr,
executive director, Major League Baseball Players Association.
=============================================================================
From: mary@uicsl.csl.uiuc.edu (Mary E. Allison)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Center for Reliable and High-Performance Computing, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Lines: 66
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: uicsl.csl.uiuc.edu
carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU (Carl J Lydick) writes:
>Of course, bee venom isn't a single chemical.  Could be your brother is
>reacting to a different component than the one that causes anaphylactic shock
>in other people.
>Similarly, Chinese food isn't just MSG.  There are a lot of other
>ingredients in it.  Why, when someone eats something with lots of
>ingredients they don't normally consume, one of which happens to be
>MSG, do they immediately conclude that any negative reaction is to
>the MSG?
ARGHHHHHHHHHh
READ THE MEMOS!!!!
I said that I PERSONALLY had other people order the EXACT SAME FOOD at
TWO DIFFERENT TIMES from the SAME RESTAURANT and the people that
ordered the food for me did NOT TELL ME which time the MSG was in the
food and which time it was not in the food.
ONE TIME I HAD A REACTION
ONE TIME I DID NOT
THE REACTION CAME THE TIME THE MSG WAS IN THE FOOD
THAT WAS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE
SAME RESTAURANT - SAME INGREDIENTS!!!
>Why, when someone eats something with lots of ingredients they don't
>normally consume, one of which happens to be MSG, do they immediately
>conclude that any negative reaction is to the MSG?
I eat lots of Chinese food - I LOVE Chinese food.  I've just learned
the following
IF I get food at one of the restaurants that DOES NOT USE MSG or
IF I prepare the food myself without MSG or
IF I order the food from a restaurant that will hold the MSG (and I
never get soup unless it's from a restaurant that cooks without the
MSG)
I DO NOT GET A REACTION!!!!
OKAY
DO YOU UNDERSTAND!!!!
I GET A REACTION FROM MSG
I DO NOT GET A REACTION WHEN THERE IS NO MSG
If you're having trouble understand this, please tell me which of the
words you do not understand and I'll look them up in the dictionary
for you.
--
The great secret of successful marriage is to treat all disasters
as incidents and none of the incidents as disasters.
-- Harold Nicholson
Mary Allison (mary@uicsl.csl.uiuc.edu) Urbana, Illinois
From: jchen@wind.bellcore.com (Jason Chen)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Nntp-Posting-Host: wind.bellcore.com
Reply-To: jchen@ctt.bellcore.com
Organization: Bell Communications Research
Lines: 61
In article <1qmlgaINNjab@hp-col.col.hp.com>, cab@col.hp.com (Chris Best) writes:
|>
|> Jason Chen writes:
|> > Now here is a new one: vomiting. My guess is that MSG becomes the number one
|> > suspect of any problem. In this case. it might be just food poisoning. But
|> > if you heard things about MSG, you may think it must be it.
|>
|> ----------
|>
|> Yeah, it might, if you only read the part you quoted.  You somehow left
|> out the part about "we all ate the same thing."  Changes things a bit, eh?
Food poisoning is only one of the many possible causes. Yes, even other people
share the food.
|>
|> You complain that people blame MSG automatically, since it's an unknown and
|> therefore must be the cause.  It is equally (if not more) unreasonable to
|> defend it, automatically assuming that it CAN'T be the culprit.
Boy, you computer people only know 1s and 0s, but not much about logic. :-)
No. I did not said MSG was not the culprit. What I argued was that that
there was enough reasonable doubt to convict MSG.
If you want to convict MSG, show me the evidence, not quilty by suspicion.
|> Pepper makes me sneeze.  If it doesn't affect you the same way, fine.
|> Just don't tell me I'm wrong for saying so.
Nobody is forcing you to change what you believe.  But I certainly don't
want to see somebody preach to ban pepper because that makes him/her
sneeze. That is exactly what some anti-MSG activitiests are doing
|> These people aren't condemning Chinese food, Mr. Chen - just one of its
|> (optional) ingredients.  Try not to take it so personally.
Look, people with a last Chen don't necessarily own a Chinese restaurant.
I am not interested if you enjoy Chinese food or not. Exploiting my last
name to discredit me on the issue is hitting below the belt.
What I am interested in is the truth. Let me give you an excert from
a recent FDA hearing:
``There is no evidence orally consumed glutamate has any effect
on the brain,'' said Dr. Richard Wurtman of Massachusetts Institute
of Technology. The anecdotal experiences of individuals is
``superstition, not science,'' he said. ``I don't think glutamate
has made them sick.''
And Dr. Robert Kenney of George Washington University conducted an double
blind test in 1980 showing that the 35 people who reacted to MSG also
had similar reaction when they thought they had MSG but actually not.
Although there are many contradicting personal stories told in this group,
some of them might have been due to other causes. But because the anti MSG
emotion runs so high, that some blame it for anything and everything.
My purpose is to present a balance view on the issue, although I am probably
20-1 outnumbered.
Jason Chen
From: king@reasoning.com (Dick King)
Subject: Re: Can't wear contacts after RK/PRK?
Keywords: radial,keratotomy,contact,lenses
Article-I.D.: kestrel.1993Apr16.172052.27843
Organization: Reasoning Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA
Lines: 22
Nntp-Posting-Host: drums.reasoning.com
In article <1993Apr16.063425.163999@zeus.calpoly.edu> dfield@flute.calpoly.edu (InfoSpunj (Dan Field)) writes:
>I love the FAQ.
>
>The comment about contact lenses not being an option for any remaining
>correction after RK and possibly after PRK is interresting.  Why is
>this?  Does anyone know for sure whether this applies to PRK as well?
>
>Also, why is it possible to get a correction in PRK with involvement of
>only about 5% of the corneal depth, while RK is done to a depth of up to
>95%?  Why such a difference?
In myopia the cornea is too curved.  There is too much of a bulge in the
center.
In PRK the laser removes a small amount of material from the center.
In RK the surgeon cuts incisions near the edge.  They heal, and the scarring
reshapes the cornea.
Entirely different mechanisms, and the action is in a different place.
-dk
From: carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU (Carl J Lydick)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: HST Wide Field/Planetary Camera
Lines: 28
Distribution: world
Reply-To: carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU
NNTP-Posting-Host: sol1.gps.caltech.edu
In article <1qmlgaINNjab@hp-col.col.hp.com>, cab@col.hp.com (Chris Best) writes:
=
=Jason Chen writes:
=> Now here is a new one: vomiting. My guess is that MSG becomes the number one
=> suspect of any problem. In this case. it might be just food poisoning. But
=> if you heard things about MSG, you may think it must be it.
=
=----------
=
=Yeah, it might, if you only read the part you quoted.  You somehow left
=out the part about "we all ate the same thing."  Changes things a bit, eh?
Perhaps.  Now, just what leads you to believe that it was MSG and not some
other ingredient in the food that made you ill?
=These people aren't condemning Chinese food, Mr. Chen - just one of its
=(optional) ingredients.  Try not to take it so personally.
And you're condemning one particular ingredient without any evidence that
that's the ingredient to which you reacted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL
Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.
Subject: prozac
From: agilmet@eis.calstate.edu (Adriana Gilmete)
Organization: Calif State Univ/Electronic Information Services
Lines: 3
Can anyone help me find any information on the drug Prozac?  I am writing
a report on the inventors , Eli Lilly and Co., and the product.  I need as
much help as I can get.   Thanks a lot, Adriana Gilmete.
From: libman@hsc.usc.edu (Marlena Libman)
Subject: Need advice with doctor-patient relationship problem
Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Lines: 64
NNTP-Posting-Host: hsc.usc.edu
I need advice with a situation which occurred between me and a physican
which upset me.  I saw this doctor for a problem with recurring pain.
He suggested medication and a course of treatment, and told me that I
need to call him 7 days after I begin the medication so that he may
monitor its effectiveness, as well as my general health.
I did exactly as he asked, and made the call (reaching his secretary).
I explained to her that I was following up at the doctor's request,
and that I was worried because the pain episodes were becoming more
frequent and the medication did not seem effective.
The doctor called me back, and his first words were, "Whatever you want,
you'd better make it quick.  I'm very busy and don't have time to chit-
chat with you!"  I told him I was simply following his instructions to
call on the 7th day to status him, and that I was feeling worse.  I
then asked if perhaps there was a better time for us to talk when he
had more time.  He responded, "Just spit it out now because no time is
a good time."  (Said in a raised voice.)  I started to feel upset and
tried to explain quickly what was going on with my condition but my
nervousness interfered with my choice of words and I kind of stuttered
and then said "well, never mind" and he said he'll talk to various
colleagues about other medications and he'll call me some other time.
This doctor called me that evening and said because I didn't express
myself well, he was confused about what I wanted.  At this point I
was pretty upset and I told him (in an amazingly polite voice considering
how angry I felt) that his earlier manner had hurt my feelings.  He told
me that he just doesn't have time to "rap with patients" and thought
that was what I wanted.  I told him that to assume I was calling to
"rap" was insulting, and said again that I was just following through
on his orders.  He responded that he resented the implication that he
felt I was making that he was not interested in learning about what his
patients have to say about their condition status.  He then gave me
this apology: "I am sorry that there was a miscommunication and you
mistakenly thought I was insulting.  I am not trying to insult you
but I am not that knowledgeable about pain, and I don't have a lot of
time to deal with that."  He then told me to call him the next day
for further instructions on how do deal with my pain and medication.
I am still upset and have not yet called.
My questions: (1) Should I continue to have this doctor manage my care?
(2) Since I am in pain off and on, I realize that this may cause me to
be more anxietous so am I perhaps over-reacting or overly sensitive?
If this doctor refers me to his colleague who knows more about the type
of pain I have, he still wants me to status him on my condition but
now I am afraid to call him.
--Marlena
From: paj@uk.co.gec-mrc (Paul Johnson)
Subject: Re: sore throat
Reply-To: paj@uk.co.gec-mrc (Paul Johnson)
Organization: GEC-Marconi Research Centre, Great Baddow, UK
Lines: 29
In article <47835@sdcc12.ucsd.edu> wsun@jeeves.ucsd.edu (Fiberman) writes:
>I have had a sore throat for almost a week.  When I look into
>the mirror with the aid of a flash light, I see white plaques in
>the very back of my throat (on the sides).  I went to a health
>center to have a throat culture taken.  They said that I do not
>have strep throat.  Could a viral infection cause white plaques
>on the sides of my throat?
First, I am not a doctor.  I know about this because I have been
through it.
It sounds like tonsilitis (lit. swollen tonsils).  Feel under your jaw
hinge for a swelling on each side.  If you find them, its tonsilitis.
I've had this a couple of times in the past.  The doctor prescribed a
weeks course of penicillin and that cleared it up.
In my case it was associated with glandular fever, which is a viral
infection which (from my point of view) resembled flu and tonsilitis
that kept coming back for a year or so.  There is a blood test for
this.
In conclusion, see a doctor (if you have not done so already).
Paul.
--
Paul Johnson (paj@gec-mrc.co.uk).	    | Tel: +44 245 73331 ext 3245
--------------------------------------------+----------------------------------
These ideas and others like them can be had | GEC-Marconi Research is not
for $0.02 each from any reputable idealist. | responsible for my opinions
From: rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind)
Subject: Re: centrifuge
Organization: Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Mass., USA
Lines: 18
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
In article <C5JsM5.Hrs@lznj.lincroftnj.ncr.com> rjf@lzsc.lincroftnj.ncr.com
(51351[efw]-Robert Feddeler(MT4799)T343) writes:
>: Could somebody explain to me what a centrifuge is and what it is
>: used for? I vaguely remembre it being something that spins test tubes
>: around really fast but I cant remember why youd want to do that?
>Purely recreational.  They get bored sitting in that
>rack all the time.
No, this is wrong.  The purpose is to preserve the substances in
the tubes longer by creating relativistic speeds and thus
time dilatation.  Of course, by slowing the subjective time of
the test tubes they get less bored, which is probably what you
were thinking of.
--
David Rind
rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
From: mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington)
Subject: Re: Need advice with doctor-patient relationship problem
Nntp-Posting-Host: aisun3.ai.uga.edu
Organization: AI Programs, University of Georgia, Athens
Lines: 9
Sounds as though his heart's in the right place, but he is not adept at
expressing it.  What you received was _meant_ to be a profound apology.
Apologies delivered by overworked shy people often come out like that...
--
:-  Michael A. Covington, Associate Research Scientist        :    *****
:-  Artificial Intelligence Programs      mcovingt@ai.uga.edu :  *********
:-  The University of Georgia              phone 706 542-0358 :   *  *  *
:-  Athens, Georgia 30602-7415 U.S.A.     amateur radio N4TMI :  ** *** **  <><
From: jimj@contractor.EBay.Sun.COM (Jim Jones)
Subject: Post-fever rashes:  I get 'em every time
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.  Mt. View, Ca.
Lines: 18
Distribution: world
Reply-To: jimj@contractor.EBay.Sun.COM (Jim Jones)
NNTP-Posting-Host: contractor.ebay.sun.com
The subject-line says it:  every time I run a fever, I get an amazing
rosy rash over my torso and arms.  Fortunately, it doesn't itch.
The rash  always comes on the day after the
fever breaks and no matter what the illness was:  cold, flu, whatever.
It started happening about four years ago after I moved to my current
town, although I don't know if that has anything to do with anything.
Severity and persistance of the rash seems to vary with the fever:
a severe or long-lasting fever brings a long-lasting rash.  A mild fever
seems to bring rashes that go away faster.
Anybody know what might be causing this?  It's no more than an
embarassment, but I'd be curious to know what's going on.  Am I carrying
some kind of fever-resistant bug that goes wild when fever knocks out
its competition?
Jim Jones
From: pan@panda.Stanford.EDU (Doug Pan)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
In-Reply-To: mossman@cea.Berkeley.EDU's message of 15 Apr 1993 19:41:40 GMT
Organization: InterViews/Allegro group, Stanford University
<1993Apr13.144340.3549@news.cs.brandeis.edu>
<1993Apr14.012946.114440@zeus.calpoly.edu>
<1993Apr14.122647.16364@tms390.micro.ti.com>
<1993Apr15.135941.16105@lmpsbbs.comm.mot.com>
<1qkdpk$5k6@agate.berkeley.edu>
Lines: 26
In article <1qkdpk$5k6@agate.berkeley.edu> mossman@cea.Berkeley.EDU (Amy Mossman) writes:
>   I had a similar reaction to Chinese food but came to a completly different
>   conclusion. I've eaten Chinese food for ages and never had problems. I went
>   with some Chinese Malaysian friends to a swanky Chinses rest. and they ordered
>   lots of stuff I had never seen before. The only thing I can remember of that
>   meal was the first course, scallops served in the shell with a soy-type sauce.
>   I thought, "Well, I've only had scallops once and I was sick after but that
>   could have been a coincidence". That night as I sat on the bathroom floor,
>   sweating and emptying my stomach the hard way, I decided I would never touch
>   another scallop. I may not be allergic but I don't want to take the chance.
I don't react to scallops, but did have discomforts with clam juice
served at (American) waterfront seafood bars.  I don't know whether
the juice is homemade or from cans.
The following is my first encounter with the Chinese Restaurant
Syndrome.  Ten years ago, about an hour after having Won Ton Soup I
collapsed in a chair with my face feeling puffed up, my scalp
tingling, my feet too weak to stand up.  The symptoms lasted for about
20 minutes.  Determined to find out the cause of my first reaction, I
went back to the Chinese restuarant and ordered the same dish.  The
same thing happened.  A quick look inside the kitchen revealed nothing
out of the ordinary.
I've also had a mild attack after having soup at a Thai restuarant.
From: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Originator: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com
Nntp-Posting-Host: theseus.unx.sas.com
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Lines: 55
In article <1993Apr16.155919.28040@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
|> Flights of fancy, and other irrational approaches, are common.  The crucial
|> thing is not to sit around just having fantasies; they aren't of any use
|> unless they make you do some experiments.  I've known a lot of scientists
|> whose fantasies lead them on to creative work; usually they won't admit
|> out loud what the fantasy was, prior to the consumption of a few beers.
|>
|> (Simple example: Warren Jelinek noticed an extremely heavy band on a DNA
|> electrophoresis gel of human ALU fragments.  He got very excited, hoping that
|> he'd seen some essential part of the control mechanism for eukaryotic
|> genes.  This fantasy led him to sequence samples of the band and carry out
|> binding assays.  The result was a well-conserved, 400 or so bp, sequence
But why do you characterize this as a "flight of fancy" or a "fantasy"?
While I am unfamiliar with the scientific context here, it appears obvious
that his speculation (for lack of a better or more neutral word) was
at least in significant part a consequence of his knowledge of and acceptance
of current theory coupled with his observations.  It would appear that
something quite rational was going on as he attempted to fit his observation
into that theory (or to tailor the theory to cover the observation).  This
does not seem like an example of what most would normally call a flight of
fancy or a fantasy.
|>
|> It is not clear to me what you mean by rational vs. irrational.  Perhaps
|> you can give a few examples of surprising experiments that were tried out
|> for perfectly rational reasons, or interesting new theories that were first
|> advanced from logical grounds.  The main examples I can think of are from
|> modern high-energy physics which is not typical of science as a whole.
Well, I think someone else in this thread was the first to use the word (also,
"extra-scientific", etc.).  Nor am I prepared to give a general account of
rationality.  In terms of examples, there is some danger of beginning to quibble
over what a "surprising" experiment is, what counts as "surprising", etc.
The same may be said about "logical grounds".  My point is that quite frequently
(perhaps even most frequently) the roots of a new theory can be traced to
previously existing theories (or even to previously rejected hypotheses of
some other theory or domain).  I would offer some rather well known examples
such as Toricelli's Puy de Dome experiment done for the sake of his "sea of air"
hypothesis.  Was this theory (and the resulting experimental test) "surprising"?
Well, given the *prior* explanations of the phenomena involved it certainly must
be counted as so.  Was the theory constructed (and the experiment designed)
out of "perfectly rational grounds"?  Well, there was a pretty successful and
well know theory of fluids.  The analogy to fluids by Toricelli is explicit.
The novelty was in thinking of air as a fluid (but this was *quite* a novelty
at the time).  Was the theory interesting?  Yes.  Was it "new"?  Well, one
could argue that it was merely the extension of an existing theory to a new
domain, but I think this begs certain questions.  We can debate that if you
like.
--
Gary H. Merrill  [Principal Systems Developer, C Compiler Development]
SAS Institute Inc. / SAS Campus Dr. / Cary, NC  27513 / (919) 677-8000
sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com ... !mcnc!sas!sasghm
Subject: EXPERTS on PENICILLIN...LOOK!
From: ndacumo@eis.calstate.edu (Noah Dacumos)
Organization: Calif State Univ/Electronic Information Services
Lines: 8
My name is Noah Dacumos and I am a student at San Leandro High.  I am
doing a project for my physics class and I would like some info on the
discovery of penicillin, its discoverer(Sir Alexander Fleming), and how it
helps people with many incurable bacterias.  Also how it effects those who
are allergic to it.  Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Noah Dacumos
From: jfare@53iss6.Waterloo.NCR.COM (Jim Fare)
Subject: Re: Endometriosis
Reply-To: jfare@53iss6.Waterloo.NCR.COM (Jim Fare)
Distribution: world
Organization: Imaging Systems Division, NCR Corp, Waterloo, Ont., CANADA
Lines: 26
In article <1993Apr16.032251.6606@rock.concert.net> naomi@rock.concert.net (Naomi T Courter) writes:
>can anyone give me more information regarding endometriosis?   i heard
>it's a very common disease among women and if anyone can provide names
>...
>--Naomi
Endometriosis is where cells that would normally be lining the uteris exist
outside the uteris.  Sometimes this causes problems, often it doesn't.
There is generally no need to remove pockets of endometriosis unless they are
causing other problems.  One lady I know had Endometriosis in an ovary.
This caused her a _great_ deal of pain.  Another lady I know has an
endometrial cyst in her abdominal wall; she is not having it removed.
The American Fertility Society has information on this and they probably
maintain a list of physicians in all parts of the continent that deal with
endometriosis.  You can reach them at:
The American Fertility Society
2140 11th Ave South
Suite 200
Birmingham, Alabama 35205-2800
(205)933-8494
[J.F.]
From: szikopou@superior.carleton.ca (Steven Zikopoulos)
Subject: Re: prozac
Organization: Carleton University
Lines: 14
In <C5L2x5.4B7@eis.calstate.edu> agilmet@eis.calstate.edu (Adriana Gilmete) writes:
>Can anyone help me find any information on the drug Prozac?  I am writing
>a report on the inventors , Eli Lilly and Co., and the product.  I need as
>much help as I can get.   Thanks a lot, Adriana Gilmete.
PDR and CPS are good places to starts.
do a medline search... lots of interesting debates going on (remember
when Prozac was impicated in suicidal behaviour?)
steve z
From: mdf0@shemesh.GTE.com (Mark Feblowitz)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
<1qht2d$8pg@eagle.lerc.nasa.gov> <1qhu7s$d3u@agate.berkeley.edu>
Reply-To: mfeblowitz@gte.com
Organization: GTE Laboratories Inc.
Lines: 17
In-reply-to: spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu's message of 14 Apr 93 21:03:56 GMT
In article <1qhu7s$d3u@agate.berkeley.edu> spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu (Steve Pope) writes:
It's worse than that -- there *is* no such thing as
a double-blind study on the effects of MSG, by
virtue of the fact that MSG changes the taste of food in
a characteristic way that is detectable by the subject and
that cannot be duplicated by a placebo.
Common! You can easily disguise  to flavor of  MSG by putting  it in a
capsule. Then,  the  study  becomes  a  double  blind of  MSG capsules
against control  capsules (containing exactly  the same contents minus
the MSG).
--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Feblowitz,   GTE Laboratories Inc., 40 Sylvan Rd.  Waltham, MA 02254
mfeblowitz@GTE.com, (617) 466-2947, fax: (617) 890-9320
From: tong@ohsu.edu (Gong Tong)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Article-I.D.: ohsu.1993Apr16.194316.25522
Organization: Oregon Health Sciences University
Lines: 48
In article <1993Apr16.155123.447@cunews.carleton.ca> wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG) writes:
>In article <1993Apr14.122647.16364@tms390.micro.ti.com> david@tms390.micro.ti.com (David Thomas) writes:
>
>>>In article <13APR199308003715@delphi.gsfc.nasa.gov>, packer@delphi.gsfc.nasa.gov (Charles Packer) writes:
>>>>Is there such a thing as MSG (monosodium glutamate) sensitivity?
>>>>I saw in the NY Times Sunday that scientists have testified before
>>>>an FDA advisory panel that complaints about MSG sensitivity are
>>>>superstition. Anybody here have experience to the contrary?
>>>>
>>>>I'm old enough to remember that the issue has come up at least
>>>>a couple of times since the 1960s. Then it was called the
>>>>"Chinese restaurant syndrome" because Chinese cuisine has
>>>>always used it.
>>
>>So far, I've seen about a dozen posts of anecdotal evidence, but
>>no facts.  I suspect there is a strong psychological effect at
>>work here.  Does anyone have results from a scientific study
>>using double-blind trials?
>
>Check out #27903, just some 20 posts before your own. Maybe you missed
>it amidst the flurry of responses? Yet again, the use of this
>newsgroup is hampered by people not restricting their posts to matters
>they have substantial knowledge of.
>
>For cites on MSG, look up almost anything by John W. Olney, a
>toxicologist who has studied the effects of MSG on the brain and on
>development.  It is undisputed in the literature that MSG is an
>excitotoxic food additive, and that its major constituent, glutamate
>is essentially the premierie neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain
>(humans included).  Too much in the diet, and the system gets thrown
>off.  Glutamate and aspartate, also an excitotoxin are necessary in
>small amounts, and are freely available in many foods, but the amounts
>added by industry are far above the amounts that would normally be
>encountered in a ny single food.  By eating lots of junk food,
>packaged soups, and diet soft drinks, it is possible to jack your
>blood levels so high, that anyone with a sensitivity to these
>compounds will suffer numerous *real* physi9logical effects.
>Read Olney's review paper in Prog. Brain Res, 1988, and check *his*
>sources. They are impecable. There is no dispute.
>
>                    --Dianne Murray    wcsbeau@ccs.carleton.ca
In order to excitotoxin effects of MSG, MSG that in blood must go through
blood-brain barrier that I am not sure MSG can go through or not. In normal condition, the concentration of glutamate in the cerebrospinal fluid is about
2 uM that is high enough to activate one type of glutamate receptor-the NMDA
receptor. But the question is Neuron and glial cell in the brain have a lots of transport to get glutamate into Neuron or glial. So no one know exact concentration of glutamate is around neurons.
Glutamate is most important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is involved in not only in daily life like the controling of movement, it is alsoinvolved in develpoment, memory and learn (it is involved in Logn-term potentialtion that be thought is the basis of learning).
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 78
In article <1993Apr16.155123.447@cunews.carleton.ca> wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG) writes:
>>So far, I've seen about a dozen posts of anecdotal evidence, but
>>no facts.  I suspect there is a strong psychological effect at
>>work here.  Does anyone have results from a scientific study
>>using double-blind trials?
>
>Check out #27903, just some 20 posts before your own.
Um, I hate to break this to you, but article numbers are unique per site.
They have no meaning on other machines.
>Maybe you missed it amidst the flurry of responses?
You mean the responses some of which pointed to double-blind tests
which show no such "chinese restaurant effect" unique to MSG
(it's elicited by the placebo as well.)
>Yet again, the use of this
>newsgroup is hampered by people not restricting their posts to matters
>they have substantial knowledge of.
Like youself?  Someone who can read a scientific paper and apparently
come away from it with bizarrely cracked ideas which have nothing to
do with the use of this substance in human nutrition?
>For cites on MSG, look up almost anything by John W. Olney, a
>toxicologist who has studied the effects of MSG on the brain and on
>development.  It is undisputed in the literature that MSG is an
>excitotoxic food additive,
No, it's undisputed in the literature that glutamate is an amino acid
which is an excitatory neurotransmitter.  There is also evidence that
excessive release of glutamate may be involved in the pathology of certain
conditions like stroke, drowning and Lou Gehrig's disease, just to name a few.
This is a completely different issue than the use of this ubiquitous amino acid
in foods.  People are not receiving intra-ventricular injections of glutamate.
>and that its major constituent, glutamate
>is essentially the premierie neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain
>(humans included).
I don't know about premier, but it's certainly an important one.
>Too much in the diet, and the system gets thrown off.
Sez you.  Such an effect in humans has not been demonstrated in any
controlled studies.  Infant mice and other models are useful as far
as they go, but they're not relevant to the matter at hand.  Which is
not to say that I favor its use in things like baby food--a patently
ridiculous use of the additive.  But we have no reason to believe
that MSG in the diet effects humans adversely.
>Glutamate and aspartate, also an excitotoxin are necessary in
>small amounts, and are freely available in many foods, but the amounts
>added by industry are far above the amounts that would normally be
>encountered in a ny single food.
Wrong.  Do you know how much aspartate or phenylalanine is in a soft drink?
Milligrams worth.  Compare that to a glass of milk.  Do you know how much
glutamate is present in most protein-containing foods compared to that
added by the use of MSG?
>By eating lots of junk food,
>packaged soups, and diet soft drinks, it is possible to jack your
>blood levels so high, that anyone with a sensitivity to these
>compounds will suffer numerous *real* physi9logical effects.
Notice the subtle covering of her ass here: "anyone _with a sensitivity_..."
We're disputing the size of that class.
>Read Olney's review paper in Prog. Brain Res, 1988, and check *his*
>sources. They are impecable. There is no dispute.
Impeccable.  There most certainly is a dispute.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: drand@spinner.osf.org (Douglas S. Rand)
Subject: Re: chronic sinus and antibiotics
In-Reply-To: DEHP@calvin.edu's message of Fri, 16 Apr 1993 18:12:14 GMT
Organization: Open Software Foundation
<1qk708INNa12@mojo.eng.umd.edu> <DEHP.117@calvin.edu>
Distribution: na
Lines: 29
In article <DEHP.117@calvin.edu> DEHP@calvin.edu (Phil de Haan) writes:
In article <1qk708INNa12@mojo.eng.umd.edu> georgec@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark) writes:
>You can also swab the inside of your nose with Bacitracin using a
>Q tip. Bacitracin is an antibiotic that can be bought OTC as an
>ointment in a tube. The doctor I listen to on the radio says to apply
>it for 30 days, while you are taking other antibiotics by mouth.
I have a new doctor who gave me a prescription today for something called
Septra DS.  He said it may cause GI problems and I have a sensitive stomach
to begin with.  Anybody ever taken this antibiotic.  Any good?  Suggestions
for avoiding an upset stomach?  Other tips?
I've taken Septra.  My daughter has taken it many times for ear
infections.  It works sometimes.  It is a sulfa drug.  About the only
problem I found was that I'm sensitive and developed a rash after nine
days of a ten day course.  No more Septra for me.  My doctor was
remiss in not telling me to watch out for a rash.  I was quite in the
dark and didn't realize that it could be a drug reaction.  No harm
done though.
Doug
--
Douglas S. Rand <drand@osf.org>		OSF/Motif Dev.
Snail:         11 Cambridge Center,  Cambridge,  MA  02142
Disclaimer:    I don't know if OSF agrees with me... let's vote on it.
Amateur Radio: KC1KJ
From: richard@tis.com (Richard Clark)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Trusted Information Systems, Inc.
Lines: 30
NNTP-Posting-Host: sol.tis.com
>packer@delphi.gsfc.nasa.gov (Charles Packer) writes:
>
>>Is there such a thing as MSG (monosodium glutamate) sensitivity?
>>I saw in the NY Times Sunday that scientists have testified before
>>an FDA advisory panel that complaints about MSG sensitivity are
>>superstition. Anybody here have experience to the contrary?
>
>>I'm old enough to remember that the issue has come up at least
>>a couple of times since the 1960s. Then it was called the
>>"Chinese restaurant syndrome" because Chinese cuisine has
>>always used it.
>
My blood pressure soars, my heart pounds, and I can't get to sleep
for the life of me... feels about like I just drank 8 cups of coffee.
I avoid it, and beet sugar, flavor enhancers, beet powder, and
whatever other names it may go under. Basicaly I read the ingredients, and
if I don't know what they all are, I don't buy the product.
MSG sensitivity is definately *real*.
-----------------------Relativity Schmelativity-----------------------------
Richard H. Clark				My opinions are my own, and
LUNATIK - watch for me on the road...		ought to be yours, but under
It's not my fault... I voted PEROT!		no circumstances are they
richard@tis.com				those of my company...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
Lines: 53
Distribution: inet
NNTP-Posting-Host: saltillo.cs.utexas.edu
Keywords: science   errors   Turpin
-*----
I agree with everything that Lee Lady wrote in her previous post in
this thread.  In case this puzzles people, I would like to expand
on two of her comments.
In article <C5JoDH.9IG@news.Hawaii.Edu> lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady) writes:
> Avoiding mistakes is certainly highly desirable.  However it is also
> widely acknowledged that perfectionism is inimicable to creativity.
> ... In the extreme case, a perfectionist becomes so paralyzed by all
> the possible mistakes he might make that he is unable to even leave
> the house.
One of the most important (and difficult) aspects of reasoning
about empirical investigation lies in understanding the context,
scope, and importance of the various arguments and pieces of
evidence that are marshalled for a claim.  Some errors break the
back of a piece of research, some leave a hole that needs to be
filled in, and some are trivial in their importance.  It is a
grave mistake to confuse these.
Past snippets from this thread:
>>> I doubt if Einstein used any formal methodology.  ....
>> He also proposed numerous experiments which if performed would
>> distinguish a universe in which special relativity holds from
>> one in which it does not. ...
Back to Lee Lady:
> These are not the rules according to many who post to sci.med and
> sci.psychology.  According to these posters  "If it's not supported by
> carefully designed controlled studies then it's not science."
These posters are making the mistake that I have previously
criticized of adhering to a methodological recipe.  A "carefully
designed and controlled study" is neither always possible nor
always important.  (On the other hand, if someone is proposing a
remedy that supposedly alleviates a chronic medical problem, we
have enough knowledge of the errors that have plagued *this* kind
of claim to ask for a "carefully designed and controlled study"
to alleviate our skepticism.)
Rules such as "support the hypothesis by a carefully designed and
controlled study" are too narrow to apply to *all* investigation.
I think that the requirements for particular reasoning to be
convincing depends greatly on the kinds of mistakes that have
occurred in past reasoning about the same kinds of things.  (To
reuse the previous example, we know that conclusions from
uncontrolled observations of the treatment of chronic medical
problems are notoriously problematic.)
Russell
From: Mark-Tarbell@suite.com
Subject: Amniocentesis, et. al.
Organization: Suite Software
Lines: 7
Reply-To: suite!tarbell@uunet.uu.net
NNTP-Posting-Host: gilgamesh.suite.com
Is there some difference between the purposes behind
amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling? They sound
similar to me, but are intended to detect different
things?
Thanks.
Subject: Need Help in Steroid Research
From: tthomps@eis.calstate.edu (Thomas Thompson)
Organization: Calif State Univ/Electronic Information Services
Lines: 8
I am doing a term paper on steroids, actually the scientist who
helped crate the drug. I discovered that Joseph Fruton is one of the
researchers who helped create anabolic steroids. The only information on
this person I know is he was a biochemist that did research in the 1930's.
I already did research at my local libraries, but I still need more
information. My instructor is requiring resources from the computer
networks. Please write back concerning my subject, any books, articles,
etc., will be appreciated.
From: brein@jplpost.jpl.nasa.gov (Barry S. Rein)
Subject: Need survival data on colon cancer
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Lines: 17
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: desa.jpl.nasa.gov
A relative of mine was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.  I would like
to know the best source of survival statistics for this disease when
discovered at its various stages.
I would prefer to be directed to a recent source of this data, rather than
receive the data itself.
Thank you,
****************************************************************************
*                              Barry Rein
*
*                       brein@jplpost.jpl.nasa.gov
*
****************************************************************************
*                            No clever comment.
*
****************************************************************************
From: fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: University of Rochester
Lines: 53
In article <C5L9ws.Jn2@unx.sas.com> sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill) writes:
>
>In article <1993Apr16.155919.28040@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
>|> genes.  This fantasy led him to sequence samples of the band and carry out
>|> binding assays.  The result was a well-conserved, 400 or so bp, sequence
>
>But why do you characterize this as a "flight of fancy" or a "fantasy"?
The fantasy was that he had found something of fundamental importance to
one of the hot questions of the day ('77).  He really had very little
reason to believe it, other than raw hope.  By fantasy, I certainly don't
mean Velikovskian manias.
>some other theory or domain).  I would offer some rather well known examples
>such as Toricelli's Puy de Dome experiment done for the sake of his
>"sea of air" hypothesis.
I'm not familiar with the history of this experiment, although, arguably,
I should be.
>"surprising"?
>Well, given the *prior* explanations of the phenomena involved it certainly
>be counted as so.  Was the theory constructed (and the experiment designed)
>out of "perfectly rational grounds"?  Well, there was a pretty successful and
>well know theory of fluids.  The analogy to fluids by Toricelli is explicit.
>The novelty was in thinking of air as a fluid (but this was *quite* a novelty
>at the time).  Was the theory interesting?  Yes.  Was it "new"?  Well, one
>could argue that it was merely the extension of an existing theory to a new
>domain, but I think this begs certain questions.  We can debate that if you
>like.
I think that it is enough if his contemporaries found the result surprising.
That's not what I'd quibble about.  What I'd like to know are Toricelli's
reasons for doing his experiment; not the post hoc _constructed_ reasons,
but the thoughts in his head as he considered the problem.  It may be
impossible to know much about Toricelli's thoughts; that's too bad if
it is so.  One of Root-Bernstein's services to science is that he has gone
rooting about in Pasteur's and Fleming's (and other people's) notes, and has
discovered some surprising clues about their motivations.  Pasteur never
publicly admitted his plan to create mirror-image life, but the dreams are
right there in his notebooks (finally public after many years), ready for
anyone to read.  And I and my friends often have the most ridiculous
reasons for pursuing results; one of my best came because I was mad at
a colleague for a poorly-written claim (I disproved the claim).
Of course, Toricelli's case may be an example of a rarety: where the
fantasy not only motivates the experiment, but turns out to be right
in the end.
Mark
--
Mark A. Fulk			University of Rochester
Computer Science Department	fulk@cs.rochester.edu
From: sdbsd5@cislabs.pitt.edu (Stephen D Brener)
Subject: Japanese for Scientists and Engineers
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 101
INTENSIVE JAPANESE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH THIS SUMMER
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The University of Pittsburgh is offering two intensive Japanese language
courses this summer.  Both courses, Intensive Elementary Japanese and
Intensive Intermediate Japanese, are ten week, ten credit courses
each equivalent to one full year of Japanese language study.  They begin
June 7 and end August 13.  The courses meet five days per week, five hours
per day.  There is a flat rate tuition charge of $1600 per course.
Fellowships available for science and engineering students.  Contact
Steven Brener, Program Manager of the Japanese Science and Technology
Management Program, at the University of Pittsburgh at the number or
address below.
ALL INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY, THIS IS NOT LIMITED TO
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.
#######################################################################
#################   New Program Announcement   ########################
#######################################################################
JAPANESE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Japanese Science and Technology Management Program (JSTMP) is a new
program jointly developed by the University of Pittsbugh and Carnegie Mellon
University.  Students and professionals in the engineering and scientific
communitites are encouraged to apply for classes commencing in June 1993 and
January 1994.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The program intends to promote technology transfer between Japan and the
United States.  It is also designed to let scientists, engineers, and managers
experience how the Japanese proceed with technological development.  This is
facilitated by extended internships in Japanese research facilities and
laboratories that provide participants with the opportunity to develop
long-term professional relationships with their Japanese counterparts.
PROGRAM DESIGN
To fulfill the objectives of the program, participants will be required to
develop advanced language capability and a deep understanding of Japan and
its culture.  Correspondingly, JSTMP consists of three major components:
1. TRAINING IN THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Several Japanese language courses will be offered, including intensive courses
designed to expedite language preparation for scientists and engineers in a
relatively short time.
2. EDUCATION IN JAPANESE BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CULTURE
A particular enphasis is placed on attaining a deep understanding of the
cultural and educational basis of Japanese management approaches in
manufacturing and information technology.  Courses will be available in a
variety of departments throughout both universities including Anthropology,
Sociology, History, and Political Science.  Moreover, seminars and colloquiums
will be conducted.  Further, a field trip to Japanese manufacturing or
research facilities in the United States will be scheduled.
3. AN INTERNSHIP OR A STUDY MISSION IN JAPAN
Upon completion of their language and cultural training at PITT and CMU,
participants will have the opportunity to go to Japan and observe,
and participate in the management of technology.  Internships in Japan
will generally run for one year; however, shorter ones are possible.
FELLOWSHIPS COVERING TUITION FOR LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COURSES, AS WELL AS
STIPENDS FOR LIVING EXPENSES ARE AVAILABLE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION MATERIALS CONTACT
STEVEN BRENER				SUSIE BROWN
JSTMP					Carnegie Mellon University, GSIA
University of Pittsburgh		Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
4E25 Forbes Quadrangle			Telephone: (412) 268-7806
Pittsburgh, PA 15260			FAX:	   (412) 268-8163
Telephone: (412) 648-7414
FAX:       (412) 648-2199
############################################################################
############################################################################
Interested individuals, companies and institutions should respond by phone or
mail.  Please do not inquire via e-mail.
Please note that this is directed at grads and professionals, however, advanced
undergrads will be considered.  Further, funding is resticted to US citizens
and permanent residents of the US.
Steve Brener
From: georgec@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark)
Subject: Re: Endometriosis
Organization: University of Maryland
Lines: 6
NNTP-Posting-Host: athens.eng.umd.edu
You may want to inquire about taking Lupron as a medication. It's
supposed to be a new treatment, and it's described in Nov. 1992
issue of J. of Obst. and Gyn.
Lupron is taken as a monthly injection, whereas other drugs such
as danazol are taken daily as pills.
From: cps@generali.harvard.edu (Chris Schaeffer)
Subject: Re: Eugenics
Summary: It will be difficult.
Organization: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Distribution: world
Lines: 28
In article <19617@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>Probably within 50 years, a new type of eugenics will be possible.
>[...should] we do this?  Should we make a race of disease-free, long-lived,
>Arnold Schwartzenegger-muscled, supermen?  Even if we can.
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
>geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two thoughts.
- I think that psychologically it will be easier for the next
generation to accept genetic manipulation.  It seems that people frown
upon 'messing with Nature', ignoring our eons-old practice of doing just that.
Any new human intervention is 'arrogance and hubris' and manipulation
we routinely do is 'natural' and certainly 'not a big deal'.
- Most interesting human traits will probably be massively
polygenetic and be full of trade-offs.  In addition, without a positive
social environment for the cultivation of genetic gifts, having them won't
be the advantage it's made out to be.  Some people will certainly pursue it
as if it is the Grail, but we know how most of those quests turn out.
Chris Schaeffer
From: akins@cbnewsd.cb.att.com (kay.a.akins)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Organization: AT&T
Summary: seizures and foods
Lines: 35
In article <PAULSON.93Apr15082558@cmb00.larc.nasa.gov>, paulson@tab00.larc.nasa.gov (Sharon Paulson) writes:
> I am posting to this group in hopes of finding someone out there in
> network newsland who has heard of something similar to what I am going
> to describe here.  I have a fourteen year old daugter who experienced
> a seizure on November 3, 1992 at 6:45AM after eating Kellog's Frosted
> Flakes.  She is perfectly healthy, had never experienced anything like
> this before, and there is no history of seizures in either side of the
> family.  All the tests (EEG, MRI, EKG) came out negative so the decision
> was made to do nothing and just wait to see if it happened again.
>
> Well, we were going along fine and the other morning, April 5, she had
> a bowl of another Kellog's frosted kind of cereal, Fruit Loops (I am
> embarrassed to admit that I even bought that junk but every once
> in a while...) So I pour it in her bowl and think "Oh, oh, this is the
> same kind of junk she was eating when she had that seizure."  Ten
> minutes later she had a full blown seizures. This was her first exposure
> to a sugar coated cereal since the last seizure.......
My daughter has Epilepsy and I attend a monthly parent support group.
Just Wednesday night, a mother was telling how she decided to throw
all the junk food out and see if it made a difference in her 13 year-old's
seizures.  He was having about one seizure per week.  She reported that
she did this on Thursday (3/11), he had a seizure on Saturday and then
went 4 weeks without a seizure!!  On Easter he went to Grandma's and ate
candy, pop - anything he wanted.  He had a seizure the next day.  She
sees sensitivity to nutrasweet, sugar, colors, caffine and corn.  With
corn she says, he gets very nervous and aggresive.
With my own daughter (age 7) , I think she is also sensitive and stays
away from those foods on her own.  She has never had gum, won't eat
candy, prefers an apple to a cookie, doesn't like chocolate and won't
even use toothpaste!!!  Her brother, on the other hand, is a junk food
addict!
Hope this helps.  Good Luck.
From: mcg2@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (Marc Gabriel)
Subject: Bouncing LymeNet newsletters...
Organization: Lehigh University
Lines: 22
The following 4 addresses are on the LymeNet mailing list, but are rejecting
mail.  Since the list server originally accepted these addresses successfully,
I assume these addresses have since been eliminated.  Improperly functioning
mail gateways might also be responsible.
If you are listed here and would still like to remain on the list, please
write to me.  Otherwise, I will remove these addresses from the list before the
next newsletter goes out.
As a general rule, please remember to *unsubscribe* from all your mailing
lists before your account is closed.  This will save the listserv maintainer
from many headaches.
Lezliel@Sitka.Sun.COM
Kenneth_R_Hall@Roch817.Xerox.COM
Westmx!ayoub@uunet.uu.net
Absol.absol.com!rsb@panix.COM
--
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Marc C. Gabriel        -  U.C. Box 545  -
(215) 882-0138         Lehigh University
From: andersom@spot.Colorado.EDU (Marc Anderson)
Subject: Miracle Berries anyone?
Nntp-Posting-Host: spot.colorado.edu
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Lines: 47
[From Kalat, J.W.. (1992):  _Biological Psychology_. Wadsworth Publishing Co.
Belmont, CA.  Pg. 219.  Reproduced without permission.]
Digression 6.1:  Miracle Berries and the Modification of Taste Receptors
Although the _miracle berry_, a plant native to West Africa is practically
tasteless, it temporarily changes the taste of other substances.  Miracle
berries contain a protein, _miraculin_, that modifies sweet receptors in
such a way that they can be stimulated by acids (Bartoshuk, Gentile,
Moskowitz, & Meiselman, 1974).  If you ever get a chance to chew a miracle
berry (and I do recommend it), for about the next half an hour all acids
(which are normally sour) will taste sweet.  They will continue to taste
sour as well.
Miraculin was, for a time, commercially available in the United States as a
diet aid.  The idea was that dieters could coat their tongue with a miraculin
pill and then eat and drink unsweetened, slightly acidic substances.  Such
substances would taste sweet without providing many calories.
A colleague and I once spent an evening experimenting with miracle berries.
We drank straight lemon juice, sauerkraut juice, even vinegar.  All tasted
extremely sweet.  Somehow we forgot how acidic these substances are.  We
awoke the next day to find our mouths full of ulcers.
[... continued discussion of a couple other taste-altering substances ...]
Refs:
Bartoshuk, L.M., Gentile, R.L., Moskowitz, H.R., & Meiselman, H.L.  (1974):
Sweet taste induced by miracle fruit (_Synsephalum dulcificum_).
_Physiology & Behavior_.  12(6):449-456.
-------------
Anyone ever hear of these things or know where to get them?
-marc
andersom@spot.colorado.edu
From: vonwaadn@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Panic Disorder - more success stories
Organization: University of Kansas Academic Computing Services
Lines: 32
I posted this to sci.psychology on April 3, and after seeing
your post here on panice disorder thought it would be
relevant.
-----
My research indicates that two schools of thought exist.
the literature promoting medication says it's the superior
treatment.  Not surprisingly, literature promoting cognitive
therapy also claims to be superior.
What are the facts?  Early in my research I didn't have a
bias towards either medication or cognitive therapy.  I
was interested in a treatment that worked.  After reading
journals published after 1986, the cognitive therapy camp
claims a higher success rate (approx 80%), a lower drop-out
rate, and no side effects associated with medication.
Lars-Goran Ost published an excellent article titled
"Applied Relaxation: Description of a coping technique and
a review of controlled studies."  This is from Behav. Res. Ther.,
vol. 25, no. 5, pp. 397-409, 1987.  The article provides
instructions on how to perform applied relaxation (AR).
Briefly, you start with two 15 minute sessions daily, and
progress in 8-12 weeks to performing 10-15 thirty second sessions
daily.
I'll snail mail this article to anyone interested (USA only please;
International please pay for postage).
Mark
vonwaadn@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
From: mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Nntp-Posting-Host: aisun3.ai.uga.edu
Organization: AI Programs, University of Georgia, Athens
Lines: 12
I'm told that corn allergy is fairly common.  My wife has it and it seems
to be exacerbated if sugar is eaten with the corn.
I suppose that in a person just on the verge of having epilepsy, an
allergic reaction might cause a seizure, but I don't really know.
Gordon?
--
:-  Michael A. Covington, Associate Research Scientist        :    *****
:-  Artificial Intelligence Programs      mcovingt@ai.uga.edu :  *********
:-  The University of Georgia              phone 706 542-0358 :   *  *  *
:-  Athens, Georgia 30602-7415 U.S.A.     amateur radio N4TMI :  ** *** **  <><
Subject: Post Polio Syndrome Information Needed Please !!!
From: keith@actrix.gen.nz (Keith Stewart)
Organization: Actrix Information Exchange
Lines: 9
My wife has become interested through an acquaintance in Post-Polio Syndrome
This apparently is not recognised in New Zealand and different symptons ( eg
chest complaints) are treated separately. Does anone have any information on
it
Thanks
Keith
From: spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu (Steve Pope)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: U.C. Berkeley -- ERL
Lines: 13
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: zion.berkeley.edu
Carl Lydick:
> And you're condemning one particular ingredient without any
> evidence that that's the ingredient to which you reacted.
Believe what you will.
The mass of anectdotal evidence, combined with the lack of
a properly constructed scientific experiment disproving
the hypothesis, makes the MSG reaction hypothesis the
most likely explanation for events.
Steve
From: Simon.N.McRae@dartmouth.edu (Simon N McRae)
Subject: re: hepatitis-b
X-Posted-From: InterNews1.0b10@newshost.dartmouth.edu
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Lines: 38
In article <1993Apr14.4274.32512@dosgate>
russell.sinclair-day@canrem.com (russell sinclair-day) writes:
> What we are really worried about is not knowing the facts. The doctor
> has stated that things will not be good if she is a carrier and avoids
> further questions on the subject. We really would like to know so we
> can take steps and plan in advance for any eventualities.
>
> Thank-you for your very informative post. Right now I am just trying
> to find out everything that I can.
>
>                         Russ.
Unfortunately, Hep B infection can eventuate in chronic hepatitis and
subsequent cirrhosis.  Although not many patients with Hep B go on to
chronic hepatitis, it does still occur in a good number (20%?) and is
something to keep in mind.  Hepatitis C (was: non-A, non-B Hep) much
more frequently leads to chronic hep and cirrhosis.  There is also an
autimmune chronic hepatitis that affects mostly younger women which
also leads to cirrhosis.
Of course, cirrhosis is a most unkind disease.  The most dangerous
effects relate to portal hypertension and loss of liver function.
Patients develop life-threatening variceal bleeds and hepatic comas,
among many other problems, as a result of disturbances in hepatic
circulation.  Less ominously, they can exhibit the effects of
hyperestrogenemia which often characterize patients with cirrhosis.
These effects include telangiactasias (small red skin lesions) and, in
men, gynecomastia (breast development).  The only real treatment for
cirrhosis is liver transplant.
Keep in mind that cirrhosis is not expected, at least statistically, in
your friend's case.  Nevertheless you might want to bring up the
subject of chronic disease and cirrhosis with the doctor.  Hopefully he
or she can then carefully explain these sequelae of Hep B infection to
you, and offer you support.
Simon.
From: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Subject: food-related seizures?
Distribution: world
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Lines: 27
SP> From: paulson@tab00.larc.nasa.gov (Sharon Paulson)
SP> to describe here.  I have a fourteen year old daugter who experienced
SP> a seizure on November 3, 1992 at 6:45AM after eating Kellog's Frosted
SP> Flakes.
SP> Well, we were going along fine and the other morning, April 5, she had
SP> a bowl of another Kellog's frosted kind of cereal, Fruit Loops (I am
SP> When I mentioned what she ate the first time as a possible reason for
SP> the seizure the neurologist basically negated that as an idea.  Now
SP> after this second episode, so similar in nature to the first, even
SP> he is scratching his head.
There's no data that sugar-coated cereals cause seizures.  I haven't
even seen anything anecdotal on it.  Given how common they are eaten
- do you know any child or adolescent who *doesn't* eat the stuff? -
I think that if there were a relationship we would know it by now.
Also, there's nothing weird in those cereals.  As far as the brain
is concerned (except for a few infantile metabolic disorders such as
galactosemia), sugar is sugar, regardless if it is coated on cereal,
sprinkled onto cereal, or dissolved in soda, coffee or whatever.
There was some interest a few years ago in aspartame lowering
seizure thresholds, but I don't believe anything ever came of it.
---
. SLMR 2.1 . E-mail: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
From: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Subject: Re: Could this be a migraine????
Distribution: world
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Lines: 16
GB> From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
GB> The HMO would stop the over-ordering, but in HMOs, tests are
GB> under-ordered.
That's a somewhat overbroad statement.  I'm sure there are HMOs in
which the fees for lab tests are subtracted from the doctor's
income.  In most, however, including the one I work for, there is no
direct incentive to under-order.  Profits of the group are shared
among all partners, but the group is so large that an individual's
generated costs have a miniscule effect.  I don't believe that we
under-order.  Then again, I'm not really sure what the right amount
of ordering is or should be.  Relative to the average British
neurologist, I suspect that I rather drastically over-order.
---
. SLMR 2.1 . E-mail: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
From: npm@netcom.com (Nancy P. Milligan)
Subject: Re: Need advice with doctor-patient relationship problem
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Lines: 15
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
I'd dump him.  Rude is rude and it seems he enjoys belittling and
humiliating you.  But don't just dump him, write to him and tell
him why you are firing him.  If you can, think about sending a copy
of your letter to whoever is in charge of the clinic where he works,
if applicable, or maybe even to the AMA.  Don't be vindictive in
your letter, be truthful but VERY firm.
But don't be a victim and just put up with it.  Take control!  It'll
make you feel great!
Nancy M.
--
Nancy P. Milligan					npm@netcom.com
or
npm@dale.cts.com
From: mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu (Michael Holloway)
Subject: Re: Homeopathy: a respectable medical tradition?
Keywords: Yes, SCIENCE, stupid!
Nntp-Posting-Host: engws5.ic.sunysb.edu
Organization: State University of New York at Stony Brook
Lines: 75
In article <C5HLBu.I3A@tripos.com> homer@tripos.com (Webster Homer) writes:
>mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu (Michael Holloway) writes:
>
>>Here's your error.  I really do think this shows some confusion on your
>>part.  (Drum roll please)  Science isn't so much the gathering of evidence
>>to support an "assertion" (read: hypothesis) as it is the gathering of
>>empirical observations IN ORDER TO MAKE AN HYPOTHESIS.  What should
>>convince you (or not) shouldn't be the final product so much as *HOW* the
>>product was made.
>>
>Here's your error. There is no observation or hypothesis that is not tainted
>by theory. I have a theory, I make observations, those observations will be
>made with my theory in mind.
Yes, absolutely, though I'd make the observation in a more general sense of
all observations are made by human beings and therefore made with various
biases.
But here your message leaves talk of hypothesis and gets back, once again,
to equating the business of science with the end result, the gizmo produced.
>Science works very well at developing theories
>within paradigms, but is very poor at dealing with paradigm shifts. If I
>develop a novel paradigm that explains homeopathy, chinese medicine, or
>spontaneous combustion. If the paradigm is useful it will show me the way
>to make observations that "prove" or "disprove" it.
My point isn't so much whether or not you have a novel paradigm but *how*
you come about developing it.
>The paradigm of modern medicine is that the body can be reduced to a set of
>essentially mechanical operations wherein disease is seen as malfunctions in
>the machinery, essentially the old Newtonian model of the world. It seems
>likely that theories based upon this paradigm do not give a complete
>discription of the universe, medicine, healing etc... Indeed we now
>recognize an important psychological component to healing.
Perhaps you'd admit that this is an oversimplification on your part (the topic
of the philosophy of science is made for them, I'm making them too) but I
think that it also summarizes popular misconceptions of science and the
business of doing science.  Biomedical research doesn't make any basic
assumptions that aren't the same as any other discipline of scientific
research.  That is, that you make empirical observations, form an hypothesis
and test it.  Modern medicine has much more to do with biochemistry than
"the old Newtonian model of the world".  And I doubt that many psychologists
would appreciate being put outside this empirical "world view".  Psychology
also has more to do with biochemistry than spoon bending.
>It is also important to distinguish reason from science. Science may be
>reasonable, but so are many non-scientific methodologies. Aristotle reasoned
>that frogs came from mud by observing one hop out of a puddle.
Oversimplified, of course, but a good example.  This is an empirical observa-
tion.  It was then tested, though perhaps not by Aristotle, and eventually
found wanting.  In the meantime, some folk will
have continued to believe in the spontaneous generation of animal life.
There's nothing at all surprising about this, it's the way the gathering of
knowledge works.  There are probably more than a few things in my own
discipline of molecular biology that will be found to be totally off-base,
even idiotic, to someone in the future.  These future people won't have come
to these relevations because they had suddenly gone all Zen-like and had
a vision in an LSD trip.  Someone will have thought of something new and
tested it.  This is the bit that people who seem to relish misrepresenting
science and research can't seem to wrap their minds around.  Science is a
creative process.  What I think of as factual and good research can be totally
turned on its head tommorrow by new results and theories.
Again, I think it gets down to defining what you mean by "science".  I often
don't recognize what it is that I do, and am involved in, in the way science
is portrayed by popular media or writings of people in the humanities.  They
portray science as a collection of immutable facts, pronouncements of TRUTH
in big gold letters.  That's silly.  Its as though we just go into the lab,
turn over a stone, and come up with a mechanism for transcriptional regula-
tion.  Its much more interesting than that.  It really is a very human
process.
From: ak949@yfn.ysu.edu (Michael Holloway)
Subject: Re: ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION FACT SHEET
Organization: St. Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown, OH
Lines: 32
Reply-To: ak949@yfn.ysu.edu (Michael Holloway)
NNTP-Posting-Host: yfn.ysu.edu
In a previous article, dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank) says:
>In article <1993Apr12.205726.10679@sbcs.sunysb.edu>, mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu
>|> Organ donors are healthy people who have died suddenly, usually
>|> through accident or head injury.  They are brain dead.  The
>|> organs are kept alive through mechanical means.
>
>OK, so how do you define healthy people?
>
>My wife cannot donate blood because she has been to a malarial region
>in the past three years.  In fact, she tried to have her bone marrow
>typed and they wouldn't even do that!  Why?
>
>I can't donate blood either because not only have I been to a malarial
>region, but I have also been diagnosed (and surgically treated) for
>testicular cancer.  The blood bank wont accept blood from me for 10
>years.
Obviously, it wouldn't be of much help to treat one problem by knowingly
introducing another.  Cancer mestastizes.  My imperfect understanding of
the facts are that gonadal cancer is particularly dangerous in this regard.
I haven't done the research on it, but I don't recall ever hearing of a
case of cancer being transmitted by a blood transfusion.  Probably just a
common sense kind of arbitrary precaution.  Transmissable diseases like
malaria though are obviously another story.
--
Michael Holloway
E-mail: mhollowa@ccmail.sunysb.edu (mail to freenet is forwarded)
phone: (516)444-3090
From: wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Lines: 44
In article <1993Apr16.194316.25522@ohsu.edu> tong@ohsu.edu (Gong Tong) writes:
>In article <1993Apr16.155123.447@cunews.carleton.ca> wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG) writes:
>>
>>For cites on MSG, look up almost anything by John W. Olney, a
>>toxicologist who has studied the effects of MSG on the brain and on
>>development.  It is undisputed in the literature that MSG is an
>>excitotoxic food additive, and that its major constituent, glutamate
>>is essentially the premierie neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain
>>(humans included).  Too much in the diet, and the system gets thrown
>>off.  Glutamate and aspartate, also an excitotoxin are necessary in
>>small amounts, and are freely available in many foods, but the amounts
>>added by industry are far above the amounts that would normally be
>>encountered in a ny single food.  By eating lots of junk food,
>>packaged soups, and diet soft drinks, it is possible to jack your
>>blood levels so high, that anyone with a sensitivity to these
>>compounds will suffer numerous *real* physi9logical effects.
>>Read Olney's review paper in Prog. Brain Res, 1988, and check *his*
>>sources. They are impecable. There is no dispute.
>>
>>                    --Dianne Murray    wcsbeau@ccs.carleton.ca
>
>In order to excitotoxin effects of MSG, MSG that in blood must go through
>blood-brain barrier that I am not sure MSG can go through or not.
Elevated levels of Glu and Asp in the blood are able to bypass the
Blood-brain barrier through the circumventricular organs (or CVO), in
particular the adeno and neurohypophysis (pituitary gland) areas.  The
arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, and the median eminence regions
are particularly effected.  CVO areas are not subject to the
blood-brain barrier. These areas control the release of gonadotropin,
which controls the release and flux of steroids governing development,
especially sexual development. Changes in adult rats, which are less
sensitive to Glu than humans, have been observed: after ingesting Glu,
on a chronic basis, cycles of several steroids are disrupted. Blood
levels of somatostatin are significantly reduced, and cyclic release
of steroids becomes flattened.
Hope this helps.
--Dianne Murray: wcsbeau@ccs.carleton.ca
From: lindae@netcom.com
Subject: Friend Needs Advice...
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Lines: 38
A friend of mine is having some symptoms and has asked me to post
the following information.
A few weeks ago, she noticed that some of her hair was starting
to fall out.  She would touch her head and strands of hair would
just fall right out. (by the way, she is 29 or 30 years old).
It continued to occur until she had a bald spot about the
size of a half dollar.  Since that time, she  has gotten two
more bald spots of the same size.  Other symptoms she's
described include:  several months of an irregular menstrual
cycle (which is strange for her, because she has always been
extremely regular); laryngitis every few days -- she will wake
up one morning and have almost no voice, and then the next day
it's fine; dizzy spells -- she claims that she's had 4 or 5
very bad dizzy spells early in the morning, including one that
knocked her to the ground; and general fatigue.
She went to a dermatologist first who couldn't find any reason
for the symptoms and sent her to an internist who suspected
thyroid problems.  He did the blood work and claims that everything
came back normal.
She's very concerned and very confused.  Does anyone have any
ideas or suggestions?  I told her that I thought she should
see an endocrinologist.  Does that sound like the right idea?
** By the way, in case you are going to ask...no, she has recently
taken any medications that would cause these symptoms...no, she hasn't
recently changed her hair products and she hasn't gotten a perm,
coloring, or other chemical process that might cause hair to fall
out.
Thanks in advance for any help!
From: mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson)
Subject: Eumemics (was: Eugenics)
Article-I.D.: cup.79700
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 36
> Probably within 50 years, a new type of eugenics will be possible.
> Maybe even sooner.  We are now mapping the human genome.  We will
> then start to work on manipulation of that genome.  Using genetic
> engineering, we will be able to insert whatever genes we want.
> No breeding, no "hybrids", etc.  The ethical question is, should
> we do this?  Should we make a race of disease-free, long-lived,
> Arnold Schwartzenegger-muscled, supermen?  Even if we can.
Probably within 50 years, it will be possible to disassemble and
re-assemble our bodies at the molecular level.  Not only will flawless
cosmetic surgery be possible, but flawless cosmetic PSYCHOSURGERY.
What will it be like to store all the prices of shelf-priced bar-coded
goods in your head, and catch all the errors they make in the store's
favor at SAFEWAY?  What will it be like to mentally edit and spell-
check your responses to the questions posed by a phone caller selling
VACATION TIME-SHARE OPTIONS?
Indeed, we are today a nation at risk!  The threat is not from bad genes,
but bad memes!  Memes are the basic units of culture, as opposed to genes
which are the units of genetics.
We stand on the brink of new meme-amplification technologies!  Harmful
memes which formerly were restricted in their destructive power will
run rampant over the countryside, laying waste to the real benefits that
future technology has to offer.
For example, Jeremy Rifkin has been busy trying to whip up emotions
against the new genetically engineered tomatoes under development at
CALGENE.  This guy is inventing harmful memes, a virtual memetic Typhoid
Mary.
We must expand the public-health laws to include quarantine of people
with harmful memes.  They should not be allowed to infect other people
with their memes against genetically-engineered food, electromagnetic
fields, and the Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters.
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Subject: Re: Need advice with doctor-patient relationship problem
Article-I.D.: cnsvax.1993Apr17.012019.6087
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 12
[reply to mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington)]
>Sounds as though his heart's in the right place, but he is not adept at
>expressing it.  What you received was _meant_ to be a profound apology.
>Apologies delivered by overworked shy people often come out like that...
The guy didn't sound too shy to me.  He sounded like a jerk.  I say ditch
him for someone more knowledgeable and empathetic.
David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
From: mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu (Michael Holloway)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Keywords: science   errors   Turpin
Nntp-Posting-Host: engws5.ic.sunysb.edu
Organization: State University of New York at Stony Brook
Lines: 16
In article <C5JoDH.9IG@news.Hawaii.Edu> lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady) writes:
>
>Furthermore, the big bucks approach to science promotes what I think is
>one of the most significant errors in science:  choosing to investigate
>questions because they can be readily handled by the currently
>fashionable methodology (or because one can readily get institutional
>or corporate sponsorship for them) instead of directing attention to
>those questions which seem to have fundamental significance.
Shades of James Watson!  That's exactly the way many workers have described
their misgivings about the Human Genome Project.  If you take a rigid
definition of scientific research, the mere accumulation of data is not
doing science.  One of the early arguments against the project were that the
resources would be better used to focus on specific genetics-related
problems rather than just going off and collecting maps and sequence.
The project can't be so narrowly defined or easily described now though.
From: mckay@alcor.concordia.ca (John McKay)
Subject: Lasers for dermatologists
Originator: mckay@alcor.concordia.ca
Nntp-Posting-Host: alcor.concordia.ca
Organization: Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec
Lines: 15
Having had limited tinea pedis for more than 30 years, and finding
it resistant to ALL creams and powders I have tried, I wonder why
dermatologists do not use lasers to destroy the fungus. It would
seem likely to be effective and inexpensive. Are there good reasons
for not using lasers?
I was told that dermatology had not yet reached the laser age.
John McKay
vax2.concordia.ca
--
Deep ideas are simple.
Odd groups are even.
Even simples are not.
From: mjliu@csie.nctu.edu.tw (Ming-zhou Liu)
Subject: H E L P   M E   ---> desperate with some VD
Organization: Dep. Computer Science & Engin. of Chiao Tung U., Taiwan, ROC
Lines: 20
I have bad luck and got a VD called <Granuloma ingunale>, which involves
the growth of granules in the groin.  I found out about it by checking medicine
books and I found the prescriptions.  And I know I can just go to a clinic to
get it cured.  BUT unfortunately I am serving my duty in the army right now and
I think it's impossible to prevent anyone from knowing this if I take leaves
every day for two weeks for treatment.  Thus I bought the prescribed tablets
at some drugstore, but to cure it I must get INJECTION of <Streptomycin>, with
a dose of 1g every 12 hours, for at least 10 days.  I can probably buy the
tools and this solution somewhere but I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO INJECTION BY MYSELF
!
Can any kind people here tell me:
If it's possible to do it? Can I do it on my arm? or it must be done on the hip
only??  Any info is welcome and please write me or post your help SOON!! (I am
already taking the tablets ..and I can't wait!!)
Please don't flame me for posting this, and don't judge me. I've learned a
lesson and all I need now is REAL MEDICAL HELP.
Desperate from Taipei
From: ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth)
Subject: Selective Placebo
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Lines: 34
From: romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff) writes:
JB>    RR> "I don't doubt that the placebo effect is alive and well with
JB>    RR>  EVERY medical modality - estimated by some to be around 20+%,
JB>    RR>  but why would it be higher with alternative versus conventional
JB>    RR>  medicine?"
JB>
JB>  Because most the the time, closer to 90% in my experience, there is no
JB>  substance to the 'alternative' intervention beyond the good intentions of the
JB>  practitioner, which in itself is quite therapeutic. [.......]
JB>
JB>  John Badanes, DC, CA
JB>  romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu
Well, if that's the case in YOUR practice, I have a hard time
figuring out how you even managed to make it into the bottom half
of your class, or did you create your diplomas with crayons?
If someone runs a medical practice with only a 10% success rate,
they either tackle problems for which they are not qualified to
treat, or they have no conscience and are only in business for
fraudulent purposes.
OTOH, who are we kidding, the New England Medical Journal in 1984
ran the heading: "Ninety Percent of Diseases are not Treatable by
Drugs or Surgery," which has been echoed by several other reports.
No wonder MDs are not amused with alternative medicine, since
the 20% magic of the "placebo effect" would award alternative
practitioners twice the success rate of conventional medicine...
--Ron--
---
RoseReader 2.00  P003228: Purranoia: the fear your cat is up to something
RoseMail 2.10 : Usenet: Rose Media - Hamilton (416) 575-5363
From: ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth)
Subject: Scientific Yawn
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Lines: 94
Gordon Rubenfeld responds to Ron Roth:
GR>  ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth) wrote:
GR>
GR> RR> Well, Gordon, I look at the RESULTS, not at anyone's *scientific*
GR> RR> stamp of approval.
GR>
GR>    If you and your patients (followers?) are convinced (as you've written)
GR>  by your methods of uncontrolled, undocumented, unreported, unsubstantiated,
GR>  subjective endpoint research - great.  But, why should the rest of us care?
Gordon, even if you are trying to beat this issue to death, you'll
never get more than a stalemate out of this one!
I have never tried to force my type of medicine on any of you. Why
should I?  My patients are happy. I'm happy. You and your peers seem
to be the only miserable ones around bemoaning the steady loss of
patients to the alternative camp.
Just look at Europe. There has been a steady exodus from 'synthetic'
medicine for over a decade now, and it'll be just a matter of time
before more people on this continent will abandon their drug and white
coat worship as well and visit different doctors for different needs.
GR>     You see Ron, the point isn't whether YOU and your patients are
GR>  convinced that whatever it is you do works; it's whether what you do is
GR>  MORE effective in similar cases (of whatever it is you think you are
GR>  treating) than cupping, bloodletting, and placebo.
This is very interesting. I have come exactly to the same conclusions
but in regards to *conventional* medicine.
You see, I don't just treat little old ladies that wouldn't know any
different of what is being done, but a bulk of my patients consist of
teachers, lawyers, judges, nurses, accountants, university graduates,
and various health practitioners.
If these people have gotten results with my method after having been
unsuccessful with yours or their own, I certainly wouldn't lose any
sleep over whether you or your peers approve of my treatments ---
let's face it, with all the blunders committed by "scientific" MDs
over the years, I know a lot of people who hold your *scientific*
method in much lower esteem than they hold mine!
GR>  As far as we know ayurveda = crystals = homeopathy = Ron Roth
GR>  which may all equal placebo administered with appropriate
GR>  trappings...
Sorry, but I'm not familiar OR interested with what appears to be
'NEW AGE' medicine (ayurveda, crystals), with the exception of homeo-
pathy, of which I took a course. But Gordon, you already knew that -
you just wanted to make my system look a bit more far out, right?
I use homeopathy very little, since my cellular test (EMR) is hard to
beat for accuracy and minerals are more predictable, while homeopathy
does have a problem with reliability, especially in acute conditions.
An exception perhaps are homeopathic nosodes which act fairly quickly
and are more dependable in certain viral or bacterial situations.
GR>  My colleagues and I spend hours debating study design
GR>  and results, even of therapies currently accepted as "standard".
GR>  As good (well, adequate) scientists, we are prepared, *if
GR>  presented with appropriate data*, to abandon our most deeply held
GR>  beliefs in favor of new ideas.
I have met the challenges of hundreds of sceptics by verifying the
accuracy of measuring their mineral status to their total satisfac-
tion --- in other words EVERYONE INVOLVED is happy!
If you were to cook a meal, would you worry over whether EVERYONE
in this world would find it to their liking, or only those that end
up eating it?
Since I have financed every research project that I have undertaken
entirely myself, I don't need to follow any of your rules or guide-
lines to satisfy any aspects of a grant application, which YOU may
have to; neither am I concerned of whether or not my study designs
meet your or anyone else's criteria or acceptance.
GR>    Sorry Ron, if conviction were the ruler of truth, a flat Earth would
GR>  still be the center of the Universe and epilepsy a curse of the gods.
I think there would be more justification for an uneducated person
growing up in an uncivilized environment to believe in a flat earth,
than for a civilized, well educated and scientifically trained mind
to follow the doctrine of evolution.
Genetic engineering of course is now the final frontier to show God
how it is (properly) done. Now we've become capable of creating our
own paradise and give disease (and God) the boot, right?
But just before we get rid of Him for good, perhaps He could leave us
some pointers on how to solve a couple of tiny problems, such as war,
poverty, racism, crime, riots, substance abuse... And one last thing,
could He also give us a hint on how to control natural disasters, the
weather, and last, but not least --- peace?
--Ron--
---
RoseReader 2.00  P003228:  The Lab called: Your brain is ready.
RoseMail 2.10 : Usenet: Rose Media - Hamilton (416) 575-5363
From: ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth)
Subject: Selective Placebo
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Lines: 30
T(> Russell Turpin responds to article by Ron Roth:
T(>
T(> R> ... I don't doubt that the placebo effect is alive and well with
T(> R> EVERY medical modality - estimated by some to be around 20+%,
T(> R> but why would it be higher with alternative versus conventional
T(> R> medicine?"
T(>
T(>  How do you know that it is?  If you could show this by careful
T(>  measurement, I suspect you would have a paper worthy of publication
T(>  in a variety of medical journals.
T(>
T(>  Russell
If you notice the question mark at the end of the sentence, I was
addressing that very question to that person (who has a dog named
sugar) and a few other people who seem to be of the same opinion.
I would love to have anyone come up with a study to support their
claims that the placebo effect is more prevalent with alternative
compared to conventional medicine.
Perhaps the study could also include how patients respond if they
are dissatisfied with a conventional versus an alternative doctor,
i.e. which practitioner is more likely to get punched in the face
when the success of the treatment doesn't meet the expectations of
the patient!
--Ron--
---
RoseReader 2.00  P003228: When in doubt, make it sound convincing!
RoseMail 2.10 : Usenet: Rose Media - Hamilton (416) 575-5363
From: turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin)
Subject: Re: Eumemics (was: Eugenics)
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
Lines: 17
NNTP-Posting-Host: saltillo.cs.utexas.edu
Summary: Lousy idea.
-*----
Cross-posted and with followups directed to talk.politics.theory.
-*----
In article <79700@cup.portal.com> mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes:
> Indeed, we are today a nation at risk!  The threat is not from bad genes,
> but bad memes!  Memes are the basic units of culture, as opposed to genes
> which are the units of genetics.
>
> We must expand the public-health laws to include quarantine of people
> with harmful memes. ...
In other words, we should jail people who say the wrong
things.  In this advocacy, we can see a truly ugly meme.
Does Mark Robert Thorson advocate jailing himself?
Russell
From: turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin)
Subject: Re: H E L P   M E   ---> desperate with some VD
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
Lines: 17
NNTP-Posting-Host: saltillo.cs.utexas.edu
Summary: Here's help.
-*----
In article <1993Apr17.115716.19963@debbie.cc.nctu.edu.tw> mjliu@csie.nctu.edu.tw (Ming-zhou Liu) writes:
> I have bad luck and got a VD called <Granuloma ingunale>, which involves
> the growth of granules in the groin.  I found out about it by checking
> medicine books and I found the prescriptions. ...
Ming-zhou Liu's main problem is that he has an incompetent
physician -- himself.  This physician has diagnosed a problem,
even though he probably has never seen the diagnosed disease
before and has no idea of what kinds of problems can present
similar symptoms.  This physician now wants to treat his first
case of this disease without any help from the medical community.
The best thing Ming-zhou Liu could do is fire his current
physician and seek out a better one.
Russell
From: rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver)
Subject: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
Lines: 10
Some recent postings remind me that I had read about risks
associated with the barbecuing of foods, namely that carcinogens
are generated. Is this a valid concern? If so, is it a function
of the smoke or the elevated temperatures? Is it a function of
the cooking elements, wood or charcoal vs. lava rocks? I wish
to know more. Thanks.
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Subject: Re: Post Polio Syndrome Information Needed Please !!!
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 21
[reply to keith@actrix.gen.nz (Keith Stewart)]
>My wife has become interested through an acquaintance in Post-Polio
>Syndrome This apparently is not recognised in New Zealand and different
>symptons ( eg chest complaints) are treated separately. Does anone have
>any information on it
It would help if you (and anyone else asking for medical information on
some subject) could ask specific questions, as no one is likely to type
in a textbook chapter covering all aspects of the subject.  If you are
looking for a comprehensive review, ask your local hospital librarian.
Most are happy to help with a request of this sort.
Briefly, this is a condition in which patients who have significant
residual weakness from childhood polio notice progression of the
weakness as they get older.  One theory is that the remaining motor
neurons have to work harder and so die sooner.
David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
From: km@ky3b.pgh.pa.us (Ken Mitchum)
Subject: Re: How about a crash program in basic immunological research?
Organization: KY3B - Vax Pittsburgh, PA
Lines: 26
In article <93099.141148C09630GK@wuvmd.wustl.edu>, C09630GK@WUVMD (Gary Kronk) writes:
|> I have been contemplating this idea for some time as well. I am not a
|> doctor, but my wife is a nurse and I know a lot of doctors and nurses.
|> The point here being that doctors and nurses do not seem to get sick
|> nearly as much as people outside the medical profession.
This is a lovely area for anecdotes, but I am sure you are on to something.
As a physician, I almost never get sick: usually, when something horrendous
is going around, I either don't get it at all or get a very mild case.
When I do get really sick, it is always something unusual.
This was not the situation when I was in medical school, particularly on
pediatrics. I never had younger siblings myself, and when I went on the
pediatric wards I suddenly found myself confronting all sorts of infectious
challenges that my body was not ready for. Pediatrics for me was three solid
months of illness, and I had a temp of 104 when I took the final exam!
I think what happens is that during training, and beyond, we are constantly
exposed to new things, and we have the usual reactions to them, so that later
on, when challenged with something, it is more likely a re-exposure for us,
so we deal with it well and get a mild illness. I don't think it is that
the immune system is hyped up in any way. Also, don't forget that the
hospital flora is very different from the home, and we carry a lot of that
around.
-km
From: mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu (Michael Holloway)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Nntp-Posting-Host: engws5.ic.sunysb.edu
Organization: State University of New York at Stony Brook
Lines: 54
In article <1993Apr16.155919.28040@cs.rochester.edu> fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
>In article <C5Kv7p.JM3@unx.sas.com> sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill) writes:
>>
>>In article <1993Apr15.200344.28013@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
>>What is wrong with the above observation is that it explicitly gives the
>>impression (and you may not in fact hold this view) that the common (perhaps
>>even the "correct") approach for a scientist to follow is to sit around
>>having flights of fancy and scheming on the basis of his jealousies and
>>petty hatreds.
>
>Flights of fancy, and other irrational approaches, are common.  The crucial
>thing is not to sit around just having fantasies; they aren't of any use
>unless they make you do some experiments.  I've known a lot of scientists
>whose fantasies lead them on to creative work; usually they won't admit
>out loud what the fantasy was, prior to the consumption of a few beers.
The danger in philosophizing about science is that theory and generalization
can end up being far removed from the actual day-to-day of the grunt at the
bench.  Yes, its great to be involved in a process were I can walk into the
lab after a heavy night of dreaming and just do something for the hell of it
(as long as my advisor doesn't catch me - which is easy enough to do), but
stamping out such behavior seems to be the purpose in life of grant review
committees and the peer review process in general.  In today's world that's
what determines what science is: what gets funded.  And a damn good thing to.
Flights of fantasy just don't have much chance of producing anything, at
least not in biomedical research.  The surest way for a graduate student to
ruin their life is to work in a lab where the boss is more concerned with
fleshing out his/her fantasies than with having the student work on a project
that actually has a good chance of producing some results.  MD's seem to
be particularly prone to this aberrant behavior.
>(Simple example: Warren Jelinek noticed an extremely heavy band on a DNA
>electrophoresis gel of human ALU fragments.  He got very excited, hoping that
>he'd seen some essential part of the control mechanism for eukaryotic
>genes.  This fantasy led him to sequence samples of the band and carry out
>binding assays.  The result was a well-conserved, 400 or so bp, sequence
>that occurs about 500,000 times in the human genome.  Unfortunately for
>Warren's fantasy, it turns out to be a transposon that is present in
>so many copies because it replicates itself and copies itself back into
>the genome.  On the other hand, the characteristics of transposons were
>much elucidated; the necessity of a cellular reverse transcriptase was
>recognized; and the standard method of recognizing human DNA was created.
>Other species have different sets of transposons.  Fortunately for me,
>Warren and I used to eat dinner at T.G.I. Fridays all the time.)
I have to agree with Gary Merrill's response to this.  I've read alot of the
Alu and middle repetitive sequence work and it's really very interesting,
good work with implications for many fields in molecular genetics.  It's
really an example of how a well reasoned project turned up interesting
results that were unexpected.
Mike
From: jeffp@vetmed.wsu.edu (Jeff Parke)
Subject: Re: Lyme vaccine
Organization: College of Veterinary Medicine WSU
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL9]
Lines: 45
kathleen richards (kilty@ucrengr) wrote:
> My nearly-13 year old Pomeranian had a nasty reaction to this vaccination.
> ...  Suffice it to say, we will not
> vaccinate her for Lyme disease again.  She's been camping through some 6
> states and has backpacked with us as well and we are used to watching for ticks
> and dealing with them and we simply won't take her to really active Lyme
> disease areas....
Not to drag this out anymore, but....
Many veterinarians feel that Lyme Disease in dogs is so easy to treat that
in an endemic area, they often just give the appropriate antibiotics to dogs
presenting with lameness, swollen joints, +/- fever.
A recent paper (March 1993) has finally established that Lyme disease in dogs
can be reproduced in a controlled experimentaly setting.  This has been
an ellusive matter for researchers, and is one of the fundamental requirements
for many to acknowledge an agent as being causitive of a particular disease.
Up to now, only the vaccine manufacturer has been able to "prove" that
the disease exists.
This paper is noteworthy in two other regards:
1) None of the animals they infected were treated in any way.  The dogs
had episodes of lameness during a 6-8 week period which occurred 2-5
months after exposure.  After this period, none showed any further
clinical signs up to the 17 month observation period of the study.  So
these are proven, clinically sick Lyme patients showing spontaneous
recovery without the benefit of drug treatment. Of course, observations
longer than 17 months will be necessary to be sure the disease doesn't
have the same chronicity that some see in humans.
2)  The addendum to the paper calls into question the techniques used by the
vaccine manufacturer to validate the vaccine.  Of course, they want
the world to use the model they developed in order to test vaccine
efficacy.
Anyway, maybe we will see some independent, scientifically sound evaluations
of this vaccine in the next year or so.
--
Jeff Parke <jeffp@pgavin1.vetmed.wsu.edu>
also:   jeffp@WSUVM1.bitnet    AOL: JeffParke
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine class of 1994
Pullman, WA  99164-7012
From: kfl@access.digex.com (Keith F. Lynch)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Organization: Express Access Public Access UNIX, Greenbelt, Maryland USA
Lines: 58
NNTP-Posting-Host: access.digex.net
In article <19600@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
> Keith is the only person I have ever heard of that keeps the weight
> off without any conscious effort to control eating behavior.  ... most
> of us have to diet a lot to keep from going back to morbid obesity.
I attribute my success to several factors:
Very low fat.  Except when someone else has cooked a meal for me,
I only eat fruit, vegetables, and whole grain or bran cereals.  I
estimate I only get about 5 to 10 percent of my calories from fat.
Very little sugar or salt.
Very high fiber.  Most Americans get about 10 grams.  25 to 35 are
recommended.  I get between 50 and 150.  Sometimes 200.  (I've heard
of people taking fiber pills.  It seems unlikely that pills can
contain enough fiber to make a difference.  It would be about as
likely as someone getting fat by popping fat pills.  Tablets are
just too small, unless you snarf down hundreds of them daily.)
My "clean your plate" conditioning works *for* me.  Eating the last
10% takes half my eating time, and gives satiety a chance to catch
up, so I don't still feel hungry and go start eating something else.
I don't eat when I'm not hungry (unless I'm sure I'll get hungry
shortly, and eating won't be practical then).
I bike to work, 22 miles a day, year round.  Fast.  I also bike to
stores, movies, and everywhere else, as I've never owned a car.
I estimate this burns about 1000 calories a day.  It also helps
build and maintain muscle mass, prevent insulin resistance (diabetes
runs in my family), and increase my metabolism.  (Even so, my
metabolism is so low that when I'm at rest I'm most comfortable
with a temperature in the 90s (F), and usually wear a sweater if
it drops to 80.)  Cycling also motivates me to avoid every excess
ounce.  (Cyclists routinely pay a premium for cycling products that
weigh slightly less than others.  But it's easier and cheaper to trim
weight from the rider than from the vehicle.)
There's no question in my mind that my metabolism is radically
different from that of most people who have never been fat.  Fortunately,
it isn't different in a way that precludes excellent health.
Obviously, I can't swear that every obese person who does what I've
done will have the success I did.  But I've never yet heard of one who
did try it and didn't succeed.
> I think all of us cycle.  One's success depends on how large the
> fluctuations in the cycle are.  Some people can cycle only 5 pounds.
I'm sure everyone's weight cycles, whether or not they've ever been fat.
I usually eat extremely little salt.  When I do eat something salty,
my weight can increase overnight by as much as ten pounds.  It comes
off again over a week or two.
--
Keith Lynch, kfl@access.digex.com
f p=2,3:2 s q=1 x "f f=3:2 q:f*f>p!'q  s q=p#f" w:q p,?$x\8+1*8
From: amigan@cup.portal.com (Mike - Medwid)
Subject: Re: Emphysema question
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Distribution: na
<1993Apr15.180621.29465@radford.vak12ed.edu> <9072@blue.cis.pitt.edu>
Lines: 11
Thanks to all who replied to my initial question.  I've been away in
New Jersey all week and was surprised to see all the responses
when I got back.
To the person asking about nicotine patches, there are four on the
market:
Habitrol - Ciba Pharmaceuticals
Nicoderm - Marion Merill Dow (Alza made)
Nicotrol - Warner Lambert (Cygnus made)
ProStep - Made by Elan and marketed by ??
From: mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Distribution: world
Lines: 6
I remember hearing a few years back about a new therapy for hyperactivity
which involved aggressively eliminating artificial coloring and flavoring
from the diet.  The theory -- which was backed up by interesting anecdotal
results -- is that certain people are just way more sensitive to these
chemicals than other people.  I don't remember any connection being made
with seizures, but it certainly couldn't hurt to try an all-natural diet.
From: mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson)
Subject: Re: What are the problems with Nutrasweet (Aspartame)?
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 11
Phenylketonuria is a disease in which the body cannot process phenylalanine.
It can build up in the blood and cause seizures and neurological damage.
An odd side effect is that the urine can be deeply colored, like red wine.
People with the condition must avoid Nutrasweet, chocolate, and anything
else rich in phenylalanine.
Aspartame is accused of having caused various vague neurological symptoms.
Pat Robertson's program _The_700_Club_ was beating the drum against
aspartame rather vigorously for about a year, but that issue seems to
have been pushed to the back burner for the last year or so.  Apparently,
the evidence is not very strong, or Pat would still be flailing away.
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 14
In article <1qnns0$4l3@agate.berkeley.edu> spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu (Steve Pope) writes:
>The mass of anectdotal evidence, combined with the lack of
>a properly constructed scientific experiment disproving
>the hypothesis, makes the MSG reaction hypothesis the
>most likely explanation for events.
You forgot the smiley-face.
I can't believe this is what they turn out at Berkeley.  Tell me
you're an aberration.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: young@serum.kodak.com (Rich Young)
Subject: Re: Blood Glucose test strips
Originator: young@sasquatch
Nntp-Posting-Host: sasquatch
Reply-To: young@serum.kodak.com
Organization: Clinical Diagnostics Division, Eastman Kodak Company
Lines: 38
In article <1993Apr12.151035.22555@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:
>
>In article <1993Apr11.192644.29219@clpd.kodak.com> young@serum.kodak.com writes:
>>
>>	Human glucose: 70 - 110 mg./dL. (fasting) [2]
>
>Are these numbers for whole blood, or plasma?
Serum, actually, but plasma numbers are the same.  Whole blood
numbers for humans tend to be somewhat lower (roughly 5 to 10
percent lower).  I find the following range for whole blood in
FUNDAMENTALS OF CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: N. W. Teitz, editor; W. B.
Saunders, 1987:
Human glucose (whole blood, fasting levels) --> 60 - 95 mg./dL.
>Which are the strips calibrated for?  (Obviously they measure whole blood)
Indeed, they do measure whole blood levels, although they are not
as accurate as a serum test done in a laboratory.  One problem is
that cells in the sample continue to metabolize glucose after the
sample is drawn, reducing the apparent level.  According to Teitz,
however, results compare "reasonably well" with laboratory results,
although "values below 80 mg./dL. tend to be lower with strip tests,
whereas values above 240 mg./dL. can be very erratic."
>What is the conversion factor between human plasma glucose and
>whole blood (pin prick) glucose concentration?
As stated above, whole blood levels tend to be roughly 5 to 10
percent lower than serum levels.  Sample freshness will affect
whole blood levels, however.  I don't believe there is a well-
defined "conversion factor," since cell metabolism will affect
samples to varying degrees.  The serum/plasma test is much
preferred for any except general "ball park" testing.
-Rich Young (These are not Kodak's opinions.)
From: wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Lines: 111
In article <1993Apr16.190447.8242@spdcc.com> dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>In article <1993Apr16.155123.447@cunews.carleton.ca>
wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG) writes:
>
>>Maybe you missed it amidst the flurry of responses?
>
>You mean the responses some of which pointed to double-blind tests
>which show no such "chinese restaurant effect" unique to MSG
>(it's elicited by the placebo as well.)
Many people responded with more anecdotal stories; I think its safe to
say the original poster is already familiar with such stories.
Presumably, he wants hard info to substantiate or refute claims about
MSG making people ill.
Similarly, debunking such claims without doing research (whether
literature and lab), is equally beside the point. The original poster
no doubt already knows that some people think 'Chinese Restaurant
Syndrome' is bogus.
Placebos are all very interesting, but irrelevant to the question of
what effects MSG has. You could have real effects *and* placebo
effects; people may have allergies in addition.
>
>>Yet again, the use of this
>>newsgroup is hampered by people not restricting their posts to matters
>>they have substantial knowledge of.
>
>Like youself?  Someone who can read a scientific paper and apparently
>come away from it with bizarrely cracked ideas which have nothing to
>do with the use of this substance in human nutrition?
Have you read Olney's work? I fail to see how citing results from
peer-reviewed studies qualifies as "bizarrely cracked".
>>For cites on MSG, look up almost anything by John W. Olney, a
>>toxicologist who has studied the effects of MSG on the brain and on
>>development.  It is undisputed in the literature that MSG is an
>>excitotoxic food additive,
>
>No, it's undisputed in the literature that glutamate is an amino acid
>which is an excitatory neurotransmitter.  There is also evidence that
>excessive release of glutamate may be involved in the pathology of certain
>conditions like stroke, drowning and Lou Gehrig's disease, just to name a few.
>This is a completely different issue than the use of this ubiquitous amino acid
>in foods.  People are not receiving intra-ventricular injections of glutamate.
Tests have been done on Rhesus monkeys, as well. I have never seen a
study where the mode of administration was intra-ventricular.  The Glu
and Asp were administered orally. Some studies used IV and SC.
Intra-ventricular is not a normal admin. method for food tox. studies,
for obvious reasons. You must not have read the peer-reviewed works
that I referred to or you would never have come up with this brain
injection bunk.
>>Too much in the diet, and the system gets thrown off.
>
>Sez you.  Such an effect in humans has not been demonstrated in any
>controlled studies.  Infant mice and other models are useful as far
>as they go, but they're not relevant to the matter at hand.  Which is
>not to say that I favor its use in things like baby food--a patently
>ridiculous use of the additive.  But we have no reason to believe
>that MSG in the diet effects humans adversely.
Pardon me, but where are you getting this from? Have you read the
journals? Have you done a thorough literature search?
But, you're right, mice aren't the best to study this on. They're four
times less sensitive than humans to MSG.
>>Glutamate and aspartate, also an excitotoxin are necessary in
>>small amounts, and are freely available in many foods, but the amounts
>>added by industry are far above the amounts that would normally be
>>encountered in a ny single food.
>
>Wrong.  Do you know how much aspartate or phenylalanine is in a soft drink?
>Milligrams worth.  Compare that to a glass of milk.  Do you know how much
>glutamate is present in most protein-containing foods compared to that
>added by the use of MSG?
The point is exceeding the window. Of course, they're amino acids.
Note that people with PKU cannot tolerate any phenylalanine.
Olney's research compared infant human diets. Specifically, the amount
of freely available Glu in mother's milk versus commercial baby foods,
vs. typical lunch items from the Standard American Diet such as packaged
soup mixes. He found that one could exceed the projected safety margin
for infant humans by at least four-fold in a single meal of processed
foods. Mother's milk was well below the effective dose.
>>Read Olney's review paper in Prog. Brain Res, 1988, and check *his*
>>sources. They are impecable. There is no dispute.
>
>Impeccable.  There most certainly is a dispute.
Between who? Over what? I would be most interested in seeing you
provide peer-reviewed non-food-industry-funded citations to articles
disputing that MSG has no effects whatsoever.
>
>Steve Dyer
>dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
Hmm. ".com". Why am I not surprised?
- Dianne Murray   wcsbeau@ccs.carleton.ca
From: hbloom@moose.uvm.edu (*Heather*)
Subject: re: what are the problems with nutrasweet (aspartame)
Organization: University of Vermont -- Division of EMBA Computer Facility
Lines: 21
Nutrasweet is a synthetic sweetener a couple thousand times sweeter than
sugar.  Some people are concerned about the chemicals that the  body produces
when it degrades nutrasweet.  It is thought to form formaldehyde and known to
for methanol in the degredation pathway that the body uses to eliminate
substances.  The real issue is whether the levels of methanol and formaldehyde
produced are high enough to cause significant damage, as both are toxic to
living cells.  All I can say is that I will not consume it.
Phenylalanine is
nothing for you to worry about.  It is an amino acid, and everyone uses small
quantities of it for protein synthesis in the body.  Some people have a disease
known as phenylketoneurea, and they are missing the enzyme necessary to
degrade this compound and eliminate it from the body.  For them, it will
accumulate in the body, and in high levels this is toxic to growing nerve
cells.  Therefore, it is Only a major problem in young children (until around
age 10 or so) or women who are pregnant and have this disorder.  It used to
be a leading cause of brain damage in infants, but now it can be easily
detected at birth, and then one must simply avoid comsumption of phenylalanine
as a child, or when pregnant.
-heather
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 18
In article <79727@cup.portal.com> mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes:
>I remember hearing a few years back about a new therapy for hyperactivity
>which involved aggressively eliminating artificial coloring and flavoring
>from the diet.  The theory -- which was backed up by interesting anecdotal
>results -- is that certain people are just way more sensitive to these
>chemicals than other people.  I don't remember any connection being made
>with seizures, but it certainly couldn't hurt to try an all-natural diet.
Yeah, the "Feingold Diet" is a load of crap.  Children diagnosed with ADD
who are placed on this diet show no improvement in their intellectual and
social skills, which in fact continue to decline.  Of course, the parents
who are enthusiastic about this approach lap it up at the expense of their
children's development.  So much for the value of "interesting anecdotal
results".  People will believe anything if they want to.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Summary: Ultimately, ideas come from exploration and informal thinking.
Organization: University of Hawaii (Mathematics Dept)
Expires: Mon, 10 May 1993 10:00:00 GMT
Lines: 65
In article <C5L9ws.Jn2@unx.sas.com> sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com
(Gary Merrill) writes:
>
>In article <1993Apr16.155919.28040@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu
(Mark Fulk) writes:
>
>|> Flights of fancy, and other irrational approaches, are common.  The crucial
>|> thing is not to sit around just having fantasies; they aren't of any use
>|> unless they make you do some experiments.  ....
>|>
>|> (Simple example: Warren Jelinek noticed an extremely heavy band on a DNA
>|> electrophoresis gel of human ALU fragments.  He got very excited, .....
>
>But why do you characterize this as a "flight of fancy" or a "fantasy"?
>While I am unfamiliar with the scientific context here, it appears obvious
>that his speculation (for lack of a better or more neutral word) was
>at least in significant part a consequence of his knowledge of and acceptance
>of current theory coupled with his observations.  It would appear that
>something quite rational was going on as he attempted to fit his observation
>into that theory (or to tailor the theory to cover the observation).  ...
Whether a scientific idea comes while one is staring out the window, or
dreaming, or having a fantasy,  or watching an apple fall (Newton), or
sitting in a bath (Archimedes) ... it is ultimately the result of a lot of
intense scientific thinking done beforehand.  Letting one's mind roam
freely and giving rein to one's intuition can be a useful way of coming
up with new ideas, but only when one has done a lot of rational analysis
of the problem first.
Scientific intuition is not something one is born with.  It is something
that one learns.  Maybe we don't understand completely how it is learned,
but training in systematic scientific thinking is certainly one of the
key elements in developing it.
Informal exploration is also often an important element in finding new
scientific ideas.  One thinks, for instance, of Darwin's naturalistic
studies in the Galapagos islands, which led him to the ideas for the
theory of evolution.
This is why I am offended by a definition of science that emphasizes
empirical verification and does not recognize thinking and informal
exploration as important scientific work.  I agree that mere speculation
does not deserve to be called science.  I also think that mere empirical
studies not directed by good scientific thinking are at best a very
poor kind of science.
In article <1qk92lINNl55@im4u.cs.utexas.edu> turpin@cs.utexas.edu
(Russell Turpin) writes:
>    ...
>I think that Lee Lady and I are talking at cross purposes.
>  ... Lady seems concerned with the contrast between great
>science that makes big advances in our knowledge and mediocre
>science that makes smaller steps.  In most of this thread, I have
>been concerned with the difference between what is science and
>what is not.
I don't think that science should be defined in a way that some of the
activities that lead to really important science --- namely thinking and
informal exploration --- are not recognized as scientific work.
--
In the arguments between behaviorists and cognitivists, psychology seems
less like a science than a collection of competing religious sects.
lady@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu         lady@uhunix.bitnet
From: ab961@Freenet.carleton.ca (Robert Allison)
Subject: Bursitis and laser treatment
Reply-To: ab961@Freenet.carleton.ca (Robert Allison)
Organization: The National Capital Freenet
Lines: 20
My family doctor and the physiotherapist (PT) she sent me to agree that the
pain in my left shoulder is bursitis. I have an appointment with an orthpod
(I love that, it's short for 'orthopedic surgeon, apparently) but while I'm
waiting the PT is treating me.
She's using hot packs, ultrasound, and lasers, but there's no improvement
yet. In fact, I almost suspect it's getting worse.
My real question is about the laser treatment. I can't easily imagine what
the physical effect that could have on a deep tissue problem. Can anyone
shed some light (so to speak) on the matter?
--
Robert Allison
Ottawa, Ontario CANADA
From: dpc47852@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Daniel Paul Checkman)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Lines: 26
dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>In article <1qnns0$4l3@agate.berkeley.edu> spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu (Steve Pope) writes:
>>The mass of anectdotal evidence, combined with the lack of
>>a properly constructed scientific experiment disproving
>>the hypothesis, makes the MSG reaction hypothesis the
>>most likely explanation for events.
>You forgot the smiley-face.
>I can't believe this is what they turn out at Berkeley.  Tell me
>you're an aberration.
>--
>Steve Dyer
>dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
HEY, KEEP YOUR FU---NG FLAMING OUT OF THIS GROUP- THAT GOES FOR YOU, MR.
DYER, AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER NASTY, SARCASTIC PEOPLE, REGARDING THIS
SUBJECT.  Shoot, now I'm all riled up, too, and I was just going to ask if
we can keep our discussion about MSG a little more civil; blasting a school
or an idea through simple insults as demonstrated above is not necessary,
and otherwise out of line.  If you want to continue your insult war, take
it elsewhere and stop wasting everyone else's time.
Most sincerely,
Dan Checkman
From: ab961@Freenet.carleton.ca (Robert Allison)
Subject: Frequent nosebleeds
Reply-To: ab961@Freenet.carleton.ca (Robert Allison)
Organization: The National Capital Freenet
Lines: 18
I have between 15 and 25 nosebleeds each week, as a result of a genetic
predisposition to weak capillary walls (Osler-Weber-Rendu). Fortunately,
each nosebleed is of short duration.
Does anyone know of any method to reduce this frequency? My younger brothers
each tried a skin transplant (thigh to nose lining), but their nosebleeds
soon returned. I've seen a reference to an herb called Rutin that is
supposed to help, and I'd like to hear of experiences with it, or other
techniques.
--
Robert Allison
Ottawa, Ontario CANADA
From: brenner@ldgo.columbia.edu (carl brenner)
Subject: Re: Update (Help!) [was "What is This [Is it Lyme's?]"]
Organization: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Lines: 50
In article <19613@pitt.UUCP>, geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
> In article <1993Apr7.221357.12533@lamont.ldgo.columbia.edu> brenner@ldgo.columbia.edu (carl brenner) writes:
> >> see the ulterior motive here.  It is easy for me to see it the
> >> those physicians who call everything lyme and treat everything.
> >> There is a lot of money involved.
> >
> >	You keep bringing this up. But I don't understand what's in it
> >financially for the physician to go ahead and treat. Unless the physician
> >has an investment in (or is involved in some kickback scheme with) the
> >home infusion company, where is the financial gain for the doctor?
>
> Well, let me put it this way, based on my own experience.  A
> general practitioner with no training in infectious diseases,
> by establishing links to the "Lyme community", treating patients
> who come to him wondering about lyme or having decided they
> have lyme as if they did, saying that diseases such as MS
> are probably spirochetal, if not Lyme, giving talks at meetings
> of users groups, validating the feelings of even delusional
> patients, etc.  This GP can go from being a run-of-the-mill
> $100K/yr GP to someone with lots of patients in the hospital
> and getting expensive infusions that need monitoring in his
> office, and making lots of bread.  Also getting the adulation
> of many who believe his is their only hope (if not of cure,
> then of control) and seeing his name in publications put out
> by support groups, etc.  This is a definite temptation.
Harumph. Getting published in these newsletters is hardly something
to aspire to. :-)
I can't really argue with your logic, though I think you may be
extrapolating a bit recklessly from what appears to be a sample size of
one. Even if what you say about this local Pittsburgh guy is true, it is
not logical or fair to conclude that this is true of all doctors who
treat Lyme disease.
By your logic, I could conclude that all of the physicians who
consult for insurance companies and make money by denying benefits to
Lyme patients are doing it for the money, rather than because they believe
they are encouraging good medicine. I have no idea how sincere these guys
are, but their motives are as suspect as the physicians you excoriate for
what you believe to be indiscriminate treatment.
I would really feel more comfortable discussing the medical issues
in Lyme, rather than speculating as to the motives of the various parties
involved.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
> geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl Brenner
From: mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu (Michael Holloway)
Subject: Transplant Recipients Newsletter, April `93[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[D[DInternational Newsletter, April `93
Nntp-Posting-Host: engws5.ic.sunysb.edu
Organization: State University of New York at Stony Brook
Lines: 180
This will be the first of monthly postings of the newsletter of
the Long Island Chapter of the Transplant Recipients
International Organization (TRIO).  Unfortunately, I was unable
to post it before the date of this month's meeting.  I'm
posting it anyway, and posting it world-wide instead of
regional, in the hopes that some of the information may be
useful or illustrative.  Also, I hope it can be used as an
example and inspiration for the posting of other newsletters
and data related to organ transplantation and donation.
Mike
Transplant Recipients
International Organization
Long Island Chapter
P.O. Box 922
Huntington, NY 11743-0922		 NEWSLETTER
516/421-3258
APRIL 1993
VOLUME IV   No. 8
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is WEDNESDAY APRIL 14 at 8 pm at the Knights
of Columbus Emerald Manor, 517 Uniondale Avenue in Uniondale.
Our guest speaker will be Dr. Lewis Teperman.  Dr. Teperman
trained in Pittsburgh under Dr. Starzl and is now the Assistant
Director of the Liver Transplant Program at New York University
Medical Center.  Dr. Teperman will discuss current trends in
transplantation and treatment and will answer questions.  He is
a long time friend of TRIO, surgeon to many of our members, and
always a gracious and delightful guest.   It is sure to be a
very informative, interesting and engaging evening.  Our
hospitality committee,  Bette and Vito Suglia and Jim Spence
will be well prepared, and at last the weather should be
cooperative. We hope to see a very large gathering to welcome
Dr. Teperman.
WEDNESDAY    APRIL 14  K of C   UNIONDALE
LAST MEETING
It has been noted here before that the Long Island Chapter of
TRIO has extraordinary power in predicting bad weather, being
able to forecast rain, sleet and snow fully a month in advance.
No TV weatherman can match us. This time we not only scored
again, but we were also able to disable the Long Island
Railroad, making travel REALLY difficult.  None the less, many
braved the snow and we had an interesting meeting and good
conversation.  Our scheduled speaker, Mrs. Elizabeth Linnehan,
a professional nutritionist, had a family emergency and was not
able to attend.  She hope she will be with us in the fall to
discuss diet and medications.  However,  Ms. Jennifer Friedman,
an image consultant and sister of a liver transplant recipient
was kind enough to step in on very short notice.  Ms. Friedman
gave us a lot of good advice about choosing clothes and makeup,
(even a bit for men) to help us look well and healthy and to
minimize some of the cosmetic effects of some of the medicine
and drugs we take.  We are most grateful to Jennifer and thank
her for an entertaining evening.
ANNUAL MEETING
In addition to welcoming Dr. Teperman, the April meeting is
also the Annual meeting of the Chapter.  This is the official
notice of the meeting as required by our By-Laws. The main
purpose of the meeting is to review the past year, solicit
member views and ideas for better ways to meet their needs, and
to elect members of the Board of Directors for the coming two
year term.  The nominating committee has prepared the following
slate for the Board.
Anne (Liver Recipient) and Don Treffeisen
Robert (Heart Recipient) and Eulene Smith
Vito (Kidney Recipient) and Bette Suglia
Kay Grenzig (Liver Recipient)
Jan Schichtel (Kidney Recipient)
Larry Juliano (Kidney Recipient)
David Bekofsky (Director Public Education LITP)
Those remaining on the Board for another year are:
Robert Carroll (Liver, Kidney & Pancreas Recipient)
Jerry (Kidney Recipient) and Jeanne Eichhorn
Ron (Kidney Donor) and Marie Healy
Peter Smith (Bone Marrow Recipient)
Patricia Ann Yankus (Kidney and Pancreas Recipient)
Walter Ruzak (Kidney Recipient)
This may seem to be a big Board, but many hands make light work
and with our various medical uncertainties, it is good to have
backups for all the jobs on the Board.  Therefore, in addition
to the slate being presented for voting, nominations will also
be accepted from the floor.  There is no set number of Board
members and there is plenty of work.
In addition,  brief treasurer's and membership reports will be
given and the floor will be open for any new business,
suggestions, or comments anyone would like to bring up.
We will keep the formal meeting short so that we can spend the
majority of the time with Dr. Teperman.
FUTURE MEETINGS
Remember the scheduled guests for the rest of the year.
May  12      Dr. Peter Shaprio, Chief of Psychiatry
Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
June  9      Dr. Felix Rappaport, Director of the Stony
Brook Kidney Transplant Program.
Plan on being with us the second Wednesday of each month.
NOTDAW
The week of April 18-24 is National Organ and Tissue Donor
Awareness Week. NOTDAW. While we are planning news releases,
speaking engagements and meetings with Supervisors Gullata and
Gaffney, we have decided not to have our softball game
because of two year's experience with miserable weather.
We all can help spread the word on donor awareness, however. We
have found it effective to ask your pastor, or rabbi to publish
a letter or announcement in the parish bulletin, allow you to
address the congregation, or include mention of the gift of
life in his sermon.  Attached to this Newsletter is a sample
letter and fact sheet you can use.   Thank you.
DR. STARZL TO BE HONORED
The Long Island Chapter of the American Liver Foundation will
hold its annual Auction and Dinner Dance on May 7th at the
Fountainbleu  on Jericho Turnpike in Jericho.  Dr. Thomas
Starzl will be the honored guest.  Tickets are $50 person and
are going fast.  If you'd like to meet Dr. Starzl,  call Anne
Treffeisen at (516) 421-3258 for details.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Congratulations to Al Reese.  Al received his heart transplant
in Pittsburgh after waiting 3 1/2 years.  He is home and doing
well after only 12 days in hospital.
Arthur Michaels, liver recipient, is planning to run the Boston
Marathon in April. What fantastic proof that transplantation
works!  We hope the national press notices.
Bob McCormack, after a persistent bout with infection, had his
transplanted kidney removed.  He is home now, back on dialysis
and feeling better.
Nicole Healy, kidney recipient and daughter of Ron and Marie,
spent the past several weeks in hospital in Miami with problems
encountered on vacation.  Marie has been with her in Florida.
They are back in New York where Nicole's treatment will
continue.  We wish Nicole a speedy recovery.
Kay Grenzig, liver recipient, is mending now after a bad fall
that resulted in a broken arm and a broken leg. Kay is a
candidate for the Board so we need her well soon.
And best wishes to all coming out of the flu. It was a tough
winter for many, but the tulips are just under the snow.
SEE YOU......WEDNESDAY   APRIL 14  8 PM   K of C UNIONDALE
DR. LEWIS TEPERMAN
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: what are the problems with nutrasweet (aspartame)
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 30
In article <1993Apr17.181013.3743@uvm.edu> hbloom@moose.uvm.edu (*Heather*) writes:
>Nutrasweet is a synthetic sweetener a couple thousand times sweeter than
>sugar.  Some people are concerned about the chemicals that the  body produces
>when it degrades nutrasweet.  It is thought to form formaldehyde and known to
>for methanol in the degredation pathway that the body uses to eliminate
>substances.  The real issue is whether the levels of methanol and formaldehyde
>produced are high enough to cause significant damage, as both are toxic to
>living cells.  All I can say is that I will not consume it.
Aspartame is the methyl ester of a dipeptide, so a product of its
hydrolysis is going to be methanol, which can then be oxidized to
formaldehyde.  The amounts of methanol formed from the ingestion of
aspartame-containing foods are completely in the metabolic noise,
since you're forming equally minute amounts of methanol from other
components of food all the time.  In studies involving administration
of high doses of the additive, blood methanol levels were undetectable.
Methanol is a poison only in quantities seen in human poisonings,
say 5ml and above.  This is a consequence of its oxidation to formaldehyde
and formic acid, two quite reactive compounds which at high enough levels
can damage tissues like the retina and kidney, because at such high doses
the body's detoxification system is overwhelmed.  Interestingly, one
treatment for early methanol poisoning is to get the person drunk on
ethyl alcohol--vodka or an equivalent.  That's because ethanol is
metabolized preferentially over methanol by the enzymes in the liver.
If the methanol stays as methanol and isn't metabolized to formaldehyde,
it is actually relatively non-toxic.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 91
In article <1993Apr17.184435.19725@cunews.carleton.ca> wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG) writes:
>Many people responded with more anecdotal stories; I think its safe to
>say the original poster is already familiar with such stories.
>Presumably, he wants hard info to substantiate or refute claims about
>MSG making people ill.
There has been NO hard info provided about MSG making people ill.
That's the point, after all.
>>Like youself?  Someone who can read a scientific paper and apparently
>>come away from it with bizarrely cracked ideas which have nothing to
>>do with the use of this substance in human nutrition?
>Have you read Olney's work? I fail to see how citing results from
>peer-reviewed studies qualifies as "bizarrely cracked".
That's because these "peer-reviewed" studies are not addressing
the effects of MSG in people, they're looking at animal models.
You can't walk away from this and start ranting about gloom and
doom as if there were any documented deleterious health effects
demonstrated in humans.  Note that I wouldn't have any argument
with a statement like "noting that animal administration has pro-
duced the following [blah, blah], we must be careful about its
use in humans."  This is precisely NOT what you said.
>Tests have been done on Rhesus monkeys, as well. I have never seen a
>study where the mode of administration was intra-ventricular.  The Glu
>and Asp were administered orally. Some studies used IV and SC.
>Intra-ventricular is not a normal admin. method for food tox. studies,
>for obvious reasons. You must not have read the peer-reviewed works
>that I referred to or you would never have come up with this brain
>injection bunk.
It most certainly is for neurotoxicology.  You know, studies of
glutamate involve more than "food science".
>Pardon me, but where are you getting this from? Have you read the
>journals? Have you done a thorough literature search?
So, point us to the studies in humans, please.  I'm familiar with
the literature, and I've never seen any which relate at all to
Olney's work in animals and the effects of glutamate on neurons.
>The point is exceeding the window. Of course, they're amino acids.
>Note that people with PKU cannot tolerate any phenylalanine.
Well, actually, they HAVE to tolerate some phenylalanine; it's a
essential amino acid.  They just try to get as little as is healthy
without producing dangerous levels of phenylalanine and its metabolites
in the blood.
>Olney's research compared infant human diets. Specifically, the amount
>of freely available Glu in mother's milk versus commercial baby foods,
>vs. typical lunch items from the Standard American Diet such as packaged
>soup mixes. He found that one could exceed the projected safety margin
>for infant humans by at least four-fold in a single meal of processed
>foods. Mother's milk was well below the effective dose.
Goodness, I'm not saying that it's good to feed infants a lot of
glutamate-supplemented foods.  It's just that this "projected safety
margin" is a construct derived from animal models and given that,
you can "prove" anything you like.  We're talking prudent policy in
infant nutrition here, yet you're misrepresenting it as received wisdom.
>>>Read Olney's review paper in Prog. Brain Res, 1988, and check *his*
>>>sources. They are impecable. There is no dispute.
>>
>>Impeccable.  There most certainly is a dispute.
>
>Between who? Over what? I would be most interested in seeing you
>provide peer-reviewed non-food-industry-funded citations to articles
>disputing that MSG has no effects whatsoever.
You mean "asserting".  You're being intellectually dishonest (or just
plain confused), because you're conflating reports which do not necessarily
have anything to do with each other.  Olney's reports would argue a potential
for problems in human infants, but that's not to say that this says anything
whatsoever about the use of MSG in most foods, nor does he provide any
studies in humans which indicate any deleterious effects (for obvious
reasons.)  It says nothing about MSG's contribtion to the phenomenon
of the "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome".  It says nothing about the frequent
inability to replicate anecdotal reports of MSG sensitivity in the lab.
>>dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com
>Hmm. ".com". Why am I not surprised?
>- Dianne Murray   wcsbeau@ccs.carleton.ca
Probably one of the dumber remarks you've made.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Frequent nosebleeds
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 25
In article <1993Apr17.195202.28921@freenet.carleton.ca> ab961@Freenet.carleton.ca (Robert Allison) writes:
>Does anyone know of any method to reduce this frequency? My younger brothers
>each tried a skin transplant (thigh to nose lining), but their nosebleeds
>soon returned. I've seen a reference to an herb called Rutin that is
>supposed to help, and I'd like to hear of experiences with it, or other
>techniques.
Rutin is a bioflavonoid, compounds found (among other places) in the
rinds of citrus fruits.  These have been popular, especially in Europe,
to treat "capillary fragility", and seemingly in even more extreme cases--
a few months ago, a friend was visiting from Italy, and he said that he'd
had hemorrhoids, but his pharmacist friend sold him some pills.  Incredulously,
I asked to look at them, and sure enough these contained rutin as the active
ingredient.  I probably destroyed the placebo effect from my skeptical
sputtering.  I have no idea how he's doing hemorrhoid-wise these days.
The studies which attempted to look at the effect of these compounds in
human disease and nutrition were never very well controlled, so the
reports of positive results with them is mostly anecdotal.
This stuff is pretty much non-toxic, and probably inexpensive, so there's
little risk of trying it, but I wouldn't expect much of a result.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: lundby@rtsg.mot.com (Walter F. Lundby)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Nntp-Posting-Host: accord2
Organization: Motorola Inc., Cellular Infrastructure Group
Lines: 48
>>Is there such a thing as MSG (monosodium glutamate) sensitivity?
>>Superstition. Anybody here have experience to the contrary?
>>
As a person who is very sensitive to msg and whose wife and kids are
too, I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE FOOD INDUSTRY WANTS TO PUT MSG IN FOOD!!!
Somebody in the industry GIVE ME SOME REASONS WHY!
IS IT AN INDUSTRIAL BYPRODUCT THAT NEEDS GETTING GET RID OF?
IS IT TO COVER UP THE FACT THAT THE RECIPES ARE NOT VERY GOOD OR THE FOOD IS POOR QUALITY?
DO SOME OF YOU GET A SADISTIC PLEASURE OUT OF MAKING SOME OF US SICK?
DO THE TASTE TESTERS HAVE SOME DEFECT IN THEIR FLAVOR SENSORS (MOUTH etc...)
THAT MSG CORRECTS?
I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!
ALSO ... Nitrosiamines (sp) and sulfites...   Why them?  There are
safer ways to preserve food, wines, and beers!
I think
1) outlaw the use of these substances without warning labels as
large as those on cig. packages.
2) Require 30% of comparable products on the market to be free of these
substances and state that they are free of MSG, DYES, NITROSIAMINES and SULFITES on the package.
3) While at it outlaw yellow dye #5.  For that matter why dye food?
4) Take the dyes and flavorings out of vitamins.  (In my OSCO only Stress
Tabs (tm) didn't have yellow dye #5)  { My doctor says Yellow Dye #5 is
responsible for 1/2 of all nasal polyps !!! }
KEEP FOOD FOOD!  QUIT PUTTING IN JUNK!
JUST MY TWO CENTS WORTH.
Sig:  A person tired of getting sick from this junk!
--
Walter Lundby
--
Walter Lundby
From: lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Summary: Gee, maybe I've misjudged you.
Keywords: science   errors   Turpin   NLP
Organization: University of Hawaii (Mathematics Dept)
Expires: Mon, 10 May 1993 10:00:00 GMT
Lines: 141
In article <lsu7q7INNia5@saltillo.cs.utexas.edu> turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin) writes:
>-*----
>I agree with everything that Lee Lady wrote in her previous post in
>this thread.
Gee!  Maybe I've misjudged you, Russell.  Anyone who agrees with something
I say can't be all bad.  ;-)
Seriously, I'm not sure whether I misjudged you or not, in one respect.
I still have a major problem, though, with your insistence that science
is mainly about avoiding mistakes.  And I still disagree with your
contention that nobody who doesn't use methods deemed "scientific"
can possibly know what's true and what's not.
>  [Deleted material which I agree with.]
>
>Back to Lee Lady:
>
>> These are not the rules according to many who post to sci.med and
>> sci.psychology.  According to these posters  "If it's not supported by
>> carefully designed controlled studies then it's not science."
>
>These posters are making the mistake that I have previously
>criticized of adhering to a methodological recipe.  A "carefully ...
>     ....
>Rules such as "support the hypothesis by a carefully designed and
>controlled study" are too narrow to apply to *all* investigation.
>I think that the requirements for particular reasoning to be
>convincing depends greatly on the kinds of mistakes that have
>occurred in past reasoning about the same kinds of things.  (To
>reuse the previous example, we know that conclusions from
>uncontrolled observations of the treatment of chronic medical
>problems are notoriously problematic.)
Okay, so let's see if we agree on this: FIRST of all, there are degrees
of certainty.  It might be appropriate, for instance, to demand carefully
controlled trials before we accept as absolute scientific truth (to the
extent that there is any such thing) the effectiveness of a certain
treatment. On the other hand, highly favorable clinical experience, even
if uncontrolled, can be adequate to justify a *preliminary* judgement that
a treatment is useful.  This is often the best evidence we can hope for
from investigators who do not have institutional or corporate support.
In this case, it makes sense to tentatively treat claims as credible
but to reserve final judgement until establishment scientists who are
qualified and have the necessary resources can do more careful testing.
SECONDLY, it makes sense to be more tolerant in our standards of
evidence for a pronounced effect than for one that is marginal.
I come to this dispute about what science is  not only as a
mathematician but as a veteran of many arguments in sci.psychology (and
occasionally in sci.med) about NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming).  Much
of the work done to date by NLPers can be better categorized as
informal exploration than as careful scientific research.  For years
now I have been trying to get scientific and clinical psychologists to
just take a look at it, to read a few of the books and watch some of
the videotapes (courtesy of your local university library).  Not for
the purpose of making a definitive judgement, but simply to look at the
NLP methodology (especially the approach to eliciting information from
subjects) and look for ideas and hypotheses which might be of
scientific interest.  And most especially to be aware of the
*questions* NLP suggests which might be worthy of scientific
investigation.
Over and over again the response I get in sci.pychology is  "If this
hasn't been thoroughly validated by the accepted form of empirical
research then it can't be of any interest to us."
To me, the ultimate reducio ad absurdum of the extreme "There've got to
be controlled studies" position is an NLP technique called the Fast
Phobia/Trauma Cure.
Simple phobias (as opposed to agoraphobia) may not be the world's most
important psychological disorder, but the nice thing about them is that
it doesn't take a sophisticated instrument to diagnose them or tell
when someone is cured of one.  The NLP phobia cure is a simple
visualization which requires less than 15 minutes.  (NLPers claim that
it can also be used to neutralize a traumatic memory, and hence is
useful in treating Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome.)  It is essentially
a variation on the classic desensitization process used by behavioral
therapists.  A subject only needs to be taken through the technique once
(or, in the case of PTSD, once for each traumatic incident).  The
process doesn't need to be repeated and the subject doesn't need to
practice it over again at home.
Now to me, it seems pretty easy to test the effectiveness of this cure.
(Especially if, as NLPers claim, the success rate is extremely high.)
Take someone with a fear of heights (as I used to have).  Take them up
to a balcony on the 20th floor and observe their response.  Spend 15
minutes to have them do the simple visualization.  Send them back up to
the balcony and see if things have changed.  Check back with them in a
few weeks to see if the cure seems to be lasting.  (More long term
follow-up is certainly desirable, but from a scientific point of view
even a cure that lasts several weeks has significance.  In any case,
there are many known cases where the cure has lasted years.  To the best
of my knowledge, there is no known case where the cure has been reversed
after holding for a few weeks.)  (My own cure, incidentally, was done
with a slightly different NLP technique, before I learned of the Fast
Phobia/Trauma Cure.  Ten years later now, I enjoy living on the 17th
floor of my building and having a large balcony.)
The folks over in sci.psychology have a hundred and one excuses not to
make this simple test.  They claim that only an elaborate outcome study
will be satisfactory --- a study of the sort that NLP practitioners,
many of whom make a barely marginal living from their practice, can ill
afford to do.  (Most of them are also just plain not interested, because
the whole idea seems frivolous.  And since they're not part of the
scientific establishment, they have no tangible rewards to gain
from scientific acceptance.)
The Fast Phobia/Trauma Cure is over ten years old now and the clinical
psychology establishment is still saying "We don't have any way of
knowing that it's effective."
These academics themselves have the resources to do a study as elaborate
as anyone could want, of course, but they say  "Why should I prove your
theory?"  and  "The burden of proof is on the one making the claim."
One academic in sci.psychology said that it would be completely
unscientific for him to test the phobia cure since it hasn't
been described in a scientific journal.  (It's described in a number of
books and I've posted articles in sci.psychology describing it in as much
detail as I'm capable of.)
Actually, at least one fairly careful academic study has been done (with
favorable results), but it's apparently not acceptable because it's a
doctoral dissertation and not published in a refereed journal.
To me, this sort of attitude does not advance science but hinders it.
This is the kind of thing I have in mind when I talk about "doctrinnaire"
attitudes about science.
Now maybe I have been unfair in imputing such attitudes to you, Russell.
If so, I apologize.
--
In the arguments between behaviorists and cognitivists, psychology seems
less like a science than a collection of competing religious sects.
lady@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu         lady@uhunix.bitnet
From: steveo@world.std.com (Steven W Orr)
Subject: Need to find information about current trends in diabetes.
Organization: SysLang, Inc.
Lines: 15
I looked for diab in my .newsrc and came up with nuthin. Anyone have
any good sources for where I can read? In particular, I'm interested
in finding out more about intravenous insulin injection for hepatic
vein liver activation. (Whew! Wotta mouthful!)
Anything that smells like a pointer would be helpful: newsgroup,
mailinglist, etc....
Many thanks.
--
----------Time flies like the wind. Fruit flies like bananas.------------------
Steven W. Orr      steveo@world.std.com     uunet!world!steveo
----------Everybody repeat after me: "We are all individuals."-----------------
From: Mark W. Dubin
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Originator: dubin@spot.Colorado.EDU
Nntp-Posting-Host: spot.colorado.edu
Reply-To: dubin@spot.colorado.edu
Organization: Univ. of Colorado-Boulder
Lines: 16
rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver) writes:
>Some recent postings remind me that I had read about risks
>associated with the barbecuing of foods, namely that carcinogens
>are generated. Is this a valid concern? If so, is it a function
>of the smoke or the elevated temperatures? Is it a function of
>the cooking elements, wood or charcoal vs. lava rocks? I wish
>to know more. Thanks.
I recall that the issue is that fat on the meat liquifies and then
drips down onto the hot elements--whatever they are--that the extreme
heat then catalyzes something in the fat into one or more
carcinogens which then are carried back up onto the meat in the smoke.
--the ol' professor
From: mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 72
This reminds me of the last Graham Kerr cooking show I saw.  Today he
smoked meat on the stovetop in a big pot!  He used a strange technique
I'd never seen before.
He took a big pot with lid, and placed a tray in it made from aluminum foil.
The tray was about the size and shape of a typical coffee-table ash tray,
made by crumpling a sheet of foil around the edges.
In the tray, he placed a couple spoonfuls of brown sugar, a similar
quantity of brown rice (he said any rice will do), the contents of two
teabags of Earl Grey tea, and a few cloves.
On top of this was placed an ordinary aluminum basket-type steamer, with
two chicken breasts in it.  The lid was put on, and the whole assembly
went on the stovetop at high heat for 10 or 12 minutes.
Later, he removed what looked like smoked chicken breasts.  What surprises
and concerns me are:
1)  No wood chips.  Where does the smoke flavor come from?
2)  About 5 or 10 years ago, I remember hearing that carmel color
(obtained by caramelizing sugar -- a common coloring and flavoring
agent) had been found to be carcinogenic.  I believe they injected
it under the skin of rats, or something.  If the results were conclusive,
caramel color would not be legal in the U.S., yet it is still being
used.  Was the initial research result found to be incorrect, or what?
3)  About 5 or 10 years ago, I remember Earl Grey tea being implicated
as carcinogenic, because it contains oil of bergamot (an extract
from the skin of a type of citrus fruit).  Does anyone know whatever
happened with that story?  If it were carcinogenic, Earl Grey tea
could not have it as an additive, yet it apparently continues to do
so.
WRT natural wood smoke (I've smoking a duck right now, as it happens),
I've noticed that a heavily-smoked food item will have an unpleasant tangy
taste when eaten directly out of the smoker if the smoke has only recently
stopped flowing.  I find the best taste to be had by using dry wood chips,
getting lots of smoke right up at the beginning of the cooking process,
then slowly barbequing for hours and hours without adding additional wood chips.
My theory is that the unpleasant tangy molecules are low-molecular weight
stuff, like terpenes, and that the smoky flavor molecules are some sort
of larger molecule more similar to tar.  The long barbeque time after
the initial intensive smoke drives off the low-molecular weight stuff,
just leaving the flavor behind.  Does anyone know if my theory is correct?
I also remember hearing that the combustion products of fat dripping
on the charcoal and burning are carcinogenic.  For that reason, and because
it covers the product with soot and some unpleasant tanginess, I only grill
non-drippy meats like prawns directly over hot coals.  I do stuff like this
duck by indirect heat.  I have a long rectangular Weber, and I put the coals
at one end and the meat at the other end.  The fat drops directly on the
floor below the meat, and next time I use the barbeque I make the fire
in that end to burn off the fat and help ignite the coals.
And yet another reason I've heard not to smoke or barbeque meat is that
smoked cured meat, like pork sausage and bacon, contains
nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.  I'm pretty sure this claim actually
has some standing, don't know about the others.
An amusing incident I recall was the Duncan Hines scandal, when it was
discovered that the people who make Duncan Hines cake mix were putting
a lot of ethylene dibromide (EDB) into the cake mix to suppress weevils.
This is a fumigant which is known to be carcinogenic.
The guy who represented the company in the press conference defended
himself by saying that the risk from eating Duncan Hines products every day
for a year would be equal to the cancer risk from eating two charcoal-
broiled steaks.  What a great analogy!  When I first heard that, my
immediate reaction was we should make that a standard unit!  One charcoal
broiled steak would be equivalent to 0.5 Duncans!
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: "Brain abscess" definition needed
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 16
In article <1993Apr8.123213.1@tardis.mdcorp.ksc.nasa.gov> fresa@tardis.mdcorp.ksc.nasa.gov writes:
>Could someone please define a "brain abscess" for me? A relative has one near
>his cerebellum.
A brain abscess is an infection deep in the brain substance.  It is
hard to cure with antibiotics, since it gets walled off, and usually,
it needs surgical drainage.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Subject: HYPOGLYCEMIA
Distribution: world
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Lines: 19
>From: anello@adcs00.fnal.gov (Anthony Anello)
>Can anyone tell me if a bloodcount of 40 when diagnosed as hypoglycemic is
>dangerous, i.e. indicates a possible pancreatic problem?  One Dr. says no, the
>other (not his specialty) says the first is negligent and that another blood
Blood glucose levels of 40 or so are common several hours after a
big meal.  This level will usually not cause symptoms.
>test should be done.  Also, what is a good diet (what has worked) for a hypo-
>glycemic?
If you mean "reactive" hypoglycemia, there are usually no symptoms,
hence there is no disease, hence the dietary recommendations are the
same as for anyone else.  If a patient complains of dizziness,
faintness, sweating, palpitations, etc. reliably several hours after
a big meal, the recommendations are obvious - eat smaller meals.
---
. SLMR 2.1 . E-mail: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
From: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Subject: Need advice with doctor-patient relationship problem
Distribution: world
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Lines: 13
ML> From: libman@hsc.usc.edu (Marlena Libman)
ML> I need advice with a situation which occurred between me and a physican
ML> which upset me.
ML> My questions: (1) Should I continue to have this doctor manage my care?
That's easy:  No.  You wouldn't take your computer into a repair
shop where they were rude to you, even if they were competent in
their business.  Why would you take your own body into a "repair
shop" where the "repairman" has such a bad attitude?
---
. SLMR 2.1 . E-mail: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
From: slyx0@cc.usu.edu
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Utah State University
Lines: 35
>>Between who? Over what? I would be most interested in seeing you
>>provide peer-reviewed non-food-industry-funded citations to articles
>>disputing that MSG has no effects whatsoever.
>
> You mean "asserting".  You're being intellectually dishonest (or just
> plain confused), because you're conflating reports which do not necessarily
> have anything to do with each other.  Olney's reports would argue a potential
> for problems in human infants, but that's not to say that this says anything
> whatsoever about the use of MSG in most foods, nor does he provide any
> studies in humans which indicate any deleterious effects (for obvious
> reasons.)  It says nothing about MSG's contribtion to the phenomenon
> of the "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome".  It says nothing about the frequent
> inability to replicate anecdotal reports of MSG sensitivity in the lab.
Okay Mr. Dyer, we're properly impressed with your philosophical skills and
ability to insult people. You're a wonderful speaker and an adept politician.
However, I believe that all you were asked to do, was simply provide scientific
research refuting the work of Olney. I don't think the original poster sought
to start a philisophical debate. she wanted some information. Given a little
effort one could justify that shooting oneself with a .45 before breakfast is a
healthy practice. But we're not particularily interested in what you can
verbally prove/disprove or rationalize. Where's the research? Where are the
studies?
I appoligize if this sounds flamish. I simply would like to see the thread get
back on track.
Lone Wolf
Happy are they who dream dreams,
Ed Philips                            And pay the price to see them come true.
slyx0@cc.usu.edu
-unknown
From: doyle+@pitt.edu (Howard R Doyle)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: Pittsburgh Transplan Institute
Lines: 18
In article <dubin.735083450@spot.Colorado.EDU> dubin@spot.colorado.edu writes:
>
>I recall that the issue is that fat on the meat liquifies and then
>drips down onto the hot elements--whatever they are--that the extreme
>heat then catalyzes something in the fat into one or more
>carcinogens which then are carried back up onto the meat in the smoke.
>
Hmmm. Care to be more vague?
=======================================
Howard  Doyle
doyle+@pitt.edu
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Sleeping Pill OD
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 22
In article <1993Apr9.051039.715@scott.skidmore.edu> dfederma@scott.skidmore.edu (daniel federman) writes:
>
>A friend of mine took appoximately 60 CVS sleeping pills, each
>containing 25mg of diphenhydramine, I think.  That's 1500 mg, total.
>	I'm worried, though, about the long-term effects.  Since he
>never had his stomach pumped, will he have liver or brain damage?  Any
>information would be greatly appreciated.
Shouldn't have.  But he may need to see the shrink about why he
wanted to kill himself.  Depressed people can be succesfully treated
usually.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: request for information on "essential tremor" and Indrol?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 12
In article <1q1tbnINNnfn@life.ai.mit.edu> sundar@ai.mit.edu writes:
Essential tremor is a progressive hereditary tremor that gets worse
when the patient tries to use the effected member.  All limbs, vocal
cords, and head can be involved.  Inderal is a beta-blocker and
is usually effective in diminishing the tremor.  Alcohol and mysoline
are also effective, but alcohol is too toxic to use as a treatment.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: aldridge@netcom.com (Jacquelin Aldridge)
Subject: Re: what are the problems with nutrasweet (aspartame)
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Lines: 36
hbloom@moose.uvm.edu (*Heather*) writes:
>Nutrasweet is a synthetic sweetener a couple thousand times sweeter than
>sugar.  Some people are concerned about the chemicals that the  body produces
>when it degrades nutrasweet.  It is thought to form formaldehyde and known to
>for methanol in the degredation pathway that the body uses to eliminate
>substances.  The real issue is whether the levels of methanol and formaldehyde
>produced are high enough to cause significant damage, as both are toxic to
>living cells.  All I can say is that I will not consume it.
>Phenylalanine is
>nothing for you to worry about.  It is an amino acid, and everyone uses small
>quantities of it for protein synthesis in the body.  Some people have a disease
>known as phenylketoneurea, and they are missing the enzyme necessary to
>degrade this compound and eliminate it from the body.  For them, it will
>accumulate in the body, and in high levels this is toxic to growing nerve
>cells.  Therefore, it is Only a major problem in young children (until around
>age 10 or so) or women who are pregnant and have this disorder.  It used to
>be a leading cause of brain damage in infants, but now it can be easily
>detected at birth, and then one must simply avoid comsumption of phenylalanine
>as a child, or when pregnant.
>-heather
If I remember rightly PKU syndrome in infants is about 1/1200 ? They lack
two genes. And people who lack one gene are supposed to be 1/56 persons?
Those with PKU have to avoid naturally occuring phenylalanine. And those
who only have one gene and underproduce whatever it is they are supposed to
be producing are supposed to be less tolerant of aspartame.
The methol, formaldahyde thing was supposed to occur with heating?
I don't drink it. I figure sugar was made for a reason. To quickly and
easily satiate hungry people. If you don't need the calories it's just as
easy to drink water.  Used to drink a six pack a aday of aspartame soda. Don't
even drink one coke a day when sugared.
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: NIH offers "Exploratory Grants For Alternative Medicine"
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 30
In article <1993Apr9.172945.4578@island.COM> green@island.COM (Robert Greenstein) writes:
>In article <19493@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>>One problem is very few scientists are interested in alternative medicine.
>
>So Gordon, why do you think this is so?
>--
Probably because most of them come packaged with some absurd theory
behind them.  E.G. homoeopathy: like cures like.  The more you dilute
things, the more powerful they get, even if you dilute them so much
there is no ingredient but water left.  Chiropractic: all illness
stems from compressions of nerves by misaligned vertebrae.  Such
systems are so patently absurd, that any good they do is accidental
and not related to the theory.  The only exception is probably herbalism,
because scientists recognize the potent drugs that derive from plants
and are always interested in seeing if they can find new plants
that have active and useful substances.  But that isn't what
is meant by alternative medicine, usually.  If you get into the Qi,
accupuntunce charts, etc, you are now back to silly theories that
probably have nothing to do with why accupuncture works in some cases.
Perhaps another reason they are reluctant is the Rhine experience.
Rhine was a scientist who wanted to investigate the paranormal
and his lab was filled with so much chacanery and fakery that
people don't want to be associated with that sort of thing.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Dislocated Shoulder
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 19
In article <1993Apr9.181944.5353@e2big.mko.dec.com> steve@caboom.cbm.dec.com (Steve Katz) writes:
>
>Recently I managed to dislocate my shoulder while
>sking.  The injury also seems to have damaged the nerves
>in my arm.  I was wondering if someone could point me towards
>some literature that would give me some background into
>these types of injuries.  Please respond by EMAIL if possible.
>
Your medical school library should have books on peripheral nerve
injuries.  Probably it was your brachial plexus, so look that up.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Too many MRIs?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 15
In article <1q6rie$mo2@access.digex.net> kfl@access.digex.com (Keith F. Lynch) writes:
>So, why are the scans so expensive, and what can be done to reduce the
>expense?  Isn't it just a box with some big magnets, a radio transmitter,
>and an attached PC?
The magnets are huge!  Good MRI sets with big (>1.5 Tesla) magnets
cost millions of dollars.  Then, the radiologist wants $400 for
reading each scan.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Helium non-renewable??  (was: Too many MRIs?)
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 18
In article <lsj1gdINNkor@saltillo.cs.utexas.edu> turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin) writes:
>-*----
>How does the helium get consumed?  I would have thought that failure
>to contain it perfectly would result in its evaporation .. back into
>the atmosphere.  Sounds like a cycle to me.  Obviously, it takes
>energy to run the cycle, but I seriously doubt that helium consumption
>is a resource issue.
>
It's not a cycle.  Free helium will escape from the atmosphere due to
its high velocity.  It won't be practical to recover it.  It has
to be mined.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: kaminski@netcom.com (Peter Kaminski)
Subject: Re: Need to find information about current trends in diabetes.
Lines: 63
Organization: The Information Deli - via Netcom / San Jose, California
In <C5nF2r.KpJ@world.std.com> steveo@world.std.com (Steven W Orr) writes:
>I looked for diab in my .newsrc and came up with nuthin. Anyone have
>any good sources for where I can read?
Check out the DIABETIC mailing list -- a knowledgable, helpful, friendly,
voluminous bunch.  Send email to LISTSERV@PCCVM.BITNET, with this line
in the body:
SUBSCRIBE DIABETIC <your name here>
Also, the vote for misc.health.diabetes, a newsgroup for general discussion
of diabetes, is currently underway, and will close on 29 April.  From the
2nd CFV, posted to news.announce.newgroups, news.groups, and sci.med,
message <1q1jshINN4v1@rodan.UU.NET>:
>To place a vote FOR the creation of misc.health.diabetes, send an
>email message to yes@sun6850.nrl.navy.mil
>
>To place a vote AGAINST creation of misc.health.diabetes, send an
>email message to no@sun6850.nrl.navy.mil
>
>The contents of the message should contain the line "I vote
>for/against misc.health.diabetes as proposed".  Email messages sent to
>the above addresses must constitute unambiguous and unconditional
>votes for/against newsgroup creation as proposed.  Conditional votes
>will not be accepted.  Only votes emailed to the above addresses will
>be counted; mailed replies to this posting will be returned.  In the
>event that more than one vote is placed by an individual, only the
>most recent vote will be counted.  One additional CFV will be posted
>during the course of the vote, along with an acknowledgment of those
>votes received to date.  No information will be supplied as to how
>people are voting until the final acknowledgment is made at the end,
>at which time the full vote will be made public.
>
>Voting will continue until 23:59 GMT, 29 Apr 93.
>Votes will not be accepted after this date.
>
>Any administrative inquiries pertaining to this CFV may be made by
>email to swkirch@sun6850.nrl.navy.mil
>
>The proposed charter appears below.
>
>--------------------------
>
>Charter:
>
>misc.health.diabetes                            unmoderated
>
>1.   The purpose of misc.health.diabetes is to provide a forum for the
>discussion of issues pertaining to diabetes management, i.e.: diet,
>activities, medicine schedules, blood glucose control, exercise,
>medical breakthroughs, etc.  This group addresses the issues of
>management of both Type I (insulin dependent) and Type II (non-insulin
>dependent) diabetes.  Both technical discussions and general support
>discussions relevant to diabetes are welcome.
>
>2.   Postings to misc.heath.diabetes are intended to be for discussion
>purposes only, and are in no way to be construed as medical advice.
>Diabetes is a serious medical condition requiring direct supervision
>by a primary health care physician.
>
>-----(end of charter)-----
From: mmatusev@radford.vak12ed.edu (Melissa N. Matusevich)
Subject: Foreskin Troubles
Organization: Virginia's Public Education Network (Radford)
Lines: 3
What can be done, short of circumcision, for an adult male
whose foreskin will not retract?
From: joel@cs.mcgill.ca (Joel MALARD)
Subject: Bone marrow sclerosis.
Summary: Information sought.
Keywords: Severely low blood cell count
Nntp-Posting-Host: binkley.cs.mcgill.ca
Organization: SOCS - Mcgill University, Montreal, Canada
Lines: 10
I am looking for information on possible causes and long term effects
of bone marrow sclerosis. I would also be thankful if anyone reading
this newsgroup could list some recognized treatment centers if anything
else than massive blood transfusion can be effective. If you plan on
a "go to the library"-style reply, please be kind enough to add a list
of suggested topics or readings: Medicine is not my field.
Regards,
Joel Malard.
joel@cs.mcgill.ca
Organization: University of Illinois at Chicago, academic Computer Center
From: <U19250@uicvm.uic.edu>
Subject: quality control in medicine
Lines: 7
Does anybody know of any information regarding the implementaion of total
quality management, quality control, quality assurance in the delivery of
health care service.  I would appreciate any information.  If there is enough
interest, I will post the responses.
Thank You
Abhin Singla MS BioE, MBA, MD
President AC Medcomp Inc
From: kilty@ucrengr (kathleen richards)
Subject: Re: Lyme vaccine
Reply-To: karicha@eis.calstate.edu
Lines: 12
Nntp-Posting-Host: ucrengr
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
Jeff,
If you have time to type it in I'd love to have the reference for that
paper!  thanks!
--
kathleen richards   email:  karicha@eis.calstate.edu
~Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug!~
-dire straits
From: kxgst1+@pitt.edu (Kenneth Gilbert)
Subject: Re: quality control in medicine
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 20
In article <93108.003258U19250@uicvm.uic.edu> U19250@uicvm.uic.edu writes:
:Does anybody know of any information regarding the implementaion of total
: quality management, quality control, quality assurance in the delivery of
: health care service.  I would appreciate any information.  If there is enough
:interest, I will post the responses.
This is in fact a hot topic in medicine these days, and much of the
medical literature is devoted to this.  The most heavily funded studies
these days are for outcome research, and physicians (and others!) are
constantly questionning whether what we do it truly effective in any given
situation.  QA activities are a routine part of every hospital's
administrative function and are required by accreditation agencies.  There
are even entire publications devoted to QA issues.
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=  Kenneth Gilbert              __|__        University of Pittsburgh   =
=  General Internal Medicine      |      "...dammit, not a programmer!" =
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From: rgasch@nl.oracle.com (Robert Gasch)
Subject: Re: Homeopathy: a respectable medical tradition?
Organization: Oracle Europe
Lines: 47
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
Gordon Banks (geb@cs.pitt.edu) wrote:
: In article <3794@nlsun1.oracle.nl> rgasch@nl.oracle.com (Robert Gasch) writes:
: >
: >: From a business point of view, it might make sense.  It depends on
: >: the personality of the practitioner.  If he can charm the patients
: >: into coming, homeopathy can be very profitable.  It won't be covered
: >: by insurance, however.  Just keep that in mind.  Myself, I'd have
: >^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
: >
: >In many European countries Homepathy is accepted as a method of curing
: >(or at least alleiating) many conditions to which modern medicine has
: >no answer. In most of these countries insurance pays for the
: >treatments.
: >
: Accepted by whom?  Not by scientists.  There are people
: in every country who waste time and money on quackery.
: In Britain and Scandanavia, where I have worked, it was not paid for.
: What are "most of these countries?"  I don't believe you.
In Holland insurences pay for Homeopathic treatment. In Germany they do
so as well. I Austria they do if you have a condition which can not be
helped by "normal" medicine (happened to me). Switzerland seems to be
the same as Austria (I have direct experience in the Swiss case).
At the Univeristy of Vienna (I believe Innsbruck as well) homeopathy
can be taken in Med. school.
I found that in combination with Acupuncture it changed my life from
living hell to a condition which enables me to lead a relatively
normal life. I found that modern medicine was powerless to cure me
of a *severe* case of Neurodermitis (Note: I mean cure, not
surpress the symptoms, which is what modern medicine attempts to
do in the case of Neurodermitis).
I'm not saying that Homeopathy is scientific, but that it can offer
help in areas in which modern medicine is absolutely helpless.
From reading your aritcle it seems that your have some deeply rooted
beliefs about this issue (this is not intended to be offensive or
sarcastic - it just sounded like that to me) which makes me doubt
if you can read this with an open mind. If you do/can, please excuse
my last comment.
---> Robert
rgasch@nl.oracle.com
From:  Gia Kiria <gkiria@kiria.kheta.georgia.su>
Subject: help
Reply-To: gkiria@kiria.kheta.georgia.su
Organization: Gia Kiria
Keywords: information echo cardio dopler
Lines: 9
HELP!
Maybe anybody know names of conferences in
Please help Me find any information for next keywords:
echocardiography and cardiology+dopler
I hawe no informatins on this subjects 2 years becouse i leave in
Tbilisy.
sorry for my bad english!
MY adress: irina@kiria.kheta.georgia.su
From: ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth)
Subject: HYPOGLYCEMIA
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Lines: 31
anello@adcs00.fnal.gov (Anthony Anello) writes:
A(>  Can anyone tell me if a bloodcount of 40 when diagnosed as hypoglycemic is
A(>  dangerous, i.e. indicates a possible pancreatic problem?  One Dr. says no, the
A(>  other (not his specialty) says the first is negligent and that another blood
A(>  test should be done.  Also, what is a good diet (what has worked) for a hypo-
A(>  glycemic?  TIA.
A(>
A(>
A(>  Anthony Anello
A(>  Fermilab
A(>  Batavia, Illinois
Once you have your hypoglycemia CONFIRMED through the proper
channels, you might consider ther following:
1) Chelated Manganese   25-50mg/day.
2) Chelated Chromium    400-600mcg/day.
3) Increase protein through foods or supplements.
4) Avoid supplements/foods high in Potassium, Calcium, Zinc.
5) Avoid Vit C supplements in excess of 100mg.
6) Avoid honey and foods high in simple sugars.
7) Enjoy breads, cereals, grains...
Discuss the above with your health practitioner for compatibility
with your body chemistry and safety.
--Ron--
---
RoseReader 2.00  P003228: BEER - It's not just for breakfast anymore.
RoseMail 2.10 : Usenet: Rose Media - Hamilton (416) 575-5363
From: kfl@access.digex.com (Keith F. Lynch)
Subject: Glutamate
Organization: Express Access Public Access UNIX, Greenbelt, Maryland USA
Lines: 10
NNTP-Posting-Host: access.digex.net
In article <lso15qINNkpr@news.bbn.com> sher@bbn.com (Lawrence D. Sher) writes:
> From the N.E.J.Med.  editorial:  "The dicarboxylic amino acid glutamate
> is not only an essential amino acid ...
Glutamate is not an essential amino acid.  People can survive quite well
without ever eating any.
--
Keith Lynch, kfl@access.digex.com
f p=2,3:2 s q=1 x "f f=3:2 q:f*f>p!'q  s q=p#f" w:q p,?$x\8+1*8
From: jeffp@vetmed.wsu.edu (Jeff Parke)
Subject: Re: Lyme vaccine
Organization: College of Veterinary Medicine WSU
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL9]
Lines: 13
kathleen richards (kilty@ucrengr) wrote:
> If you have time to type it in I'd love to have the reference for that
> paper!  thanks!
Experimental Lyme Disease in Dogs Produces Arthritis and Persistant Infection,
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, March 1993, 167:651-664
--
Jeff Parke <jeffp@pgavin1.vetmed.wsu.edu>
also:   jeffp@WSUVM1.bitnet    AOL: JeffParke
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine class of 1994
Pullman, WA  99164-7012
From: king@reasoning.com (Dick King)
Subject: Re: Selective Placebo
Organization: Reasoning Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA
Lines: 20
Nntp-Posting-Host: drums.reasoning.com
In article <1993Apr17.125545.22457@rose.com> ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth) writes:
>
>   OTOH, who are we kidding, the New England Medical Journal in 1984
>   ran the heading: "Ninety Percent of Diseases are not Treatable by
>   Drugs or Surgery," which has been echoed by several other reports.
>   No wonder MDs are not amused with alternative medicine, since
>   the 20% magic of the "placebo effect" would award alternative
>   practitioners twice the success rate of conventional medicine...
1: "90% of diseases" is not the same thing as "90% of patients".
In a world with one curable disease that strikes 100 people, and nine
incurable diseases which strikes one person each, medical science will cure
91% of the patients and report that 90% of diseases have no therapy.
2: A disease would be counted among the 90% untreatable if nothing better than
a placebo were known.  Of course MDs are ethically bound to not knowingly
dispense placebos...
-dk
From: jchen@wind.bellcore.com (Jason Chen)
Subject: Re: Glutamate
Nntp-Posting-Host: wind.bellcore.com
Organization: Bellcore
Lines: 13
In article <1qrsr6$d59@access.digex.net> kfl@access.digex.com (Keith F. Lynch) writes:
>In article <lso15qINNkpr@news.bbn.com> sher@bbn.com (Lawrence D. Sher) writes:
>> From the N.E.J.Med.  editorial:  "The dicarboxylic amino acid glutamate
>> is not only an essential amino acid ...
>
>Glutamate is not an essential amino acid.  People can survive quite well
>without ever eating any.
There is no contradiction here. It is essential in the sense that your
body needs it. It is non-essential in the sense that your body can
produce enough of it without supplement.
Jason Chen
From: carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU (Carl J Lydick)
Subject: Re: Glutamate
Organization: HST Wide Field/Planetary Camera
Lines: 15
Distribution: world
Reply-To: carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU
NNTP-Posting-Host: sol1.gps.caltech.edu
In article <1993Apr18.163212.9577@walter.bellcore.com>, jchen@wind.bellcore.com (Jason Chen) writes:
=There is no contradiction here. It is essential in the sense that your
=body needs it. It is non-essential in the sense that your body can
=produce enough of it without supplement.
And when you're in a technical discussion of amino acids, it's the latter
definition that's used almost universally.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL
Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.
From: young@serum.kodak.com (Rich Young)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Originator: young@sasquatch
Nntp-Posting-Host: sasquatch
Reply-To: young@serum.kodak.com
Organization: Clinical Diagnostics Division, Eastman Kodak Company
Lines: 24
In article <C5Mv3v.2o5@world.std.com> rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver) writes:
>
>Some recent postings remind me that I had read about risks
>associated with the barbecuing of foods, namely that carcinogens
>are generated. Is this a valid concern? If so, is it a function
>of the smoke or the elevated temperatures? Is it a function of
>the cooking elements, wood or charcoal vs. lava rocks? I wish
>to know more. Thanks.
From THE TUFTS UNIVERSITY GUIDE TO TOTAL NUTRITION: Stanley Gershoff,
Ph.D., Dean of Tufts University School of Nutrition; HarperPerennial, 1991
(ISBN #0-06-272007-4):
"The greatest hazard of barbecuing is that the cook will not use
enough caution and get burned.  Some people suggest that the
barbecuing itself is dangerous, because the smoke, which is
absorbed by the meat, contains benzopyrene, which, in its pure form,
has been known to cause cancer in laboratory animals.  However,
in order to experience the same results, people would have to
consume unrealistically large quantities of barbecued meat at a
time."
-Rich Young (These are not Kodak's opinions.)
From: young@serum.kodak.com (Rich Young)
Subject: Re: what are the problems with nutrasweet (aspartame)
Originator: young@sasquatch
Nntp-Posting-Host: sasquatch
Reply-To: young@serum.kodak.com
Organization: Clinical Diagnostics Division, Eastman Kodak Company
Lines: 76
In article <1993Apr17.181013.3743@uvm.edu> hbloom@moose.uvm.edu (*Heather*) writes:
>Nutrasweet is a synthetic sweetener a couple thousand times sweeter than
>sugar.  Some people are concerned about the chemicals that the  body produces
>when it degrades nutrasweet.  It is thought to form formaldehyde and known to
>for methanol in the degredation pathway that the body uses to eliminate
>substances.  The real issue is whether the levels of methanol and formaldehyde
>produced are high enough to cause significant damage, as both are toxic to
>living cells.  All I can say is that I will not consume it.
[...]
In the September 1992 issue of THE TUFTS UNIVERSITY DIET AND NUTRITION
LETTER, there is a three page article about artificial sweeteners.  What
follows are those excerpts which deal specifically with Nutrasweet.
[Reproduced without permission]
The controversy [over aspartame] began six years ago in England,
where a group of researchers found that aspartame, marketed under
the tradename Nutrasweet, appears to stimulate appetite and,
presumably, the eating of more calories in the long run than if
a person simply consumed sugar.  When researchers asked a group
of 95 people to drink plain water, aspartame-sweetened water, and
sugared water, they said that overall they felt hungriest after
drinking the artificially sweetened beverage.
The study received widespread media attention and stirred a
good deal of concern among the artificial-sweetener-using public.
However, its results were questionable at best, since the researchers
did not go on to measure whether the increase in appetite did
actually translate into an increase in eating.  The two do not
necessarily go hand in hand.
In the years that followed, more than a dozen studies examining
the effect of aspartame on appetite -- and eating -- were conducted.
And after reviewing every one of them, the director of the
Laboratory of the Study of Human Ingestive Behavior at Johns Hopkins
University, Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., concluded that consuming aspartame-
sweetened foods and drinks is not associated with any increase in
the amount of food eaten afterward.
One artificial sweetener that is not typically accused of causing
cancer is aspartame.  But it most certainly has been blamed for a
host of other ills.  Since its introduction in 1981, the government
has received thousands of complaints accusing it of causing
everything from headaches to nausea to mood swings to anxiety.
Still, years of careful scientific study conducted both before and
after the sweetener's entering the market have failed to confirm
that it can bring about adverse health effects.  That's why the
Centers for Disease Control (the government agency charged with
monitoring public health), the American Medical Association's
Council on Scientific Affairs, and the Food and Drug Administration
have given aspartame, one of the most studied food additives, a
clean bill of health.
Granted, the FDA has set forth an "acceptable daily intake" of
50 milligrams of aspartame per kilogram of body weight.  To exceed
the limit, however, a 120-pound (55 kg.) woman would have to take
in 2,750 milligrams of aspartame -- the amount in 15 cans of
aspartame-sweetened soda pop, 14 cups of gelatin, 22 cups of yogurt,
or 55 six-ounce servings of aspartame-containing hot cocoa,...
A 175-pound (80 kg.) man would have to consume some 4,000 milligrams
of the sweetener -- the amount in 22 cans of soda pop or 32 cups
of yogurt -- to go over the limit.  [chart with aspartame content
of selected foods omitted]
Only one small group of people must be certain to stay away
from aspartame: those born with a rare metabolic disorder called
phenylketonuria, or PKU.  The estimated one person in every 12,000
to 15,000 who has it is unable to properly metabolize an essential
amino acid in aspartame called phenylalanine.  Once a child
consumes it, it builds up in the body and can ultimately cause
such severe problems as mental retardation.  To help people with
PKU avoid the substance, labels on cans of soda pop and other
aspartame-sweetened foods must carry the warning "Phenylketonurics:
Contains Phenylalanine."
-Rich Young (These are not Kodak's opinions.)
From: Isabelle.Rosso@Dartmouth.edu (Isabelle Rosso)
Subject: Hunchback
X-Posted-From: InterNews 1.0b15@dartmouth.edu
Organization: Dartmouth College
Lines: 14
I have a friend who has a very pronounced slouch of his upper back. He
always walks and sits this way so I have concluded that he is
hunchback.
Is this a genetic disorder, or is it something that people can correct.
i.e. is it just bad posture that can be changed with a bit of will
power?
Isabelle.Rosso@Dartmouth.edu
From: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Subject: Post Polio Syndrome Information Needed Please !!!
Distribution: world
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Lines: 67
KS> From: keith@actrix.gen.nz (Keith Stewart)
KS>My wife has become interested through an acquaintance in Post-Polio Syndrome
KS>This apparently is not recognised in New Zealand and different symptons ( eg
KS>chest complaints) are treated separately. Does anone have any information
I'm not sure that this condition is "recognised" anywhere (in the
sense of a disease with diagnostic criteria, clear boundaries
between it and other diseases, unique pathologic or physiologic
features, etc), but here goes with what many neurologists agree on.
Post-polio syndrome patients have evidence of motor neuron disease
by clinical examination, EMG, and muscle biopsy.  The abnormalities
are mostly chronic (due to old polio) but there is evidence of
ongoing deterioration.  Clinically, the patients complain of
declining strength and endurance with everyday motor tasks.
Musculoskeletal pain is a nearly universal feature that doubtless
contributes to the impaired performance.  The examination shows
muscle weakness and atrophy.  The EMG shows evidence of old
denervation with reinnervation (giant and long-duration motor unit
action potentials) *and* evidence of active denervation
(fibrillation potentials).  The biopsy also shows old denervation
with reinnervation (fiber-type grouping) *and* evidence of active
denervation (small, angulated fibers with dense oxidative enzyme
staining) - but curiously, little or no group atrophy.
Post-polio patients do not have ALS.  In ALS, there is clinically
evident deterioration from one month to the next.  In post-polio,
the patients are remarkably stable in objective findings from one
year to the next.  Of course, there are patients who had polio
before who develop genuine ALS, but ALS is no more common among
polio survivors than among people who never had polio.
The cause of post-polio syndrome is unknown.  There is little
evidence that post-polio patients have active polio virus or
destructive immunologic response to virus antigen.
There is no solid evidence that patients with post-polio have
anything different happening to the motor unit (anterior horn cells,
motor axons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle fibers) than
patients with old polio who are not complaining of deterioration.
Both groups can have the same EMG and biopsy findings.  The reason
for these "acute" changes in a "chronic" disease (old polio) is
unknown.  Possibly spinal motor neurons (that have reinnervated huge
numbers of muscle fibers) start shedding the load after several
years.
There are a couple of clinical features that distinguish post-polio
syndrome patients from patients with old polio who deny
deterioration.  The PPS patients are more likely to have had severe
polio.  The PPS patients are *much* more likely to complain of pain.
They also tend to score higher on depression scales of
neuropsychologic tests.
My take on this (I'm sure some will disagree):  after recovery from
severe polio there can be abnormal loading on muscles, tendons,
ligaments, bones, and joints, that leads to inflammatory and/or
degenerative conditions affecting these structures.  The increasing
pain, superimposed on the chronic (but unchanging) weakness, leads
to progressive impairment of motor performance and ADL.  I am
perhaps biased by personal experience of having never seen a PPS
patient who was not limited in some way by pain.  I do not believe
that PPS patients have more rapid deterioration of motor units than
non-PPS patients (i.e., those with old polio of similar severity but
without PPS complaints).
---
. SLMR 2.1 . E-mail: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
From: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Subject: Re: Post Polio Syndrome Information Needed Please !!!
Distribution: world
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Lines: 15
DN> From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
DN> Briefly, this is a condition in which patients who have significant
DN> residual weakness from childhood polio notice progression of the
DN> weakness as they get older.  One theory is that the remaining motor
DN> neurons have to work harder and so die sooner.
If this theory were true, the muscle biopsy would show group atrophy
(evidence of acute loss of enlarged motor units); it doesn't.
Instead, the biopsy shows scattered, angulated, atrophic fibers.
This is more consistent with load-shedding by chronically overworked
motor neurons - the neurons survive, at the expense of increasingly
denervated muscle.
---
. SLMR 2.1 . E-mail: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
From: dozonoff@bu.edu (david ozonoff)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Lines: 24
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5
Sharon Paulson (paulson@tab00.larc.nasa.gov) wrote:
:
: Once again we are waiting. I have been thinking that it would be good
: to get to as large a group as possible to see if anyone has any
: experience with this kind of thing.  I know that members of the medical
: community are sometimes loathe to admit the importance that diet and
: foods play in our general health and well-being.  Anyway, as you can
: guess, I am worried sick about this, and would appreciate any ideas
: anyone out there has.  Sorry to be so wordy but I wanted to really get
: across what is going on here.
:
:
I don't know anything specifically, but I have one further anecdote. A
colleague of mine had a child with a serious congenital disease, tuberous
sclerosis. Along with mental retardation comes a serious seizure disorder.
The parents noticed that one thing that would precipitate a seizure was
a meal with corn in it. I have always wondered about the connection, and
further about other dietary ingredients that might precipitate seizures.
Other experiences would be interesting to hear about from netters.
--
David Ozonoff, MD, MPH		 |Boston University School of Public Health
dozonoff@med-itvax1.bu.edu	 |80 East Concord St., T3C
(617) 638-4620			 |Boston, MA 02118
From: ruegg@med.unc.edu (Robert G. Ruegg)
Subject: Re: Eugenics
Keywords: gene pool; wisdom; virtue
Nntp-Posting-Host: naples.med.unc.edu
Organization: UNC-CH School of Medicine
Lines: 84
Subject: Re: Eugenics
(Gordon Banks) writes:
/
;Probably within 50 years, a new type of eugenics will be possible.
;Maybe even sooner.  We are now mapping the human genome.  We will
;then start to work on manipulation of that genome.  Using genetic
;engineering, we will be able to insert whatever genes we want.
;No breeding, no "hybrids", etc.  The ethical question is, should
;we?
Two past problems with eugenics have been
1) reducing the gene pool and
2) defining the status of the eugenized.
Inserting genes would not seem to reduce the gene pool unless the inserted
genes later became transmissible to progeny. Then they may be able to
crowd out "garbage genes." This may in the future become possible. Even if
it does, awareness of the need to maintain the gene pool would hopefully
mean provisions will be made for saving genes that may come in handy
later. Evidently the genes for sickle cell disease in equatorial Africa
and for diabetes in the Hopi *promoted* survival in some conditions. We
don't really know what the future may hold for our environment. The
reduced wilderness- and disease-survival capacity of our relatively inbred
domesticated animals comes to mind. Vulcanism, nuclear winter, ice age,
meteor impact, new microbiological threats, famine, global warming, etc.,
etc., are all conceivable. Therefore, having as many genes as possible
available is a good strategy for species survival.
Of course, the status of genetically altered individuals would start out
as no different than anyone else's. But if we could make
"philosopher-kings" with great bodies and long lives, would we (or they)
want to give them elevated status? We could. The Romans did it with their
kings *without* the benefits of such eugenics. The race eventually
realized and dealt with the problems which that caused, but for a while,
it was a problem. Orwell introduced us to the notion of what might happen
to persons genetically altered for more menial tasks. But there is nothing
new under the sun. We treated slaves the same way for millennia before
"1984."
I see no inherent problem with gene therapy which avoids at least these 2
problems. Humans have always had trouble having the virtue and wisdom to
use any power that falls into their hands to good ends all the time. That
hasn't stopped the race as a whole yet. Many are the civilizations which
have died from inability to adapt to environmental change. However, also
many are the civilizations which have died from the abuse of their own
power. The ones which survived have hopefully learned a lesson from the
fates of others, and have survived by making better choices when their
turns came.
Not that I don't think that this gene altering power couldn't wipe us off
the face of the earth or cause endless suffering. Nuclear power or global
warming or whatever could and may still do that, too.
The real issue is an issue of wisdom and virtue. I personally don't think
man has enough wisdom and virtue to pull this next challenge off any
better than he did the for last few. We, as eugenists, may make it, an we
may not. If we don't, I hope there are reservoirs of "garbage" people out
in some backwater with otherwise long discarded "garbage" genes which will
pull us through.
I believe that the real problem is and will probably always be the same.
Man needs to accept input from the great spirit of God to overcome his
lacks in the area of knowing how to use the power he has. Some men have,
and I believe all men may, listen to and obey the still small voice of God
in their hearts. This is the way to begin to recieve the wisdom and virtue
needed to escape the problems consequent to poor choices. Peoples have
died out for many reasons. The societies which failed to accept enough
input from God to safely use the power they had developed have destroyed
themselves, and often others in the process. It is self-evident that the
ones which survive today have either accepted enough input from the Spirit
to use their powers wisely enough to avoid or survive their own mistakes
thus far, or else haven't had enough power for long enough.
In summary, I would say that the question of whether to use this new
technology is really an ancient one. And the answer, in some ways hard, in
some ways easy, is the same ancient answer. It isn't the power, it is the
Spirit.
Sorry for the long post. Got carried away.
Bob (ruegg@med.unc.edu)
From: lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology  (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Summary: Is subjective judgement more reliable than statistics?
Organization: University of Hawaii (Mathematics Dept)
Expires: Mon, 10 May 1993 10:00:00 GMT
Lines: 76
In article <ls8lnvINNrtb@saltillo.cs.utexas.edu> turpin@cs.utexas.edu
(Russell Turpin) writes:
>            ...
>*not* imply that all their treatments are ineffective.  It *does*
>imply that those who rely on faulty methodology and reasoning are
>incapable of discovering *which* treatments are effective and
>which are not.)
To start with, no methodology or form of reasoning is infallible.  So
there's a question of how much certainty we are willing to pay for in a
given context.  Insistence on too much rigor bogs science down completely
and makes progress impossible.  (Expenditure of sufficiently large sums
of money and amounts of time can sometimes overcome this.)  On the other
hand, with too little rigor much is lost by basing work on results which
eventually turn out to be false.  There is a morass of studies
contradicting other studies and outsiders start saying  "You people call
THIS science?"   (My opinion, for what it's worth, is that one sees both
these phenomena happening simultaneously in some parts of psychology.)
Some subjective judgement is required to decide on the level of rigor
appropriate for a particular investigation.  I don't believe it is
ever possible to banish subjective judgement from science.
My second point, though, is that highly capable people can often make
extremely reliable judgements about scientific validity even when using
methodology considered inadequate by the usual standards.  I think this
is true of many scientists and I think it is true of many who approach
their discipline in a way that is not generally recognized as scientific.
Within mathematics, I think there are several examples, especially before
the twentieth century.  One conspicuous case is that of Riemann, who is
famous for many theorems he stated but did not prove.  (Later
mathematicians did prove them, of course.)
I think that for a good scientist, empirical investigation is often not
so much a matter of determining what is true and what's not  as it is a
matter of convincing other people.  (People have proposed lots of
incompatible definitions of science here, but I think the ability to
objectively convince others of the validity of one's results is an
essential element.  Not that one can necessarily do that at every step
of the scientific process, but I think that if one is not moving toward
that goal then one is not doing science.)
When a person other than a scientist is quite good at what he does and
seems to be very successful at it, I think that his judgements are also
worthy of respect and that his assertions are well worth further
investigation.
In article <C53By5.HD@news.Hawaii.Edu> I wrote:
> Namely, is there really justification for the belief that
> science is a superior path to truth than non-scientific approaches?
Admittedly, my question was not at all well posed.  A considerable
amount of effort in a "serious scholarly investigation" such as I
suggested would be required simply to formulate an appropriately
specific question to try and answer.
The "science" I was thinking of in my question is the actual science
currently practiced now in the last decade of the twentieth century.
I certainly wasn't thinking of some idealized science or the mere use
of "reason and observation."
One thing I had in mind in my suggestion was the question as to whether
in many cases the subjective judgements of skilled and experienced
practitioners might be more reliable than statistical studies.
Since Russell Turpin seems to be much more familiar than I am with
the study of scientific methodology, perhaps he can tell us if there
is any existing research related to this question.
--
In the arguments between behaviorists and cognitivists, psychology seems
less like a science than a collection of competing religious sects.
lady@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu         lady@uhunix.bitnet
From: ruegg@med.unc.edu (Robert G. Ruegg)
Subject: Re: Eugenics
Summary: errata
Keywords: gene pool; wisdom; virtue
Nntp-Posting-Host: naples.med.unc.edu
Organization: UNC-CH School of Medicine
Lines: 7
Thanks to Tarl Neustaedter of MA for kindly letting me know that my
reference in prior post to Orwell and "1984" should probably have been to
Huxley and "Brave New World."
Sorry, Al.
Bob (ruegg@med.unc.edu)
From: marcbg@feenix.metronet.com (Marc Grant)
Subject: Adult Chicken Pox
Organization: Tx Metronet Communications Services, Dallas Tx
Distribution: usa
Lines: 13
I am 35 and am recovering from a case of Chicken Pox which I contracted
from my 5 year old daughter.  I have quite a few of these little puppies
all over my bod.  At what point am I no longer infectious?  My physician's
office says when they are all scabbed over.  Is this true?
Is there any medications which can promote healing of the pox?  Speed up
healing?  Please e-mail replies, and thanks in advance.
--
|Marc Grant          | Internet: marcbg@feenix.metronet.com |
|POB 850472          | Amateur Radio Station N5MEI          |
|Richardson, TX 75085| Voice/Fax: 214-231-3998              |
- .... .- - ...  .- .-.. .-..    ..-. --- .-.. -.- ...
Organization: University of Illinois at Chicago, academic Computer Center
From: <U19250@uicvm.uic.edu>
Subject: Re: Foreskin Troubles
Lines: 3
This is generally called phimosis..usually it is due to an inflammation, and ca
n be retracted in the physician's offfice rather eaaasily.  One should see a GP
, or in complicated cases, a urologist.
From: romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff)
Subject: Re: Selective Placebo
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 37
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: uclink.berkeley.edu
Ron Roth recommends: "Once you have your hypoglycemia CONFIRMED through the
proper channels, you might consider ther following:..."
[diet omitted]
1) Ron...what do YOU consider to be "proper channels"...this sounds suspiciously
like a blood chemistry...glucose tolerance and the like...suddenly chemistry
exists? You know perfectly well that this person can be saved needless trouble
and expense with simple muscle testing and hair analysis to diagnose...no
"CONFIRM" any aberrant physiology...but then again...maybe that's what you meantby "proper channels."
2) Were you able to understand Dick King's post that "90% of diseases is not thesame thing as 90% of patients" which was a reply to your inability to critically
evaluate the statistic you cited from the New England Journal of Medicine. Couldyou figure out what is implied by the remark "Of course MDs are ethically bound to not knowingly dispense placebos..."?
3) Ron...have you ever thought about why you never post in misc.health.alterna-
tive...and insist instead upon insinuating your untrained, non-medical, often
delusional notions of health and disease into this forum? I suspect from your
apparent anger toward MDs and heteropathic medicine that there may be an
underlying 'father problem'...of course I can CONFIRM this by surrogate muscle
testing one of my patients while they ponder my theory to see if one of their
previously weak 'indicator' muscles strengthens...or do you have reservations
about my unique methods of diagnosis? Oh..I forgot what you said in an earlier
post.."neither am I concerned of whether or not my study designs meet your or
anyone else's criteria of acceptance."
John Badanes, DC, CA
romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu
ideas
From: twong@civil.ubc.ca (Thomas Wong)
Subject: Image processing software for PC
Organization: Dept. of Civil Engineering, U.B.C., Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Lines: 27
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: sam.civil.ubc.ca
I am posting the following for my brother. Please post your replies or
send him email to his address at the end of his message. Thank you.
____________________________________________________________________
My supervisor is looking for a image analysis software for
MS DOS. We need something to measure lengths and areas on
micrographs. Sometime in the future, we may expand to do
some densitometry for gels, etc. We've found lots of ads and
info for the Jandel Scientific products: SigmaScan and Java.
But we have not been able to find any competing products. We
would appreciate any comments on these products and
suggestions / comments on other products we should consider.
Thanks.
Donald
UserDONO@MTSG.UBC.CA
From: robin@ntmtv.com (Robin Coutellier)
Subject: Critique of Pressure Point Massager
Originator: robin@volans
Nntp-Posting-Host: volans
Reply-To: robin@ntmtv.com (Robin Coutellier)
Organization: Northern Telecom Inc, Mountain View, CA
Distribution: na
Lines: 141
As promised, below is a personal critique of a Pressure Point Massager
I recently bought from the Self Care Catalog.  I am very pleased with
the results.  The catalog description is as follows:
The Pressure Point Massager is an aggressive physical massager
that actually kneads the tension out of muscles ... much like a
professional shiatsu masseur.  The powerful motor drives two
counter-rotating "thumbs" that move in one-inch orbits --
releasing tension in the neck, back, legs and arms.
Pressure Point Massager    A2623   $109
To order or receive a catalog, call (24 hours, 7 days) 1-800-345-3371 or
fax at 1-800-345-4021.
********
NOTE:
When I ordered the massager, the item number was different, and the price
was $179, not $109.  When I received it, I glanced thru the newer catalog
enclosed with it to see anything was different from the first one.  I was
QUITE annoyed to see a $70 difference in price.  I called them about it,
and the cust rep said that they had switched manufacturers, although it
looks and works exactly the same.  He told me to go ahead and return the
first one and order the cheaper one, using the price difference as a
reason for return.  In fact, since the newer ones might take a while to
ship from the factory (I received this one in 3 days), he told me I could
use the one I already have until the new one arrives, then return the old
one.  VERY reasonable people.
********
I have long-term neck, shoulder and back pain (if I were a building, I
would be described as "structurally unsound :-) ).  I have stretches
and exercises to do that help, but the problem never really goes away.
If, for whatever reason, I do not exercise for a while (illness, not enough
time, lazy, etc.), the muscles become quite stiff and painful and, thus,
more prone to further strain.  Even with exercise, I sometimes require
physical therapy to get back on track, which 1st requires a doctor visit
to get the prescription for p.t.
The tension in my neck, if not released, eventually causes a headache
(sometimes confused with a sinus headache) over my left eye.  When my
physical therapist has massaged my neck, and the sub-occipital muscles
in particular (the 2 knobby areas near the base of the skull), the
headache usually eased within a day, although it hurts like hell to
while it is being massaged.
I ordered this device because it seemed to be exactly what I was wishing
someone would invent --a machine that would massage, NOT VIBRATE, my
neck and sub-occipital muscles like my physical therapist has done in
the past, that I could use by myself.  No doctor visit or inconvenient
p.t. appts for a week later would be needed to use it.  I could get up
in the middle of the night and use it, if necessary.
I have been using it for about a week or so now, and LOVE it.  The base
unit is about a 14" x 9" rectangle, about 3-3/4" high, with handles on each
side, and it plugs into an average outlet.  The two metal "thumbs" are about
1-1/2" in diameter and protrude about 2-1/2" above the base.  The thumbs
are covered with a gray cloth that is non-removable.  They are located more
toward one end, rather than centered (see figure below).  They move in
either clockwise or counter-clockwise directions, depending on which side
of the switch is pushed, and are very quiet.  It can be used from either
side.  For instance, the thumbs can be positioned at the base of the neck
or the top of the neck, depending on which direction you approach it.
_______________________________
|  __    _______________    __  |
| |  |  |		|  |  | |
| |  |  |  \^^/   \^^/  |  |  | |
| |  |  |   ||     ||   |  |  | |
| |  |  |		|  |  | |
| |  |  |_______________|  |  | |
| |__|			   |__| |
|_______________________________|
For the neck/head, the user varies the amount of pressure used by (if
laying down) allowing all or part of the full weight of the head and/or
neck to rest on the thumbs.  The handles can also be used if sitting or
standing, applying pressure with the arms/wrists.  Since my wrists are
also impaired (I'm typing this over an extended period of time), and I
don't have someone living with me who can apply it, laying down works
well for me.
For my back, I sit in a high-backed kitchen chair, position the massager
behind me at whatever point I want massaged, and lean back lightly (or
not so lightly) against it.  The pressure of leaning back holds it in place.
If I want to massage the entire spine, I simply move it down a few inches
whenever I feel like it.  For my back, this machine is far superior to use
than the commonly used "home-made" massager of 2 tennis balls taped together
(with the balls, position (against a wall or door) them over the spine and
move the body up and down against them).  The tennis balls are better than
nothing, but difficult to use for very long, especially if your quads are
not in good shape, and my long hair gets (painfully) in the way if I don't
pin it up first.  As far as I'm concerned, the easier something like this
is to use, the more likely I'll use/do it.  If there are multiple
considerations/hassles, I'm more likely to not bother with it.
Not only has this machine helped with my headaches, but my range of motion
for my neck and back are greatly increased.  The first time I used it on my
neck/sub-occipital muscles, however, I overdid it and pressed too hard
against it, which resulted in a very tender, almost bruised area for a
few days.  I laid off it for about 3 days and applied ice, which helped.
After that, I was more gradual about applying pressure.  At this point,
the pain in the sub-occipital area is now minimal while being massaged.
I also learned to use VERY LIGHT pressure on my lower back, which is the
most vulnerable point for me.
It also eased some painful knots of tension between my shoulder blades,
although, again, it took a few days of massaging (just a few minutes at
a time) to really work it out.
I highly recommend this product if you have similar problems, although I
cannot vouch for its durability (it seems pretty sturdy), since I've had
it such a short time.  I plan to use it not only to ease tension, but also
to loosen the muscls BEFORE exercising (and maybe after, too).  I have
been ill recently and not able to exercise much for a few weeks, so this
was very timely  for me.
This is the 1st product I've ordered from this company and only recently
became aware of it thru a co-worker.  The catalog states they have been
in business since 1976.  It contains quite a few health care products and,
while they appear to be more expensive than the average health care catalog
products, they also appear to be of much higher quality with more thought
put into what they actually do.  Definitely a step above some other ones
I've seen such as "Dr. Leonards Health Care Catalog" or "Mature Wisdom".
I'm only 37, but have ended up on some geriatric-type mailing lists (no
big surprise here :-) ).  I consider many of those products to be rip-offs,
particularly targeted toward the elderly, with dubious health benefits.
I apologize for the length of this, but it's the kind of info _I_ would
like to know before ordering something thru the mail.
Robin Coutellier
Northern Telecom, Mountain View, CA
INTERNET: robin@ntmtv.com
UUCP:portal!ntmtv!robin
From: cash@convex.com (Peter Cash)
Subject: Re: Need advice with doctor-patient relationship problem
Nntp-Posting-Host: zeppelin.convex.com
Organization: The Instrumentality
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
not necessarily those of CONVEX.
Lines: 16
In article <C5L9qB.4y5@athena.cs.uga.edu> mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington) writes:
>Sounds as though his heart's in the right place, but he is not adept at
>expressing it.  What you received was _meant_ to be a profound apology.
>Apologies delivered by overworked shy people often come out like that...
His _heart_? This jerk doesn't have a heart, and it beats me why you're
apologizing for him. In my book, behavior like this is unprofessional,
inexcusable, and beyond the pale. If he's overworked, it's because he's too
busy raking in the bucks. More likely, he just likes to push women around.
I'd fire the s.o.b., and get myself another doctor.
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|      Die Welt ist alles, was Zerfall ist.     |
Peter Cash   |       (apologies to Ludwig Wittgenstein)      |cash@convex.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Daniel.Prince@f129.n102.z1.calcom.socal.com (Daniel Prince)
Subject: Placebo effects
Lines: 17
I know that the placebo effect is where a patient feels better or
even gets better because of his/her belief in the medicine and
the doctor administering it.  Is there also an anti-placebo
effect where the patient dislikes/distrusts doctors and medicine
and therefore doesn't get better or feel better in spite of the
medicine?
Is there an effect where the doctor believes so strongly in a
medicine that he/she sees improvement where the is none or sees
more improvement than there is?  If so, what is this effect
called?  Is there a reverse of the above effect where the doctor
doesn't believe in a medicine and then sees less improvement than
there is?  What would this effect be called?  Have these effects
ever been studied?  How common are these effects?  Thank you in
advance for all replies.
... Information is very valuable but dis-information is MUCH more common.
From: GAnderson@Cmutual.com.au  (Gavin Anderson)
Subject: Help - Looking for a Medical Journal Article - Whiplash/Cervical Pain
Lines: 37
Organization: Colonial Mutual Life Australia
X-Newsreader: FTPNuz (DOS) v1.0
Lines: 24
Hi,
I am not sure where to post this message, please contact me if I'm way off
the mark.
On 19.3.93 my wife went to her General Practitioner (Doctor). He mentioned
an article from a medical journal that is of great interest to us. He had
read it in the previous three months but has been unable to find it again.
The article was about Whiplash Injury/Cervical Pain. It mentions the use of
a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagery) machine as a diagnostic tool and the work
of a neurosurgeon who relived cervical pain.
This article is most likely in an Australian medical journal. I very much
want to obtain the name of the article, journal and author because the case
matches my wife. We would very much appreciate anyone's help in this matter
via email preferably.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gavin Anderson                              email: GAnderson@cmutual.com.au
Analyst/Programmer.                         phone: +61-3-607-6299
Colonial Mutual Life Aust. (ACN 004021809)  fax  : +61-3-283-1095
-----------Some people never consciously discover their antipodes----------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gavin Anderson                              email: GAnderson@cmutual.com.au
Analyst/Programmer.                         phone: +61-3-607-6299
Colonial Mutual Life Aust. (ACN 004021809)  fax  : +61-3-283-1095
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: dhartung@chinet.chi.il.us (Dan Hartung)
Subject: _The Andromeda Strain_
Summary: How well does it hold up?
Organization: Chinet - Public Access UNIX
Lines: 28
Just had the opportunity to watch this flick on A&E -- some 15 years
since I saw it last.
I was very interested in the technology demonstrated in this film
for handling infectious diseases (and similar toxic substances).
Clearly they "faked" a lot of the computer & robotic technology;
certainly at the time it was made most of that was science fiction
itself, let alone the idea of a "space germ".
Quite coincidentally [actually this is what got me wanted to see
the movie again] I watched a segment on the otherwise awful _How'd
They Do That?_ dealing with a disease researcher at the CDC's top
lab.  There was description of the elaborate security measures taken
so that building will never be "cracked" so to speak by man or
nature (short of deliberate bombing from the air, perhaps).  And
the researchers used "spacesuits" similar to that in the film.
I'm curious what people think about this film -- short of "silly".
Is such a facility technically feasible today?
As far as the plot, and the crystalline structure that is not Life
As We Know It, that's a whole 'nother argument for rec.arts.sf.tech
or something.
--
| Next: a Waco update ... an Ohio prison update ... a Bosnia update ... a  |
| Russian update ... an abortion update ... and a Congressional update ... |
| here on SNN: The Standoff News Network.  All news, all standoff, all day |
Daniel A. Hartung  --  dhartung@chinet.chinet.com  --  Ask me about Rotaract
From: ls8139@albnyvms.bitnet (larry silverberg)
Subject: Re: H E L P   M E   ---> desperate with some VD
Reply-To: ls8139@albnyvms.bitnet
Organization: University of Albany, SUNY
Lines: 17
>I can probably buy the
>tools and this solution somewhere but I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO INJECTION BY
>MYSELF
You may also want to buy a 'self injector' or something like that.
My friend is diabetic.  You load the hyperdermic, put it in a plastic case
and set a spring to automatically push the needle into the skin and depress
the plunger.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Live From New York, It's SATURDAY NIGHT...
Tonight's special guest:
Lawrence Silverberg from The State University of New York @ Albany
aka:ls8139@gemini.Albany.edu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: markmc@halcyon.com (Mark McWiggins)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: Northwest Nexus Inc.
Lines: 5
NNTP-Posting-Host: nwfocus.wa.com
Also, don't forget that it's better for your health to enjoy your steak
than to resent your sprouts ...
--
Mark McWiggins        Hermes & Associates		+1 206 632 1905 (voice)
markmc@halcyon.com    Box 31356, Seattle WA 98103-1356  +1 206 632 1738 (fax)
From: sandy@nmr1.pt.cyanamid.COM (Sandy Silverman)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
In-Reply-To: markmc@halcyon.com's message of 19 Apr 1993 01:07:22 -0700
Nntp-Posting-Host: nmr1.pt.cyanamid.com
Organization: American Cyanamid Company
<1qtmjq$ahd@nwfocus.wa.com>
Lines: 11
From my reading of the popular, and scientific, literature,  I think that the
benzopyrene-from-burned-fat problem is probably real but very small compared to
other kinds of risks.  (This type of problem also occurs with stove-top pan
grilling.)  One possible remedy I have read about is to take some vitamin C with your meal of barbecue (or bacon, e.g.).  This MAY make sense because vit. C
is an antioxidant which could counteract the adverse affect of some of the
chemicals in question.  Bon Apetit!
--
Sanford Silverman                      >Opinions expressed here are my own<
American Cyanamid
sandy@pt.cyanamid.com, silvermans@pt.cyanamid.com     "Yeast is Best"
From: gmiller@worldbank.org (Gene C. Miller)
Subject: Immunotherapy for Recurrent Miscarriage
Organization: worldbank.org
Lines: 17
Following a series of miscarriages, my wife was given a transfusion of
my white cells. (The theory as I understand it is that there is some kind
of immune blocking that prevents the body from attacking the pregnancy as
it normally would a "foreign" body. Where this blocking is deficient, the
body evicts the "intruder", resulting in a miscarriage. The white cells
apparently enhance the blocking capability.) Following the transfusion, she
successfully carried the next pregnancy to term, and Jake is now an active
9 month-old who cannot wait to walk.
We're now thinking about having another child, but no one (including
the OBGYN who supervised the first transfusion) really seems to know
whether or not the transfusion process needs to be repeated for successive
pregnancies.
Is there anyone in net-land who has experience with this?
Thanks...Gene (and Jane and Jake)
P.S. I've also posted this in misc.kids.
From: harvey@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Betty Harvey)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Reply-To: harvey@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Betty Harvey)
Organization: Carderock Division, NSWC, Bethesda, MD
Lines: 30
In rec.food.cooking, packer@delphi.gsfc.nasa.gov (Charles Packer) writes:
>Is there such a thing as MSG (monosodium glutamate) sensitivity?
>I saw in the NY Times Sunday that scientists have testified before
>an FDA advisory panel that complaints about MSG sensitivity are
>superstition. Anybody here have experience to the contrary?
>
I know that there is MSG sensitivity.  When I eat foods with MSG I get
very thirsty and my hands swell and get a terrible itchy rash. I first
experienced this problem when I worked close to Chinatown and ate Chinese
food almost everyday for lunch.  Now I can't tolerate MSG at all.  I can
notice immediately when I have eaten any.  I try to avoid MSG completely.
Interesting fact though is that all three of my children started experiencing
the exact same rash on their hands.  I couldn't understand why because I
don't MSG in cooking and we ask for no MSG when we do eat Chinese (I still
love it).  After some investigation I knew that Oodles of Noodles where
one of their favorite foods.  One of the main ingredients in the flavor
packets is MSG.  Now I look at all labels.  You would be surprised at
places you find MSG.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Betty Harvey  <harvey@oasys.dt.navy.mil>     | David Taylor Model Basin
ADP, Networking and Communication Assessment | Carderock Division
Branch                                  | Naval Surface Warfare
Code 1221                                    |   Center
Bethesda, Md.  20084-5000                    | DTMB,CD,NSWC
|
(301)227-3379   FAX (301)227-3343            |
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/
From: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com (Gary Merrill)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Originator: sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com
Nntp-Posting-Host: theseus.unx.sas.com
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Lines: 45
In article <1993Apr16.210916.6958@cs.rochester.edu>, fulk@cs.rochester.edu (Mark Fulk) writes:
|> I'm not familiar with the history of this experiment, although, arguably,
|> I should be.
For a brief, but pretty detailed account, try Hempel's _Philosophy of
Natural Science_.
|> I think that it is enough if his contemporaries found the result surprising.
|> That's not what I'd quibble about.  What I'd like to know are Toricelli's
|> reasons for doing his experiment; not the post hoc _constructed_ reasons,
|> but the thoughts in his head as he considered the problem.  It may be
This smacks a bit of ideology -- the supposition being that Toricelli's
subsequent descriptions of his reasoning are not veridical.  It gets dangerously
close to an unfalsifiable view of the history and methodology of science if
we deny that no subsequent reports of experimenters are reliable descriptions
of their "real" reasons.
|> impossible to know much about Toricelli's thoughts; that's too bad if
|> it is so.  One of Root-Bernstein's services to science is that he has gone
|> rooting about in Pasteur's and Fleming's (and other people's) notes, and has
|> discovered some surprising clues about their motivations.  Pasteur never
|> publicly admitted his plan to create mirror-image life, but the dreams are
|> right there in his notebooks (finally public after many years), ready for
|> anyone to read.  And I and my friends often have the most ridiculous
|> reasons for pursuing results; one of my best came because I was mad at
|> a colleague for a poorly-written claim (I disproved the claim).
|>
|> Of course, Toricelli's case may be an example of a rarety: where the
|> fantasy not only motivates the experiment, but turns out to be right
|> in the end.
But my point is that this type of case is *not* a rarity.  In fact, I was
going to point to Pasteur as yet another rather common example -- particularly
the studies on spontaneous generation and fermentation.  I will readily
concede that "ridiculous reasons" can play an important role in how
scientists spend their time.  But one should not confuse motivation with
methodology nor suppose that ridiculous reasons provide the impetus in the
majority of cases based on relatively infrequent anecdotal evidence.
--
Gary H. Merrill  [Principal Systems Developer, C Compiler Development]
SAS Institute Inc. / SAS Campus Dr. / Cary, NC  27513 / (919) 677-8000
sasghm@theseus.unx.sas.com ... !mcnc!sas!sasghm
From: sbrenner@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (scott.d.brenner)
Subject: What's the Difference Between an M.D. and a D.O.?
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Lines: 30
My wife and I are in the process of selecting a pediatrician for our
first child (due June 15th).  We interviewed a young doctor last week
and were very impressed with her.  However, I discovered that she is
actually not an Medical Doctor (M.D.) but rather a "Doctor of
Osteopathy" (D.O.).  What's the difference?  I believe the pediatrician
*I* went to for many years was a D.O. and he didn't seem different from
any other doctor I've seen over the years.
My dictionary says that osteopathy is "a medical therapy that emphasizes
manipulative techniques for correcting somatic abnormalities thought
to cause disease and inhibit recovery."
Jeez, this sounds like chiropractic.  I remember getting shots and
medicine from *my* pediatrician D.O., and don't remember any
"manipulative techniques".  Perhaps someone could enlighten me as to
the real, practical difference between an M.D. and a D.O.  Also, I'm
interesting in hearing any opinions on choosing a pediatrician who
follows one or the other medical philosophy.
Readers of sci.med:  Please respond directly to sbrenner@attmail.com;
I do not read this group regularly and probably won't see your response
if you just post it here.  Sorry for the cross-posting, but I'm hoping
there's some expertise here.
a T d H v A a N n K c S e
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scott D. Brenner                  AT&T Consumer Communications Services
sbrenner@attmail.com                          Basking Ridge, New Jersey
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: davallen@vms.macc.wisc.edu
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization:  University of Wisconsin Academic Computing Center
Distribution:  world
Lines: 88
In article <79738@cup.portal.com>, mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes...
>This reminds me of the last Graham Kerr cooking show I saw.  Today he
>smoked meat on the stovetop in a big pot!  He used a strange technique
>I'd never seen before.
>
>He took a big pot with lid, and placed a tray in it made from aluminum foil.
>The tray was about the size and shape of a typical coffee-table ash tray,
>made by crumpling a sheet of foil around the edges.
>
>In the tray, he placed a couple spoonfuls of brown sugar, a similar
>quantity of brown rice (he said any rice will do), the contents of two
>teabags of Earl Grey tea, and a few cloves.
>
>On top of this was placed an ordinary aluminum basket-type steamer, with
>two chicken breasts in it.  The lid was put on, and the whole assembly
>went on the stovetop at high heat for 10 or 12 minutes.
>
>Later, he removed what looked like smoked chicken breasts.  What surprises
>and concerns me are:
>
>1)  No wood chips.  Where does the smoke flavor come from?
>
>2)  About 5 or 10 years ago, I remember hearing that carmel color
>    (obtained by caramelizing sugar -- a common coloring and flavoring
>    agent) had been found to be carcinogenic.  I believe they injected
>    it under the skin of rats, or something.  If the results were conclusive,
>    caramel color would not be legal in the U.S., yet it is still being
>    used.  Was the initial research result found to be incorrect, or what?
>
>3)  About 5 or 10 years ago, I remember Earl Grey tea being implicated
>    as carcinogenic, because it contains oil of bergamot (an extract
>    from the skin of a type of citrus fruit).  Does anyone know whatever
>    happened with that story?  If it were carcinogenic, Earl Grey tea
>    could not have it as an additive, yet it apparently continues to do
>    so.
>
>WRT natural wood smoke (I've smoking a duck right now, as it happens),
>I've noticed that a heavily-smoked food item will have an unpleasant tangy
>taste when eaten directly out of the smoker if the smoke has only recently
>stopped flowing.  I find the best taste to be had by using dry wood chips,
>getting lots of smoke right up at the beginning of the cooking process,
>then slowly barbequing for hours and hours without adding additional wood chips.
>
>My theory is that the unpleasant tangy molecules are low-molecular weight
>stuff, like terpenes, and that the smoky flavor molecules are some sort
>of larger molecule more similar to tar.  The long barbeque time after
>the initial intensive smoke drives off the low-molecular weight stuff,
>just leaving the flavor behind.  Does anyone know if my theory is correct?
>
>I also remember hearing that the combustion products of fat dripping
>on the charcoal and burning are carcinogenic.  For that reason, and because
>it covers the product with soot and some unpleasant tanginess, I only grill
>non-drippy meats like prawns directly over hot coals.  I do stuff like this
>duck by indirect heat.  I have a long rectangular Weber, and I put the coals
>at one end and the meat at the other end.  The fat drops directly on the
>floor below the meat, and next time I use the barbeque I make the fire
>in that end to burn off the fat and help ignite the coals.
>
>And yet another reason I've heard not to smoke or barbeque meat is that
>smoked cured meat, like pork sausage and bacon, contains
>nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.  I'm pretty sure this claim actually
>has some standing, don't know about the others.
>
>An amusing incident I recall was the Duncan Hines scandal, when it was
>discovered that the people who make Duncan Hines cake mix were putting
>a lot of ethylene dibromide (EDB) into the cake mix to suppress weevils.
>This is a fumigant which is known to be carcinogenic.
>The guy who represented the company in the press conference defended
>himself by saying that the risk from eating Duncan Hines products every day
>for a year would be equal to the cancer risk from eating two charcoal-
>broiled steaks.  What a great analogy!  When I first heard that, my
>immediate reaction was we should make that a standard unit!  One charcoal
>broiled steak would be equivalent to 0.5 Duncans!
I don't understand the assumption that because something is found to
be carcinogenic that "it would not be legal in the U.S.".  I think that
naturally occuring substances (excluding "controlled" substances) are
pretty much unregulated in terms of their use as food, food additives
or other "consumption".  It's only when the chemists concoct (sp?) an
ingredient that it falls under FDA regulations.  Otherwise, if they
really looked closely they would find a reason to ban almost everything.
How in the world do you suppose it's legal to "consume" tobacco products
(which probably SHOULD be banned)?
Dave Allen
Space Science & Engr. Ctr.
UW-Madison
From: turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin)
Subject: Re: Placebo effects
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
Lines: 39
NNTP-Posting-Host: im4u.cs.utexas.edu
Summary: Yes, researcher bias is a great problem.
-*-----
In article <735157066.AA00449@calcom.socal.com> Daniel.Prince@f129.n102.z1.calcom.socal.com (Daniel Prince) writes:
> Is there an effect where the doctor believes so strongly in a
> medicine that he/she sees improvement where the is none or sees
> more improvement than there is?  If so, what is this effect
> called?  Is there a reverse of the above effect where the doctor
> doesn't believe in a medicine and then sees less improvement than
> there is?  What would this effect be called?  Have these effects
> ever been studied?  How common are these effects?  Thank you in
> advance for all replies.
These effects are a very real concern in conducting studies of new
treatments.  Researchers try to limit this kind of effect by
performing studies that are "blind" in various ways.  Some of these
are:
o  The subjects of the study do not know whether they receive a
placebo or the test treatment, i.e., whether they are in the
control group or the test group.
o  Those administering the treatment do not know which subjects
receive a placebo or the test treatment.
o  Those evaluating individual results do not know which subjects
receive a placebo or the test treatment.
Obviously, at the point at which the data is analyzed, one has to
differentiate the test group from the control group.  But the analysis
is quasi-public: the researcher describes it and presents the data on
which it is based so that others can verify it.
It is worth noting that in biological studies where the subjects are
animals, such as mice, there were many cases of skewed results because
those who performed the study did not "blind" themselves.  It is not
considered so important to make mice more ignorant than they already
are, though it is important that in all respects except the one tested,
the control and test groups are treated alike.
Russell
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: eye dominance
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 16
In article <C5E2G7.877@world.std.com> rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver) writes:
>
>Is there a right-eye dominance (eyedness?) as there is an
>overall right-handedness in the population? I mean do most
>people require less lens corrections for the one eye than the
>other? If so, what kinds of percentages can be attached to this?
There is eye dominance same as handedness (and usually for the
same side).  It has nothing to do with refractive error, however.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Surgery of damaged tendons and median nerve
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 27
In article <BHATT.93Apr12161425@wesley.src.honeywell.com> bhatt@src.honeywell.com writes:
>I thought I will explore the net wisdom with the following questions:
>
>  Is there any better way to control the pain than what the surgeon suggested?
>  How long will such pain last?  Will the pain recur in the future?
>
No one can answer that.  If she gets reflex sympathetic dystrophy,
it could last forever.  Just hope she does not.  Most don't.
>  Do damaged (partially cut) tendons heal completely and is all of the finger
>  strength regained?  How long does it take for the complete healing process?
>
Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't.  You just have to do the
best job you can reattaching and hope.  You should know in a few
months.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: paulson@tab00.larc.nasa.gov (Sharon Paulson)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton VA, USA
Lines: 52
<1993Apr17.184305.18758@spdcc.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: cmb00.larc.nasa.gov
In-reply-to: dyer@spdcc.com's message of Sat, 17 Apr 1993 18:43:05 GMT
In article <1993Apr17.184305.18758@spdcc.com> dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
Newsgroups: sci.med
Path: news.larc.nasa.gov!saimiri.primate.wisc.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!think.com!hsdndev!spdcc!dyer
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
References: <20996.3049.uupcb@factory.com> <79727@cup.portal.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 1993 18:43:05 GMT
Lines: 18
In article <79727@cup.portal.com> mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes:
>I remember hearing a few years back about a new therapy for hyperactivity
>which involved aggressively eliminating artificial coloring and flavoring
>from the diet.  The theory -- which was backed up by interesting anecdotal
>results -- is that certain people are just way more sensitive to these
>chemicals than other people.  I don't remember any connection being made
>with seizures, but it certainly couldn't hurt to try an all-natural diet.
Yeah, the "Feingold Diet" is a load of crap.  Children diagnosed with ADD
who are placed on this diet show no improvement in their intellectual and
social skills, which in fact continue to decline.  Of course, the parents
who are enthusiastic about this approach lap it up at the expense of their
children's development.  So much for the value of "interesting anecdotal
results".  People will believe anything if they want to.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
Thanks for all the interest in this problem of mine. I don't think it
is a reaction to sugar or junk food per se since Kathryn has never shown
any signs of hyperactivity or changes in behavior in response to food.
She has always been very calm and dare I say, a neat, smart kid.
The fact that this happened while eating two sugar coated cereals made
by Kellog's makes me think she might be having an allergic reaction to
something in the coating or the cereals.  Of the four of us in our
immediate family, Kathryn shows the least signs of the hay fever, running
nose, itchy eyes, etc. but we have a lot of allergies in our family history
including some weird food allergies - nuts, mushrooms.
Anyway, our next trip is to an endocrinologist to check out the body
chemistry.  But so far, no more sugar coated cereals and no more seizures
either.  Every day that goes by without one makes me heave a sigh of
relief.  Thanks again.
--
Sharon Paulson                      s.s.paulson@larc.nasa.gov
NASA Langley Research Center
Bldg. 1192D, Mailstop 156           Work: (804) 864-2241
Hampton, Virginia.  23681           Home: (804) 596-2362
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION FACT SHEET
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 26
In article <1993Apr13.150018.641@lmpsbbs.comm.mot.com> dougb@ecs.comm.mot.com writes:
>My wife cannot donate blood because she has been to a malarial region
>in the past three years.  In fact, she tried to have her bone marrow
>typed and they wouldn't even do that!  Why?
>
The FDA, I believe.  Rules say no blood or blood products donations
from anyone who has been in a malarial area for 3 years.  I was a platelet
donor until my Thailand trip and my blood bank was very disappointed
to find out they couldn't use me for 3 years.
>
>When the secretary of state asked me if I wanted to donate my
>organs I said no because I figured that no one would want them
>given my history.  Was I correct?
>
Not necessarily.  The same rules may not apply to organ donation
as to blood donation.  In fact, I'm sure they don't.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Mississippi River water and catfish: safe?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 18
In article <1993Apr12.204033.126645@zeus.calpoly.edu> dfield@flute.calpoly.edu (InfoSpunj (Dan Field)) writes:
>I've been invited to spend a couple weeks this summer rafting down the
>Mississippi.  My journey partners want to live off of river water and
>catfish along the route.  Should I have any concerns about pollution or
>health risks in doing this?
You'd have to purify the river water first.  I'm not sure how practical
that is with the Mississippi.  You'd better check with health agencies
along the way to see if there are toxic chemicals in the river.  If
it is just microorganisms, those can be filtered or killed, but you
may need activated charcoal or other means to purify from chemicals.
Better be same than sorry.  Obviously, drinking the river without
processing it is likely to make you sick from bacteria and parasites.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: OB-GYN residency
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 28
In article <1993Apr12.231544.5990@cnsvax.uwec.edu> nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye) writes:
>
>I believe it is illegal for a residency to discriminate against FMGs.  I
Is that true?  I know some that won't even interview FMGs.
Most programs discriminate, in that given an FMG equally
qualified as an American they will take the American.  What
rights do they actually have?  Does it matter if they are
US citizens (most are not)?  We have had good luck with FMGs
and bad luck.  SOme of our very best residents have been FMGs.
Also, our very worst.  As it turns out, the worst FMGs are often
US citizens that studied in off-shore medical schools.  Of the
5 residents fired for incompetence in the 12 years I've been here
in my department, all have been FMGs.  3 were US citizens who studied
in Guadalajara, 1 was a US citizen but was trained in the Soviet Union,
and one was Philipina.  Unfortunately, all are now practicing medicine
somewhere, 3 of them in Neurology after having been picked up by
other programs, 1 in psychiatry, and the other in emergency medicine.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: cash@convex.com (Peter Cash)
Subject: "liver" spots
Nntp-Posting-Host: zeppelin.convex.com
Organization: The Instrumentality
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
not necessarily those of CONVEX.
Lines: 8
What causes those little brown spots on older people's hands? Are they
called "liver spots" because they're sort of liver-colored, or do they
indicate some actual liver dysfunction?
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|      Die Welt ist alles, was Zerfall ist.     |
Peter Cash   |       (apologies to Ludwig Wittgenstein)      |cash@convex.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: thomasd@tps.COM (Thomas W. Day)
Subject: Re: _The Andromeda Strain_
Summary: How well does it hold up?
Organization: Telectronics Pacing Systems
Lines: 43
In article <C5pvp5.82L@chinet.chi.il.us> dhartung@chinet.chi.il.us (Dan Hartung) writes:
>Just had the opportunity to watch this flick on A&E -- some 15 years
>since I saw it last.
Wow, the WWII channel did something not-WWII?
>I was very interested in the technology demonstrated in this film
>for handling infectious diseases (and similar toxic substances).
>Clearly they "faked" a lot of the computer & robotic technology;
>certainly at the time it was made most of that was science fiction
>itself, let alone the idea of a "space germ".
The graphics capabilities of the computers were very faked for movie
audiences who have not ability or patience with numbers.  The book was more
realistic in that respect.  In all respects, actually.  The robotics are
still out of range, but not impossible.
>Quite coincidentally [actually this is what got me wanted to see
>the movie again] I watched a segment on the otherwise awful _How'd
>They Do That?_ dealing with a disease researcher at the CDC's top
>lab.  There was description of the elaborate security measures taken
>so that building will never be "cracked" so to speak by man or
>nature (short of deliberate bombing from the air, perhaps).  And
>the researchers used "spacesuits" similar to that in the film.
SF (and I"ve always wondered how Crichton escapes this classification) is
usually ahead of science in both prediction and precaution.  NASA's
decontaimination processes were supposedly taken to prevent SF story
disasters.  I mean, NASA scientists were often SF readers (and
sometimes writers) and felt pre-warned by their reading.
>I'm curious what people think about this film -- short of "silly".
>Is such a facility technically feasible today?
I think the film still holds up among the best of SF films, but that isn't
saying a whole lot.
>As far as the plot, and the crystalline structure that is not Life
>As We Know It, that's a whole 'nother argument for rec.arts.sf.tech
>or something.
Yep.
From: calzone@athena.mit.edu
Subject: Re: Eumemics (was: Eugenics)
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Lines: 25
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: w20-575-56.mit.edu
>Probably within 50 years, it will be possible to disassemble and
>re-assemble our bodies at the molecular level.  Not only will flawless
>cosmetic surgery be possible, but flawless cosmetic PSYCHOSURGERY.
>
>What will it be like to store all the prices of shelf-priced bar-coded
>goods in your head, and catch all the errors they make in the store's
>favor at SAFEWAY?  What will it be like to mentally edit and spell-
>check your responses to the questions posed by a phone caller selling
>VACATION TIME-SHARE OPTIONS?
You are absolutely daft.  No flame required.  You lack a brain.
> ...[sic]...
>Memes are the basic units of culture, as opposed to genes
>which are the units of genetics.
Well... at least you're educated, it seems.  But give credit
where credit is due: to Richard Dawkin(s?)
(the meme is a meme he invented)
-zone
From: sheffner@encore.com (Steve Heffner)
Subject: Hernia
Organization: Encore Computer Corporation
Nntp-Posting-Host: condor.encore.com
Lines: 20
A bit more than a year ago, a hernia in my right groin was
discovered.  It had produced a dull pain in that area.  The hernia
was repaired using the least intrusive (orthoscopic?) method and a
"plug and patch".
The doctor considered the procedure a success.
A few months later the same pain returned.  The doctor said that
he could find nothing wrong in the area of the hernia repair.
Now the pain occurs more often.  My GP couldn't identify any
specific problem.  The surgen who performed the original procedure
now says that yes there is a "new" hernia in the same area and he
said that he has to cut into the area for the repair this time.
My question to the net:  Is there a nonintrusive method to
determine if in fact there is a hernia or if the pain is from
something else?
Steve Heffner
From: davpa@ida.liu.se (David Partain)
Subject: Candida Albicans: what is it?
Originator: davpa@obel11
Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of Linkoping
Lines: 11
Someone I know has recently been diagnosed as having Candida Albicans,
a disease about which I can find no information.  Apparently it has something
to do with the body's production of yeast while at the same time being highly
allergic to yeast.  Can anyone out there tell me any more about it?
Thanks.
--
David Partain                   |  davpa@ida.liu.se
IDA, University of Link\"oping  |  work phone:  +46 (013) 28 26 08
S-581 83 Link\"oping, Sweden    |  telefax:     +46 (013) 28 26 66
From: jil@donuts0.uucp (Jamie Lubin)
Subject: Re: eye dominance
Organization: Bellcore, Piscataway, NJ
Lines: 14
In article <19671@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>In article <C5E2G7.877@world.std.com> rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver) writes:
>>
>>Is there a right-eye dominance (eyedness?) as there is an
>>overall right-handedness in the population? I mean do most
>>people require less lens corrections for the one eye than the
>>other? If so, what kinds of percentages can be attached to this?
>
>There is eye dominance same as handedness (and usually for the
>same side).  It has nothing to do with refractive error, however.
I recall reading/seeing that former baseball star Chris Chambliss' hitting
abilities were (in part) attributed to a combination of left-handedness &
right-eye dominance.
From: Donald Mackie <Donald_Mackie@med.umich.edu>
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: UM Anesthesiology
Lines: 13
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 141.214.86.38
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d9
X-XXDate: Mon, 19 Apr 93 20:12:06 GMT
In article <1993Apr18.175802.28548@clpd.kodak.com> Rich Young,
young@serum.kodak.com writes:
Stuff deleted
>	 ... have to
>	 consume unrealistically large quantities of barbecued meat at a
>	 time."
I have to confess that this is one of my few unfulfilled ambitions.
No matter how much I eat, it still seems realistic.
Don Mackie - his opinion
From: Donald Mackie <Donald_Mackie@med.umich.edu>
Subject: Re: quality control in medicine
Organization: UM Anesthesiology
Lines: 19
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 141.214.86.38
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d9
X-XXDate: Mon, 19 Apr 93 20:19:29 GMT
In article <9307@blue.cis.pitt.edu> Kenneth Gilbert,
kxgst1+@pitt.edu writes:
>situation.  QA activities are a routine part of every hospital's
>administrative function and are required by accreditation agencies.
There
>are even entire publications devoted to QA issues.
Indeed. I spend about 60% of my time dealing with quality stuff. It
is a hot number.
Two journals worth looking at are:-
Quality Review Bulletin. Pub:Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations, one Renaissance boulevard, Oakbrook
Terrace, IL 60181
Quality in Health Care. BMJ Publishing Group, Box No. 560B,
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Don Mackie - his opinions
UM Anesthesiology will disavow
From: turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
Lines: 123
Distribution: inet
NNTP-Posting-Host: im4u.cs.utexas.edu
Summary: More in response to Lee Lady.
Keywords: science   errors   Turpin   NLP
-*----
I think that part of the problem is that I have proposed a
definition of science that I intended to be interpreted broadly
and that Lee Lady has interpreted fairly narrowly.  My definition
is this: Science is the investigation of the empirical that avoids
mistakes in reasoning and methodology discovered from previous
work.  Lee Lady writes:
> I don't think that science should be defined in a way that some
> of the activities that lead to really important science --- namely
> thinking and informal exploration --- are not recognized as
> scientific work.
Unless one classifies "thinking and informal exploration" as a
mistake, they fall under my definition.  I hope no one would
consider speculation, thinking, and informal exploration as
unscientific.
In article <C5nAsF.MH7@news.Hawaii.Edu> lady@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Lee Lady) writes:
> Seriously, I'm not sure whether I misjudged you or not, in one respect.
> I still have a major problem, though, with your insistence that science
> is mainly about avoiding mistakes. ...
Here is where I think we are talking at cross-purposes.  It is not
clear to me that the kind of definition I have proposed should be
taken as describing what "science is mainly about."  Consider,
for example, a definition of invertebrates as all animals lacking
a backbone.  This fairly tells what is an invertebrate and
what is not an invertebrate, but it hardly tells you what
invertebrates are all about.  One can read this definition and
still not know that 95% of all animal species are invertebrates,
that invertebrates possess a remarkably broad range of form, that
some invertebrate groups -- such as insects and nematodes -- are
ubiquitous in all ecosystems, etc.  In short, knowing the
definition of invertebrates does *not* tell one what they are
"mainly about."
The misunderstanding here is my fault.  I did not give sufficient
context for people to understand my proposed definition.
> Okay, so let's see if we agree on this: FIRST of all, there are degrees
> of certainty.  It might be appropriate, for instance, to demand carefully
> controlled trials before we accept as absolute scientific truth (to the
> extent that there is any such thing) the effectiveness of a certain
> treatment. On the other hand, highly favorable clinical experience, even
> if uncontrolled, can be adequate to justify a *preliminary* judgement that
> a treatment is useful. ...
>
> SECONDLY, it makes sense to be more tolerant in our standards of
> evidence for a pronounced effect than for one that is marginal.
I agree on both counts.  As an example of the second, it would only
take a few cases of curing rabies to convince most veterinarians
that a treatment was effective, despite a lack of controls.
As to the first, I do not think it is useful to talk about
"absolute scientific truth."  I think it is more useful to talk
about the kinds of evidence that various claims have and the
kinds of evidence IN PARTICULAR FIELDS that in the past have
proven faulty or reliable.  The latter is obviously a matter of
degree, and in each field, practitioners try to discover the
relevance of different kinds of evidence.
One of the primary mistakes that marks the advocacy of an idea as
psuedo-science is that the advocacy lacks any sense of proportion
regarding the kinds of evidence related to the proposed claim,
the kinds of evidence that are actually relevant to it, and the
historical reasons in the field that certain kinds of evidence
are given more weight than others.  It is perfectly alright to
speculate.  I have read quite a few refereed papers that
speculated left and right.  But the authors were careful to
identify the notions as speculative, to list what little evidence
was presently available for them, and to describe how research
could proceed to either put the notion on more firm footing or to
uncover its problems.  Often what distinguishes whether a paper
of this sort passes muster is the thoughtfulness with which the
author sets the context and paves the way for future work.  (It
is in this area that many proponents of speculative ideas fail.)
> The folks over in sci.psychology have a hundred and one excuses not to
> make this simple test.  They claim that only an elaborate outcome study
> will be satisfactory --- a study of the sort that NLP practitioners,
> many of whom make a barely marginal living from their practice, can ill
> afford to do.  (Most of them are also just plain not interested, because
> the whole idea seems frivolous.  And since they're not part of the
> scientific establishment, they have no tangible rewards to gain
> from scientific acceptance.)
I think a lot of scientists steer away from things that --
deserving or not -- garner a patina of kookiness.  When
proponents of some practice see no value in more careful
investigation of that practice, that sets alarms ringing in many
researchers' minds.
This is unfortunate, because there is undoubtedly some
intersection between things that are worth investigating and
things that are advocated by those who seem careless or
unreasonable in their advocacy.  On the other hand, I can
understand why many scientists would just as soon select other
directions for research.  As Gordon Banks has pointed out, no one
wants to become this generation's Rhine.
> One academic in sci.psychology said that it would be completely
> unscientific for him to test the phobia cure since it hasn't
> been described in a scientific journal. ...
I think this is absurd.
> Actually, at least one fairly careful academic study has been done
> (with favorable results), but it's apparently not acceptable because
> it's a doctoral dissertation and not published in a refereed journal.
I wonder why the results were not published.  In my field,
dissertation results are typically summarized in papers that are
submitted to journals.  Often the papers are accepted for
publication before the dissertation is finished.  (This certainly
eases one's defense.)
Finally, I hope Lee Lady will forgive me from commenting either
on NLP or the discussion of it in sci.psychology.  I know little
about either and so have nothing to offer.
Russell
From: proberts@informix.com (Paul Roberts)
Subject: Re: Too many MRIs?
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.
Lines: 11
In article <1993Apr12.165410.4206@kestrel.edu> king@reasoning.com (Dick King) writes:
>
>I recall reading somewhere, during my youth, in some science popularization
>book, that whyle isotope changes don't normally affect chemistry, a consumption
>of only heavy water would be fatal, and that seeds watered only with heavy
>water do not sprout.  Does anyone know about this?
>
I also heard this. I always thought it might make a good eposide of
'Columbo' for someone to be poisoned with heavy water - it wouldn't
show up in any chemical test.
From: kutuzova@venus.iteb.serpukhov.su
Subject: THE RESEACHING OF STARVATION.
Organization: Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics
Lines: 29
NNTP-Posting-Host: venus.iteb.serpukhov.su
I am very interested in investigations of starvation for improving health.
I am the young Russian reseacher  and have highest medical education
and expierence in reseach work in biological field and would like
to work on this problem.
Can anybody send me the adresses of the hospitals or Medical Centers where
scientific problems of human starvation for the health are investigated?
Also I would like to set scientific contacts with colleagues who
deals with investigations in this field.
I would be very appreciated anyone reply me.
Pls, contact by post: 142292, Russia,
Moscow Region,
Puschino,
P.O. box 46,
for Kravchenko N.      ;
or by e-mail: kutuzova@venus.iteb.serpukhov.su
Thank you advance,
Natalja Kravchenko.
From: wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Keywords: MSG, Glu
Organization: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Lines: 143
In article <1993Apr17.202011.21443@spdcc.com> dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>In article <1993Apr17.184435.19725@cunews.carleton.ca> wcsbeau@alfred.carleton.ca (OPIRG) writes:
>
>There has been NO hard info provided about MSG making people ill.
>That's the point, after all.
Why don't you just look it up in the Merk? Or check out the medical dictionary
cite which a doctor mentioned earlier in this thread?
>
>That's because these "peer-reviewed" studies are not addressing
>the effects of MSG in people, they're looking at animal models.
>You can't walk away from this and start ranting about gloom and
>doom as if there were any documented deleterious health effects
>demonstrated in humans.  Note that I wouldn't have any argument
>with a statement like "noting that animal administration has pro-
>duced the following [blah, blah], we must be careful about its
>use in humans."  This is precisely NOT what you said.
Among others, see Olney's  "Excitotoxic Food Aditives - Relevance of
Animal Studies to Human Safety" (1982) Neurobehav. Toxicol. Teratol.
vol 6: 455-462.
I'm sure PETA would love to hear your arguments.
>>Tests have been done on Rhesus monkeys, as well. I have never seen a
>>study where the mode of administration was intra-ventricular.  The Glu
>>and Asp were administered orally. Some studies used IV and SC.
>>Intra-ventricular is not a normal admin. method for food tox. studies,
>>for obvious reasons. You must not have read the peer-reviewed works
>>that I referred to or you would never have come up with this brain
>>injection bunk.
>
>It most certainly is for neurotoxicology.  You know, studies of
>glutamate involve more than "food science".
Whose talking about "food science"? What is this comment supposed to
mean? *Neurotoxicology and Tratology*, *Brain Research*, *Nature*,
*Progress in Brain Research*: all fine food science journals. ;-)
>>Pardon me, but where are you getting this from? Have you read the
>>journals? Have you done a thorough literature search?
>
>So, point us to the studies in humans, please.  I'm familiar with
>the literature, and I've never seen any which relate at all to
>Olney's work in animals and the effects of glutamate on neurons.
Then you would know that Olney himself has casually  referred to
"Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" in a few articles. Why don't *you* point
us to some studies? Maybe then this exchange could be productive.
>>The point is exceeding the window. Of course, they're amino acids.
>>Note that people with PKU cannot tolerate any phenylalanine.
>
>Well, actually, they HAVE to tolerate some phenylalanine; it's a
>essential amino acid.  They just try to get as little as is healthy
>without producing dangerous levels of phenylalanine and its metabolites
>in the blood.
They're unable to metabolise it.
>>Olney's research compared infant human diets. Specifically, the amount
>>of freely available Glu in mother's milk versus commercial baby foods,
>>vs. typical lunch items from the Standard American Diet such as packaged
>>soup mixes. He found that one could exceed the projected safety margin
>>for infant humans by at least four-fold in a single meal of processed
>>foods. Mother's milk was well below the effective dose.
>
>Goodness, I'm not saying that it's good to feed infants a lot of
>glutamate-supplemented foods.  It's just that this "projected safety
>margin" is a construct derived from animal models and given that,
>you can "prove" anything you like.  We're talking prudent policy in
>infant nutrition here, yet you're misrepresenting it as received wisdom.
Who said anything about 'received wisdom'? There is no question that
orally administered doses of MSG are capable of destroying nearly all
neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and the median
eminence. These areas are responsible for the production of
hormones critical to normal neuroendocrine function and the normal
development of the vertabrate organism. Humans are vertebrates. Now
what, pray tell, do you think will happen when the area of the brain
necessary for the normal rhythm of gonadotropin release is missing?
Are you trying to say that humans have no need of their pituitary,
ANH, and ME, of that part of the brain that is responsible for
controlling the realease (albeit indirectly) of estradiol and testosterone?
How do you expect anyone to do the studies on this? It's unethical to
"sacrifice" humans to check out what effects chronic, acute, etc doses
of these compounds are having on the brain tissue in humans.  The food
industry knows this. That's why the animal model is used in medicine
and psych.  If you're talking about straight sensitivity, it would be
useful to define the term.  There are plenty of studies on
psychoneuroimmunology showing the link between attitude and
physiology.
I suspect we may be arguing about separate things; *only* adult sensitivities
(You), and late-occuring sequelae of childhood ingestion and its
implication for adults (me).  Certainly
the doses for excitotoxicity in adults are considerably larger than
for the young, but the additivity of Glu and Asp, and their copious
and increased presence in modern processed foods (jointly), and their
hidden presence in HVP, necessitates extreme caution. Why would anyone
want to eat compounds which have been shown to markedly perturb the
endocrine system in adults?  The main point is *blood levels*
attained, and oral doses would likely have to be greater than SC.
>>Between who? Over what? I would be most interested in seeing you
>>provide peer-reviewed non-food-industry-funded citations to articles
>>disputing that MSG has no effects whatsoever.
>
>You mean "asserting".  You're being intellectually dishonest (or just
>plain confused), because you're conflating reports which do not necessarily
>have anything to do with each other.  Olney's reports would argue a potential
>for problems in human infants, but that's not to say that this says anything
>whatsoever about the use of MSG in most foods, nor does he provide any
>studies in humans which indicate any deleterious effects (for obvious
>reasons.)  It says nothing about MSG's contribtion to the phenomenon
>of the "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome".  It says nothing about the frequent
>inability to replicate anecdotal reports of MSG sensitivity in the lab.
Olney's work provides a putative causal mechanism for some
sensitivities. Terry, Epelbaum and Martin have shown that orally
administered MSG causes changes in normal gonadotropic hormone
fluctutations in adults. Glu also was found to induce immediate and persistant
supression of rhythmic GH secretion, and to induce rapid and transient
release of prolactin in adults chronically exposed to MSG. GH is
responsible not only for control of growth during development, but
also converts glycogen into glucose. Could this be the cause of
headaches? I don't know.
>>>dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com
>>Hmm. ".com". Why am I not surprised?
>>- Dianne Murray   wcsbeau@ccs.carleton.ca
>
>Probably one of the dumber remarks you've made.
If you had read Olney's review article, especially the remarks I
already quoted in an earlier post, you would know to what I was
alluding. May I ask exactly for whom you do computer consulting? :-)
From: bebmza@sru001.chvpkh.chevron.com (Beverly M. Zalan)
Subject: Re: Frequent nosebleeds
Reply-To: bebmza@sru001.chvpkh.chevron.com (Beverly M. Zalan)
Organization: chevron
Lines: 24
X-Newsreader: InterCon TCP/Connect II 1.1
In article <1993Apr17.195202.28921@freenet.carleton.ca>,
ab961@Freenet.carleton.ca (Robert Allison) writes:
>
>
> I have between 15 and 25 nosebleeds each week, as a result of a genetic
> predisposition to weak capillary walls (Osler-Weber-Rendu).
> Fortunately, each nosebleed is of short duration.
>
> Does anyone know of any method to reduce this frequency? My younger
> brothers each tried a skin transplant (thigh to nose lining), but their
> nosebleeds soon returned. I've seen a reference to an herb called Rutin
> that is supposed to help, and I'd like to hear of experiences with it,
> or other techniques.
> --
My 6 year son is so plagued.  Lots of vaseline up his nose each night seems
to keep it under control.  But let him get bopped there, and he'll recur for
days!  Also allergies, colds, dry air all seem to contribute.  But again, the
vaseline, or A&D ointment, or neosporin all seem to keep them from recurring.
Bev Zalan
From: ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth)
Subject: Selective Placebo
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Lines: 33
K(>  king@reasoning.com (Dick King) writes:
K(>
K(> RR>  ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth) wrote:
K(> RR>  OTOH, who are we kidding, the New England Medical Journal in 1984
K(> RR>  ran the heading: "Ninety Percent of Diseases are not Treatable by
K(> RR>  Drugs or Surgery," which has been echoed by several other reports.
K(> RR>  No wonder MDs are not amused with alternative medicine, since
K(> RR>  the 20% magic of the "placebo effect" would award alternative
K(> RR>  practitioners twice the success rate of conventional medicine...
K(>
K(>  1: "90% of diseases" is not the same thing as "90% of patients".
K(>
K(>     In a world with one curable disease that strikes 100 people, and nine
K(>     incurable diseases which strikes one person each, medical science will cure
K(>     91% of the patients and report that 90% of diseases have no therapy.
K(>
K(>  2: A disease would be counted among the 90% untreatable if nothing better than
K(>     a placebo were known.  Of course MDs are ethically bound to not knowingly
K(>     dispense placebos...
K(>
K(>     -dk
Hmmm... even  *without*  the  ;-)  at the end, I didn't think anyone
was going to take the mathematics or statistics of my post seriously.
I only hope that you had the same thing in mind with your post,
otherwise you would need at least TWO  ;-)'s  at the end to help
anyone understand your calculations above...
--Ron--
---
RoseReader 2.00  P003228:  This mind intentionally left blank.
RoseMail 2.10 : Usenet: Rose Media - Hamilton (416) 575-5363
From: rousseaua@immunex.com
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Distribution: world
Organization: Immunex Corporation, Seattle, WA
Lines: 19
While in grad school, I remember a biochemistry friend of mine working with
"heat shock proteins". Apparently, burning protein will induce changes in he
DNA. Whether these changes survive the denaturing that occurs during digestion
I don't know, but I never eat burnt food because of this.
Also, many woods contain toxins. As they are burnt, it would seem logical that
some may volatilise, and get into the BBQed food. Again, I don't know if these
toxins (antifungal and anti-woodeater compounds) would survive the rather harsh
conditions of the stomach and intestine, and then would they be able to cross
the intestinal mucosa?
Maybe someone with more biochemical background than myself (which is almost
*anyone*... :)) can shed some light on heat shock proteins and the toxins that
may be in the wood used to make charcoal and BBQ.
Anne-Marie Rousseau
e-mail: rousseaua@immunex.com
What I say has nothing to do with Immunex.
From: todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey)
Subject: Krillean Photography
Originator: todamhyp@charles.cs.unlv.edu
Organization: University of Nevada at Las Vegas, College of Engineering
Lines: 20
I think that's the correct spelling..
I am looking for any information/supplies that will allow
do-it-yourselfers to take Krillean Pictures. I'm thinking
that education suppliers for schools might have a appartus for
sale, but I don't know any of the companies. Any info is greatly
appreciated.
In case you don't know, Krillean Photography, to the best of my
knowledge, involves taking pictures of an (most of the time) organic
object between charged plates. The picture will show energy patterns
or spikes around the object photographed, and depending on what type
of object it is, the spikes or energy patterns will vary. One might
extrapolate here and say that this proves that every object within
the universe (as we know it) has its own energy signature.
--
_D_I_S_C_L_A_I_M_E_R_: I can neither confirm nor deny any opinions
expressed in this article directly reflect my own personal or
political views and furthermore, if they did, I would not be at
liberty to yield such an explanation of these alleged opinions.
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
My comments about the Feingold Diet have no relevance to your
daughter's purported FrostedFlakes-related seizures.  I can't imagine
why you included it.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: pchurch@swell.actrix.gen.nz (Pat Churchill)
Subject: Re: eye dominance
Organization: Actrix Networks
Lines: 21
> In article <C5E2G7.877@world.std.com> rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver) writes:
> >
> >Is there a right-eye dominance (eyedness?) as there is an
> >overall right-handedness in the population? I mean do most
> >people require less lens corrections for the one eye than the
> >other? If so, what kinds of percentages can be attached to this?
I have a long sighted eye and a short sighted eye. My right eye tends
to cut out when I look at distant things, my left eye when I am close
up.  I had specs to balance things up a bit but could do without them.
I thought that, one way or another, I would always be able to see
clearly.  Unfortunately middle age is rearing its ugly head and I can
no longer see close up objects clearly.  Maybe it's just that my arms
are getting shorter :-)
--
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The floggings will continue until morale improves
pchurch@swell.actrix.gen.nz  Pat Churchill, Wellington New Zealand
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From: rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind)
Subject: Re: Adult Chicken Pox
Distribution: usa
Organization: Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Mass., USA
Lines: 15
NNTP-Posting-Host: enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
In article <C5pM3o.BDo@feenix.metronet.com> marcbg@feenix.metronet.com
(Marc Grant) writes:
>all over my bod.  At what point am I no longer infectious?  My physician's
>office says when they are all scabbed over.  Is this true?
Yes.
>Is there any medications which can promote healing of the pox?  Speed up
>healing?
Acyclovir started in the first 1-2 days probably speeds recovery and
decreases the formation of new pox.
--
David Rind
rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
From: wsun@jeeves.ucsd.edu (Fiberman)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Keywords: MSG, Glu
Organization: University of California, San Diego
Lines: 5
Nntp-Posting-Host: jeeves.ucsd.edu
I have heard that epileptic patients go into seizures if they
eat anything with MSG added.  This may have something to do with
the excitotoxicity of neurons.
-fm
From: menon@boulder.Colorado.EDU (Ravi or Deantha Menon)
Subject: Re: eye dominance
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Lines: 38
Nntp-Posting-Host: beagle.colorado.edu
nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye) writes:
>[reply to rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver)]
>
>>Is there a right-eye dominance (eyedness?) as there is an overall
>>right-handedness in the population? I mean do most people require less
>>lens corrections for the one eye than the other? If so, what kinds of
>>percentages can be attached to this?  Thanks.
>
>There is an "eyedness" analogous to handedness but it has nothing to do
>with refractive error.  To see whether you are right or left eyed, roll
>up a sheet of paper into a tube and hold it up to either eye like a
>telescope.  The eye that you feel more comfortable putting it up to is
>your dominant eye.  Refractive error is often different in the two eyes
>but has no correlation with handedness.
>
>David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
>This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
>must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
What do you mean "more comfortable putting it up to."  That seems a bit
hard to evaluate.  At least for me it is.
Stare straight Point with both hands together and clasp so that only the
pointer fingers are pointing straight forward to a a spot on the wall about
eight feet away.  First stare at the spot with both eyes open.  Now
close your left eye.  Now open your left eye.  Now close your right eye.
now open your right eye.
If the image jumped more when you closed your right eye, you are right
eye dominant.
If the image jumped more when you closed your left eye, you are left eye
dominant.
Deantha
From: lundby@rtsg.mot.com (Walter F. Lundby)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Nntp-Posting-Host: accord2
Organization: Motorola Inc., Cellular Infrastructure Group
Distribution: na
Lines: 29
As nobody in the food industry has even bothered to address my previous
question "WHY DO YOU NEED TO PUT MSG IN ALMOST EVERY FOOD?" I must assume
that my wife's answer is closer to the truth than I hoped it was.
She believes that MSG is added to food to cause people to eat more of it
and not quit when they shoud be sated.  To put it a different way, she
believes that for some people MSG causes them to act toward food like an addict.
(Eat all the chips, chow down on several packages of noodle soup .... you get the
idea! }  IF she is right, then the moral and ethical standards of the
food, chemical and regulatory groups need to be addressed!!!  Can MSG
be considered a conditioning substance (not addictive but sort of habit
forming) ?
This brings up a side question of mine.   I have noticed that cats (my
children's and my parent's) seem to fixate on a particular brand of pet
food. The cat will eat any product within one brand and not any other
brand.  I have wondered if this is not a case of preference, but, some
sort of chemical training or addiction. My questions, for the net, are:
Does the FDA regulate the contents of pet food?  Is it allowed for pet
food to contain addictive or conditioning substances?  Is MSG put in
pet food?
-----------------------------------
I speak for myself and not Motorola
-----------------------------------
--
Walter Lundby
From: tarl@sw.stratus.com (Tarl Neustaedter)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Organization: Stratus Computer, Inc.
Lines: 14
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: coyoacan.sw.stratus.com
In article <1993Apr19.205615.1013@unlv.edu>, todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey) writes:
> I think that's the correct spelling..
The proper spelling is Kirlian. It was an effect discoverd by
S. Kirlian, a soviet film developer in 1939.
As I recall, the coronas visible are ascribed to static discharges
and chemical reactions between the organic material and the silver
halides in the films.
--
Tarl Neustaedter       Stratus Computer
tarl@sw.stratus.com    Marlboro, Mass.
Disclaimer: My employer is not responsible for my opinions.
From: leisner@wrc.xerox.com (Marty Leisner 71348 )
Subject: Intravenous antibiotics
Reply-To: leisner@eso.mc.xerox.com
Organization: Xerox
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL9]
I recently had a case of shingles and my doctors wanted to give me
intravenous Acyclovir.
It was a pain finding IV sites in my arms...can I have some facts about
how advantageous it is to give intravenous antibiotics rather than oral?
marty
From: spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu (Steve Pope)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: U.C. Berkeley -- ERL
Lines: 17
NNTP-Posting-Host: zion.berkeley.edu
Betty Harvey writes,
> I am not a researcher or a medical person but it amazes me that
> when they can't find a scientific or a known fact they automatically
> assume that the reaction is psychological.  It is mind boggling.
This, simply stated, is a result of the bankrupt ethics in
the healthcare and scientific medicine industries.
America is fed up with the massive waste and fraud that is costing
us 15% of our GNP to support these industries, while delivering
marginal health care to the community.
Unfortunately, the "Clinton Plan", in whatever form it
takes, will probably cost us an even greater sum.  Bleah.
Steve
From: evanh@sco.COM (Evan Hunt)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc.
Distribution: usa
Lines: 18
In article <1993Apr19.215342.16930@sco.com> evanh@sco.COM (Evan Hunt) writes:
>In article <1993Apr13.201942.26058@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com> sharen@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com (Sharen A. Rund) writes:
>>restaurants advertize "No MSG") - many restaurants that feature salad
>>bars use MSG to "keep" the veggies looking fresh longer, also, a number
>This brings up an important question for me - could pre-made salads, the
>kind sold in supermarkets, have MSG added without mentioning it? Legally,
>I mean - anyone know what the law is in this area?
Steve Dyer points out that Sharen was probably thinking of Sulfites. But
the question still stands.
--
Evan Hunt, Asst. Editor, THE WEB
For more information about THE WEB, e-mail to evanh@sco.COM.
From: ski@wpi.WPI.EDU (Joseph Mich Krzeszewski)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Lines: 12
NNTP-Posting-Host: wpi.wpi.edu
I seem to recall that there was an article in Radio Electronics about this
subject. In fact I have a copy of the article in front of me, but I can't
find anywhere in the article a refrence as to what month it was in. The system
they describe uses an automobile ignition coil for the high voltage. The
article even includes some information on what kind of film to use and where
to get it.
Hope this helps.
Joseph M. Krzeszewski
ski@WPI.wpi.edu
From: klier@iscsvax.uni.edu
Subject: Re: How about a crash program in basic immunological research?
Organization: University of Northern Iowa
Lines: 22
In article <221@ky3b.UUCP>, km@ky3b.pgh.pa.us (Ken Mitchum) writes:
> As a physician, I almost never get sick: usually, when something horrendous
> is going around, I either don't get it at all or get a very mild case.
> When I do get really sick, it is always something unusual.
>
> This was not the situation when I was in medical school, particularly on
> pediatrics.... Pediatrics for me was three solid
> months of illness, and I had a temp of 104 when I took the final exam!
>
> I think what happens is that during training, and beyond, we are constantly
> exposed to new things, and we have the usual reactions to them, so that later
> on, when challenged with something, it is more likely a re-exposure for us,
> so we deal with it well and get a mild illness.
This is also commonly seen in new teachers.  The first few years, they're
sick a lot, but gradually seem to build up immunities to almost everything
common.  Come to think of it, I was about my healthiest when I was
working in a pathogens lab, exposed to who-knows-what all the time.  Pre-OSHA,
of course.
Kay Klier  Biology Dept  UNI
From: kxgst1+@pitt.edu (Kenneth Gilbert)
Subject: Re: Intravenous antibiotics
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 25
In article <1993Apr19.144358.28376@spectrum.xerox.com> leisner@eso.mc.xerox.com writes:
:I recently had a case of shingles and my doctors wanted to give me
:intravenous Acyclovir.
:
:It was a pain finding IV sites in my arms...can I have some facts about
:how advantageous it is to give intravenous antibiotics rather than oral?
:
I think some essential information must be missing here, i.e., you must be
suffering from a condition which has caused immunosuppression.  There is
no indication for IV acyclovir for shingles in an otherwise healthy
person.  The oral form can help to reduce the length of symptoms, and may
even help prevent the development of post-herpetic neuralgia, but I
certainly would not subject someone to IV therapy without a good reason.
To address your more general question, IV therapy does provide higher and
more consistently high plasma and tissue levels of a drug.  For treating a
serious infection this is the only way to be sure that a patient is
getting adequate drug levels.
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=  Kenneth Gilbert              __|__        University of Pittsburgh   =
=  General Internal Medicine      |      "...dammit, not a programmer!" =
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From: mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Distribution: world
Lines: 33
> I don't understand the assumption that because something is found to
> be carcinogenic that "it would not be legal in the U.S.".  I think that
> naturally occuring substances (excluding "controlled" substances) are
> pretty much unregulated in terms of their use as food, food additives
> or other "consumption".  It's only when the chemists concoct (sp?) an
> ingredient that it falls under FDA regulations.  Otherwise, if they
> really looked closely they would find a reason to ban almost everything.
> How in the world do you suppose it's legal to "consume" tobacco products
> (which probably SHOULD be banned)?
No, there is something called the "Delany Amendment" which makes carcinogenic
food additives illegal in any amount.  This was passed by Congress in the
1950's, before stuff like mass spectrometry became available, which increased
detectable levels of substances by a couple orders of magnitude.
This is why things like cyclamates and Red #2 were banned.  They are very
weakly carcinogenic in huge quantities in rats, so under the Act they are
banned.
This also applies to natural carcinogens.  Some of you might remember a
time back in the 1960's when root beer suddenly stopped tasting so good,
and never tasted so good again.  That was the time when safrole was banned.
This is the active flavoring ingredient in sassafras leaves.
If it were possible to market a root beer good like the old days, someone
would do it, in order to make money.  The fact that no one does it indicates
that enforcement is still in effect.
An odd exception to the rule seems to be the product known as "gumbo file'".
This is nothing more than coarsely ground dried sassafras leaves.  This
is not only a natural product, but a natural product still in its natural
form, so maybe that's how they evade Delany.  Or maybe a special exemption
was made, to appease powerful Louisiana Democrats.
From: twain@carson.u.washington.edu (Barbara Hlavin)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Article-I.D.: shelley.1qvq10INNlij
Distribution: na
Organization: University of Washington, Seattle
Lines: 38
NNTP-Posting-Host: carson.u.washington.edu
In article <1993Apr19.204855.10818@rtsg.mot.com> lundby@rtsg.mot.com (Walter F. Lundby) writes:
>As nobody in the food industry has even bothered to address my previous
>question "WHY DO YOU NEED TO PUT MSG IN ALMOST EVERY FOOD?" I must assume
>that my wife's answer is closer to the truth than I hoped it was.
I don't mean to be disrespectful to your concerns, but it seems to me
that you're getting all wound up in a non-issue.
As many knowledgeable people have pointed out, msg is a naturally
occurring substance in a lot, if not most, foods.  When food
manufacturers add it to a preparation, they do so because it's a
known flavor enhancer.
Your wife's theory, that MSG is added to food to stimulate appetite,
may well be true.  But I don't believe it's ALWAYS the reason it's
added.  People are (largely, for the most part) in charge of their
own appetites.
>children's and my parent's) seem to fixate on a particular brand of pet
>food. The cat will eat any product within one brand and not any other
>brand.  I have wondered if this is not a case of preference, but, some
>sort of chemical training or addiction. My questions, for the net, are:
>Does the FDA regulate the contents of pet food?  Is it allowed for pet
>food to contain addictive or conditioning substances?  Is MSG put in
>pet food?
>
You don't know much about cats, do you?
Cats will Take Advantage of You.  Resign yourself:  you will never
understand a cat.  Their tastes are whimsical.
I also suspect, though it's been a while since I've checked ingredients
on commercial cat food, that there are much more stringent requirements
on pet food additives than human.
See, the FDA has this stupid idea that human beings have the intelligence
to look out after their own interests.
Barbara, wondering how her cat would take care of *her*
From: kaminski@netcom.com (Peter Kaminski)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Lines: 101
Organization: The Information Deli - via Netcom / San Jose, California
[Newsgroups: m.h.a added, followups set to most appropriate groups.]
In <1993Apr19.205615.1013@unlv.edu> todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M.
Huey) writes:
>I am looking for any information/supplies that will allow
>do-it-yourselfers to take Krillean Pictures.
(It's "Kirlian".  "Krillean" pictures are portraits of tiny shrimp. :)
[...]
>One might extrapolate here and say that this proves that every object
>within the universe (as we know it) has its own energy signature.
I think it's safe to say that anything that's not at 0 degrees Kelvin
will have its own "energy signature" -- the interesting questions are
what kind of energy, and what it signifies.
I'd check places like Edmund Scientific (are they still in business?) --
or I wonder if you can find ex-Soviet Union equipment for sale somewhere
in the relcom.* hierarchy.
Some expansion on Kirlian photography:
From the credulous side: [Stanway, Andrew, _Alternative Medicine: A Guide
To Natural Therapies_, ISBN 0-14-008561-0, New York: Viking Penguin, 1986,
p211, p188.  A not-overly critical but still useful overview of 32
alternative health therapies.]
...the Russian engineer Semyon Kirlian and his wife Valentina during the
1950s.  Using alternating currents of high frequency to 'illuminate'
their subjects, they photographed them.  They found that if an object
was a good conductor (such as a metal) the picture showed only its
surface, while the pictures of poor conductors showed the inner
structure of the object even if it were optically opaque.  They found
too that these high frequency pictures could distinguish between dead
and living objects.  Dead ones had a constant outline whilst living ones
were subject to changes.  The object's life activity was also visible in
highly variable colour patterns.
High frequency photography has now been practised for twenty years in
the Soviet Union but only a few people in the West have taken it up
seriously.  Professor Douglas Dean in New York and Professor Philips at
Washington University in St Louis have produced Kirlian photographs and
others have been produced in Brazil, Austria and Germany.
Using Kirlian photography it is possible to show an aura around people's
fingers, notably around those of healers who are concentrating on
healing someone.  Normally, blue and white rays emanate from the fingers
but, when a subject becomes angry or excited, the aura turns red and
spotty.  The Soviets are now using Kirlian photography to diagnose
diseases which cannot be diagnosed by any other method.  They argue that
in most illnesses there is a preclinical stage during which the person
isn't actually ill but is about to be.  They claim to be able to
foretell a disease by photographing its preclinical phase.
But the most exciting phenomenon illustrated by Kirlian photography is
the phantom effect.  During high frequency photography of a leaf from
which a part had been cut, the photograph gave a complete picture of the
leaf with the removed part showing up faintly.  This is extremely
important because it backs up the experiences of psychics who can 'see'
the legs of amputees as if they were still there.  The important thing
about the Kirlian phantoms though is that the electromagnetic pattern
can't possibly represent a secondary phenomenon -- or the field would
vanish when the piece of leaf or leg vanished.  The energy grid
contained in a living object must therefore be far more significant than
the actual object itself.
[...]
Kirlian photography has shown how water mentally 'charged' by a healer
has a much richer energy field around it than ordinary water...
From the incredulous side: [MacRobert, Alan, "Reality shopping; a
consumer's guide to new age hokum.", _Whole Earth Review_, Autumn 1986,
vNON4 p4(11).  An excellent article providing common-sense guidelines for
evaluating paranormal claims, and some of the author's favorite examples
of hokum.]
The crank usually works in isolation from everyone else in his field of
study, making grand discoveries in his basement.  Many paranormal
movements can be traced back to such people -- Kirlian photography, for
instance.  If you pump high-voltage electricity into anything it will
emit glowing sparks, common knowledge to electrical workers and
hobbyists for a century.  It took a lone basement crank to declare that
the sparks represent some sort of spiritual aura.  In fact, Kirlian
photography was subjected to rigorous testing by physicists John O.
Pehek, Harry J. Kyler, and David L. Faust, who reported their findings
in the October 15, 1976, issue of Science.  Their conclusion: The
variations observed in Kirlian photographs are due solely to moisture on
the surface of the body and not to mysterious "auras" or even
necessarily to changes in mood or mental state.  Nevertheless,
television shows, magazines, and books (many by famous
parapsychologists) continue to promote Kirlian photography as proof of
the unknown.
--
Peter Kaminski
kaminski@netcom.com
Subject: What are knots?
From: ng4@husc11.harvard.edu (Ho Leung Ng)
Nntp-Posting-Host: husc11.harvard.edu
Lines: 8
What exactly are knots, those sore, tight spots in your muscles?
In certain kinds of massage, people try and break up these knots; it this
really helpful?
Ho Leung Ng
ng4@husc.harvard.edu
From: kiran@village.com (Kiran Wagle)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: the Syllabub Sea
Lines: 55
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu
Mark McWiggins <markmc@halcyon.com> reminds us:
MM> Also, don't forget that it's better for your health
MM> to enjoy your steak than to resent your sprouts ...
YES!
I call this notion "psychological health food" and, in fact, have
determined that the Four Food Groups are Ice Cream, Pizza, Barbecue, and
Chocolate.  Ideally, every meal should contain something from at least two
of these four groups.  Food DOES serve functions other than nutrition, and
one of them is keeping the organism happy and thus aiding its immune
system.
And I didn't spend a million bucks commissioning a study that told me to
redraw my silly little pyramid in different colors and with a friendlier
typeface, either.  (Ref: Consumer Reports' back page--one of the best
things ever to turn up there.)
Rich Young <young@serum.kodak.com> writes of one of six impossible things:
RY> to consume unrealistically large quantities of barbecued meat at a time."
Donald Mackie <Donald_Mackie@med.umich.edu> confesses:
DM> I have to confess that this is one of my few unfulfilled ambitions.
DM> No matter how much I eat, it still seems realistic.
Yeah, I want to try one of those 42oz steaks (cooked over applewood) at
Wally's Wolf Lodge Inn in Coeur d'Alene.  That seems quite
unrealistic--unrealistically SMALL.  And a few slabs of ribs from the East
Texas Smoker (RIP, again) in Louisville is not at all unrealistic either.
What say we have a rec.food.cooking dinner at the Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn in
Owensboro? (It's all you can eat including lamb ribs & mutton for about
$10.)  We could invite Julie Kangas as guest of honor and see if the
Moonlite's Very Hot Sauce is too hot for her.  (It IS too hot for me, and I
don't say that very often.)  And she could bring ice cream with crushed
dried chiltepins for dessert.
And we could see if there IS such a thing as an "unrealistically large
quantity" of barbecue--the owner of the Moonlite estimates that the
Owensboro restaurants serve a hundred thousand pounds of meat a week in the
summer, and forty thousand in the winter--in a town of 50 000 or so.  Two
pounds per person per week?   Again, sure sounds unrealistic to me--thats
just too meager to be healthy.
~ Kiran (Now a two-pound slab of ribs a day, THAT's realistic.)
--
FUZZY PINK NIVEN'S LAW:  Never Waste Calories.  Potato chips, candy,
whipped cream, or hot fudge sundae consumption may involve you, your
dietician, your wardrobe, and other factors.  But Fuzzy Pink's Law implies:
Don't eat soggy potato chips, or cheap candy, or fake whipped cream, or an
inferior hot fudge sundae.
Larry Niven, NIVEN'S LAWS, N-SPACE
From: mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington)
Subject: Re: Frequent nosebleeds
Nntp-Posting-Host: aisun3.ai.uga.edu
Organization: AI Programs, University of Georgia, Athens
Lines: 17
In article <9304191126.AA21125@seastar.seashell> bebmza@sru001.chvpkh.chevron.com (Beverly M. Zalan) writes:
>
>My 6 year son is so plagued.  Lots of vaseline up his nose each night seems
>to keep it under control.  But let him get bopped there, and he'll recur for
>days!  Also allergies, colds, dry air all seem to contribute.  But again, the
>vaseline, or A&D ointment, or neosporin all seem to keep them from recurring.
>
If you can get it, you might want to try a Canadian over-the-counter product
called Secaris, which is a water-soluble gel.  Compared to Vaseline or other
greasy ointments, Secaris seems more compatible with the moisture that's
already there.
--
:-  Michael A. Covington, Associate Research Scientist        :    *****
:-  Artificial Intelligence Programs      mcovingt@ai.uga.edu :  *********
:-  The University of Georgia              phone 706 542-0358 :   *  *  *
:-  Athens, Georgia 30602-7415 U.S.A.     amateur radio N4TMI :  ** *** **  <><
From: myers@cs.scarolina.edu (Daniel Myers)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: USC  Department of Computer Science
Lines: 39
Frequently of late, I have been reacting to something added to
restaurant foods.  What happens is that the inside of my throat starts
to feel "puffy", like I have a cold, and also at times the inside of my
mouth (especially the tongue) and lips also feel puffy.
The situations around these symptoms almost always involve restaurants
(usually chinese), the most notable cases:  a cheap chinese fast food
chain, a japanese steak house (I had the steak), and another chinese
fast food chain where I SAW the cook put about a tablespoon or two of
what looked like sugar or salt into my fried rice.
I am under the impression that MSG "enhances" flavor by causing the
taste buds to swell.  If this is correct, I do not find it unreasonable
to assume that high doses of MSG can cause other mouth tissues to swell.
Also, as the many of the occurances (including two of the above)
involved beef, and as beef is frequently tenderized with MSG, this is
what I suspect as being the cause.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if toxicity studies of MSG in animals
showed it as being harmless, as it would be very startling to hear a lab
rat or rhesus monkey complain about their throats feeling funny.
Anyone who wishes to explain how the majority of food additives are
totally harmless is welcome to e-mail me with the results of any studied
they know of.  I will probably respond to them however with a reminder
of how long it took to prove that smoking causes cancer (which the
tobacco companies still deny).
- DM
(If I sound grumpy, it's because I had beef with broccoli for lunch
today, and now it hurts to swallow)
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Myers (Madman)		| If the creator had intended us to walk
myers@usceast.cs.scarolina.edu	| upright, he wouldn't have given us knuckles
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Origin of Morphine
From: chinsz@eis.calstate.edu (Christopher Hinsz)
Organization: Calif State Univ/Electronic Information Services
Lines: 20
I am sorry to once again bother those of you on this newsgroup.
If you have any suggestions as to where I might find out about the subject
of this letter (the origin of Morphine, ie. who first isolsted it, and why
he/she attempted such an experiment).  Once agian any suggestion would be
appreciated.
CSH
p.s. My instructer insists that I get 4 rescources from this newsgroup, so
please send me and info you think may be helpful.  Facts that you know,
but don't know what book they're from are ok.
ATTENTION: If you do NOT like seeing letters such as this one on your
newsgroup direct all complaints to my instructor at <bshayler@eis.CalStat.Edu>
--
"Kilimanjaro is a pretty tricky climb. Most of it's up, until you reach
the very, very top, and then it tends to slope away rather sharply."
Sir George Head, OBE (JC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOGIC: "The point is frozen, the beast is dead, what is the difference?"
Gavin Millarrrrrrrrrr (JC)
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Subject: Re: OB-GYN residency
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 13
[reply to geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)]
>>I believe it is illegal for a residency to discriminate against FMGs.
>Is that true?  I know some that won't even interview FMGs.
I think a case could be made that this is discriminatory, particularly
if an applicant had good board scores and recommendations but wasn't
offered an interview, but I don't know if it has ever gone to court.
David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 21
[reply to todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey)]
>I think that's the correct spelling..
Kirilian.
>The picture will show energy patterns or spikes around the object
>photographed, and depending on what type of object it is, the spikes or
>energy patterns will vary. One might extrapolate here and say that this
>proves that every object within the universe (as we know it) has its
>own energy signature.
There turned out to be a very simple, conventional explanation for the
phenomenon.  I can't recall the details, but I believe it had to do with
the object between the plates altering the field because of purely
mechanical properties like capacitance.  The "aura" was caused by direct
exposure of the film from variations in field strength.
David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
From: mstern@lindsay.Princeton.EDU (Marlene J. Stern)
Subject: Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Originator: news@nimaster
Nntp-Posting-Host: lindsay.princeton.edu
Organization: Princeton University
Distribution: nj
Lines: 43
We will be holding a bake and craft sale at Communiversity in Princeton on
Nassau Street, Saturday April 24th 12-4 p.m. to benefit the Recurrent
Respiratory Papillomatosis Foundation, a nonprofit foundation established to
encourage research toward a cure for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis.  Our
three year old daughter suffers from this disease.  Below is a press release
that appeared in local newspapers.  Hope you can join us.
On Saturday, April 24 as part of Communiversity in Princeton, a local family
will be having a bake and craft sale to raise money for and create public
awareness about a rare disease called Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis.
Bill and Marlene Stern's daughter Lindsay is afflicted with this disease
characterized by tumors attacking the inside of the larynx, vocal cords and
trachea.  Caused by a virus, the tumors grow, block the air passages and would
lead to death from suffocation without continual surgery to remove the growths.
Three year old Lindsay has undergone 11 operations thus far since her diagnosis
last year and faces the prospect of over a hundred operations throughout her
lifetime.
Even though the disease is hardly a household word, it has affected the lives
of enough people to inspire the formation of the Recurrent Respiratory
Papillomatosis Foundation,  a non-profit foundation whose goals are to provide
support for patients and families by networking patients and publishing a
newsletter, enhance  awareness of RRP at the local and national level, and aid
in the prevention, cure, and treatment.
Since medical researchers know that the virus causing the disease is similar to
those viruses causing warts, they feel a cure would be within reach if money
were available for research.  Because RRP is rare, it not only gets scant
attention but also paltry funds to search for a cure.  Part of the RRP
Foundation's mission is to change that.
Anyone interested in contributing items to the bake and craft sale, please call
Marlene or Bill at 609-890-0502.  Monetary donations can be made at the
Foundation's booth during Communiversity, April 24th, 12 to 4 p.m., in downtown
Princeton, or sent directly to:
The Recurrent Respiratory Foundation
50 Wesleyan Drive
Hamilton Sq., NJ  08690.
Thanks   mstern@lindsay.princeton.edu
From: med50003@nusunix1.nus.sg (WANSAICHEONG KHIN-LIN)
Subject: Re: MORBUS MENIERE - is there a real remedy?
Organization: National University of Singapore
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Lines: 21
It would be nice to think that individuals can somehow 'beat the system'
and like a space explorer, boldly go where no man has gone before and
return with a prize cure. Unfortunately, too often the prize is limited
and the efficacy of the 'cure' questionable when applied to all
sufferers.
This applies to both medical researchers and non-medical individuals.
Just because it appears in an obscure journal and may be of some use
does not make the next cure-all. What about the dozens of individuals
who have courageously participated in clinical trials? Did they have any
guarentee of cures? Are they any less because they didn't trumpet their
story all over the world?
As a parting note, wasn't there some studies done on Gingko seeds for
Meniere's? (To the original poster : what about trying for a trial of
that? It's probably not a final answer but it certainly may alleviate
some of the discomfort. And you'd be helping answer the question for
future sufferers.)
gervais
From: doyle+@pitt.edu (Howard R Doyle)
Subject: Re: Hernia
Organization: Pittsburgh TRansplant Institute
Lines: 41
In article <C5qopx.5Mq@encore.com> sheffner@encore.com (Steve Heffner) writes:
>A bit more than a year ago, a hernia in my right groin was
>discovered.  It had produced a dull pain in that area.  The hernia
>was repaired using the least intrusive (orthoscopic?) method and a
>"plug and patch".
I suspect you mean laparoscopic instead of orthoscopic.
>Now the pain occurs more often.  My GP couldn't identify any
>specific problem.  The surgen who performed the original procedure
>now says that yes there is a "new" hernia in the same area and he
>said that he has to cut into the area for the repair this time.
>
>My question to the net:  Is there a nonintrusive method to
>determine if in fact there is a hernia or if the pain is from
>something else?
By far the (still) best method to diagnose a hernia is old fashioned
physical examination. If you have an obvious hernia sac coming down
into your scrotum, or a bulge in your groin that is brought about by
increasing intra-abdominal pressure....
Sometimes is not that obvious. The hernia is small and you can only
detect it by putting your finger into the inguinal canal.
Whether you have a recurrent hernia, or this is related to the previous
operation, I can't tell you. The person that examined you is in  the best
position to make that determination.
Are there non-invasive ways of diagnosing a hernia? Every now and then
folks write about CT scans and ultrasounds for this. But these are far
too expensive, and unlikely to be better than a trained examining finger.
====================================
Howard Doyle
doyle+@pitt.edu
From: med50003@nusunix1.nus.sg (WANSAICHEONG KHIN-LIN)
Subject: Re: Lasers for dermatologists
Organization: National University of Singapore
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Lines: 12
It is not true that dermatologists gave not reached the laser age, in
fact, lasers in dermatological surgery is a very new and exciting field.
It probably won't be effective in tinea pedis because the laser is
usually a superficial burn (to avoid any deeper damage). Limited tinea
pedis can be cured albeit sometimes slowly by topical antifungals as
well as systemic medication i.e. tablets. Finally, a self-diagnosis is
not always reliable, lichen simplex chronicus can look like a fungal
infection and requires very different treatment.
gervais
From: jer@prefect.cc.bellcore.com (rathmann,janice e)
Subject: Re: eye dominance
Organization: Bellcore, Livingston, NJ
Lines: 40
In article <1993Apr19.171938.17930@porthos.cc.bellcore.com>, jil@donuts0.uucp (Jamie Lubin) writes:
> In article <19671@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
> >In article <C5E2G7.877@world.std.com> rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver) writes:
> >>
> >>Is there a right-eye dominance (eyedness?) as there is an
> >>overall right-handedness in the population? I mean do most
> >>people require less lens corrections for the one eye than the
> >>other? If so, what kinds of percentages can be attached to this?
> >
> >There is eye dominance same as handedness (and usually for the
> >same side).  It has nothing to do with refractive error, however.
>
> I recall reading/seeing that former baseball star Chris Chambliss' hitting
> abilities were (in part) attributed to a combination of left-handedness &
> right-eye dominance.
I was part of a study a few years ago at the University of Arizona to
see whether cross dominant individuals (those with a particular handedness
but who had dominance in the opposite eye) were better hitters than
those with same side dominance of hand and eye.  I was picked from
my softball class because I was cross dominant (right hand, left eye)
which put me in a small minority (and the grad student was trying to get
an equal number of cross dominant and same side dominant people).  To
control the study, she used a pitching machine - fast pitch.  Since
I was used to slow pitch, I didn't come close (actually I think
I foul tipped a few) to hitting the ball.  If there were a lot of people
like me in her study (i.e., those who can't hit fast pitch, or are
not used to hitting off a machine),  I would seriously question the
results of that study!!  I think there have been some studies of major
league players (across a fairly large cross section of players) to test
whether eye dominance being the same or opposite side was "better" -
but I don't know the results.  (The woman who ran the study I was in
said that there was a higher incidence of crossdominance in major
leaguers than across the general population - but I'm not sure
whether I'd believe her.)
Janice Rathmann
From: plebrun@minfminf.vub.ac.be (Philippe Lebrun)
Subject: Re: Bursitis and laser treatment
Distribution: eunet
Organization: Vrije Universiteit Brussel Faculteit Geneeskunde
Lines: 18
In article <1993Apr17.190104.14072@freenet.carleton.ca>, ab961@Freenet.carleton.ca (Robert Allison) writes:
|>
|> My family doctor and the physiotherapist (PT) she sent me to agree that the
|> pain in my left shoulder is bursitis. I have an appointment with an orthpod
|> (I love that, it's short for 'orthopedic surgeon, apparently) but while I'm
|> waiting the PT is treating me.
|>
|> She's using hot packs, ultrasound, and lasers, but there's no improvement
|> yet. In fact, I almost suspect it's getting worse.
|>
|> My real question is about the laser treatment. I can't easily imagine what
|> the physical effect that could have on a deep tissue problem. Can anyone
|> shed some light (so to speak) on the matter?
If it works it's only due to the heat produced by the laser.
-philippe
From: francis@ircam.fr (Joseph Francis)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Organization: Inst. de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique, Paris
Lines: 50
In article <1993Apr19.205615.1013@unlv.edu> todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey) writes:
>I think that's the correct spelling..
Crullerian.
>	I am looking for any information/supplies that will allow
>do-it-yourselfers to take Krillean Pictures. I'm thinking
>that education suppliers for schools might have a appartus for
>sale, but I don't know any of the companies. Any info is greatly
>appreciated.
Crullerian photography isn't educational, except in a purely satiric
sense.
>	In case you don't know, Krillean Photography, to the best of my
>knowledge, involves taking pictures of an (most of the time) organic
>object between charged plates. The picture will show energy patterns
>or spikes around the object photographed, and depending on what type
>of object it is, the spikes or energy patterns will vary. One might
>extrapolate here and say that this proves that every object within
>the universe (as we know it) has its own energy signature.
Crullerian photography involves putting donuts between grease-covered
hot metal plates while illuminating them with a Krypton Stroboscope.
Through a unique iteration involving the 4th-dimensional projection of
a torus through the semi-stochastic interactions of hot monomolecular
lipid layers covering the metal plates (the best metal is iron since
it repels Vampires and Succubi) the donuts start developing flutes,
and within moments actually become poly-crenellated hot greasy
breadtubes. Some people believe that food is the way to a man's heart,
but most psychics agree that there is nothing like hot Crullers for
breakfast; the chemical composition of crullers is a mystery, some
thought evidence of Charles Fort's channeling in Stevie Wonder's
production of "The Secret Life of Plants" when played backwards in the
theatre of unnaturally fertile Findhorn Farms has deduced that they
are complex carbohydrates ordinarily only found by spectoscopy in the
Magellenic Clouds. I called Devi on my Orgone Box and asked her if
this was really the case, and she TM levitated me a letter across the
Atlantic to tell me it was indeed not just another case of
misunderstanding Tesla, though the Miskatonic University hasn't
confirmed anything at all. At least the Crullers taste good; I got the
recipe from Kaspar Hauser.
--
| Le Jojo: Fresh 'n' Clean, speaking out to the way you want to live
| today; American - All American; doing, a bit so, and even more so.
From: swkirch@sun6850.nrl.navy.mil (Steve Kirchoefer)
Subject: 3rd CFV and VOTE ACK: misc.health.diabetes
Organization: Naval Research Laboratory  (Electronics Science and Technology Division)
Lines: 198
NNTP-Posting-Host: rodan.uu.net
This is the third and final call for votes for the creation of the
newsgroup misc.health.diabetes.  A mass acknowledgement of valid votes
received as of April 19th 14:00 GMT appears at the end of this
posting.  Please check the list to be sure that your vote has been
registered.  Read the instructions for voting carefully and follow
them precisely to be certain that you place a proper vote.
Instructions for voting:
To place a vote FOR the creation of misc.health.diabetes, send an
email message to yes@sun6850.nrl.navy.mil
To place a vote AGAINST creation of misc.health.diabetes, send an
email message to no@sun6850.nrl.navy.mil
The contents of the message should contain the line "I vote
for/against misc.health.diabetes as proposed".  Email messages sent to
the above addresses must constitute unambiguous and unconditional
votes for/against newsgroup creation as proposed.  Conditional votes
will not be accepted.  Only votes emailed to the above addresses will
be counted; mailed replies to this posting will be returned.  In the
event that more than one vote is placed by an individual, only the
most recent vote will be counted.
Voting will continue until 23:59 GMT, 29 Apr 93.
Votes will not be accepted after this date.
Any administrative inquiries pertaining to this CFV may be made by
email to swkirch@sun6850.nrl.navy.mil
The proposed charter appears below.
--------------------------
Charter:
misc.health.diabetes                            unmoderated
1.   The purpose of misc.health.diabetes is to provide a forum for the
discussion of issues pertaining to diabetes management, i.e.: diet,
activities, medicine schedules, blood glucose control, exercise,
medical breakthroughs, etc.  This group addresses the issues of
management of both Type I (insulin dependent) and Type II (non-insulin
dependent) diabetes.  Both technical discussions and general support
discussions relevant to diabetes are welcome.
2.   Postings to misc.heath.diabetes are intended to be for discussion
purposes only, and are in no way to be construed as medical advice.
Diabetes is a serious medical condition requiring direct supervision
by a primary health care physician.
-----(end of charter)-----
The following individuals have sent in valid votes:
9781BMU@VMS.CSD.MU.EDU                  Bill Satterlee
a2wj@loki.cc.pdx.edu                    Jim Williams
ac534@freenet.carleton.ca               Colin Henein
ad@cat.de                               Axel Dunkel
al198723@academ07.mty.itesm.mx          Jesus Eugenio S nchez Pe~a
anugula@badlands.NoDak.edu              RamaKrishna Reddy Anugula
apps@sneaks.Kodak.com                   Robert W. Apps
arperd00@mik.uky.edu                    alicia r perdue
baind@gov.on.ca                         Dave Bain
balamut@morris.hac.com                  Morris Balamut
bch@Juliet.Caltech.Edu
BGAINES@ollamh.ucd.ie                   Brian Gaines
Bjorn.B.Larsen@delab.sintef.no
bobw@hpsadwc.sad.hp.com                 Bob Waltenspiel
bruce@uxb.liverpool.ac.uk               bruce
bspencer@binkley.cs.mcgill.ca           Brian SPENCER
cline@usceast.cs.scarolina.edu          Ernest A. Cline
coleman@twin.twinsun.com                Mike Coleman
compass-da.com!tomd@compass-da.com      Thomas Donnelly
csc@coast.ucsd.edu                      Charles Coughran
curtech!sbs@unh.edu                     Stephanie Bradley-Swift
debrum#m#_brenda@msgate.corp.apple.com  DeBrum, Brenda
dlb@fanny.wash.inmet.com                David Barton
dlg1@midway.uchicago.edu                deborah lynn gillaspie
dougb@comm.mot.com                      Douglas Bank
ed@titipu.resun.com                     Edward Reid
edmoore@hpvclc.vcd.hp.com               Ed Moore
ejo@kaja.gi.alaska.edu                  Eric J. Olson
emcguire@intellection.com               Ed McGuire
ewc@hplb.hpl.hp.com                     Enrico Coiera
feathr::bluejay@ampakz.enet.dec.com
franklig@GAS.uug.Arizona.EDU            Gregory C Franklin
FSSPR@acad3.alaska.edu                  Hardcore Alaskan
gabe@angus.mi.org                       Gabe Helou
gasp@medg.lcs.mit.edu                   Isaac Kohane
gasp@medg.lcs.mit.edu                   Isaac Kohane
Geir.Millstein@TF.tele.no
ggurman@cory.Berkeley.EDU               Gail Gurman
ggw@wolves.Durham.NC.US                 Gregory G. Woodbury
greenlaw@oasys.dt.navy.mil              Leila Thomas
grm+@andrew.cmu.edu                     Gretchen Miller
halderc@cs.rpi.edu
HANDELAP%DUVM.BITNET@pucc.Princeton.EDU Phil Handel
hansenr@ohsu.EDU
hc@Nyongwa.cam.org                      hc
heddings@chrisco.nrl.navy.mil           Hubert Heddings
herbison@lassie.ucx.lkg.dec.com         B.J.
hmpetro@mosaic.uncc.edu                 Herbert M Petro
HOSCH2263@iscsvax.uni.edu
hrubin@pop.stat.purdue.edu              Herman Rubin
HUDSOIB@AUDUCADM.DUC.AUBURN.EDU         Ingrid B. Hudson
huff@MCCLB0.MED.NYU.EDU                 Edward J. Huff
huffman@ingres.com                      Gary Huffman
HUYNH_1@ESTD.NRL.NAVY.MIL               Minh Huynh
ishbeld@cix.compulink.co.uk             Ishbel Donkin
James.Langdell@Eng.Sun.COM              James Langdell
jamyers@netcom.com                      John A. Myers
jc@crosfield.co.uk                      jerry cullingford
jesup@cbmvax.cbm.commodore.com          Randell Jesup
jjmorris@gandalf.rutgers.edu            Joyce Morris
joep@dap.csiro.au                       Joe Petranovic
John.Burton@acenet.auburn.edu           John E. Burton Jr.
johncha@comm.mot.com
JORGENSONKE@CC.UVCC.EDU
jpsum00@mik.uky.edu                     joey p sum
JTM@ucsfvm.ucsf.edu                     John Maynard
julien@skcla.monsanto.com
kaminski@netcom.com                     Peter Kaminski
kerry@citr.uq.oz.au                     Kerry Raymond
kieran@world.std.com                    Aaron L Dickey
knauer@cs.uiuc.edu                      Rob Knauerhase
kolar@spot.Colorado.EDU                 Jennifer Lynn Kolar
kriguer@tcs.com                         Marc Kriguer
lau@ai.sri.com                          Stephen Lau
lee@hal.com                             Lee Boylan
lmt6@po.cwru.edu
lunie@Lehigh.EDU
lusgr@chili.CC.Lehigh.EDU               Stephen G. Roseman
M.Beamish@ins.gu.edu.au                 Marilyn Beamish
M.Rich@ens.gu.edu.au                    Maurice H. Rich.
maas@cdfsga.fnal.gov                    Peter Maas
macridis_g@kosmos.wcc.govt.nz           Gerry Macridis
markv@hpvcivm.vcd.hp.com                Mark Vanderford
MASCHLER@vms.huji.ac.il
mcb@net.bio.net                         Michael C. Berch
mcday@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu
mcookson@flute.calpoly.edu
mfc@isr.harvard.edu                     Mauricio F Contreras
mg@wpi.edu                              Martha Gunnarson
mhollowa@libserv1.ic.sunysb.edu         Michael Holloway
misha@abacus.concordia.ca               MISHA GLOUBERMAN
mjb@cs.brown.edu                        Manish Butte
MOFLNGAN@vax1.tcd.ie
muir@idiom.berkeley.ca.us               David Muir Sharnoff
Nancy.Block@Eng.Sun.COM                 Nancy Block
ndallen@r-node.hub.org                  Nigel Allen
nlr@B31.nei.nih.gov                     Rohrer, Nathan
owens@cookiemonster.cc.buffalo.edu      Bill Owens
pams@hpfcmp.fc.hp.com                   Pam Sullivan
papresco@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca    Paul Prescod
paslowp@cs.rpi.edu
pillinc@gov.on.ca                       Christopher Pilling
pkane@cisco.com                         Peter Kane
popelka@odysseus.uchicago.edu           Glenn Popelka
pulkka@cs.washington.edu                Aaron Pulkka
pwatkins@med.unc.edu                    Pat Watkins
rbnsn@mosaic.shearson.com               Ken Robinson
rick@crick.ssctr.bcm.tmc.edu            Richard H. Miller
robyn@media.mit.edu                     Robyn Kozierok
rolf@green.mathematik.uni-stuttgart.de  Rolf Schreiber
sageman@cup.portal.com
sasjcs@unx.sas.com                      Joan Stout
SCOTTJOR@delphi.com
scrl@hplb.hpl.hp.com
scs@vectis.demon.co.uk                  Stuart C. Squibb
shan@techops.cray.com                   Sharan Kalwani
sharen@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com         Sharen A. Rund
shazam@unh.edu                          Matthew T Thompson
shipman@csab.larc.nasa.gov              Floyd S. Shipman
shoppa@ERIN.CALTECH.EDU                 Tim Shoppa
slillie@cs1.bradley.edu                 Susan Lillie
steveo@world.std.com                    Steven W Orr
surendar@ivy.WPI.EDU                    Surendar Chandra
swkirch@sun6850.nrl.navy.mil            Steven Kirchoefer
S_FAGAN@twu.edu
TARYN@ARIZVM1.ccit.arizona.edu          Taryn L. Westergaard
Thomas.E.Taylor@gagme.chi.il.us         Thomas E Taylor
tima@CFSMO.Honeywell.COM                Timothy D Aanerud
tsamuel%gollum@relay.nswc.navy.mil      Tony Samuel
U45301@UICVM.UIC.EDU                    M. Jacobs
vstern@gte.com                          Vanessa Stern
wahlgren@haida.van.wti.com              James Wahlgren
waterfal@pyrsea.sea.pyramid.com         Douglas Waterfall
weineja1@teomail.jhuapl.edu
wgrant@informix.com                     William Grant
YEAGER@mscf.med.upenn.edu
yozzo@watson.ibm.com                    Ralph E. Yozzo
Z919016@beach.utmb.edu                  Molly Hamilton
--
Steve Kirchoefer                                             (202) 767-2862
Code 6851                                      kirchoefer@estd.nrl.navy.mil
Naval Research Laboratory                       Microwave Technology Branch
Washington, DC  20375-5000              Electronics Sci. and Tech. Division
From: bmdelane@midway.uchicago.edu (brian manning delaney)
Subject: RESULT: sci.life-extension passes 237:28
Organization: University of Chicago
Lines: 284
NNTP-Posting-Host: rodan.uu.net
The vote to create the proposed group, Sci.life-extension, was
affirmative.
Yes votes:    237.
No votes:      28.
What follows is a list of the people who voted, by vote ("no" or "yes").
Here are the people who voted NO:
bailey@utpapa.ph.utexas.edu               (Ed Bailey)
barkdoll@lepomis.psych.upenn.edu          (Edwin Barkdoll)
msb@sq.com                                (Mark Brader)
carr@acsu.buffalo.edu                     (Dave Carr)
desj@ccr-p.ida.org                        (David desJardins)
jbh@Anat.UMSMed.Edu                       (James B. Hutchins)
rsk@gynko.circ.upenn.edu                  (Rich Kulawiec)
stu@valinor.mythical.com                  (Stu Labovitz)
lau@ai.sri.com                            (Stephen Lau)
plebrun@minf8.vub.ac.be                   (Philippe Lebrun)
jmaynard@nyx.cs.du.edu                    (Jay Maynard)
emcguire@intellection.com                 (Ed McGuire)
rick@crick.ssctr.bcm.tmc.edu              (Richard H. Miller)
smarry@zooid.guild.org                    (Marc Moorcroft)
dmosher@nyx.cs.du.edu                     (David Mosher)
ejo@kaja.gi.alaska.edu                    (Eric J. Olson)
hmpetro@mosaic.uncc.edu                   (Herbert M Petro)
smith-una@YALE.EDU                        (Una Smith)
mmt@RedBrick.COM                          (Maxime Taksar KC6ZPS)
urlichs@smurf.sub.org                     (Matthias Urlichs)
ac999266@umbc.edu                         (a Francis Uy)
werner@SOE.Berkeley.Edu                   (John Werner)
wick@netcom.com                           (Potter Wickware)
ggw@wolves.Durham.NC.US                   (Gregory G. Woodbury)
D.W.Wright@bnr.co.uk                      (D. Wright)
yarvin-norman@CS.YALE.EDU                 (Norman Yarvin)
ask@cblph.att.com
spm2d@opal.cs.virginia.edu
Here are the people who voted YES:
FSSPR@ACAD3.ALASKA.EDU                    (Hardcore Alaskan)
kalex@eecs.umich.edu                      (Ken Alexander)
ph600fht@sdcc14.UCSD.EDU                  (Alex Aumann)
franklin.balluff@Syntex.Com               (Franklin Balluff)
barash@umbc.edu                           (Mr. Steven Barash)
build@alan.b30.ingr.com               (Alan Barksdale (build))
lion@TheRat.Kludge.COM                    (John H. Barlow)
pbarto@UCENG.UC.EDU                       (Paul Barto)
ryan.bayne@canrem.com                     (Ryan Bayne)
mignon@shannon.Jpl.Nasa.Gov               (Mignon Belongie)
beaudot@tirf.grenet.fr                    (william Beaudot)
lavb@lise.unit.no                         (Olav Benum)
ross@bryson.demon.co.uk                   (Ross Beresford)
ben.best@canrem.com                       (Ben Best)
levi@happy-man.com                        (Levi Bitansky)
jsb30@dagda.Eng.Sun.COM                   (James Blomgren)
gbloom@nyx.cs.du.edu                      (Gregory Bloom)
mbrader@netcom.com                        (Mark Brader)
ebrandt@jarthur.Claremont.EDU             (Eli Brandt)
doom@leland.stanford.edu                  (Joseph Brenner)
rc@pos.apana.org.au                       (Robert Cardwell)
jeffjc@binkley.cs.mcgill.ca               (Jeffrey CHANCE)
sasha@cs.umb.edu                          (Alexander Chislenko)
mclark@world.std.com                      (Maynard S Clark)
100042.2703@CompuServe.COM                ("A.J. Clifford")
coleman@twinsun.com                       (Mike Coleman)
steve@constellation.ecn.uoknor.edu        (Steve Coltrin)
collier@ivory.rtsg.mot.com                (John T. Collier)
compton@plains.NoDak.edu                  (Curtis M. Compton)
bobc@master.cna.tek.com                   (Bob Cook)
cordell@shaman.nexagen.com                (Bruce Cordell)
cormierj@ERE.UMontreal.CA                 (Cormier Jean-Marc)
djcoyle@macc.wisc.edu                     (Douglas J. Coyle)
dass0001@student.tc.umn.edu               ("John R Dassow-1")
bdd@onion.eng.hou.compaq.com              (Bruce Davis)
demonn@emunix.emich.edu                   (Kenneth Jubal DeMonn)
desilets@sj.ate.slb.com                   (Mark Desilets)
markd@sco.COM                             (Mark Diekhans)
kari@teracons.teracons.com                (Kari Dubbelman)
lhdsy1!cyberia.hou281.chevron.com!hwdub@uunet.UU.NET (Dub Dublin)
willdye@helios.unl.edu                    (Will Dye)
155yegan%jove.dnet.measurex.com@juno.measurex.com (TERRY EGAN)
eder@hsvaic.boeing.com                    (Dani Eder)
glenne@magenta.HQ.Ileaf.COM               (Glenn Ellingson)
farrar@adaclabs.com                       (Richard Farrar)
ghsvax!hal@uunet.UU.NET                   (Hal Finney)
lxfogel@srv.PacBell.COM                   (Lee Fogel)
afoxx@foxxjac.b17a.ingr.com               (Foxx)
i000702@disc.dla.mil               (sam frajerman,sppb,x3026,)
mpf@medg.lcs.mit.edu                      (Michael P. Frank)
Martin.Franklin@Corp.Sun.COM              (Martin Franklin)
tiff@CS.UCLA.EDU                          (Tiffany Frazier)
Ailing_Zhu_Freeman@U.ERGO.CS.CMU.EDU      (Ailing Freeman)
Timothy_Freeman@U.ERGO.CS.CMU.EDU         (Tim Freeman)
gt0657c@prism.gatech.edu                  (geoff george)
mtvdjg@rivm.nl                            (Daniel Gijsbers)
exusag@exu.ericsson.se                    (Serena Gilbert)
rlglende@netcom.com                (Robert Lewis Glendenning)
goetz@cs.Buffalo.EDU                      (Phil Goetz)
goolsby@dg-rtp.dg.com                     (Chris Goolsby)
dgordon@crow.omni.co.jp                   (David Gordon)
bgrahame@eris.demon.co.uk                 (Robert D Grahame)
sascsg@unx.sas.com                        (Cynthia Grant)
green@srilanka.island.COM                 (Robert Greenstein)
johng@oce.orst.edu                        (John A. Gregor)
roger@netcom.com                          (roger gregory)
evans-ron@CS.YALE.EDU                     (Ron Hale-Evans)
brent@vpnet.chi.il.us                     (Brent Hansen)
Ron.G.Hay@med.umich.edu                   (Ron G. Hay)
akh@empress.gvg.tek.com                   (Anna K. Haynes)
claris!qm!Bob_Hearn@ames.arc.nasa.gov     (Robert Hearn)
fheyligh@vnet3.vub.ac.be                  (Francis Heylighen)
hin9@midway.uchicago.edu                  (P. Hindman)
fishe@casbah.acns.nwu.edu                 (Carwil James)
janzen@mprgate.mpr.ca                     (Martin Janzen)
karp@skcla.monsanto.com                   (Jeffery M Karp)
rk2@elsegundoca.ncr.com                   (Richard Kelly)
merklin@gnu.ai.mit.edu                    (Ed Kemo)
kessner@rintintin.Colorado.EDU            (KESSNER ERIC M)
mapam@csv.warwick.ac.uk                   (Mr R A Khwaja)
koski@sunset.cs.utah.edu                  (Keith Koski)
kathi@bridge.com                          (Kathi Kramer)
benkrug@jupiter.fnbc.com                  (Ben Krug)
farif@eskimo.com                          (David Kunz)
edsr!edsdrd!sel@uunet.UU.NET              (Steve Langs)
pa_hcl@MECENG.COE.NORTHEASTERN.EDU        (Henry Leong)
S.Linton@pmms.cam.ac.uk                   (Steve Linton)
alopez@cs.ep.utexas.EDU                   (Alejandro Lopez 6330)
kfl@access.digex.com                      ("Keith F. Lynch")
KAMCHAR@msu.edu                           (Charles MacDonald)
rob@vis.toronto.edu                       (Robert C. Majka)
phil@starconn.com                         (Phil Marks)
cam@jackatak.raider.net                   (Cameron Marshall)
mmay@mcd.intel.com                        (Mike May ~)
drac@uumeme.chi.il.us                     (Bruce Maynard)
i001269@discg2.disc.dla.mil               (john mccarrick)
xyzzy@imagen.com                          (David McIntyre)
cuhes@csv.warwick.ac.uk                   (Malcolm McMahon)
mcpherso@macvax.UCSD.EDU                  (John Mcpherson)
merkle@parc.xerox.com                     (Ralph Merkle)
eric@Synopsys.COM                         (Eric Messick)
pmetzger@shearson.com                     (Perry E. Metzger)
gmichael@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu                 (Gary R. Michael)
dat91mas@ludat.lth.se                     (Asker Mikael)
MILLERL@WILMA.WHARTON.UPENN.EDU           ("Loren J. Miller")
minsky@media.mit.edu                      (Marvin Minsky)
pmorris@lamar.ColoState.EDU               (Paul Morris)
Mark_Muhlestein@Novell.COM                (Mark Muhlestein)
david@staff.udc.upenn.edu                 (R. David Murray)
gananney@mosaic.uncc.edu                  (Glenn A Nanney)
anthony@meaddata.com                      (Anthony Napier)
dniman@panther.win.net                    (Donald E. Niman)
nistuk@unixg.ubc.ca                       (Richard Nistuk)
Jonathan@RMIT.EDU.AU                      (Jonathan O'Donnell)
martino@gomez.Jpl.Nasa.Gov                (Martin R. Olah)
cpatil@leland.stanford.edu          (Christopher Kashina Patil)
crp5754@erfsys01.boeing.com               (Chris Payne)
sharon@acri.fr                            (Sharon Peleg)
php@rhi.hi.is                             (Petur Henry Petersen)
chrisp@efi.com                            (Chris Phoenix)
pierce@CS.UCLA.EDU                        (Brad Pierce)
julius@math.utah.edu                      ("Julius Pierce")
dplatt@cellar.org                         (Doug Platt)
Mitchell.Porter@lambada.oit.unc.edu       (Mitchell Porter)
cpresson@jido.b30.ingr.com                (Craig Presson)
price@price.demon.co.uk                   (Michael Clive Price)
U39554@UICVM.BITNET                       (Edward S. Proctor)
stevep@deckard.Works.ti.com               (Steve Pruitt)
MJQUINN@PUCC.BITNET                       (Michael Quinn)
rauss@nvl.army.mil                        (Patrick Rauss)
remke@cs.tu-berlin.de                     ("Jan K. Remke")
ag167@yfn.ysu.edu                         (Barry H. Rodin)
ksackett@cs.uah.edu                       (Karl R. Sackett)
rcs@cs.arizona.edu                        (Richard Schroeppel)
fschulz@pyramid.com                       (Frank Schulz)
kws@Thunder-Island.kalamazoo.MI.US        (Karel W. Sebek)
bseewald@gozer.idbsu.edu                  (Brad Seewald)
shapard@manta.nosc.mil                    (Thomas D. Shapard)
habs@Panix.Com                            (Harry Shapiro)
muir@idiom.berkeley.ca.us                 (David Muir Sharnoff)
dasher@well.sf.ca.us                      (D Anton Sherwood)
zero@netcom.com                           (Richard Shiflett)
AP201160@BROWNVM.BITNET                   (Elaine Shiner)
robsho@robsho.Auto-trol.COM               (Robert Shock)
rshvern@gmuvax2.gmu.edu                   (Rob Shvern)
wesiegel@cie-2.uoregon.edu                (William Siegel)
ggyygg@mixcom.mixcom.com                  (Kenton Sinner)
bsmart@bsmart.tti.com                     (Bob Smart)
tonys@ariel.ucs.unimelb.EDU.AU            (Anthony David Smith)
sgccsns@citecuc.citec.oz.au               (Shayne Noel Smith)
dsnider@beta.tricity.wsu.edu              (Daniel L Snider)
snyderg@spot.Colorado.EDU                 (SNYDER GARY EDWIN JR)
blupe@ruth.fullfeed.com                   (Brian Arthur Stewart)
lhdsy1!usmi02.midland.chevron.com!tsfsi@uunet.UU.NET (Sigrid
Stewart)
nat@netcom.com                            (Nathaniel Stitt)
tps@biosym.com                            (Tom Stockfisch)
stodolsk@andromeda.rutgers.edu            (David Stodolsky)
gadget@dcs.warwick.ac.uk                  (Steve Strong)
carey@CS.UCLA.EDU                         (Carey Sublette)
jsuttor@netcom.com                        (Jeff Suttor)
swain@cernapo.cern.ch                     (John Swain)
szabo@techbook.com                        (Nick Szabo)
ptheriau@netcom.com                       (P. Chris Theriault)
ak051@yfn.ysu.edu                         (Chris Thompson)
gunnar.thoresen@bio.uio.no                (Gunnar Thoresen)
dreamer@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu                  (Andrew Trapp)
jerry@cse.lbl.gov                         (Jerry Tunis)
music@parcom.ernet.in                     (Rajeev Upadhye)
treon@u.washington.edu                    (Treon Verdery)
evore@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu           (Eric J Vore)
U13054@UICVM.BITNET                       (Howard Wachtel)
susan@wpi.WPI.EDU                         (Susan C Wade)
70023.3041@CompuServe.COM                 (Paul Wakfer)
ewalker@it.berklee.edu                    ("Elaine Walker")
jew@rt.sunquest.com                       (James Ward)
jeremy@ai.mit.edu                         (Jeremy M. Wertheimer)
bw@ws029.torreypinesca.NCR.COM            (Bruce White 3807)
weeds@strobe.ATC.Olivetti.Com             (Mark Wiedman)
wiesel-elisha@CS.YALE.EDU                 (Elisha Wiesel)
WILLINGP@gar.union.edu                    (WILLING, PAUL)
smw@alcor.concordia.ca                    (Steven Winikoff)
wright@hicomb.hi.com                      (David Wright)
ebusew@anah.ericsson.com                  (Stephen Wright 66667)
liquidx@cnexus.cts.com                    (Liquid-X)
xakellis@uivlsisl.csl.uiuc.edu            (Michael G. Xakellis)
cs012113@cs.brown.edu                     (Ion Yannopoulos)
yazz@lccsd.sd.locus.com                   (Bob Yazz)
lnz@lucid.com                             (Leonard N. Zubkoff)
62RSE@npd1.ufpe.br
adwyer@mason1.gmu.edu
ART@EMBL-Hamburg.DE
atfurman@cup.portal.com
billw@attmail.att.com
carl@red-dragon.umbc.edu
carlf@ai.mit.edu
cccbbs!chris.thompson@UCENG.UC.EDU
CCGARCIA@MIZZOU1.BITNET
clayb@cellar.org
dack@permanet.org
daedalus@netcom.com
danielg@autodesk.com
Dave-M@cup.portal.com
F_GRIFFITH@CCSVAX.SFASU.EDU
garcia@husc.harvard.edu
gav@houxa.att.com
hammar@cs.unm.edu
herbison@lassie.ucx.lkg.dec.com
hhuang@Athena.MIT.EDU
hkhenson@cup.portal.com
irving@happy-man.com
jeckel@amugw.aichi-med-u.ac.jp
jgs@merit.edu
jmeritt@mental.mitre.org
Jonas_Marten_Fjallstam@cup.portal.com
kqb@whscad1.att.com
LPOMEROY@velara.sim.es.com
lubkin@apollo.hp.com
kunert@wustlb.wustl.edu
LINYARD_M@XENOS.a1.logica.co.uk
M.Michelle.Wrightwatson@att.com
moselecw@elec.canterbury.ac.nz
naoursla@eos.ncsu.edu
ng4@husc.harvard.edu
pase70!dchapman@uwm.edu
pocock@math.utah.edu
RUDI@HSD.UVic.CA
SCOTTJOR@delphi.com
stanton@ide.com
steveha@microsoft.com
stu1016@DISCOVER.WRIGHT.EDU
SYang.ES_AE@xerox.com
tim.hruby@his.com
Todd.Kaufmann@FUSSEN.MT.CS.CMU.EDU
tom@genie.slhs.udel.edu
UC482529@MIZZOU1.BITNET
WMILLER@clust1.clemson.edu
yost@mv.us.adobe.com
(The group still passes if you don't count the people for
whom I just have email address.)
-Brian <bmdelane@midway.uchicago.edu>
From: filipe@vxcrna.cern.ch (VINCI)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41
Organization: European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN
Lines: 14
In article <1993Apr20.125920.15005@ircam.fr>, francis@ircam.fr (Joseph Francis) writes...
>In article <1993Apr19.205615.1013@unlv.edu> todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey) writes:
>>I think that's the correct spelling..
>
>Crullerian.
>
How about Kirlian imaging ? I believe the FAQ for sci.skeptics (sp?)
has a nice write-up on this. They would certainly be most supportive
on helping you to build such a device and connect to a 120Kvolt
supply so that you can take a serious look at your "aura"... :-)
Filipe Santos
CERN - European Laboratory for Particle Physics
Switzerland
From: rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind)
Subject: Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?
Organization: Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Mass., USA
Lines: 19
NNTP-Posting-Host: enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
In article <1993Apr19.084258.1040@ida.liu.se> davpa@ida.liu.se
(David Partain) writes:
>Someone I know has recently been diagnosed as having Candida Albicans,
>a disease about which I can find no information.  Apparently it has something
>to do with the body's production of yeast while at the same time being highly
>allergic to yeast.  Can anyone out there tell me any more about it?
Candida albicans can cause severe life-threatening infections, usually
in people who are otherwise quite ill.  This is not, however, the sort
of illness that you are probably discussing.
"Systemic yeast syndrome" where the body is allergic to
yeast is considered a quack diagnosis by mainstream medicine.  There
is a book "The Yeast Connection" which talks about this "illness".
There is no convincing evidence that such a disease exists.
--
David Rind
rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
From: marco@sdf.lonestar.org (Steve Giammarco)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: sdf public access Unix, Dallas TX 214/436-3281
Lines: 27
In article <1qk1taINNmr4@calamari.hi.com> rogers@calamari.hi.com (Andrew Rogers) writes:
>In article <1993Apr15.153729.13738@walter.bellcore.com> jchen@ctt.bellcore.com writes:
>>Chinese, and many other Asians (Japanese, Koreans, etc) have used
>>MSG as flavor enhancer for two thousand years. Do you believe that
>>they knew how to make MSG from chemical processes? Not. They just
>>extracted it from natural food such sea food and meat broth.
>
>And to add further fuel to the flame war, I read about 20 years ago that
>the "natural" MSG - extracted from the sources you mention above - does not
>cause the reported aftereffects; it's only that nasty "artificial" MSG -
>extracted from coal tar or whatever - that causes Chinese Restaurant
>Syndrome.  I find this pretty hard to believe; has anyone else heard it?
I was under the (possibly incorrect) assumption that most of the MSG on
our foods was made from processing sugar beets. Is this not true? Are
there other sources of MSG?
I am one of those folx who react, sometimes strongly, to MSG. However,
I also react strongly to sodium chloride (table salt) in excess. Each
causes different symptoms except for the common one of rapid heartbeat
and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in my chest, upper left quadrant.
--
Steve Giammarco/5330 Peterson Lane/Dallas TX 75240
marco@sdf.lonestar.org
loveyameanit.
From: Donald Mackie <Donald_Mackie@med.umich.edu>
Subject: Re: OB-GYN residency
Organization: UM Anesthesiology
Lines: 21
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 141.214.86.38
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d9
X-XXDate: Tue, 20 Apr 93 16:46:24 GMT
In article <1993Apr20.004158.6122@cnsvax.uwec.edu> David Nye,
nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu writes:
>
>>>I believe it is illegal for a residency to discriminate against
FMGs.
>
>>Is that true?  I know some that won't even interview FMGs.
>
>I think a case could be made that this is discriminatory,
particularly
>if an applicant had good board scores and recommendations but wasn't
>offered an interview, but I don't know if it has ever gone to court.
FMGs who are not citizens are, like all aliens, in a difficult
situation. Only citizens get to vote here, so non-citizens are of
little or no interest to legislators. Also, the non-citizen may well
be in the middle of processing for resident alien status. There is a
stron sense that rocking the boat (eg. suing a residency program)
will delay the granting of that status, perhaps for ever.
Don Mackie - his opinions
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 22
In article <myers.735287742@peach.cs.scarolina.edu> myers@cs.scarolina.edu (Daniel Myers) writes:
>I am under the impression that MSG "enhances" flavor by causing the
>taste buds to swell.
No, that's not how it works.
>If this is correct, I do not find it unreasonable
>to assume that high doses of MSG can cause other mouth tissues to swell.
This may be through a different mechanism.
>Also, as the many of the occurances (including two of the above)
>involved beef, and as beef is frequently tenderized with MSG, this is
>what I suspect as being the cause.
Tenderizing beef involves sprinking or marinading it in papain, an enzyme.
"Meat tenderizer" packets might contain papain and MSG and seasonings, but
MSG doesn't act as a tenderizer.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: dstock@hpqmoca.sqf.hp.com (David Stockton)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Nntp-Posting-Host: hpqmocb.sqf.hp.com
Organization: Hewlett-Packard LTD, South Queensferry, Scotland
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8.8]
Lines: 23
VINCI (filipe@vxcrna.cern.ch) wrote:
:  How about Kirlian imaging ? I believe the FAQ for sci.skeptics (sp?)
:  has a nice write-up on this. They would certainly be most supportive
:  on helping you to build such a device and connect to a 120Kvolt
:  supply so that you can take a serious look at your "aura"... :-)
:  Filipe Santos
:  CERN - European Laboratory for Particle Physics
:  Switzerland
This has to be THE only, generally accepted, method of using common
physics lab equipment to find certain answers to all the questions about
afterlifes, heavens, hells, purgatory, gods etc. Krillean photography
will probably be ignored as insignificant compared to these larger
eternal verities. Publishing your results could be a bit of a problem,
though.
Cheers
David
From: michael@iastate.edu (Michael M. Huang)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Iowa State University, Ames IA
Lines: 21
MSG is common in many food we eat, including Chinese (though some oriental
restaurants might put a tad too much in them).  I've noticed that when I
go out and eat in most of the Chinese food restaurants, I will usually get
a slight headache and an ununsual thirst afterwards.  This happens to many
of my friends and relatives too.  And, heh, we eat Chinese food all the
time at home :) (but we don't use MSG when we're cooking for ourselves)
So, when we put one and one together, it can be safely assumed that
MSG may cause some allergic reactions in some people.
Stick with natural things.  MSG doesn't do body any good (and possibly
harms, for that matter).  So, why bother with it?  Taste food as it should
be tasted, and don't cloud the flavor with an imaginary cloak of MSG.
-michael
--
Michael M. Huang               | Don't believe what your eyes are  telling you.
ICEMT, Iowa State Univ.        | All they show is  limitation.   Look with your
michael@iastate.edu            | understanding, find out what you already know,
#include <standard.disclaimer> | and you'll see the way to fly. - J. L. Seagull
From: carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU (Carl J Lydick)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Organization: HST Wide Field/Planetary Camera
Lines: 24
Distribution: world
Reply-To: carl@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU
NNTP-Posting-Host: sol1.gps.caltech.edu
In article <1993Apr19.205615.1013@unlv.edu>, todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey) writes:
=I think that's the correct spelling..
=	I am looking for any information/supplies that will allow
=do-it-yourselfers to take Krillean Pictures. I'm thinking
=that education suppliers for schools might have a appartus for
=sale, but I don't know any of the companies. Any info is greatly
=appreciated.
=	In case you don't know, Krillean Photography, to the best of my
=knowledge, involves taking pictures of an (most of the time) organic
=object between charged plates. The picture will show energy patterns
=or spikes around the object photographed, and depending on what type
=of object it is, the spikes or energy patterns will vary. One might
=extrapolate here and say that this proves that every object within
=the universe (as we know it) has its own energy signature.
Go to the library and look up "corona discharge."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carl J Lydick | INTERnet: CARL@SOL1.GPS.CALTECH.EDU | NSI/HEPnet: SOL1::CARL
Disclaimer:  Hey, I understand VAXen and VMS.  That's what I get paid for.  My
understanding of astronomy is purely at the amateur level (or below).  So
unless what I'm saying is directly related to VAX/VMS, don't hold me or my
organization responsible for it.  If it IS related to VAX/VMS, you can try to
hold me responsible for it, but my organization had nothing to do with it.
From: stark@dwovax.enet.dec.com (Todd I. Stark)
Subject: Re: OCD
Summary: Here's the highlights from the DSM-IIIR
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Lines: 45
NNTP-Posting-Host: DWOVAX
In article <C5r3n6.FG4@news.Hawaii.Edu>, sharynk@Hawaii.Edu () writes...
>I recently heard of a mental disorder called Obsessive Compulsive
>Disorder.  What is it?  What causes it?  Could it be caused by a
>nervous breakdown?
>
Obesssive Compulsive Disorder (not to be confused with Obsessive Compulsive
_Personality_ Disorder !) is an acute anxiety disorder characterized by
either obsessions (persistent intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety when
not entertained), or compulsions (repetitive, ritualistic actions that
similarly cause intense psychological discomfort when resisted).
OCD is often associated with certain forms of depression.
Examples of obsessive thoughts are repeated impulses to kill a loved
one (though not accompanied by anger), or a religious person having
recurrent blasphemous thoughts.  Generally, the individual attempts to ignore
or suppress the intrusive thoughts by engaging in other activities.
The individual realizes that the thoughts originate from the own mind, rather
than being from an external source.
Examples of compulsive actions are constant repetitive hand washing,
or other activity that is not realistically related to alleviating a
source of the anxiety.
In OCD, the obsessions or compulsions are highly distressing to the
individual, take an hour or more per day, and significantly impair their
daily routine and social relationships.
Treatments include psychotherapy, behavioral methods, and sometimes
certain anti-depressants which have recently been found effective in alleviating
obsessions and compulsions.
The standard diagnostic code for OCD, if you want to look it up in the
DSM-III manual of psychiatric diagnosis is 300.30 .
kind regards,
todd
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Todd I. Stark				  stark@dwovax.enet.dec.com           |
| Digital Equipment Corporation		             (215) 354-1273           |
| Philadelphia, Pa. USA                                                       |
|    "(A word is) the skin of a living thought"  Olliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
From: julie@eddie.jpl.nasa.gov (Julie Kangas)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Nntp-Posting-Host: eddie.jpl.nasa.gov
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Lines: 34
In article <michael.735318247@vislab.me.iastate.edu> michael@iastate.edu (Michael M. Huang) writes:
>MSG is common in many food we eat, including Chinese (though some oriental
>restaurants might put a tad too much in them).  I've noticed that when I
>go out and eat in most of the Chinese food restaurants, I will usually get
>a slight headache and an ununsual thirst afterwards.  This happens to many
>of my friends and relatives too.  And, heh, we eat Chinese food all the
>time at home :) (but we don't use MSG when we're cooking for ourselves)
>
>So, when we put one and one together, it can be safely assumed that
>MSG may cause some allergic reactions in some people.
>
>Stick with natural things.  MSG doesn't do body any good (and possibly
>harms, for that matter).  So, why bother with it?  Taste food as it should
>be tasted, and don't cloud the flavor with an imaginary cloak of MSG.
As I understood it, MSG *is* natural.  Isn't it found in
tomatoes?
Anyway, lots of people are terribly allergic to lots of natural
things; peanuts, onions, tomatoes, milk, etc.  Just because something
is 'natural' doesn't mean it won't cause problems with some folks.
As for how foods taste:  If I'm not allergic to MSG and I like
the taste of it, why shouldn't I use it?  Saying I shouldn't use
it is like saying I shouldn't eat spicy food because my neighbor
has an ulcer.
People have long modified the taste of food by additives, whether
they be chiles, black pepper, salt, cream sauces, etc.  All of these
things cloud the flavor of the food.  Why do we bother with them?
How should food be tasted?  Isn't it better left to the diner?
Julie
DISCLAIMER:  All opinions here belong to my cat and no one else
From: jhoskins@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (James M Hoskins)
Subject: Cost of Roxonal
Nntp-Posting-Host: photon.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
Organization: The Ohio State University
Distribution: na
Lines: 5
Does anyone know the approximate prescription cost
of a 250 ml bottle of Roxonal (morphine)?
Thanks.
From: dufault@lftfld.enet.dec.com (MD)
Subject: seizures ( infantile spasms )
Keywords: seizures epilepsy
Reply-To: dufault@lftfld.enet.dec.com (MD)
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Lines: 32
The reason I'm posting this article to this newsgroup is to:
1. gather any information about this disorder from anyone who might
have recently been *e*ffected by it ( from being associated with
it or actually having this disorder ) and
2. help me find out where I can access any medical literature associated
with seizures over the internet.
Recently, I had a baby boy born with seizures which occured 12-15 hours
after birth. He was immediately transferred to a major hospital in Boston
and has since been undergoing extensive drug treatment for his condition.
This has been a major learning experience for me and my wife not only in
learning the medical problems that faced our son but also in dealing with
hospitals, procedures...etc.
I don't want to go into a lot of detail, but his condition was termed
quite severe at first then slowly he began to grow and put on weight
as a normal baby would. He was put on the standard anti-convulsion drugs
and that did not seem to help out. His MRI, EKG, cat-scans are all normal,
but the EEG's show alot of seizure activity. After many metabolic tests,
body structure tests, and infection/virus tests the doctors still do not
know quite what type of siezures he is having (although they do have alot
of evidence that it is now pointing to infantile spasms ). This is where
we stand right now....
If anyone knows of any database or newsgroup or as I mentioned up above,
any information relating to this disorder I would sure appreciate hearing
from you. I am not trying to play doctor here, but only trying to gather
information about it. As I know now, these particular types of disorders
are still not really well understood by the medical community, and so I'm
going to see now....if somehow the internet can at least give me alittle
insight. Thanks.
From: noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring)
Subject: Good Grief!  (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Lines: 81
In article rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind) writes:
>In article davpa@ida.liu.se  (David Partain) writes:
>>Someone I know has recently been diagnosed as having Candida Albicans,
>>a disease about which I can find no information.  Apparently it has something
>>to do with the body's production of yeast while at the same time being highly
>>allergic to yeast.  Can anyone out there tell me any more about it?
>Candida albicans can cause severe life-threatening infections, usually
>in people who are otherwise quite ill.  This is not, however, the sort
>of illness that you are probably discussing.
>
>"Systemic yeast syndrome" where the body is allergic to
>yeast is considered a quack diagnosis by mainstream medicine.  There
>is a book "The Yeast Connection" which talks about this "illness".
>
>There is no convincing evidence that such a disease exists.
There's a lot of evidence, it just hasn't been adequately gathered and
published in a way that will convince the die-hard melancholic skeptics
who quiver everytime the word 'anecdote' or 'empirical' is used.
For example, Dr. Ivker, who wrote the book "Sinus Survival", always gives,
before any other treatment, a systemic anti-fungal (such as Nizoral) to his
new patients IF they've been on braod-spectrum anti-biotics 4 or more times
in the last two years.  He's kept a record of the results, and for over
2000 patients found that over 90% of his patients get significant relief
of allergic/sinus symptoms.  Of course, this is only the beginning for his
program.
In my case, as I reported a few weeks ago, I was developing the classic
symptoms outlined in 'The Yeast Connection' (I agree it is a poorly
written book):  e.g., extreme sensitivity to plastics, vapors, etc. which
I never had before (started in November).  Within one week of full dosage
of Sporanox, the sensitivity to chemicals has fully disappeared - I can
now sit on my couch at home without dying after two minutes.  I'm also
*greatly* improved in other areas as well.
Of course, I have allergy symptoms, etc.  I am especially allergic to
molds, yeasts, etc.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that
if one has excessive colonization of yeast in the body, and you have a
natural allergy to yeasts, that a threshold would be reached where you
would have perceptible symptoms.  Also, yeast do produce toxins of various
sorts, and again, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that
such toxins can cause problems in some people.  In my case it was sinus
since that's the center of my allergic response.  Of course, the $60,000
question is whether a person who is immune compromised (as tests showed I was
from over 5 years of antibiotics, nutritionally-deficiencies because of the
stress of infections and allergies, etc.), can develop excessive yeast
colonization somewhere in the body.  It is a tough question to answer since
testing for excessive yeast colonization is not easy.  One almost has to
take an empirical approach to diagnosis.  Fortunately, Sporanox is relatively
safe unlike past anti-fungals (still have to be careful, however) so there's
no reason any longer to withhold Sporanox treatment for empirical reasons.
BTW, some would say to try Nystatin.  Unfortunately, most yeast grows hyphae
too deep into tissue for Nystatin to have any permanent affect.  You'll find
a lot of people who are on Nystatin all the time.
In summary, I appreciate all of the attempts by those who desire to keep
medicine on the right road.  But methinks that some who hold too firmly
to the party line are academics who haven't been in the trenches long enough
actually treating patients.  If anybody, doctors included, said to me to my
face that there is no evidence of the 'yeast connection', I cannot guarantee
their safety.  For their incompetence, ripping off their lips is justified as
far as I am concerned.
Jon Noring
--
Charter Member --->>>  INFJ Club.
If you're dying to know what INFJ means, be brave, e-mail me, I'll send info.
=============================================================================
| Jon Noring          | noring@netcom.com        |                          |
| JKN International   | IP    : 192.100.81.100   | FRED'S GOURMET CHOCOLATE |
| 1312 Carlton Place  | Phone : (510) 294-8153   | CHIPS - World's Best!    |
| Livermore, CA 94550 | V-Mail: (510) 417-4101   |                          |
=============================================================================
Who are you?  Read alt.psychology.personality!  That's where the action is.
From: RICK@ysub.ysu.edu (Rick Marsico)
Subject: Proventil Inhaler
Organization: Youngstown State University
Lines: 5
NNTP-Posting-Host: ysub.ysu.edu
Does the Proventil inhaler for asthma relief fall into the steroid
or nonsteroid category?  Looking at the product literature it's
not clear.
rick@ysu.edu
From: SFEGUS@ubvm.cc.buffalo.edu
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: University at Buffalo
Lines: 38
Nntp-Posting-Host: ubvm.cc.buffalo.edu
In article <79857@cup.portal.com>
mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes:
>
>> I don't understand the assumption that because something is found to
>> be carcinogenic that "it would not be legal in the U.S.".  I think that
>
>No, there is something called the "Delany Amendment" which makes carcinogenic
>food additives illegal in any amount.  This was passed by Congress in the
>1950's, before stuff like mass spectrometry became available, which increased
>detectable levels of substances by a couple orders of magnitude.
>
>This is why things like cyclamates and Red #2 were banned.  They are very
>weakly carcinogenic in huge quantities in rats, so under the Act they are
>banned.
>
>This also applies to natural carcinogens.  Some of you might remember a
>time back in the 1960's when root beer suddenly stopped tasting so good,
>and never tasted so good again.  That was the time when safrole was banned.
>This is the active flavoring ingredient in sassafras leaves.
>
>If it were possible to market a root beer good like the old days, someone
>would do it, in order to make money.  The fact that no one does it indicates
>that enforcement is still in effect.
>
>An odd exception to the rule seems to be the product known as "gumbo file'".
>This is nothing more than coarsely ground dried sassafras leaves.  This
>is not only a natural product, but a natural product still in its natural
>form, so maybe that's how they evade Delany.  Or maybe a special exemption
>was made, to appease powerful Louisiana Democrats.
I think what we have to keep in mind is that even though it may be illegal to
commercially produce/sell food with carcinogenic substances, it is not illegal
for people to do such to their own food (smoking, etc).  Is this true?
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 17
In article <1993Apr13.093300.29529@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:
>
>"Weight rebound" is a term used in the medical literature on
>obesity to denote weight regain beyond what was lost in a diet
>cycle.  There are any number of terms which mean one thing to
Can you provide a reference to substantiate that gaining back
the lost weight does not constitute "weight rebound" until it
exceeds the starting weight?  Or is this oral tradition that
is shared only among you obesity researchers?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: How to Diagnose Lyme... really
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 20
In article <1993Apr12.201056.20753@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu> mcg2@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (Marc Gabriel) writes:
>Now, I'm not saying that culturing is the best way to diagnose; it's very
>hard to culture Bb in most cases.  The point is that Dr. N has developed a
>"feel" for what is and what isn't LD.  This comes from years of experience.
>No serology can match that.  Unfortunately, some would call Dr. N a "quack"
>and accuse him of trying to make a quick buck.
>
Why do you think he would be called a quack?  The quacks don't do cultures.
They poo-poo doing more lab tests:  "this is Lyme, believe me, I've
seen it many times.  The lab tests aren't accurate.  We'll treat it
now."  Also, is Dr. N's practice almost exclusively devoted to treating
Lyme patients?  I don't know *any* orthopedic surgeons who fit this
pattern.  They are usually GPs.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Could this be a migraine?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 34
In article <20773.3049.uupcb@factory.com> jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein) writes:
>Headaches that seriously interfere with activities of daily living
>affect about 15% of the population.  Doesn't that sound like
>something a "primary care" physician should know something about?  I
>tend to agree with HMO administrators - family physicians should
>learn the basics of headache management.
>
Absolutely.  Unfortunately, most of them have had 3 weeks of neurology
in medical school and 1 month (maybe) in their residency.  Most
of that is done in the hospital where migraines rarely are seen.
Where are they supposed to learn?  Those who are diligent and
read do learn, but most don't, unfortunately.
>Sometimes I wonder what tension-type headaches have to do with
>neurology anyway.
We are the only ones, sometimes, who have enough interest in headaches
to spend the time to get enough history to diagnose them.  Too often,
the primary care physician hears "headache" and loses interest in
anything but giving the patient analgesics and getting them out of
the office so they can get on to something more interesting.
>(I am excepting migraine, which is arguably neurologic).  Headaches
I hope you meant "inarguably".
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: Cause of mental retardation?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 35
In article <1993Apr13.111834.1@cc.uvcc.edu> harrisji@cc.uvcc.edu writes:
>
>Chromosome studies have shown no abnormalities.  Enzyme studies and
>urine analyses have not turned up anything out of the ordinary.
>MRI images of the brain show scar tissue in the white matter.
>Subsequent MRI analysis has shown that the deterioration of the
>white matter is progressive.
>
>Because neither family has a history of anything like this, and
>because two of our four children are afflicted with the disorder,
>we believe that it is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder of
>some kind.  Naturally, we would like to know exactly what the
>disease is so that we may gain some insight into how we can expect
>the disorder to progress in the future.  We would also like to be
>able to provide our normal children with some information about
>what they can expect in their own children.
>
It could be one of the leukodystrophies (not adrenal, only
boys get that).  Surely you've been to a university pediatric
neurology department.  If not that is the next step.  Biopsies
might help, especially if peripheral nerves are also affected.
There are so many of these diseases that would fit the symptoms
you gave that more can't be said at this time.
I agree with your surmise that it is an autosomal recessive.
If so, your normal children won't have to worry too much unless
they marry near relatives.  Most recessive genes are rare
except in inbred communities (e.g. Lithuanian Jews).
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: 880506s@dragon.acadiau.ca (James R. Skinner)
Subject: Re: Paxil (request)
Organization: Acadia University
Lines: 15
880506s@dragon.acadiau.ca (James R. Skinner) writes:
>
>	I have seen a couple of postings refering to an SRI called paxil.  I
>have been on Prozac for a number of years and recently switched to Zolf.  I
>have seen a bit of comparsion of Prozac to Paxil but none on Zolft to Prozac
>Can some one enlight me on the differences/ side effect profile/ etc...
does anyone know?
--
-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------------
James Robie Skinner        |     Jodrey School of Computer Science        James.Skinner@dragon.acadiau.ca  |  Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
-----------------------------------+--------------------------------------------
From: sandy@nmr1.pt.cyanamid.COM (Sandy Silverman)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
In-Reply-To: rousseaua@immunex.com's message of 19 Apr 93 13:02:13 PST
Nntp-Posting-Host: nmr1.pt.cyanamid.com
Organization: American Cyanamid Company
<1quq1m$e8j@terminator.rs.itd.umich.edu>
<1993Apr19.130213.69@immunex.com>
Lines: 8
Heat shock proteins are those whose expression is induced in response to
elevated temperature.  Some are also made when organisms are subjected to
other stress conditions, e.g. high salt.  They have no obvious connection
to what happens when you burn proteins.
--
Sanford Silverman                      >Opinions expressed here are my own<
American Cyanamid
sandy@pt.cyanamid.com, silvermans@pt.cyanamid.com     "Yeast is Best"
From: dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank)
Subject: Do we need a Radiologist to read an Ultrasound?
Reply-To: dougb@ecs.comm.mot.com
Organization: Motorola Land Mobile Products Sector
Nntp-Posting-Host: 145.1.146.35
Lines: 28
My wife's ob-gyn has an ultrasound machine in her office.  When
the doctor couldn't hear a fetal heartbeat (13 weeks) she used
the ultrasound to see if everything was ok.  (it was)
On her next visit, my wife asked another doctor in the office if
they read the ultrasounds themselves or if they had a radiologist
read the pictures.  The doctor very vehemently insisted that they
were qualified to read the ultrasound and radiologists were NOT!
My wife is concerned about this.  She saw a TV show a couple months
back (something like 20/20 or Dateline NBC, etc.) where an expert
on fetal ultrasounds (a radiologist) was showing all the different
deffects that could be detected using the ultrasound.
Should my wife be concerned?  Should we take the pictures to a
radiologist for a second opinion? (and if so, where would we find
such an expert in Chicago?)  We don't really have any special medical
reason to be concerned, but if a radiologist will be able to see
things the ob-gyn can't, then I don't see why we shouldn't use one.
Any thoughts?
--
Doug Bank                       Private Systems Division
dougb@ecs.comm.mot.com          Motorola Communications Sector
dougb@nwu.edu                   Schaumburg, Illinois
dougb@casbah.acns.nwu.edu       708-576-8207
From: ls8139@albnyvms.bitnet (larry silverberg)
Subject: Re: Good Grief!  (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Reply-To: ls8139@albnyvms.bitnet
Organization: University of Albany, SUNY
Lines: 126
In article <noringC5snsx.KMo@netcom.com>, noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>In article rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind) writes:
>>In article davpa@ida.liu.se  (David Partain) writes:
>
>>>Someone I know has recently been diagnosed as having Candida Albicans,
>>>a disease about which I can find no information.  Apparently it has something
>>>to do with the body's production of yeast while at the same time being highly
>>>allergic to yeast.  Can anyone out there tell me any more about it?
I have a lot of info about this disease.  I am posting a small amount of
it that I extracted.  If more is required, e-mail me @
ls8139@gemini.albany.edu.  Please, it takes me some time to upload it, so
be advised, only request it if you *really* want it.
here is some info from InfoTrac - Health Reference Center
Also, check you local of univeristy library.  They most likely have the
InfoTrac cd-rom this info was taken from......
====================================
InfoTrac - Health Reference Center ~ Oct '89 - Oct '92
Heading:   CANDIDA ALBICANS
!Dictionary Definition
1.    Mosby's Medical and Nursing Dictionary, 2nd edition
COPYRIGHT 1986 The C.V. Mosby Company
Candida albicans
-------------------------------------------------------
A common, budding,  yeastlike, microscopic fungal
organism normally present in the mucous membranes of
the mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina and on the skin
of healthy people. Under certain circumstances, it may
cause superficial infections of the mouth or vagina
and, less commonly, serious invasive systemic infection
and toxic reaction. See also candidiasis.
==============================
InfoTrac - Health Reference Center ~ Oct '89 - Oct '92
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN Health Reference Center ~ Oct '89 - Oct '92 IS PROVIDED
ONLY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS
MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION.  CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
FOR ADVICE RELATING TO A MEDICAL PROBLEM OR CONDITION.
Heading:   CANDIDA ALBICANS
1.     Yogurt cure for Candida. (acidophilus) il v22 East
West Natural Health July-August '92 p17(1)
TEXT AVAILABLE
TEXT
COPYRIGHT East West Partners 1992
Another folk remedy receives the blessing of medical study.
Researchers have found that eating a cup of yogurt a day drastically
reduces a woman's chances of getting vaginal candida, a yeast infection.
For the year-long study, researchers at Long Island Jewish Medical
Center in New Hyde Park, New York, recruited 13 women who suffered from
chronic yeast infections. For the first 6 months, the women each day ate
8 ounces of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus. For the second
6 months, the women did not eat yogurt. The researchers examined the
women each month and found that incidents of colonization and infection
were significantly lower during the period when the women ate yogurt.
The fungus Candida albicans can live in the body without doing harm.
It is an overproliferation of the fungus that leads to infection. The
researchers concluded that the L. acidophilus bacteria found in some
brands of yogurt retard overgrowth of the fungus. Streptococcus
thermophilus and L. bulgaricus are the two bacteria most commonly used
in commercial yogurt production. Neither one appears to exert a
protective effect against Candida albicans, however. Women who want to
try yogurt as a preventive measure should choose a brand that lists
acidophilus in its contents.
--- end ---
===================================
InfoTrac - Health Reference Center ~ Oct '89 - Oct '92
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN Health Reference Center ~ Oct '89 - Oct '92 IS PROVIDED
ONLY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS
MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION.  CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
FOR ADVICE RELATING TO A MEDICAL PROBLEM OR CONDITION.
Heading:   CANDIDA ALBICANS
1.     Candida (Monilia). (Infections Caused by Fungi)
(Infectious Diseases) by Harold C. Neu The Columbia
Univ. Coll. of Physicians & Surgeons Complete Home
Medical Guide Edition 2 '89 p472(1)
TEXT AVAILABLE
TEXT
COPYRIGHT Crown Publishers Inc. 1989
Candida (Monilia)
This disease is usually caused by Candida albicans, a fungus that we
all carry at one time or another. In some circumstances, though, the
organisms proliferate, producing symptomatic infection of the mouth,
intestines, vagina, or skin. When the mouth or vagina are infected, the
disease is commonly called thrush.
Vaginitis caused by Candida often afflicts women on birth control
pills or antibiotics. There is itching and a white, cheesy discharge.
Among narcotic addicts, Candida infections can lead to heart valve
inflammation.
Diagnosis of Candida infections is confirmed by cultures and blood
tests. Treatment can be with amphotericin B or orally with ketoconazole.
There is no evidence that Candida in the intestine of normal individuals
leads to disease. All people at one time or another have Candida in
their intestines. Claims for any benefit from special diets or chronic
antifungal agents is not based on any solid evidence.
--- end ---
==========================
I hope this is informative.
Larry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Live From New York, It's SATURDAY NIGHT...
Tonight's special guest:
Lawrence Silverberg from The State University of New York @ Albany
aka:ls8139@gemini.Albany.edu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: yozzo@watson.ibm.com (Ralph Yozzo)
Subject: Re: How to Diagnose Lyme... really
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM.
Nntp-Posting-Host: king-arthur.watson.ibm.com
Organization: IBM T.J. Watson Research Center
Lines: 29
In article <19688@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>
>In article <1993Apr12.201056.20753@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu> mcg2@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (Marc Gabriel) writes:
>
>>Now, I'm not saying that culturing is the best way to diagnose; it's very
>>hard to culture Bb in most cases.  The point is that Dr. N has developed a
>>"feel" for what is and what isn't LD.  This comes from years of experience.
>>No serology can match that.  Unfortunately, some would call Dr. N a "quack"
>>and accuse him of trying to make a quick buck.
>>
>Why do you think he would be called a quack?  The quacks don't do cultures.
>They poo-poo doing more lab tests:  "this is Lyme, believe me, I've
>seen it many times.  The lab tests aren't accurate.  We'll treat it
>now."  Also, is Dr. N's practice almost exclusively devoted to treating
>Lyme patients?  I don't know *any* orthopedic surgeons who fit this
>pattern.  They are usually GPs.
>--
Are you arguing that the Lyme lab test is accurate?
The books that I've read say that in general the tests
have a 50-50 chance of being correct.  (The tests
result in a large number of both false positives and
false negatives.  I am in the latter case.)
We could get those same odds by "rolling the dice".
--
Ralph Yozzo (yozzo@watson.ibm.com)
From the beautiful and historic New York State Mid-Hudson Valley.
From: bhjelle@carina.unm.edu ()
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Lines: 18
NNTP-Posting-Host: carina.unm.edu
In article <C5sqv8.EDB@acsu.buffalo.edu> SFEGUS@ubvm.cc.buffalo.edu writes:
>In article <79857@cup.portal.com>
>mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson) writes:
>
>>
>>No, there is something called the "Delany Amendment" which makes carcinogenic
>>food additives illegal in any amount.  This was passed by Congress in the
>
>I think what we have to keep in mind is that even though it may be illegal to
>commercially produce/sell food with carcinogenic substances, it is not illegal
>for people to do such to their own food (smoking, etc).  Is this true?
>
Whoa. What did you say your name was? Address, SSN? Smoking foods, eh?
I think the gov't would like to know about this...
Brian
:-)
From: draper@gnd1.wtp.gtefsd.com (PAM DRAPER)
Subject: Any info. on Vasomotor Rhinitis
Organization: GTE Government Systems, Federal Systems Division, Chantilly, VA
Lines: 20
Distribution: world
Reply-To: draper@gnd1.wtp.gtefsd.com
NNTP-Posting-Host: gnd1.wtp.gtefsd.com
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.3-4
I recently attended an allery seminar.  Steroid Nasal sprays were
discussed.  Afterward on a one-on-one basis, I asked the speaker what if
none of the Vancanese, Beconase, Nasalide, Nasalcort, or Nasalchrom work
nor do any oral decongestants work.  She replied that she saw an article on
Vasomotor Rhinitis.  That this is not an allergic reaction and that nothing
other than the Afrin's and such would work.  (Which in my case is true).
I want to find out as much as possible about this, since I am going to see
my allergist in May and want to be armed to the hilt with information;
since nothing he has done with me has helped me at all and I have had no
relief for 14 months.
Please respond if you know anything about this and/or please let me know
what articles might be helpful that I could look up in the library.
From: liny@sun13.scri.fsu.edu (Nemo)
Subject: Bates Method for Myopia
Reply-To: lin@ray.met.fsu.edu
Distribution: na
Organization: SCRI, Florida State University
Lines: 22
Does the Bates method work?  I first heard about it in this newsgroup
several years ago, and I have just got hold of a book, "How to improve your
sight - simple daily drills in relaxation", by Margaret D. Corbett,
('Authorized instructor of the Bates method), published in 1953.  It
talks about vision improvement by relaxation and exercise.  Has there been
any study on whether this method actually works?  If it works, is it by
actually shortening the previously elongated eyeball, or by increasing
the lens's ability to flatten itself in order to compensate for the
too-long eyeball?
Since myopia is the result of eyeball elongation, seems to me the most
logical approach for correction is to find a way to reverse the process,
i.e., shorten it somehow (preferably non-surgically).  Has there been
any recent studies on this?  Where can I find them?  I know RK works by
changing the curvature of the cornea to compensate for the shape of
eyeball, but if there is a way to train the muscles to shorten the
eyeball back to its correct length that would be even better (Bates's
idea, right?)
Thanks for any information.
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Good Grief!  (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
In article <noringC5snsx.KMo@netcom.com> noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>>There is no convincing evidence that such a disease exists.
>There's a lot of evidence, it just hasn't been adequately gathered and
>published in a way that will convince the die-hard melancholic skeptics
>who quiver everytime the word 'anecdote' or 'empirical' is used.
Snort.  Ah, there go my sinuses again.
>For example, Dr. Ivker, who wrote the book "Sinus Survival", always gives,
Oh, wow.  A classic textbook.  Hey, they laughed at Einstein, too!
>before any other treatment, a systemic anti-fungal (such as Nizoral) to his
>new patients IF they've been on braod-spectrum anti-biotics 4 or more times
>in the last two years.  He's kept a record of the results, and for over
>2000 patients found that over 90% of his patients get significant relief
>of allergic/sinus symptoms.  Of course, this is only the beginning for his
>program.
Yeah, I'll bet.  Tomorrow, the world.
Listen, uncontrolled studies like this are worthless.
>In my case, as I reported a few weeks ago, I was developing the classic
>symptoms outlined in 'The Yeast Connection' (I agree it is a poorly
>written book):  e.g., extreme sensitivity to plastics, vapors, etc. which
>I never had before (started in November).  Within one week of full dosage
>of Sporanox, the sensitivity to chemicals has fully disappeared - I can
>now sit on my couch at home without dying after two minutes.  I'm also
>*greatly* improved in other areas as well.
I'm sure you are.  You sound like the typical hysteric/hypochondriac who
responds to "miracle cures."
>Of course, I have allergy symptoms, etc.  I am especially allergic to
>molds, yeasts, etc.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that
>if one has excessive colonization of yeast in the body, and you have a
>natural allergy to yeasts, that a threshold would be reached where you
>would have perceptible symptoms.
Yeah, "it makes sense to me", so of course it should be taken seriously.
Snort.
>Also, yeast do produce toxins of various
>sorts, and again, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that
>such toxins can cause problems in some people.
Yeah, "it sounds reasonable to me".
>Of course, the $60,000
>question is whether a person who is immune compromised (as tests showed I was
>from over 5 years of antibiotics, nutritionally-deficiencies because of the
>stress of infections and allergies, etc.),
Oh, really?  _What_ tests?  Immune-compromised, my ass.
More like credulous malingerer.  This is a psychiatric syndrome.
>can develop excessive yeast
>colonization somewhere in the body.  It is a tough question to answer since
>testing for excessive yeast colonization is not easy.  One almost has to
>take an empirical approach to diagnosis.  Fortunately, Sporanox is relatively
>safe unlike past anti-fungals (still have to be careful, however) so there's
>no reason any longer to withhold Sporanox treatment for empirical reasons.
You know, it's a shame that a drug like itraconazole is being misused
in this way.  It's ridiculously expensive, and potentially toxic.
The trouble is that it isn't toxic enough, so it gets abused by quacks.
>BTW, some would say to try Nystatin.  Unfortunately, most yeast grows hyphae
>too deep into tissue for Nystatin to have any permanent affect.  You'll find
>a lot of people who are on Nystatin all the time.
The only good thing about nystatin is that it's (relatively) cheap
and when taken orally, non-toxic.  But oral nystatin is without any
systemic effect, so unless it were given IV, it would be without
any effect on your sinuses.  I wish these quacks would first use
IV nystatin or amphotericin B on people like you.  That would solve
the "yeast" problem once and for all.
>In summary, I appreciate all of the attempts by those who desire to keep
>medicine on the right road.  But methinks that some who hold too firmly
>to the party line are academics who haven't been in the trenches long enough
>actually treating patients.  If anybody, doctors included, said to me to my
>face that there is no evidence of the 'yeast connection', I cannot guarantee
>their safety.  For their incompetence, ripping off their lips is justified as
>far as I am concerned.
Perhaps a little Haldol would go a long way towards ameliorating
your symptoms.
Are you paying for this treatment out of your own pocket?  I'd hate
to think my insurance premiums are going towards this.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
Subject: "STAR GARTDS" <sp?> Info wanted
From: kmcvay@oneb.almanac.bc.ca (Ken Mcvay)
Organization: The Old Frog's Almanac
Lines: 11
A friend's daughter has been diagnosed with an eye disease called "Star
Gartds" (or something close) - it is apparently genetic, according to her,
and affects every fourth generation.
She would appreciate any information about this condition. If anything is
available via ftp, please point me in the right direction..
--
The Old Frog's Almanac - A Salute to That Old Frog Hisse'f, Ryugen Fisher
(604) 245-3205 (v32) (604) 245-4366 (2400x4) SCO XENIX 2.3.2 GT
Ladysmith, British Columbia, CANADA. Serving Central Vancouver Island
with public access UseNet and Internet Mail - home to the Holocaust Almanac
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Subject: Re: seizures ( infantile spasms )
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 19
[reply to dufault@lftfld.enet.dec.com (MD)]
>After many metabolic tests, body structure tests, and infection/virus
>tests the doctors still do not know quite what type of siezures he is
>having (although they do have alot of evidence that it is now pointing
>to infantile spasms ).  This is where we stand right now....As I know
>now, these particular types of disorders are still not really well
>understood by the medical community.
Infantile spasms have been well understood for quite some time now.  You
are seeing a pediatric neurologist, aren't you?  If not, I strongly
recommend it.  There is a new anticonvulsant about to be released called
felbamate which may be particularly helpful for infantile spasms.  As
for learning more about seizures, ask your doctor or his nurse about a
local support group.
David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
From: aliceb@tea4two.Eng.Sun.COM (Alice Taylor)
Subject: accupuncture and AIDS
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Lines: 8
Distribution: world
Reply-To: aliceb@tea4two.Eng.Sun.COM
NNTP-Posting-Host: tea4two
A friend of mine is seeing an acupuncturist and
wants to know if there is any danger of getting
AIDS from the needles.
Thanks,
-alice
From: mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington)
Subject: Re: Any info. on Vasomotor Rhinitis
Organization: AI Programs, University of Georgia, Athens
Lines: 15
Nntp-Posting-Host: aisun3.ai.uga.edu
(Disclaimer: I'm a sufferer, not a doctor.)
I'm not sure there's a really sharp distinction between allergic and
vasomotor rhinitis.  Basically, vasomotor rhinitis means your nose is
stuffy when it has no reason to be (not even an identifiable allergy).
Decongestants and steroid sprays work for vasomotor rhinitis.  Also,
I can get surprising relief from purely superficial measures such as
saline moisturizing spray and moisturizing gel.
--
:-  Michael A. Covington, Associate Research Scientist        :    *****
:-  Artificial Intelligence Programs      mcovingt@ai.uga.edu :  *********
:-  The University of Georgia              phone 706 542-0358 :   *  *  *
:-  Athens, Georgia 30602-7415 U.S.A.     amateur radio N4TMI :  ** *** **  <><
Subject: Ovarian cancer treatment centers
From: <RBPRMA@rohvm1.rohmhaas.com>
Organization: Rohm and Haas Company
Lines: 9
A relative of mine has recently been diagnosed with "stage 3 papillary cell
ovarian cancer".  We are urgently seeking the best place in the country for
treatment for this.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
As you might suspect, time is of the essence.
Thanks for your help.                                      Bob
Subject: Broken rib
From: jc@oneb.almanac.bc.ca
Organization: The Old Frog's Almanac, Nanaimo, B.C.
Keywords: advice needed
Summary: long term problems?
Lines: 17
Hello,  I am not sure if this is the right conference to ask this
question, however, Here I go..  I am a commercial fisherman and I
fell about 3 weeks ago down into the hold of the boat and broke or
cracked a rib and wrenched and bruised my back and left arm.
My question,  I have been to a doctor and was told that it was
best to do nothing and it would heal up with no long term effect, and
indeed I am about 60 % better, however, the work I do is very
hard and I am still not able to go back to work.  The thing that worries me
is the movement or "clunking" I feel and hear back there when I move
certain ways...  I heard some one talking about the rib they broke
years ago and that it still bothers them.�.  any opinions?
thanx and cheers
jc@oneb.almanac.bc.ca (John Cross)
The Old Frog's Almanac  (Home of The Almanac UNIX Users Group)
(604) 245-3205 (v32)    <Public Access UseNet>    (604) 245-4366 (2400x4)
Vancouver Island, British Columbia    Waffle XENIX 1.64
From: euclid@mrcnext.cso.uiuc.edu (Euclid K.)
Subject: Re: accupuncture and AIDS
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Lines: 18
aliceb@tea4two.Eng.Sun.COM (Alice Taylor) writes:
>A friend of mine is seeing an acupuncturist and
>wants to know if there is any danger of getting
>AIDS from the needles.
Ask the practitioner whether he uses the pre-sterilized disposable
needles, or if he reuses needles, sterilizing them between use.  In the
former case there's no conceivable way to get AIDS from the needles.  In
the latter case it's highly unlikely (though many practitioners use the
disposable variety anyway).
euclid
--
Euclid K.       standard disclaimers apply
"It is a bit ironic that we need the wave model [of light] to understand the
propagation of light only through that part of the system where it leaves no
trace."  --Hudson & Nelson (_University_Physics_)
From: kjiv@lrc.edu
Subject: Hismanal, et. al.--side effects
Organization: Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory, NC
Lines: 22
Can someone tell me whether or not any of the following medications
has been linked to rapid/excessive weight gain and/or a distorted
sense of taste or smell:  Hismanal; Azmacort (a topical steroid to
prevent asthma); Vancenase.
Also:
You may have guessed, I'm an allergy sufferer--but I'm beginning to
suspect I'm also the victim of a Dr. toliberal with the prescription
p. The allergist I went to last Oct. simply inquired about my symptons
( I was suffering chronic asthma attacks), gave me a battery of
allergy tests, and went down a checklist of drugs (a photocopied
sheet).  I've gained out 30 lbs. since then though I haven't eaten
more or much differently than before; I'vsuffered depression; ,
fatigue; and I've experienced a foul smell and sense of taste for
about the last two months.  I mentioned the lack of smell and taste to
this Dr. in Feb. and he said my sinuses did look a bit swollen (he
just looked up my nose with his little light--the same one used for
ears), and prescribed Prednisone and Sulfatrim DS (severe headaches
and a rash resulted, particularly after my week's worth of Prednisone
ran out).  Now he wants to do a rhinoscopy to see if I have a bleeding
ulcer or polyps in my sinus cavities.  I'm considering seeing another
doctor.  Any suggestions/advice?  I'd really appreciate it!
From: tas@pegasus.com (Len Howard)
Subject: Re: Endometriosis
Summary: not that rare a condition
Organization: Pegasus,  Honolulu
Lines: 17
In article <1993Apr16.032251.6606@rock.concert.net> naomi@rock.concert.net (Naomi T Courter) writes:
>
>can anyone give me more information regarding endometriosis?   i heard
>it's a very common disease among women and if anyone can provide names
>of a specialist/surgeon in  the north carolina research triangle  park
>area (raleigh/durham/chapel  hill) who is familiar with the condition,
>i would really appreciate it.
>thanks.
>--Naomi
Naomi, your best bet is to look in the Yellow Pages and find a listing
for OBGyn doc in the area you wish.  Any OBGyn doc is familiar with
endometriosis and its treatments.
Shalom                                    Len Howard MD
From: eliezer@physics.llnl.gov (David A Eliezer)
Subject: Questions about SPECT imaging
Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Lines: 25
Distribution: world
Reply-To: eliezer@physics.llnl.gov (David A Eliezer)
NNTP-Posting-Host: physics.llnl.gov
Keywords: PET, SPECT, resolution
I have become involved in a project to further develop and
improve the performance of SPECT (Single Photon Emission
Computerized Tomography) imaging.  We will eventually have
to peddle this stuff somewhere, and so as I move this thing
along, I would like to know --
What is the current resolution of SPECT imaging?  What kinds
of jobs is SPECT used for, specifically?  What kind of specific jobs
could I hope
that SPECT could be used for, if its resolution improved,
say, to close to that of PET (Positron Emission Tomography)?
And how much does a SPECT machine cost?  How much does a single
SPECT image cost?
If anyone knows the answer to any or all of these questions, OR
where I could find that answer, I would be very grateful, indeed.
Thanks in advance for any replies
Dave Eliezer
eliezer@physics.llnl.gov
From: homer@tripos.com (Webster Homer)
Subject: Mind Machines?
Summary: Do mind machines work?
Keywords: mind sleep Light&Sound
Organization: Tripos Associates, Inc.
Lines: 19
I recently learned about these devices that supposedly induce specific
brain wave frequencies in their users simply by wearing them. Mind machines
consist of LED gogles, head phones, and a microprocessor that controls them.
They strobe the (closed) eye and send sound pulses in sync with the flashing
LEDs. I understand that these devices are experimental, but they are available.
I've heard claims that they can induce sleep, and light trance states for
relaxation. Essentially they are supposed to work without aid of drugs etc...
I would think that if they work as reported they would be incredibly useful,
The few sources I've seen are biased (they are selling the things, and a
friend who has tried them claims that "every home should have one"). So
do these mind machines (aka Light and Sound machines) work? can they induce
alpha, theta, and/or delta waves in a person wearing them? What research if
any has been done on them? Could they be used in lieu of a tranquilizer?
Or are they just another bit of quackery?
Web Homer
homer@tripos.com
From: mmatusev@radford.vak12ed.edu (Melissa N. Matusevich)
Subject: Re: Paxil (request)
Organization: Virginia's Public Education Network (Radford)
Lines: 5
I don't know much and in fact, have asked questions here
myself. My doctor told me that Paxil is a "cleaner" SRI in that
it produces fewer side effects. As to a comparison between
Zoloft and Prozac, I'm not able to remember what he said about
the differences between those two drugs. Sorry
Subject: Burzynski's "Antineoplastons"
From: jschwimmer@wccnet.wcc.wesleyan.edu (Josh Schwimmer)
Distribution: world
Organization: Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT USA
Nntp-Posting-Host: consultants.con.wesleyan.edu
Lines: 20
I've recently listened to a tape by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, in which he
claims to have discovered a series naturally occuring peptides with anti-
cancer properties that he names antineoplastons.  Burzynski says that his
work has met with hostility in the United States, despite the favorable
responses of his subjects during clinical trials.
What is the generally accepted opinion of Dr. Burzynski's research?  He
paints himself as a lone researcher with a new breakthrough battling an
intolerant medical establishment, but I have no basis from which to judge
his claims.  Two weeks ago, however, I read that the NIH's Department of
Alternative Medicine has decided to focus their attention on Burzynski's
work.  Their budget is so small that I imagine they wouldn't investigate a
treatment that didn't seem promising.
Any opinions on Burzynski's antineoplastons or information about the current
status of his research would be appreciated.
--
Joshua Schwimmer
jschwimmer@eagle.wesleyan.edu
From: kxgst1+@pitt.edu (Kenneth Gilbert)
Subject: Re: Do we need a Radiologist to read an Ultrasound?
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 31
In article <1993Apr20.180835.24033@lmpsbbs.comm.mot.com> dougb@ecs.comm.mot.com writes:
:My wife's ob-gyn has an ultrasound machine in her office.  When
:the doctor couldn't hear a fetal heartbeat (13 weeks) she used
:the ultrasound to see if everything was ok.  (it was)
:
:On her next visit, my wife asked another doctor in the office if
:they read the ultrasounds themselves or if they had a radiologist
:read the pictures.  The doctor very vehemently insisted that they
:were qualified to read the ultrasound and radiologists were NOT!
:
:[stuff deleted]
This is one of those sticky areas of medicine where battles frequently
rage.  With respect to your OB, I suspect that she has been certified in
ultrasound diagnostics, and is thus allowed to use it and bill for its
use.  Many cardiologists also use ultrasound (echocardiography), and are
in fact considered by many to be the 'experts'.  I am not sure where OBs
stand in this regard, but I suspect that they are at least as good as the
radioligists (flame-retardant suit ready).
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=  Kenneth Gilbert              __|__        University of Pittsburgh   =
=  General Internal Medicine      |      "...dammit, not a programmer!" =
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From: vida@mdavcr.mda.ca (Vida Morkunas)
Subject: Altitude adjustment
Summary: How to adjust to 9000 ft when you come from sea-level
Organization: MacDonald Dettwiler, 13800 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC, Canada  V6V 2J3
Lines: 20
I live at sea-level, and am called-upon to travel to high-altitude cities
quite frequently, on business.  The cities in question are at 7000 to 9000
feet of altitude.  One of them especially is very polluted...
Often I feel faint the first two or three days.  I feel lightheaded, and
my heart seems to pound a lot more than at sea-level.  Also, it is very
dry in these cities, so I will tend to drink a lot of water, and keep
away from dehydrating drinks, such as those containing caffeine or alcohol.
Thing is, I still have symptoms.  How can I ensure that my short trips there
(no, I don't usually have a week to acclimatize) are as comfortable as possible?
Is there something else that I could do?
A long time ago (possibly two years ago) there was a discussion here about
altitude adjustment.  Has anyone saved the messages?
Many thanks,
Vida.
From: kxgst1+@pitt.edu (Kenneth Gilbert)
Subject: Re: Any info. on Vasomotor Rhinitis
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Lines: 21
In article <1r1t1a$njq@europa.eng.gtefsd.com> draper@gnd1.wtp.gtefsd.com writes:
:I recently attended an allery seminar.  Steroid Nasal sprays were
:discussed.  Afterward on a one-on-one basis, I asked the speaker what if
:none of the Vancanese, Beconase, Nasalide, Nasalcort, or Nasalchrom work
:nor do any oral decongestants work.  She replied that she saw an article on
:Vasomotor Rhinitis.  That this is not an allergic reaction and that nothing
:other than the Afrin's and such would work.  (Which in my case is true).
There has been some recent research on vasomotor rhinitis that shows that
ipratroprium bromide (Atrovent) inhaled nasally is an effective treatment
for many sufferers.  It has been approved for this use and is available
with a nasal adaptor in Canada.  In the US the FDA has yet to approve this
use of the drug, but it is available as an oral inhaler (for COPD), and
these can be adapted for intranasal use.
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
=  Kenneth Gilbert              __|__        University of Pittsburgh   =
=  General Internal Medicine      |      "...dammit, not a programmer!" =
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
From: vgwlu@dunsell.calgary.chevron.com (greg w. luft)
Subject: Relief of Pain Caused by Cancer
Organization: chevron
Lines: 51
I am not sure if this is the proper group to post this to but here goes anyway.
About five years ago my mother was diagnosed with having cancer in the lymph nodes
under one of her arms. After the doctors removed the cancerous area she had full movement
of her arm with only slight aching under her arm when she moved it. Over the course of
the next two years the aching got more severe and her complaining to the doctors produced
the explanation that it was scar tissue causing the pain. At this time her doctor
suggested that some physiotherapy should be employed to break up the scar tissue.
While attending one of her therapy sessions, while her arm was being
manipulated, some damage occured (nerve?) which caused the level of pain to permanently
increase severly (controlled by Tylenol 3s) and some loss of use of the arm (
palsied wrist and almost no outward lateral movement). With great persistence on her part
the doctors looked further into the issue and discovered that not all of the cancer had
been removed and another tumor had grown under the arm. This was removed also but the
pain in the arm has not decreased. The doctors are not sure exactly why the pain is
persisting but feel some sort of nerve damage has occured and they have employed Tylenol 3
and soon Morphine to relieve the pain. She has tried acupuncture by this only provides
minor reductions in pain and is only short term.
My questions are:
Has anyone has heard of similar cases and what, if anything, was done to reduce the
levels of pain?
Are their methods to block nerves so that the pain can be reduced?
Are their methods to restore nerves so that loss of arm function can be restored?
Any general suggestions on pain reduction would be greatly appreciated.
Please respond by email because I do not always get chance to read this group.
If anyone knows of some literature that may be useful to this case or another newsgroup
that I should be posting this to it would also be appreciated.
--
Gregory W. Luft                              Internet: vgwlu@calgary.chevron.com
Chevron Petroleum Techonology Company             Tel: (403) 234-6238
500, Fifth Ave. S.W.                              Fax: (403) 234-5215
Calgary, Alberta, Canada   T2P 0L7
From: Daniel.Prince@f129.n102.z1.calcom.socal.com (Daniel Prince)
Subject: Acutane, Fibromyalgia Syndrome and CFS
Lines: 11
To: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
There is a person on the FIDO CFS echo who claims that he was
cured of CFS by taking accutane.  He also claims that you are
using it in the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome.  Are you
using accutane in the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome?  Have
you used it for CFS?  Have you gotten good results with it?  Are
you aware of any double blind studies on the use of accutane in
these conditions?  Thank you in advance for all replies.
... I think they should rename Waco TX to Wacko TX!
From: berryh@huey.udel.edu (John Berryhill, Ph.D.)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Nntp-Posting-Host: huey.udel.edu
Organization: little scraps of paper, mostly
Lines: 10
I think he means Girlie Photography.  A good place to find it is in
non-descript little places that usually just say "Books" on the
outside of the building in black and white.
--
John Berryhill
From: aldridge@netcom.com (Jacquelin Aldridge)
Subject: Re: Good Grief! (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
Lines: 121
dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>In article <noringC5snsx.KMo@netcom.com> noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>>>There is no convincing evidence that such a disease exists.
>>There's a lot of evidence, it just hasn't been adequately gathered and
>>published in a way that will convince the die-hard melancholic skeptics
>>who quiver everytime the word 'anecdote' or 'empirical' is used.
>Snort.  Ah, there go my sinuses again.
>>For example, Dr. Ivker, who wrote the book "Sinus Survival", always gives,
>Oh, wow.  A classic textbook.  Hey, they laughed at Einstein, too!
>>before any other treatment, a systemic anti-fungal (such as Nizoral) to his
>>new patients IF they've been on braod-spectrum anti-biotics 4 or more times
>>in the last two years.  He's kept a record of the results, and for over
>>2000 patients found that over 90% of his patients get significant relief
>>of allergic/sinus symptoms.  Of course, this is only the beginning for his
>>program.
>Yeah, I'll bet.  Tomorrow, the world.
>Listen, uncontrolled studies like this are worthless.
>>In my case, as I reported a few weeks ago, I was developing the classic
>>symptoms outlined in 'The Yeast Connection' (I agree it is a poorly
>>written book):  e.g., extreme sensitivity to plastics, vapors, etc. which
>>I never had before (started in November).  Within one week of full dosage
>>of Sporanox, the sensitivity to chemicals has fully disappeared - I can
>>now sit on my couch at home without dying after two minutes.  I'm also
>>*greatly* improved in other areas as well.
>I'm sure you are.  You sound like the typical hysteric/hypochondriac who
>responds to "miracle cures."
>>Of course, I have allergy symptoms, etc.  I am especially allergic to
>>molds, yeasts, etc.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that
>>if one has excessive colonization of yeast in the body, and you have a
>>natural allergy to yeasts, that a threshold would be reached where you
>>would have perceptible symptoms.
>Yeah, "it makes sense to me", so of course it should be taken seriously.
>Snort.
>>Also, yeast do produce toxins of various
>>sorts, and again, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that
>>such toxins can cause problems in some people.
>Yeah, "it sounds reasonable to me".
>>Of course, the $60,000
>>question is whether a person who is immune compromised (as tests showed I was
>>from over 5 years of antibiotics, nutritionally-deficiencies because of the
>>stress of infections and allergies, etc.),
>Oh, really?  _What_ tests?  Immune-compromised, my ass.
>More like credulous malingerer.  This is a psychiatric syndrome.
>>can develop excessive yeast
>>colonization somewhere in the body.  It is a tough question to answer since
>>testing for excessive yeast colonization is not easy.  One almost has to
>>take an empirical approach to diagnosis.  Fortunately, Sporanox is relatively
>>safe unlike past anti-fungals (still have to be careful, however) so there's
>>no reason any longer to withhold Sporanox treatment for empirical reasons.
>You know, it's a shame that a drug like itraconazole is being misused
>in this way.  It's ridiculously expensive, and potentially toxic.
>The trouble is that it isn't toxic enough, so it gets abused by quacks.
>>BTW, some would say to try Nystatin.  Unfortunately, most yeast grows hyphae
>>too deep into tissue for Nystatin to have any permanent affect.  You'll find
>>a lot of people who are on Nystatin all the time.
>The only good thing about nystatin is that it's (relatively) cheap
>and when taken orally, non-toxic.  But oral nystatin is without any
>systemic effect, so unless it were given IV, it would be without
>any effect on your sinuses.  I wish these quacks would first use
>IV nystatin or amphotericin B on people like you.  That would solve
>the "yeast" problem once and for all.
>>In summary, I appreciate all of the attempts by those who desire to keep
>>medicine on the right road.  But methinks that some who hold too firmly
>>to the party line are academics who haven't been in the trenches long enough
>>actually treating patients.  If anybody, doctors included, said to me to my
>>face that there is no evidence of the 'yeast connection', I cannot guarantee
>>their safety.  For their incompetence, ripping off their lips is justified as
>>far as I am concerned.
>Perhaps a little Haldol would go a long way towards ameliorating
>your symptoms.
>Are you paying for this treatment out of your own pocket?  I'd hate
>to think my insurance premiums are going towards this.
>Steve Dyer
Dyer, you're rude. Medicine is not a totallly scientific endevour. It's
often practiced in a disorganized manner. Most early treatment of
non-life threatening illness is done on a guess, hazarded after anecdotal
evidence given by the patient. It's an educated guess, by a trained person,
but it's still no more than a guess.
It's cheaper and simpler to medicate first and only deal further with those
people who don't respond.
There are diseases that haven't been described yet and the root cause of many
diseases now described aren't known. (Read a book on gastroenterology
sometime if you want to see a lot of them.) After scientific methods have
run out then it's the patient's freedom of choice to try any experimental
method they choose. And it's well recognized by many doctors that medicine
doesn't have all the answers.
This person said that they had relief by taking the medicine. Maybe it's a
miracle cure, maybe it's valid. How do you know?
You might argue with the reasoning, the conclusions. But your disparaging
attack is unwarranted. Why don't you present an convincing argument for you
r beliefs, instead of wasting our time in an ad hominem attack.
-Jackie-
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Hismanal, et. al.--side effects
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 15
In article <1993Apr20.212706.820@lrc.edu> kjiv@lrc.edu writes:
>Can someone tell me whether or not any of the following medications
>has been linked to rapid/excessive weight gain and/or a distorted
>sense of taste or smell:  Hismanal; Azmacort (a topical steroid to
>prevent asthma); Vancenase.
Hismanal (astemizole) is most definitely linked to weight gain.
It really is peculiar that some antihistamines have this effect,
and even more so an antihistamine like astemizole which purportedly
doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier and so tends not to cause
drowsiness.
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: wcsbeau@superior.carleton.ca (OPIRG)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
Lines: 101
In article <1993Apr15.190711.22190@walter.bellcore.com> jchen@ctt.bellcore.com writes:
>The funny thing is the personaly stories about reactions to MSG vary so
>greatly. Some said that their heart beat speeded up with flush face. Some
>claim their heart "skipped" beats once in a while.
Both of these symptoms are related - tachycardia. Getting a flushed
face is due to the heart pumping the blood faster than a regular
pulse.  I suspect this is related to an increase in sodium levels in
the blood, since note *sodium chloride* monosodium glutamate. Both are
sodium compounds. Our bodies require sodium, but like everything else,
one can get too much of a good thing.
>Some reacted with headache,
Again, this could be related to increased blood flow from increased
heart rate, from the sodium in the MSG. Distended crainial arteries,
essentially. One of many causes of headaches. There is no discrepency
her, necessarily.
>some stomach ache.
Well stomache ache and vomiting tend to be related. Again, not
necessarily a discrepency. More likely a related reaction. Vomiting
occurs as a response to get rid of a noxious compound an organism has
eaten. If a person can't digest the stuff (entirely possible - the
list of stuff people are allergic to is quite long), and lacks an
enzyme to break it down, gastrointestinal distress (stomach or belly
ache) would be expected.
> Some had watery eyes or running nose,
These are respiratory reactions, and are now considered to be similar
to vomitting. They are a way for the body to dispose of noxious
compounds. They are adaptiove responses. Of course, it is possible
some other food or environmental compound could be responsible for the
symptoms. But it's important to remember that a lot opf these effets
can be additive, synergystic, subtractive, etc, etc. It would be
necessary to know exactly what was in a dish, and what else the person
was exposed to. Respiratory does sound suspicious BUT  resopiration
and heart rate are connected.  Things in the body are far from
simple...very inetractive place, the vertebrate body.
> some
>had itchy skin or rashes.
People respond in a myriad of ways to the same compound. It depends
upon what it is about the compound that "pisses off" their body.
Pollen, for example, of some plants aggrivates breathing in many
people, because, when inhaled, it sets of the immune system, and an
histamine attack is launched. The immune system goes overboard,
causing the allergic person a lot of misery. And someone with an
allergy to some pollens will have trouble with some herb teas that
contain pollens (Chamomile, linden, etc). Drinking the substance can
perturb that person's system as much as inhaling it.
>More serious accusations include respiration
>difficulty
See above. And don't think that heart rate changes, and circulatory
problems are not serious. They can be deadly.
and brain damage.
The area of the brain effected is the neuroendocrine system
controlling the release of gonadotropin, the supra-hormone controlling
the cyclical release of testosterone and estradiol, as well as somatostatin,
and other steroids. Testing for effective dose would be, uh, a wee bit unethical.
>Now here is a new one: vomiting. My guess is that MSG becomes the number one
>suspect of any problem. In this case. it might be just food
poisoning.
Absolutely. But it could also be some synergystic mess from eating ,
say, undetected shrimp or mushrooms (to which many are allergic), plus
too much alcohol, and inhaling too much diesel fumes biking home,
plus, let's say, having contracted flu from one's sig. other 3 days
before from drinking out of the same glass. Could be all sorts of
things.
But it might be the MSG.
>if you heard things about MSG, you may think it must be it.
If noone else got sick, its likely not food poisoning. Probably
stomach flu or an undetected thing the guy's allergic to.
Anyway, the human body's not a machine; people vary widely in their
responses, and a lot of reactions are due to combinations of things.
Dianne Murray  wcsbeau@ccs.carleton.ca
From: mmm@cup.portal.com (Mark Robert Thorson)
Subject: Re: Eumemics (was: Eugenics)
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
<79700@cup.portal.com> <lt03anINNm6n@saltillo.cs.utexas.edu>
Lines: 41
A person posted certain stuff to this newsgroup, which were highly
selected quotes stripped of their context.  Here is the complete
posting which was quoted (lacking the context of other postings in
which it was made):
> Probably within 50 years, a new type of eugenics will be possible.
> Maybe even sooner.  We are now mapping the human genome.  We will
> then start to work on manipulation of that genome.  Using genetic
> engineering, we will be able to insert whatever genes we want.
> No breeding, no "hybrids", etc.  The ethical question is, should
> we do this?  Should we make a race of disease-free, long-lived,
> Arnold Schwartzenegger-muscled, supermen?  Even if we can.
Probably within 50 years, it will be possible to disassemble and
re-assemble our bodies at the molecular level.  Not only will flawless
cosmetic surgery be possible, but flawless cosmetic PSYCHOSURGERY.
What will it be like to store all the prices of shelf-priced bar-coded
goods in your head, and catch all the errors they make in the store's
favor at SAFEWAY?  What will it be like to mentally edit and spell-
check your responses to the questions posed by a phone caller selling
VACATION TIME-SHARE OPTIONS?
Indeed, we are today a nation at risk!  The threat is not from bad genes,
but bad memes!  Memes are the basic units of culture, as opposed to genes
which are the units of genetics.
We stand on the brink of new meme-amplification technologies!  Harmful
memes which formerly were restricted in their destructive power will
run rampant over the countryside, laying waste to the real benefits that
future technology has to offer.
For example, Jeremy Rifkin has been busy trying to whip up emotions
against the new genetically engineered tomatoes under development at
CALGENE.  This guy is inventing harmful memes, a virtual memetic Typhoid
Mary.
We must expand the public-health laws to include quarantine of people
with harmful memes.  They should not be allowed to infect other people
with their memes against genetically-engineered food, electromagnetic
fields, and the Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters.
From: brian@quake.sylmar.ca.us (Brian K. Yoder)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Quake Public Access, San Fernando Valley, CA (818)362-6092
Lines: 92
Have you ever met a chemist?  A food industry businessman?  You must
personally know a lot of them for you to be able to be so certain that they
are evil mosters whose only goal is to inflict as much pain and disease
as possible into the general public.  Gimme a break.
In article <1993Apr15.215826.3401@rtsg.mot.com> lundby@rtsg.mot.com (Walter F. L
undby) writes:
>
>>>Is there such a thing as MSG (monosodium glutamate) sensitivity?
>>>Superstition. Anybody here have experience to the contrary?
person who is very sensitive to msg and whose wife and kids are
>too, I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE FOOD INDUSTRY WANTS TO PUT MSG IN FOOD!!!
Because it makes the food TASTE BETTER!  Why does it put salt in food?
Same reason.
>I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!
Obviously.
>Somebody in the industry GIVE ME SOME REASONS WHY!
>IS IT AN INDUSTRIAL BYPRODUCT THAT NEEDS GETTING GET RID OF?
Of course not!  (Although I would think that a person like you would be a
big fan of such recycling if that were the case).
>IS IT TO COVER UP THE FACT THAT THE RECIPES ARE NOT VERY GOOD OR THE
>FOOD IS POOR QUALITY?
On occasion that's probably the case, but in general the idea is that MSG
improves the flavor of certain foods.
>DO SOME OF YOU GET A SADISTIC PLEASURE OUT OF MAKING SOME OF US SICK?
No.
>DO THE TASTE TESTERS HAVE SOME DEFECT IN THEIR FLAVOR SENSORS (MOUTH etc...)
>  THAT MSG CORRECTS?
No.
>I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!
Obviously.
>ALSO ... Nitrosiamines (sp)
As I recall, these are natural by-products of heating up certain foods.
They don't "put it in there".
have a number of criteria in choosing how to process food.  They want to
make it taste good, look good, sell for a good price, etc.  The fact that they
use it tells me that THEY think that it contributes to those goals they are
interested in.  One of those goals is NOT "making people sick".  Such a goal
woud quickly drive them out of business and for no benefit.
>I think
>1) outlaw the use of these substances without warning labels as
>large as those on cig. packages.
Warning of what?  In California there is a law requiring that ANYTHING which
contains a carcinogen be labeled.  That includes every gasline pump, most
foods, and even money cleaning machines (because Nickel is a mild carcinogen).
The result is that now nobody pays any attention to ANY of the warnings.
>2) Require 30% of comparable products on the market to be free of these
>substances and state that they are free of MSG, DYES, NITROSIAMINES and
>SULFITES on the package.
Why?  What if not 30% of people wanted to buy this ugly, rotten, not-as-tasty
food?  I guess it will just be wasted, huh?  How terribly efficient.
>3) While at it outlaw yellow dye #5.  For that matter why dye food?
Because it makes food look better.  I LIKE food that looks good.
If vitamin companies want to do that it is fine, but who are you to
tell THEM how to make vitamins?  Who are you to tell ME whether I should
buy flavored vitamins for my kids (who can't swallow the conventional ones
whole).
>KEEP FOOD FOOD!  QUIT PUTTING IN JUNK!
How do you define "junk"?  Is putting "salt" in food bad?  What about
Pepper?  What about alcohol as a preservative?  What about sealing jars
with wax?  What about vinegar?  You seem to think that "chemicals" are
somehow different than "food".  The fact is that all foods are 100% chemicals.
You are just expressing an irrational prejudice against food processing.
--Brian
From: bls101@keating.anu.edu.au (The New, Improved Brian Scearce)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Organization: Australian National University
Lines: 44
NNTP-Posting-Host: 150.203.126.9
In-reply-to: todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu's message of Mon, 19 Apr 93 20:56:15 GMT
In-reply-to: todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu's message of Mon, 19 Apr 93 20:56:15 GMT
Newsgroups: sci.energy,sci.image.processing,sci.anthropology,alt.sci.physics.new-theories,sci.skeptic,sci.med,alt.alien.visitors
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
References: <1993Apr19.205615.1013@unlv.edu>
Distribution:
--text follows this line--
todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey) writes:
I am looking for any information/supplies that will allow
do-it-yourselfers to take Krillean Pictures. I'm thinking
that education suppliers for schools might have a appartus for
sale, but I don't know any of the companies. Any info is greatly
appreciated.
In case you don't know, Krillean Photography, to the best of my
knowledge, involves taking pictures of an (most of the time) organic
object between charged plates. The picture will show energy patterns
or spikes around the object photographed, and depending on what type
of object it is, the spikes or energy patterns will vary. One might
extrapolate here and say that this proves that every object within
the universe (as we know it) has its own energy signature.
There have been a number of scientific papers (in peer-reviewed journals)
published about Kirlian photography in the early 1970s.  Sorry I can't be
more specific but it is a long time since I read them.  They would describe
what is needed and how to set up the apparatus.
These papers demonstrate that the auras obtained by Kirlian photography can
be completely explained by the effect of the electric currents used on the
moisture in the object being photographed.  It has nothing to do with the
"energy signature" of organic objects.
I did a science project on Kirlian photography when I was in high school.
I was able to obtain wonderful auras from rocks and pebbles and the like by
first dunking them in water.
Barbara
--
--
bls101@syseng.anu.edu.au
"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it."
- Mae West
From: bj368@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike E. Romano)
Subject: Home Medical Tests
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (USA)
Lines: 21
NNTP-Posting-Host: hela.ins.cwru.edu
I am looking for current sources for lists of all the home
medical tests currently legally available.
I believe this trend of allowing tests at home where
feasible, decreased medical costs by a factor of 10 or
more and allows the patient some time and privacy to
consider the best action from the results of such tests.
In fact I believe home medical tests and certain basic
tests for serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease,
should be offered free to the American public.
This could actually help to reduce national medical costs
since many would have an earlier opportunity to know
about and work toward recuperation or cure.
Mike Romano
--
Sir, I admit your gen'ral rule
That every poet is a fool;
But you yourself may serve to show it,
That every fool is not a poet.    A. Pope
From: ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth)
Subject: Selective Placebo
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Lines: 55
JB>  romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff) writes:
JB>
JB>    Ron Roth recommends: "Once you have your hypoglycemia CONFIRMED through the
JB>                          proper channels, you might consider the following:..."
JB>                          [diet omitted]
JB>
JB>  1) Ron...what do YOU consider to be "proper channels"...this sounds suspiciously
I'm glad it caught your eye. That's the purpose of this forum to
educate those, eager to learn, about the facts of life. That phrase
is used to bridle the frenzy of all the would-be respondents, who
otherwise would feel being left out as the proper authorities to be
consulted on that topic. In short, it means absolutely nothing.
JB>  like a blood chemistry...glucose tolerance and the like...suddenly chemistry
JB>  exists? You know perfectly well that this person can be saved needless trouble
JB>  and expense with simple muscle testing and hair analysis to diagnose...no
JB>  "CONFIRM" any aberrant physiology...but then again...maybe that's what you mean"
Muscle testing and hair analysis, eh?  So what other fascinating
space-age medical techniques do you use?  Do you sit under a pyramid
over night as well to shrink your brain back to normal after a mind-
expanding day at your 'Save the Earth' clinic?
JB>  2) Were you able to understand Dick King's post that "90% of diseases is not thy
JB>  evaluate the statistic you cited from the New England Journal of Medicine. Coul?
Once I figure out what *you* are trying to say, I'll still have
to wrestle with the possibility of you conceivably not being able
to understand my answer to your question?!
JB>  3) Ron...have you ever thought about why you never post in misc.health.alterna-
JB>  tive...and insist instead upon insinuating your untrained, non-medical, often
JB>  delusional notions of health and disease into this forum? I suspect from your
JB>  apparent anger toward MDs and heteropathic medicine that there may be an
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You little psychoanalytical rascal you!  Got me all figured out, ja?
JB>  underlying 'father problem'...of course I can CONFIRM this by surrogate muscle
JB>  testing one of my patients while they ponder my theory to see if one of their
JB>  previously weak 'indicator' muscles strengthens...or do you have reservations
JB>  about my unique methods of diagnosis? [......]
JB>
JB>  John Badanes, DC, CA
JB>  romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu
Oh man, when are you going to start teaching all this stuff?  I'll
bet everyone on this net must be absolutely dying to learn more about
going beyond spinal adjustments and head straight for the mind for
some Freudian subluxation.
--Ron--
---
RoseReader 2.00  P003228: In the next world, you're on your own.
RoseMail 2.10 : Usenet: Rose Media - Hamilton (416) 575-5363
From: caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Organization: Omen Technology INC, Portland Rain Forest
Lines: 33
In article <19687@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>
>In article <1993Apr13.093300.29529@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:
>>
>>"Weight rebound" is a term used in the medical literature on
>>obesity to denote weight regain beyond what was lost in a diet
>>cycle.  There are any number of terms which mean one thing to
>
>Can you provide a reference to substantiate that gaining back
>the lost weight does not constitute "weight rebound" until it
>exceeds the starting weight?  Or is this oral tradition that
>is shared only among you obesity researchers?
Not one, but two:
Obesity in Europe 88,
proceedings of the 1st European Congress on Obesity
Annals of NY Acad. Sci. 1987
>--
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
>geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX          ...!tektronix!reed!omen!caf
Author of YMODEM, ZMODEM, Professional-YAM, ZCOMM, and DSZ
Omen Technology Inc    "The High Reliability Software"
17505-V NW Sauvie IS RD   Portland OR 97231   503-621-3406
From: doyle+@pitt.edu (Howard R Doyle)
Subject: Re: Broken rib
Keywords: advice needed
Organization: Pittsburgh Transplant Institute
Lines: 28
In article <D0ZB3B1w164w@oneb.almanac.bc.ca> jc@oneb.almanac.bc.ca writes:
>
>fell about 3 weeks ago down into the hold of the boat and broke or
>cracked a rib and wrenched and bruised my back and left arm.
>  My question,  I have been to a doctor and was told that it was
>best to do nothing and it would heal up with no long term effect, and
>indeed I am about 60 % better, however, the work I do is very
>hard and I am still not able to go back to work.  The thing that worries me
>is the movement or "clunking" I feel and hear back there when I move
>certain ways...  I heard some one talking about the rib they broke
>years ago and that it still bothers them..  any opinions?
Your doctor is right. It is best to do nothing, besides taking some pain
medication initially. Some patients don't like this and expect, or demand,
to have something done. In these cases some physicians will "tape" the
patient (put a lot of heavy adhesive tape around the chest), or prescribe
an elastic binder. All this does is make it harder to breath, but the
patient doesn't feel cheated, because soemthing is being done about the
problem. Either way, the end results are the same.
==================================
Howard Doyle
doyle+@pitt.edu
From: balick@nynexst.com (Daphne Balick)
Subject: Re: Altitude adjustment
Reply-To: balick@nynexst.com
Organization: NYNEX Science & Technology, Inc
Lines: 32
In article <4159@mdavcr.mda.ca> vida@mdavcr.mda.ca (Vida Morkunas) writes:
>I live at sea-level, and am called-upon to travel to high-altitude cities
>quite frequently, on business.  The cities in question are at 7000 to 9000
>feet of altitude.  One of them especially is very polluted...
Mexico City, Bogota, La Paz?
>
>Often I feel faint the first two or three days.  I feel lightheaded, and
>my heart seems to pound a lot more than at sea-level.  Also, it is very
>dry in these cities, so I will tend to drink a lot of water, and keep
>away from dehydrating drinks, such as those containing caffeine or alcohol.
>
>Thing is, I still have symptoms.  How can I ensure that my short trips there
>(no, I don't usually have a week to acclimatize) are as comfortable as possible?
>Is there something else that I could do?
---
An unconventional remedy that you might try for altitude sickness in the Andes is
chewing coca leaves or taking teas made from coca leaves. You might notice that
many of the natives have wads in their mouths... the tea can be obtained in S.
American pharmacies. This remedy alleviates some of the lightheadedness and
dizziness - but don't try to jog with it. I've tried this when travelling and
hiking in Peru and Ecuador. The amount of cocaine you would ingest are too minute
to cause any highs...
Also it is a good idea to eat lightly and dress warm while adjusting to high altitudes.
From: pk115050@wvnvms.wvnet.edu
Subject: HELP for Kidney Stones ..............
Organization: West Virginia Network for Educational Telecomputing
Lines: 11
My girlfriend is in pain from kidney stones. She says that because she has no
medical insurance, she cannot get them removed.
My question: Is there any way she can treat them herself, or at least mitigate
their effects? Any help is deeply appreciated. (Advice, referral to literature,
etc...)
Thank you,
Dave Carvell
pk115050@wvnvms.wvnet.edu
Subject: STARGARDTS DISEASE
From: kmcvay@oneb.almanac.bc.ca (Ken Mcvay)
Organization: The Old Frog's Almanac
Keywords: stargardts
Lines: 12
Thanks to aldridge@netcom.com, I now know a bit more about Stargardt's
disease, aka juvenile macular distrophy, but I would like to learn more.
First, what is the general prognosis - is blindness the result?
Second, what treatments, if any, are available?
--
The Old Frog's Almanac - A Salute to That Old Frog Hisse'f, Ryugen Fisher
(604) 245-3205 (v32) (604) 245-4366 (2400x4) SCO XENIX 2.3.2 GT
Ladysmith, British Columbia, CANADA. Serving Central Vancouver Island
with public access UseNet and Internet Mail - home to the Holocaust Almanac
From: levin@bbn.com (Joel B Levin)
Subject: Re: Selective Placebo
Lines: 19
NNTP-Posting-Host: fred.bbn.com
ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth) writes:
|JB>  romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff) writes:
|JB>
|JB>    Ron Roth recommends: "Once you have your hypoglycemia CONFIRMED through the
|JB>                          proper channels, you might consider the following:..."
|JB>                          [diet omitted]
|JB>
|JB>  1) Ron...what do YOU consider to be "proper channels"...this sounds suspiciously
|  I'm glad it caught your eye. That's the purpose of this forum to
| educate those, eager to learn, about the facts of life. That phrase
| is used to bridle the frenzy of all the would-be respondents, who
| otherwise would feel being left out as the proper authorities to be
| consulted on that topic. In short, it means absolutely nothing.
An apt description of the content of just about all ronroth's posts to
date.  At least there's entertainment value (though it is
diminishing).
From: molnar@Bisco.CAnet.CA (Tom Molnar)
Subject: sudden numbness in arm
Organization: UTCC
Lines: 30
I experienced a sudden numbness in my left arm this morning.  Just after
I completed my 4th set of deep squats.  Today was my weight training
day and I was just beginning my routine.  All of a sudden at the end of
the 4th set my arm felt like it had gone to sleep.  It was cold, turned pale,
and lost 60% of its strength.  The weight I used for squats wasn't that
heavy, I was working hard but not at 100% effort.  I waited for a few
minutes, trying to shake the arm back to life and then continued with
chest exercises (flyes) with lighter dumbells than I normally use.  But
I dropped the left dumbell during the first set, and experienced continued
arm weakness into the second.  So I quit training and decided not to do my
usual hour on the ski machine either.  I'll take it easy for the rest of
the day.
My arm is *still* somewhat numb and significantly weaker than normal --
my hand still tingles a bit down to the thumb. Color has returned to normal
and it is no longer cold.
Horrid thoughts of chunks of plaque blocking a major artery course through
my brain.  I'm 34, vegetarian, and pretty fit from my daily exercise
regimen.  So that can't be it.  Could a pinched nerve from the bar
cause these symptoms (I hope)?
Has this happened to anyone else?
Nothing like this has ever happened to me before.  Does it come with age?
Thanks,
Tom
--
Tom Molnar
Unix Systems Group, University of Toronto Computing & Communications.
From: romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff)
Subject: Re: Good Grief!  (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 9
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: uclink.berkeley.edu
>If anybody, doctors included, said to me to my face that there is no
>evidence of the 'yeast connection', I cannot guarantee their safety.
>For their incompetence, ripping off their lips is justified as far as
>I am concerned.
This doesn't sound like Candida Albicans to me.
John Badanes, DC, CA
romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu
From: noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring)
Subject: Re: Good Grief!  (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Lines: 32
In article dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>In article noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
Good grief again.
Why the anger?  I must have really touched a raw nerve.
Let's see:  I had symptoms that resisted all other treatments.  Sporanox
totally alleviated them within one week.  Hmmm, I must be psychotic.  Yesss!
That's it - my illness was all in my mind.  Thanks Steve for your correct
diagnosis - you must have a lot of experience being out there in trenches,
treating hundreds of patients a week.  Thank you.  I'm forever in your
debt.
Jon
(oops, gotta run, the men in white coats are ready to take me away, haha,
to the happy home, where I can go twiddle my thumbs, basket weave, and
moan about my sinuses.)
--
Charter Member --->>>  INFJ Club.
If you're dying to know what INFJ means, be brave, e-mail me, I'll send info.
=============================================================================
| Jon Noring          | noring@netcom.com        |                          |
| JKN International   | IP    : 192.100.81.100   | FRED'S GOURMET CHOCOLATE |
| 1312 Carlton Place  | Phone : (510) 294-8153   | CHIPS - World's Best!    |
| Livermore, CA 94550 | V-Mail: (510) 417-4101   |                          |
=============================================================================
Who are you?  Read alt.psychology.personality!  That's where the action is.
From: lunger@helix.enet.dec.com (Dave Lunger)
Subject: Modified sense of taste in Cancer pt?
Keywords: cancer
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Lines: 13
What does a lack of taste of foods, or a sense of taste that seems "off"
when eating foods in someone who has cancer mean? What are the possible
causes of this? Why does it happen?
Pt has Stage II breast cancer, and is taking tamoxifin. Also has Stage IV
lung cancer with known CNA metastasis, and is taking klonopin (also had
cranial radiation treatments).
Thanks!
[not a doctor, but trying to understand family member's illness]
From: mryan@stsci.edu
Subject: Should I be angry at this doctor?
Lines: 26
Organization: Space Telescope Science Institute
Distribution: na
Am I justified in being pissed off at this doctor?
Last Saturday evening my 6 year old son cut his finger badly with a knife.
I took him to a local "Urgent and General Care" clinic at 5:50 pm.  The
clinic was open till 6:00 pm.  The receptionist went to the back and told the
doctor that we were there, and came back and told us the doctor would not
see us because she had someplace to go at 6:00 and did not want to be delayed
here.  During the next few minutes, in response to my questions, with several
trips to the back room, the receptionist told me:
- the doctor was doing paperwork in the back,
- the doctor would not even look at his finger to advise us on going
to the emergency room;
- the doctor would not even speak to me;
- she would not tell me the doctor's name, or her own name;
- when asked who is in charge of the clinic, she said "I don't know."
I realize that a private clinic is not the same as an emergency room, but
I was quite angry at being turned away because the doctor did not want to
be bothered.  My son did get three stitches at the emergency room.  I'm still
trying to find out who is in charge of that clinic so I can write them a
letter.   We will certainly never set foot in that clinic again.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Ryan				mryan@stsci.edu
Space Telescope Science Institute
Baltimore, Maryland
From: billc@col.hp.com (Bill Claussen)
Subject: RE:  alt.psychoactives
Organization: HP Colorado Springs Division
Lines: 35
NNTP-Posting-Host: hpcspe17.col.hp.com
FYI...I just posted this on alt.psychoactives as a response to
what the group is for......
A note to the users of alt.psychoactives....
This group was originally a takeoff from sci.med.  The reason for
the formation of this group was to discuss prescription psychoactive
drugs....such as antidepressents(tri-cyclics, Prozac, Lithium,etc),
antipsychotics(Melleral(sp?), etc), OCD drugs(Anafranil, etc), and
so on and so forth.  It didn't take long for this group to degenerate
into a psudo alt.drugs atmosphere.  That's to bad, for most of the
serious folks that wanted to start this group in the first place have
left and gone back to sci.med, where you have to cypher through
hundreds of unrelated articles to find psychoactive data.
It was also to discuss real-life experiences and side effects of
the above mentioned.
Oh well, I had unsubscribed to this group for some time, and I decided
to check it today to see if anything had changed....nope....same old
nine or ten crap articles that this group was never intended for.
I think it is very hard to have a meaningfull group without it
being moderated...too bad.
Oh well, obviously, no one really cares.
Bill Claussen
Would anyone be interested in starting a similar moderated group?
Bill Claussen
From: billc@col.hp.com (Bill Claussen)
Subject: Re: Should I be angry at this doctor?
Organization: HP Colorado Springs Division
Lines: 5
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: hpcspe17.col.hp.com
Report them to your local BBB (Better Business Bureau).
Bill Claussen
From: ray@engr.LaTech.edu (Bill Ray)
Subject: Re: Acutane, Fibromyalgia Syndrome and CFS
Organization: Louisiana Tech University
Lines: 8
NNTP-Posting-Host: ee02.engr.latech.edu
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
Daniel Prince (Daniel.Prince@f129.n102.z1.calcom.socal.com) wrote:
: ... I think they should rename Waco TX to Wacko TX!
I know it is just a joke, but please remember: the people of Waco
did not ask David Koresh to be a lunatic there, he just happened.
Waco is a lovely town.  I would think someone living in the home
of flakes and nut would be more sensitive :-)
From: noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring)
Subject: Re: Good Grief!  (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Lines: 26
In article romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff) writes:
>   >If anybody, doctors included, said to me to my face that there is no
>   >evidence of the 'yeast connection', I cannot guarantee their safety.
>   >For their incompetence, ripping off their lips is justified as far as
>   >I am concerned.
>
>This doesn't sound like Candida Albicans to me.
No, just a little anger.  Normally I don't rip people's lips off, except
when my candida has overcolonized and I become:  "Fungus Man"!  :^)
Jon
--
Charter Member --->>>  INFJ Club.
If you're dying to know what INFJ means, be brave, e-mail me, I'll send info.
=============================================================================
| Jon Noring          | noring@netcom.com        |                          |
| JKN International   | IP    : 192.100.81.100   | FRED'S GOURMET CHOCOLATE |
| 1312 Carlton Place  | Phone : (510) 294-8153   | CHIPS - World's Best!    |
| Livermore, CA 94550 | V-Mail: (510) 417-4101   |                          |
=============================================================================
Who are you?  Read alt.psychology.personality!  That's where the action is.
From: dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer)
Subject: Re: Thrush ((was: Good Grief! (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)))
Organization: S.P. Dyer Computer Consulting, Cambridge MA
Lines: 34
In article <21APR199308571323@ucsvax.sdsu.edu> mccurdy@ucsvax.sdsu.edu (McCurdy M.) writes:
>Dyer is beyond rude.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I didn't threaten to rip your lips off, did I?
Snort.
>There have been and always will be people who are blinded by their own
>knowledge and unopen to anything that isn't already established. Given what
>the medical community doesn't know, I'm surprised that he has this outlook.
Duh.
>For the record, I have had several outbreaks of thrush during the several
>past few years, with no indication of immunosuppression or nutritional
>deficiencies. I had not taken any antobiotics.
Listen: thrush is a recognized clinical syndrome with definite
characteristics.  If you have thrush, you have thrush, because you can
see the lesions and do a culture and when you treat it, it generally
responds well, if you're not otherwise immunocompromised.  Noring's
anal-retentive idee fixe on having a fungal infection in his sinuses
is not even in the same category here, nor are these walking neurasthenics
who are convinced they have "candida" from reading a quack book.
>My dentist (who sees a fair amount of thrush) recommended acidophilous:
>After I began taking acidophilous on a daily basis, the outbreaks ceased.
>When I quit taking the acidophilous, the outbreaks periodically resumed.
>I resumed taking the acidophilous with no further outbreaks since then.
So?
--
Steve Dyer
dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring)
Subject: Need Reference:  Multiple Personalities Disorders and Allergies
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Lines: 28
I heard third-hand (not the best form of information) that there was recently
published results of a study on Multiple-Personality-Disorder Syndrome
patients revealing some interesting clues that the root cause of allergy may
have a psychological trigger or basis.  What I heard about this study was that
in one 'personality', a MPDS patient exhibited no observable or clinical signs
of inhalant allergy (scratch tests were used, according to what I heard),
while in other personalities they showed obvious allergy symptoms, including
testing a full ++++ on scratch tests for particular inhalants.
If this is true, it is truly fascinating.
But, I'd like to know if this study was ever done, and if so, what the study
really showed, and where the study is published.  Any help out there?
Jon Noring
--
Charter Member --->>>  INFJ Club.
If you're dying to know what INFJ means, be brave, e-mail me, I'll send info.
=============================================================================
| Jon Noring          | noring@netcom.com        |                          |
| JKN International   | IP    : 192.100.81.100   | FRED'S GOURMET CHOCOLATE |
| 1312 Carlton Place  | Phone : (510) 294-8153   | CHIPS - World's Best!    |
| Livermore, CA 94550 | V-Mail: (510) 417-4101   |                          |
=============================================================================
Who are you?  Read alt.psychology.personality!  That's where the action is.
From: bhjelle@carina.unm.edu ()
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Organization: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Lines: 19
NNTP-Posting-Host: carina.unm.edu
In article <1993Apr21.091844.4035@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:
>In article <19687@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>>
>>Can you provide a reference to substantiate that gaining back
>>the lost weight does not constitute "weight rebound" until it
>>exceeds the starting weight?  Or is this oral tradition that
>>is shared only among you obesity researchers?
>
>Not one, but two:
>
>Obesity in Europe 88,
>proceedings of the 1st European Congress on Obesity
>
>Annals of NY Acad. Sci. 1987
>
Hmmm. These don't look like references to me. Is passive-aggressive
behavior associated with weight rebound? :-)
Brian
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 21
In article <116305@bu.edu> dozonoff@bu.edu (david ozonoff) writes:
>
>Many of these cereals are corn-based. After your post I looked in the
>literature and located two articles that implicated corn (contains
>tryptophan) and seizures. The idea is that corn in the diet might
>potentiate an already existing or latent seizure disorder, not cause it.
>Check to see if the two Kellog cereals are corn based. I'd be interested.
Years ago when I was an intern, an obese young woman was brought into
the ER comatose after having been reported to have grand mal seizures
why attending a "corn festival".  We pumped her stomach and obtained
what seemed like a couple of liters of corn, much of it intact kernals.
After a few hours she woke up and was fine.  I was tempted to sign her out as
"acute corn intoxication."
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: HELP for Kidney Stones ..............
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 17
In article <1993Apr21.143910.5826@wvnvms.wvnet.edu> pk115050@wvnvms.wvnet.edu writes:
>My girlfriend is in pain from kidney stones. She says that because she has no
>medical insurance, she cannot get them removed.
>
>My question: Is there any way she can treat them herself, or at least mitigate
>their effects? Any help is deeply appreciated. (Advice, referral to literature,
Morphine or demerol is about the only effective way of stopping pain
that severe.  Obviously, she'll need a prescription to get such drugs.
Can't she go to the county hospital or something?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff)
Subject: GETTING AIDS FROM ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 44
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: uclink.berkeley.edu
someone wrote in expressing concern about getting AIDS from acupuncture
needles.....
Unless your friend is sharing fluids with their acupuncturist who
themselves has AIDS..it is unlikely (not impossible) they will get AIDS
from acupuncture needles. Generally, even if accidently inoculated, the normal
immune response should be enough to effectively handle the minimal contaminant
involved with acupuncture needle insertion.
Most acupuncturists use disposable needles...use once and throw away. They
do this because you are not the only one concerned about transmission of
diseases via this route...so it's good business to advertise "disposable needlesused here." These needles tend to be of a lower quality however,
being poorly manufactured and too "sharp" in my opinion. They tend to snag bloodvessels on insertion compared to higher quality needles.
If I choose to use acupuncture for a given complaint, that patient will get
their own set of new needles which are sterilized between treatments.
The risk here for hepatitis, HIV, etc. transmission is that I could mistakenly
use an infected persons needles accidently on the wrong
patient...but clear labelling and paying attention all but eliminates
this risk. Better quality needles tend to "slide" past vessels and
nerves avoiding unpleasant painful snags..and hematomas...so I use them.
Acupuncture needles come in many lengths and thicknesses...but they are all
solid when compared to their injection-style cousins. In China, herbal solutionsand western pharmaceuticals are occasionally injected into
meridian points purported to have TCM physiologic effects and so require
the same hollow needles used for injecting fluid medicine. This means...thinkingtiny...that a samll amount of tissue, the diameter of the needle bore, will be
injected into the body as it would  be in a typical "shot." when the skin is
puntured. On the other hand when the solid
acupuncture needle is inserted, the skin tends to "squeeze" the needle
from the tip to the level of insertion such that any 'cooties' that
haven't been schmeared away with alcohol before insertion, tend to remain
on the surface of the skin minimizing invasion from the exterior.
Of course in TCM...the body's exterior is protected by the Wei (Protective) Qi..so infection is unlikely....or in other words...there is a normal inflammatory
and immune response that accompanies tissue damage incurred at the puncture
site.
While I'm fairly certain your friend will not have a transferable disease
transmitted to them via acupuncture needle insertion, I would like to know for
what complaint they have consulted the acupuncturist...not to know  if it would be harmful.. but to know if it would be helpful.
John Badanes, DC, CA
romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu
From: E.J. Draper <draper@odin.mda.uth.tmc.edu>
Subject: Re: Do we need a Radiologist to read an Ultrasound?
Organization: U.T.M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lines: 25
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: rpidev2.mda.uth.tmc.edu
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d17
X-XXMessage-ID: <A7FAC234C902019A@rpidev2.mda.uth.tmc.edu>
X-XXDate: Wed, 21 Apr 93 15:19:48 GMT
In article <9551@blue.cis.pitt.edu> Kenneth Gilbert, kxgst1+@pitt.edu
writes:
>This is one of those sticky areas of medicine where battles frequently
>rage.  With respect to your OB, I suspect that she has been certified in
>ultrasound diagnostics, and is thus allowed to use it and bill for its
>use.  Many cardiologists also use ultrasound (echocardiography), and are
>in fact considered by many to be the 'experts'.  I am not sure where OBs
>stand in this regard, but I suspect that they are at least as good as the
>radioligists (flame-retardant suit ready).
If it were my wife, I would insist that a radiologist be involved in the
process.  Radiologist are intensively trained in the process of
interpreting diagnostic imaging data and are aware of many things that
other physicians aren't aware of.  Would you want a radiologist to
deliver your baby?  If you wouldn't, then why would you want a OB/GYN to
read your ultrasound study?
In my opinion the process should involve a OB/GYN and a radiologist.
|E|J-  ED DRAPER
rEpar|D|<-  Radiologic/Pathologic Institute
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
draper@odin.mda.uth.tmc.edu
From: mrl@pfc.mit.edu (Mark London)
Subject: Corneal erosion/abrasions.
Organization: MIT PLASMA FUSION CENTER
Lines: 11
NNTP-Posting-Host: nerus.pfc.mit.edu
For several years I have been dealing with reccurring corneal  erosion.    There
does  not  seem  to be much known about the cause of such a problem.  My current
episode is pretty bad since it is located in the middle of the cornea.  If  it's
bad  enough, the usual treatment for it is puncture therapy.  However, my doctor
this time is trying to let it heal by  itself  by  putting  a  contact  lens  to
protect the area.  Apparently the problem is not that common, but I'd be curious
if anyone else out there has a similar problem, perhaps to see if a cause can be
found.
Mark London
MRL@NERUS.PFC.MIT.EDU
From: russ@pmafire.inel.gov (Russ Brown)
Subject: Re: Altitude adjustment
Organization: WINCO
Lines: 22
In article <4159@mdavcr.mda.ca> vida@mdavcr.mda.ca (Vida Morkunas) writes:
>I live at sea-level, and am called-upon to travel to high-altitude cities
>quite frequently, on business.  The cities in question are at 7000 to 9000
>feet of altitude.  One of them especially is very polluted...
Mexico City, Bogota, La Paz?
>
>Often I feel faint the first two or three days.  I feel lightheaded, and
>my heart seems to pound a lot more than at sea-level.  Also, it is very
>dry in these cities, so I will tend to drink a lot of water, and keep
>away from dehydrating drinks, such as those containing caffeine or alcohol.
>
>Thing is, I still have symptoms.  How can I ensure that my short trips there
>(no, I don't usually have a week to acclimatize) are as comfortable as possible?
>Is there something else that I could do?
Go three days early.  Preliminary acclimatization takes 3-4 days.  It
takes weeks or months for full acclimatization.  Could you be
experiencing some jet lag, too?
From: rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind)
Subject: Re: Good Grief!  (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Mass., USA
Lines: 40
NNTP-Posting-Host: enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
In article <noringC5snsx.KMo@netcom.com> noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>In article rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind) writes:
>>There is no convincing evidence that such a disease exists.
>There's a lot of evidence, it just hasn't been adequately gathered and
>published in a way that will convince the die-hard melancholic skeptics
>who quiver everytime the word 'anecdote' or 'empirical' is used.
No, there's no evidence that would convince any but the most credulous.
The "evidence" is identical to the sort of evidence that has been
used to justify all sorts of quack treatments for quack diseases
in the past.
>medicine on the right road.  But methinks that some who hold too firmly
>to the party line are academics who haven't been in the trenches long enough
>actually treating patients.
I like the implication here.  It must not be that the quacks making
millions off such "diseases" are biased -- rather that those who
doubt their existence don't understand the real world.  It seems
easy to picture a 19th centure snake oil salesman saying the same
thing.
However, I have been in the trenches long enough to have seen multiple
quack diseases rise and fall in popularity.  "Systemic yeast syndome"
seems to be making a resurgence (it had fallen off a few years ago).
There will be new such "diseases" I'm sure with best-selling books
and expensive therapies.
>If anybody, doctors included, said to me to my
>face that there is no evidence of the 'yeast connection', I cannot guarantee
>their safety.  For their incompetence, ripping off their lips is justified as
>far as I am concerned.
Well this, of course, is convincing.  I guess I'd better start diagnosing
any illnesses that people want so that I can keep my lips.
--
David Rind
rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
Organization: Arizona State University
From: <ICGLN@ASUACAD.BITNET>
Subject: Re: Burzynski's "Antineoplastons"
Distribution: world
Lines: 16
A good source of information on Burzynski's method is in *The Cancer Industry*
by pulitzer-prize nominee Ralph Moss. Also, a non-profit organization called
"People Against Cancer," which was formed for the purpose of allowing cancer
patients to access information regarding cancer therapies not endorsed by the
cancer industry, but which have shown highly promising results (all of which
are non-toxic). Anyone interested in cancer therapy should contact this organi-
zation ASAP:              People Against Cancer
PO Box 10
Otho IA 50569-0010
(515)972-4444
FAX (515)972-4415
peace
greg nigh
From: gmark@cbnewse.cb.att.com (gilbert.m.stewart)
Subject: oxaprozin?
Organization: AT&T
Keywords: Daypro
Lines: 7
Anyone have any information on the effects/origin of oxaprozin?
It's marketed under the name "DAYpro", and appears to be an
anti-inflammatory.  Is it similar to naproxin?  Stronger?
TIA
GMS
From: mccurdy@ucsvax.sdsu.edu (McCurdy M.)
Subject: Thrush ((was: Good Grief! (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)))
Organization: San Diego State University
Lines: 36
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: ucsvax.sdsu.edu
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-b1
In article <aldridgeC5tH63.7yA@netcom.com>, aldridge@netcom.com (Jacquelin Aldri writes...
>dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>
etc. ...
>
>Dyer, you're rude. Medicine is not a totallly scientific endevour. It's
>often practiced in a disorganized manner. Most early treatment of
>non-life threatening illness is done on a guess, hazarded after anecdotal
>evidence given by the patient. It's an educated guess, by a trained person,
>but it's still no more than a guess.
>It's cheaper and simpler to medicate first and only deal further with those
>people who don't respond.
>
Dyer is beyond rude.
There have been and always will be people who are blinded by their own
knowledge and unopen to anything that isn't already established. Given what
the medical community doesn't know, I'm surprised that he has this outlook.
For the record, I have had several outbreaks of thrush during the several
past few years, with no indication of immunosuppression or nutritional
deficiencies. I had not taken any antobiotics.
My dentist (who sees a fair amount of thrush) recommended acidophilous:
After I began taking acidophilous on a daily basis, the outbreaks ceased.
When I quit taking the acidophilous, the outbreaks periodically resumed.
I resumed taking the acidophilous with no further outbreaks since then.
* Mike McCurdy
* University Computing Services     Disclaimer:
* San Diego State University
* mccurdy@ucsvax.sdsu.edu            "Everything I say may be wrong"
From: jason@ab20.larc.nasa.gov (Jason Austin)
Subject: Re: Barbecued foods and health risk
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Lines: 28
Reply-To: Jason C. Austin <j.c.austin@larc.nasa.gov>
NNTP-Posting-Host: ab20.larc.nasa.gov
In-reply-to: rsilver@world.std.com's message of Sat, 17 Apr 1993 15:02:18 GMT
In article <C5Mv3v.2o5@world.std.com> rsilver@world.std.com (Richard Silver) writes:
->
-> Some recent postings remind me that I had read about risks
-> associated with the barbecuing of foods, namely that carcinogens
-> are generated. Is this a valid concern? If so, is it a function
-> of the smoke or the elevated temperatures? Is it a function of
-> the cooking elements, wood or charcoal vs. lava rocks? I wish
-> to know more. Thanks.
I've read mixed opinions on this.  Singed meat can contain
carcinogens, but unless you eat barbecued meat every meal, you're
probably not at much risk.  I think I will live life on the edge and
grill my food.
I've also read that using petroleum based charcoal starter can
put some unwanted toxins in your food, or at least unwanted odor.
I've been using egg carton cups dipped in paraffin for fire starters,
and it actually lights faster and easier than lighter fluid.  Several
people have told me that they have excellent results with a chimney,
basically a steel cylinder with wholes punched in the side.  I've been
meaning to get one of these, but one hasn't presented itself while
I've been out shopping.  You can make one from a coffee can, but I buy
my coffee as whole beans in a bag, so I haven't had a big enough can
laying around.
--
Jason C. Austin
j.c.austin@larc.nasa.gov
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: seizures ( infantile spasms )
Keywords: seizures epilepsy
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 23
In article <1993Apr20.184034.13779@dbased.nuo.dec.com> dufault@lftfld.enet.dec.com (MD) writes:
>
>If anyone knows of any database or newsgroup or as I mentioned up above,
>any information relating to this disorder I would sure appreciate hearing
>from you. I am not trying to play doctor here, but only trying to gather
>information about it. As I know now, these particular types of disorders
>are still not really well understood by the medical community, and so I'm
>going to see now....if somehow the internet can at least give me alittle
>insight. Thanks.
There is no database for infantile spasms, nor a newsgroup, that I
know of.  The medical library will be the best source of information
for you.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: How to Diagnose Lyme... really
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 19
In article <C5sy24.LF4@watson.ibm.com> yozzo@watson.ibm.com (Ralph Yozzo) writes:
>>Why do you think he would be called a quack?  The quacks don't do cultures.
>>They poo-poo doing more lab tests:  "this is Lyme, believe me, I've
>
>Are you arguing that the Lyme lab test is accurate?
If you culture out the spirochete, it is virtually 100% certain
the patient has Lyme.  I suppose you could have contamination
in an exceptionally sloppy lab, but normally not.  There are no
false positives.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: OB-GYN residency
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 30
In article <1r12bv$55e@terminator.rs.itd.umich.edu> Donald_Mackie@med.umich.edu (Donald Mackie) writes:
>
>FMGs who are not citizens are, like all aliens, in a difficult
>situation. Only citizens get to vote here, so non-citizens are of
>little or no interest to legislators. Also, the non-citizen may well
>be in the middle of processing for resident alien status. There is a
>stron sense that rocking the boat (eg. suing a residency program)
>will delay the granting of that status, perhaps for ever.
>
One should be aware that foreign doctors admitted for training
are ineligible to apply for resident alien status.  In order
to get the green card they have to return to their country and
apply at the embassy there.  Of course, many somehow get around
this problem.  Often it is by agreeing to practice in a town
with a need and then the congressman from that district tacks
a rider onto a bill saying "Dr. X will be allowed to have permanent
residency in the US."  A lot of bills in congress have such riders
attached to them.  Marrying a US citizen is the most common, although
now they are even cracking down on that and trying to tell US
citizens they must follow their spouse back to the Phillipines, or
whereever.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: "liver" spots
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 13
In article <1993Apr19.162502.29802@news.eng.convex.com> cash@convex.com (Peter Cash) writes:
>What causes those little brown spots on older people's hands? Are they
>called "liver spots" because they're sort of liver-colored, or do they
>indicate some actual liver dysfunction?
Senile keratoses.  Have nothing to do with the liver.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: karl@anasazi.com (Karl Dussik)
Subject: Re: Dana-Faber Cancer Institute
Organization: Anasazi, Inc.  Phoenix, Arizona USA
Keywords: Dana-Faber Cancer Institute
Lines: 13
In article <1993Apr14.090306.3352@etek.chalmers.se> e2salim@etek.chalmers.se (Salim Chagan) writes:
>	Can anyone send me the adress to
>	Dana-Faber Cancer Institute in Boston, USA.
^^ missing "r"
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Boston, MA  02115
(617)732-3000
Karl Dussik
("Alumnus" - Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, 1983-1986)
From: dozonoff@bu.edu (david ozonoff)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Lines: 22
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5
Sharon Paulson (paulson@tab00.larc.nasa.gov) wrote:
:
{much deleted]
:
:
: The fact that this happened while eating two sugar coated cereals made
: by Kellog's makes me think she might be having an allergic reaction to
: something in the coating or the cereals.  Of the four of us in our
: immediate family, Kathryn shows the least signs of the hay fever, running
: nose, itchy eyes, etc. but we have a lot of allergies in our family history
: including some weird food allergies - nuts, mushrooms.
:
Many of these cereals are corn-based. After your post I looked in the
literature and located two articles that implicated corn (contains
tryptophan) and seizures. The idea is that corn in the diet might
potentiate an already existing or latent seizure disorder, not cause it.
Check to see if the two Kellog cereals are corn based. I'd be interested.
--
David Ozonoff, MD, MPH		 |Boston University School of Public Health
dozonoff@med-itvax1.bu.edu	 |80 East Concord St., T3C
(617) 638-4620			 |Boston, MA 02118
From: Lauger@ssdgwy.mdc.com (John Lauger)
Subject: Imitrex and heart attacks?
Organization: McDonnell Douglas Aerospace
Lines: 20
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: q5020598.mdc.com
My girlfriend just started taking Imitrex for her migraine headaches.  Her
neurologist diagnosed her as having depression and suffering from rebound
headaches due to daily doses of analgesics.  She stopped taking all
analgesics and caffine as of last Thursday (4/15).  The weekend was pretty
bad, but she made it through with the help of Imitrex about every 18 hours.
Her third injection of Imitrex, during the worst of the withdrawl on
Friday and six hours after the first of the day, left her very sick.  Skin
was flushed, sweating, vomiting and had severe headache pain.  It subsided
in an hour or so.  Since then, she has been taking Imitrex as needed to
control the pain.  Immediately after taking it, she has increased head pain
for ten minutes, dizziness and mild nausea and mild chest pains.  A friend
of hers mentioned that her doctor was wary of Imitrex because it had caused
heart attacks in several people.  Apparently the mild chest pains were
common in these other people prior to there attacks.  Is this just rumor?
Has anyone else heard of these symptoms?  My girlfriend also has Mitral
Valve Prolapse.
Opinions are mine or others but definately not MDA's!
Lauger@ssdgwy.mdc.com
McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, Huntington Beach, California, USA
From: nash@biologysx.lan.nrc.ca (John Nash)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Nntp-Posting-Host: 132.246.164.10
Organization: National Research Council of Canada
Lines: 39
In article <1993Apr15.135941.16105@lmpsbbs.comm.mot.com> dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank) writes:
>From: dougb@comm.mot.com (Doug Bank)
>Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
>Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1993 13:59:41 GMT
>In article <1993Apr14.122647.16364@tms390.micro.ti.com>, david@tms390.micro.ti.com (David Thomas) writes:
[lots of editing out of previuos posts]
>Here is another anecdotal story.  I am a picky eater and never wanted to
>try chinese food, however, I finally tried some in order to please a
>girl I was seeing at the time.  I had never heard of Chinese restaurant
>syndrome.  A group of us went to the restaurant and all shared 6 different
>dishes.  It didn't taste great, but I decided it wasn't so bad.  We went
>home and went to bed early.  I woke up at 2 AM and puked my guts outs.
>I threw up for so long that (I'm not kidding) I pulled a muscle in
>my tongue.  Dry heaves and everything.  No one else got sick, and I'm
>not allergic to anything that I know of.
>Suffice to say that I wont go into a chinese restaurant unless I am
>physically threatened.  The smell of the food makes me ill (and that *is*
>a psycholgical reaction).  When I have been dragged in to suffer
>through beef and broccoli without any sauces, I insist on no MSG.
>I haven't gotten sick yet.
Funny about that... my wife (my girlfriend at the time) used to get sick
after eating certain foods at various Asian restaurants, and never knew
why.  She'd go pale, and sweaty and then vomit copiously.  A couple of us
ventured a connection with MSG, and her response was: "MSG?  What's that?".
It also happened when she pigged out on some brands of savoury crackers and
chips... which I noticed (later) had MSG on the label.  Don't know about
double blinds, but avoiding MSG has stopped her being sick at restaurants.
cheers, John
John Nash                           | Email: Nash@biologysx.lan.nrc.ca.
Institute for Biological Sciences,  | National Research Council of Canada,
Cell Physiology Group.              | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
*** Disclaimer:  All opinions are mine, not NRC's! ***
From: king@reasoning.com (Dick King)
Subject: How to interview a doctor
Nntp-Posting-Host: drums.reasoning.com
Organization: Reasoning Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA
Lines: 11
My insurance company encourages annual physicals, and at my age [42] i'm
thinking that BIannual physicals, at least, might be a good idea.  Therefore,
i'm shopping for a GP.  Might as well get a good one.
Could the Assembled Net Wisdom suggest things i should look for, or point me to
the FAQ archive if on this topic if there is one?
Please EMail; i suspect that this topic is real Net Clutter bait.
-dk
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: sudden numbness in arm
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 48
In article <C5u5LG.C3G@gpu.utcc.utoronto.ca> molnar@Bisco.CAnet.CA (Tom Molnar) writes:
>I experienced a sudden numbness in my left arm this morning.  Just after
>I completed my 4th set of deep squats.  Today was my weight training
>day and I was just beginning my routine.  All of a sudden at the end of
>the 4th set my arm felt like it had gone to sleep.  It was cold, turned pale,
>and lost 60% of its strength.  The weight I used for squats wasn't that
>heavy, I was working hard but not at 100% effort.  I waited for a few
>minutes, trying to shake the arm back to life and then continued with
>chest exercises (flyes) with lighter dumbells than I normally use.  But
>I dropped the left dumbell during the first set, and experienced continued
>arm weakness into the second.  So I quit training and decided not to do my
>usual hour on the ski machine either.  I'll take it easy for the rest of
>the day.
>
>My arm is *still* somewhat numb and significantly weaker than normal --
>my hand still tingles a bit down to the thumb. Color has returned to normal
>and it is no longer cold.
>
>Horrid thoughts of chunks of plaque blocking a major artery course through
>my brain.  I'm 34, vegetarian, and pretty fit from my daily exercise
>regimen.  So that can't be it.  Could a pinched nerve from the bar
>cause these symptoms (I hope)?
It likely has nothing to do with "chunks of plaque" but it sounds like
you may have a neurovascular compromise to your arm and you need medical
attention *before* doing any more weight lifting.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: dfield@flute.calpoly.edu (InfoSpunj (Dan Field))
Subject: Re: Too many MRIs?
Organization: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Lines: 19
In article <1993Apr19.043654.13068@informix.com> proberts@informix.com (Paul Roberts) writes:
>In article <1993Apr12.165410.4206@kestrel.edu> king@reasoning.com (Dick King) writes:
>>
>>I recall reading somewhere, during my youth, in some science popularization
>>book, that whyle isotope changes don't normally affect chemistry, a consumption
>>of only heavy water would be fatal, and that seeds watered only with heavy
>>water do not sprout.  Does anyone know about this?
>>
>
>I also heard this. I always thought it might make a good eposide of
>'Columbo' for someone to be poisoned with heavy water - it wouldn't
>show up in any chemical test.
That would be a very expensive toxin indeed!
--
| Daniel R. Field, AKA InfoSpunj | Joe: "Are you late?"                |
| dfield@oboe.calpoly.edu        | Dan: "No, but I'm working on it!"   |
| Biochemistry, Biotechnology    |                                     |
| California Polytechnic State U |                                     |
From: ghica@fig.citib.com (Renato Ghica)
Subject: seek sedative information
Originator: ghica@cyclops
Organization: Citibank IBISM
Lines: 11
has any one heard of a sedative called "Rhoepnol"? Made by LaRouche,
I believe. Any info as to side effects or equivalent tranquillizers?
thanks....
--
"This will just take a minute."
"I'm 90% done."
"It worked on my machine."
From: jnielsen@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (John F Nielsen)
Subject: Re: Good Grief!  (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Nntp-Posting-Host: magnusug.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
Organization: The Ohio State University
Lines: 45
In article <noringC5u638.Bvy@netcom.com> noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>In article dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>>In article noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring) writes:
>
>Good grief again.
>
>Why the anger?  I must have really touched a raw nerve.
>
>Let's see:  I had symptoms that resisted all other treatments.  Sporanox
>totally alleviated them within one week.  Hmmm, I must be psychotic.  Yesss!
>That's it - my illness was all in my mind.  Thanks Steve for your correct
>diagnosis - you must have a lot of experience being out there in trenches,
>treating hundreds of patients a week.  Thank you.  I'm forever in your
>debt.
>
>Jon
>
>(oops, gotta run, the men in white coats are ready to take me away, haha,
>to the happy home, where I can go twiddle my thumbs, basket weave, and
>moan about my sinuses.)
Ever heard of something called the placebo effect? I think Dyer is
reacting because it looks to be yet another case of the same old
quackery over and over again.
It true that current medical knowledge is limited, but do you realize
just HOW MANY quacks exist eager to suck your $$$$. It's playing the
lottery at best.
If the results you got were so clear and obvious, would you mind
trying a little experiment to see if it is true? It would be quite
simple. Have sugar pills and have real pills.  Take one set for one
week and the other set for another week without knowing which ones are
the real pills. Then at the end of the 2 weeks compare the results.
Let's say you're wife would know which are the real ones. If what you
are experiencing is true there should be a marked difference between
each week.
john
--
John Nielsen   MAGNUS Consultant            ______   ______   __  __
"To you Baldrick, the Renaissance was just /\  __ \ /\  ___\ /\ \/\ \
something that happened to other people,   \ \ \/\ \\ \___  \\ \ \_\ \
wasn't it?" - The Black Adder               \ \_____\\/\_____\\ \_____\
Subject: Re: Bates Method for Myopia
From: jc@oneb.almanac.bc.ca
Organization: The Old Frog's Almanac, Nanaimo, B.C.
Keywords: Bates method
Summary: Proven a hoax long ago
Lines: 15
Dr. willian Horatio Bates born 1860 and graduated from med school
1885.  Medical career hampered by spells of total amnesia.  Published in
1920, his great work "The Cure of Imperfect Eyesight by Treatment With-
out Glasses", He made claims about how the eye actually works that are
simply NOT TRUE.  Aldous Huxley was one of the more "high profile"
beleivers in his system.  Mr. Huxley while giving a lecture on Bates system
forgot the lecture that he was supposedely reading and had to put the
paper right up to his eyes and then resorted to a magnifying glass from
his pocket.  book have been written debunking this technique, however
they remain less read than the original fraud.  cheers
jc@oneb.almanac.bc.ca (John Cross)
The Old Frog's Almanac  (Home of The Almanac UNIX Users Group)
(604) 245-3205 (v32)    <Public Access UseNet>    (604) 245-4366 (2400x4)
Vancouver Island, British Columbia    Waffle XENIX 1.64
From: kelley@vet.vet.purdue.edu (Stephen Kelley)
Subject: Re: Should I be angry at this doctor?
Organization: Purdue University SVM
Distribution: na
Lines: 32
In article <1993Apr21.155714.1@stsci.edu> mryan@stsci.edu writes:
- Am I justified in being pissed off at this doctor?
-
- Last Saturday evening my 6 year old son cut his finger badly with a knife.
- I took him to a local "Urgent and General Care" clinic at 5:50 pm.  The
[story deleted]
- be bothered.  My son did get three stitches at the emergency room.  I'm still
- trying to find out who is in charge of that clinic so I can write them a
- letter.   We will certainly never set foot in that clinic again.
-
The people in charge already know what kind of 'care' they are
providing, and they don't give a rat's ass about your repeat business.
You are much more likely to do some good writing to local newspapers,
and broadcast news shows.  If you do, keep the letter short and to the point
so they don't discard it out of hand, and emphasize exactly what you
are upset about.
It's possible that the local health department can help you complain to
someone official, but really, that 'clinic' exists for the sole purpose
of generating walk-in income through advertising, and *nothing* you can do
will change them -- all you can hope for is to help someone else avoid them.
I'm glad it sounds like your son did ok, anyway.
My opinion only, of course,
Steve
From: sbrun@oregon.uoregon.edu (Sarah Anne Brundage)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Article-I.D.: oregon.21APR199316170714
Distribution: world
Organization: University of Oregon
Lines: 14
NNTP-Posting-Host: oregon.uoregon.edu
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41
>I did a science project on Kirlian photography when I was in high school.
>I was able to obtain wonderful auras from rocks and pebbles and the like by
>first dunking them in water.
>
I know this is a little weird, but I know that World magazine (you know,
National Geo. for children) did a very simple and concise article on Kirlian
photography.  They had some neat pictures, too.  A friend of mine's mother had
a book on Kirlian photography, only it's photographs took a radiologist to
interpret.  They (World magazine) warned us all that it was very dangerous,
probably to stop curious children from experimenting with it.  Mind you, this
was 10 years ago, at least.  (And boy, does that say something about my age)
Sarah Brundage
sbrun@oregon.uoregon.edu
From: david@stat.com (David Dodell)
Subject: HICN610 Medical Newsletter, Part 2/4
Reply-To: david@stat.com (David Dodell)
Distribution: world
Organization: Stat Gateway Service, WB7TPY
Lines: 708
------------- cut here -----------------
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 13
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Gonorrhea -- Colorado, 1985-1992
================================
SOURCE: MMWR 42(14)   DATE: Apr 16, 1993
The number of reported cases of gonorrhea in Colorado increased 19.9%
from 1991 to 1992 after declining steadily during the 1980s. In comparison, in
the United States, reported cases of gonorrhea in 1992 continued an overall
decreasing trend (1). This report summarizes an analysis of the increase in
gonorrhea in Colorado in 1992 and characterizes trends in the occurrence of
this disease from 1985 through 1992.
In 1992, 4679 cases of gonorrhea were reported to the Colorado Department
of Health (CDH) compared with 3901 cases reported in 1991. During 1992,
reported cases increased 22.7% and 17.5% among females and males, respectively
(Table 1). Similar increases occurred among blacks, whites, and Hispanics
(15.6%, 15.1%, and 15.9%, respectively); however, the number of reported cases
with race not specified increased 88% from 1991 to 1992 and constituted 9.7%
of all reported cases in 1992. Although the largest proportional increases by
age groups occurred among persons aged 35-44 years (80.4%) and greater than or
equal to 45 years (87.7%), these age groups accounted for only 11.0% of all
reported cases in 1992. Persons in the 15-19-year age group accounted for the
largest number of reported cases of gonorrhea during 1992 and the highest age
group-specific rate (639 per 100,000).
Reported cases of gonorrhea increased 32.9% in the five-county Denver
metropolitan area (1990 population: 1,629,466) but decreased elsewhere in the
state (Table 1). Half the cases of gonorrhea in the Denver metropolitan area
occurred in 8.4% (34) of the census tracts; these represent neighborhoods
considered by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)/acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) field staff to be the focus of gang and drug activity.
When compared with 1991, the number of gonorrhea cases diagnosed among
men in the Denver Metro Health Clinic (DMHC, the primary public STD clinic in
the Denver metropolitan area) increased 33% in 1992, and the number of visits
by males to the clinic increased 2.4%. Concurrently, the number of cases
diagnosed among women increased by 1%. Among self-identified heterosexual men,
the number of gonorrhea cases diagnosed at DMHC increased 33% and comprised
94% of all cases diagnosed in males, while the number of cases diagnosed among
self-identified homosexual men remained low (71 and 74 in 1991 and 1992,
respectively).
Four selected laboratories in the metropolitan Denver area (i.e., HMO,
university hospital, nonprofit family planning, and commercial) were contacted
to determine whether gonorrhea culture-positivity rates increased. Gonorrhea
culture-positivity rates in three of four laboratories contacted increased
23%-33% from 1991 to 1992, while the rate was virtually unchanged in the
fourth (i.e., nonprofit family planning).
From 1985 through 1991, reported cases of gonorrhea among whites and
Hispanics in Colorado decreased; in comparison, reported cases among blacks
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 14
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
increased since 1988 (Figure 1). During 1988-1992, the population in Colorado
increased 9.9% for blacks, 9.8% for Hispanics, and 4.5% for whites. In 1992,
the gonorrhea rate for blacks (1935 per 100,000 persons) was 57 times that for
whites (34 per 100,000) and 12 times that for Hispanics (156 per 100,000)
(Table 1). Among black females, reported cases of gonorrhea increased from
1988 through 1992 in the 15-19-year age group; among black males, cases
increased from 1989 through 1992 in both the 15-19-and 20-24-year age groups.
Reported by: KA Gershman, MD, JM Finn, NE Spencer, MSPH, STD/AIDS Program; RE
Hoffman, MD, State Epidemiologist, Colorado Dept of Health. JM Douglas, MD,
Denver Dept of Health and Hospitals. Surveillance and Information Systems Br,
Div of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV Prevention, National Center for
Prevention Svcs, CDC.
Editorial Note: The increase in reported gonorrhea cases in Colorado in 1992
may represent an overall increase in the occurrence of this disease or more
complete reporting stimulated by visitations to laboratories by CDH
surveillance staff during 1991-1992. The increases in confirmed gonorrhea
cases at DMHC and in culture-positivity rates in three of four laboratories
suggest a real increase in gonorrhea rather than a reporting artifact.
However, the stable culture-positivity rate in the nonprofit family planning
laboratory (which serves a network of clinics statewide) indicates that the
gonorrhea increase did not uniformly affect all segments of the population.
One possible explanation for the increased occurrence of gonorrhea in
Colorado may be gang- and drug-related sexual behavior, as implicated in a
recent outbreak of drug-resistant gonorrhea and other STDs in Colorado Springs
(2). Although the high morbidity census tracts in the Denver metropolitan area
coincide with areas of gang and drug activity, this hypothesis requires
further assessment. To examine the possible role of drug use -- implicated
previously as a factor contributing to the national increase in syphilis (3-6)
-- the CDH STD/AIDS program is collecting information from all persons in whom
gonorrhea is diagnosed regarding drug use, exchange of sex for money or drugs,
and gang affiliation.
The gonorrhea rate for blacks in Colorado substantially exceeds the
national health objective for the year 2000 (1300 per 100,000) (objective
19.1a) (7). Race is likely a risk marker rather than a risk factor for
gonorrhea and other STDs. Risk markers may be useful for identifying groups at
greatest risk for STDs and for targeting prevention efforts. Moreover, race-
specific variation in STD rates may reflect differences in factors such as
socioeconomic status, access to medical care, and high-risk behaviors.
In response to the increased occurrence of gonorrhea in Colorado,
interventions initiated by the CDH STD/AIDS program include 1) targeting
partner notification in the Denver metropolitan area to persons in groups at
increased risk (e.g., 15-19-year-old black females and 20-24-year-old black
males); 2) implementing a media campaign (e.g., public service radio
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 15
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
announcements, signs on city buses, newspaper advertisements, and posters in
schools and clinics) to promote awareness of STD risk and prevention targeted
primarily at high-risk groups, and 3) developing teams of peer educators to
perform educational outreach in high-risk neighborhoods. The educational
interventions are being developed and implemented with the assistance of
members of the target groups and with input from a forum of community leaders
and health-care providers.
References
1. CDC. Table II. Cases of selected notifiable diseases, United States, weeks
ending December 26, 1992, and December 28, 1991 (52nd week). MMWR 1993;41:975.
2. CDC. Gang-related outbreak of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae
and other sexually transmitted diseases -- Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1989-
1991. MMWR 1993;42:25-8.
3. CDC. Relationship of syphilis to drug use and prostitution -- Connecticut
and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MMWR 1988;37:755-8, 764.
4. Rolfs RT, Goldberg M, Sharrar RG. Risk factors for syphilis: cocaine use
and prostitution. Am J Public Health 1990;80:853-7.
5. Andrus JK, Fleming DW, Harger DR, et al. Partner notification: can it
control epidemic syphilis? Ann Intern Med 1990;112:539-43.
6. Gershman KA, Rolfs RT. Diverging gonorrhea and syphilis trends in the
1980s: are they real? Am J Public Health 1991;81:1263-7.
7. Public Health Service. Healthy people 2000: national health promotion and
disease prevention objectives--full report, with commentary. Washington, DC:
US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, 1991; DHHS
publication no. (PHS)91-50212.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 16
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Effectiveness in Disease and Injury Prevention
Impact of Adult Safety-Belt Use on Restraint Use Among
Children less than 11 Years of Age -- Selected States,
1988 and 1989
======================================================
SOURCE: MMWR 42(14)   DATE: Apr 16, 1993
Motor-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children and
young adults in the United States and account for more than 1 million years of
potential life lost before age 65 annually (1). Child safety seats and safety
belts can substantially reduce this loss (2). From 1977 through 1985, all 50
states passed legislation requiring the use of child safety seats or safety
belts for children. Although these laws reduce injuries to young children by
an estimated 8%-59% (3,4), motor-vehicle crash-related injuries remain a major
cause of disability and death among U.S. children (1), while the use of
occupant restraints among children decreases inversely with age (84% usage for
those aged 0-4 years; 57%, aged 5-11 years; and 29%, aged 12-18 years) (5). In
addition, parents who do not use safety belts themselves are less likely to
use restraints for their children (6). To characterize the association between
adult safety-belt use and adult-reported consistent use of occupant restraints
for the youngest child aged less than 11 years within a household, CDC
analyzed data obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
(BRFSS) during 1988 and 1989. This report summarizes the findings from this
study.
Data were available for 20,905 respondents aged greater than or equal to
18 years in 11 states * that participated in BRFSS -- a population-based,
random-digit-dialed telephone survey -- and administered a standard Injury
Control and Child Safety Module developed by CDC. Of these respondents, 5499
(26%) had a child aged less than 11 years in their household. Each respondent
was asked to specify the child's age and the frequency of restraint use for
that child. The two categories of child restraint and adult safety-belt use in
this analysis were 1) consistent use (i.e., always buckle up) and 2) less than
consistent use (i.e., almost always, sometimes, rarely, or never buckle up).
Data were weighted to provide estimates representative of each state. Software
for Survey Data Analysis (SUDAAN) (7) was used to calculate point estimates
and confidence intervals. Statistically significant differences were defined
by p values of less than 0.05.
Each of the 11 states had some type of child restraint law. Of these, six
(Arizona, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia) had no
law requiring adults to use safety belts; four (Idaho, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
and Washington) had a secondary enforcement mandatory safety-belt law (i.e., a
vehicle had to be stopped for a traffic violation before a citation for nonuse
of safety belts could be issued); and one state (New York) had a primary
enforcement mandatory safety-belt law (i.e., vehicles could be stopped for a
safety-belt law violation alone). In nine states, child-passenger protection
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 17
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
laws included all children aged less than 5 years, but the other two states
used both age and size of the child as criteria for mandatory restraint use.
The analysis in this report subgrouped states into 1) those having a law
requiring adult safety-belt use (law states), and 2) those without such a law
(no-law states).
Overall, 21% of children aged less than 11 years reportedly were not
consistently restrained during automobile travel. Both child restraint use and
adult restraint use were significantly higher (p less than 0.05, chi-square
test) in law states than in no-law states (81.1% versus 74.3% and 58.7% versus
43.2%, respectively).
High rates of restraint use for children aged less than or equal to 1
year were reported by both adults indicating consistent and less than
consistent safety-belt use (Figure 1). Adults with consistent use reported
high rates of child-occupant restraint use regardless of the child's age
(range: 95.5% for 1-year-olds to 84.7% for 10-year-olds). In comparison, for
adults reporting less than consistent safety-belt use, the rate of child-
occupant restraint use declined sharply by the age of the child (range: 93.1%
for 1-year-olds to 28.8% for 10-year-olds). When comparing children of
consistent adult safety-belt users with children of less than consistent adult
safety-belt users, 95% confidence intervals overlap for the two youngest age
groups (i.e., aged less than 1 and 1 year).
Reported child-occupant restraint use in law states generally exceeded
that in no-law states, regardless of age of child (Table 1). In addition,
higher adult educational attainment was significantly associated with
increased restraint use for children, a factor that has also been associated
with increased adult safety-belt use (8).
Reported by: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; National
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC.
Editorial Note: The findings in this report are consistent with others
indicating that adults who do not use safety belts themselves are less likely
to employ occupant restraints for their children (6,9). Because these
nonbelted adults are at increased risk of crashing and more likely to exhibit
other risk-taking behaviors, children traveling with them may be at greater
risk for motor-vehicle injury (10).
Educational attainment of adult respondents was inversely associated with
child restraint use in this report. Accordingly, occupant-protection programs
should be promoted among parents with low educational attainment. Because low
educational attainment is often associated with low socioeconomic status, such
programs should be offered to adults through health-care facilities that serve
low-income communities or through federal programs (i.e., Head Start) that are
directed at parents with young children.
Injury-prevention programs emphasize restraining young children. In
addition, however, efforts must be intensified to protect child occupants as
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 18
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
they become older. Parents, especially those with low educational attainment,
those who do not consistently wear safety belts, and those from states that do
not have mandatory safety-belt use laws, should be encouraged to wear safety
belts and to protect their children by using approved child safety seats and
safety belts. Finally, the increased use of restraints among children may
increase their likelihood of using safety belts when they become teenagers --
the age group characterized by the lowest rate of safety-belt use and the
highest rate of fatal crashes (5).
References
1. CDC. Childhood injuries in the United States. Am J Dis Child 1990;144:627-
46.
2. Partyka SC. Papers on child restraints: effectiveness and use. Washington,
DC: US Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, 1988; report no. DOT-HS-807-286.
3. Guerin D, MacKinnon D. An assessment of the California child passenger
restraint requirement. Am J Public Health 1985;75:142-4.
4. Hall W, Orr B, Suttles D, et al. Progress report on increasing child
restraint usage through local education and distribution programs. Chapel
Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Highway
Safety Research Center, 1983.
5. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Occupant protection trends
in 19 cities. Washington, DC: US Department of Transportation, National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1991.
6. Wagenaar AC, Molnar LJ, Margolis LH. Characteristics of child safety seat
users. Accid Anal Prev 1988;20:311-22.
7. Shah BV, Barnwell BG, Hunt PN, LaVange LM. Software for Survey Data
Analysis (SUDAAN) version 5.50 Software documentation. Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina: Research Triangle Institute, 1991.
8. Lund AK. Voluntary seat belt use among U.S. drivers: geographic,
socioeconomic and demographic variation. Accid Anal Prev 1986;18:43-50.
9. Margolis LH, Wagenaar AC, Molnar LJ. Use and misuse of automobile child
restraint devices. Am J Dis Child 1992;146:361-6.
10. Hunter WW, Stutts JC, Stewart JR, Rodgman EA. Characteristics of seatbelt
users and non-users in a state with a mandatory use law. Health Education
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 19
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Research 1990;5:161-73.
* Arizona, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, Washington, and West Virginia.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 20
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Publication of CDC Surveillance Summaries
=========================================
SOURCE: MMWR 42(14)   DATE: Apr 16, 1993
Since 1983, CDC has published the CDC Surveillance Summaries under
separate cover as part of the MMWR series. Each report published in the CDC
Surveillance Summaries focuses on public health surveillance; surveillance
findings are reported for a broad range of risk factors and health conditions.
Summaries for each of the reports published in the most recent (March 19,
1993) issue of the CDC Surveillance Summaries (1) are provided below. All
subscribers to MMWR receive the CDC Surveillance Summaries, as well as the
MMWR Recommendations and Reports, as part of their subscriptions.
SURVEILLANCE FOR AND COMPARISON OF BIRTH DEFECT PREVALENCES
IN TWO GEOGRAPHIC
AREAS -- UNITED STATES, 1983-88
Problem/Condition: CDC and some states have developed surveillance
systems to monitor the birth prevalence of major defects.
Reporting Period Covered: This report covers birth defects surveillance
in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and selected jurisdictions in California for
the years 1983-1988.
Description of System: The California Birth Defects Monitoring Program
and the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program are two population-
based surveillance systems that employ similar data collection methods. The
prevalence estimates for 44 diagnostic categories were based on data for 1983-
1988 for 639,837 births in California and 152,970 births in metropolitan
Atlanta. The prevalences in the two areas were compared, adjusting for race,
sex, and maternal age by using Poisson regression.
Results: Regional differences in the prevalence of aortic stenosis, fetal
alcohol syndrome, hip dislocation/dysplasia, microcephalus, obstruction of the
kidney/ureter, and scoliosis/lordosis may be attributable to general
diagnostic variability. However, differences in the prevalences of arm/hand
limb reduction, encephalocele, spina bifida, or trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) are
probably not attributable to differences in ascertainment, because these
defects are relatively easy to diagnose.
Interpretation: Regional differences in prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy
termination may affect prevalences of trisomy 21 and spina bifida. However,
the reason for differences in arm/hand reduction is unknown, but may be
related to variability in environmental exposure, heterogeneity in the gene
pool, or random variation.
Actions Taken: Because of the similarities of these data bases, several
collaborative studies are being implemented. In particular, the differences in
the birth prevalence of spina bifida and Down syndrome will focus attention on
the impact of prenatal diagnosis. Authors: Jane Schulman, Ph.D., Nancy
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 21
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Jensvold, M.P.H, Gary M. Shaw, Dr.P.H., California Birth Defects Monitoring
Program, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. Larry D. Edmonds, M.S.P.H.,
Anne B. McClearn, Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities,
National Center for Environmental Health, CDC.
INFLUENZA -- UNITED STATES, 1988-89
Problem/Condition: CDC monitors the emergence and spread of new influenza
virus variants and the impact of influenza on morbidity and mortality annually
from October through May.
Reporting Period Covered: This report covers U.S. influenza surveillance
conducted from October 1988 through May 1989.
Description of System: Weekly reports from the vital statistics offices
of 121 cities provided an index of influenza's impact on mortality; 58 WHO
collaborating laboratories reported weekly identification of influenza
viruses; weekly morbidity reports were received both from the state and
territorial epidemiologists and from 153 sentinel family practice physicians.
Nonsystematic reports of outbreaks and unusual illnesses were received
throughout the year.
Results: During the 1988-89 influenza season, influenza A(H1N1) and B
viruses were identified in the United States with essentially equal frequency
overall, although both regional and temporal patterns of predominance shifted
over the course of the season. Throughout the season increases in the indices
of influenza morbidity in regions where influenza A(H1N1) predominated were
similar to increases in regions where influenza B predominated. Only 7% of
identified viruses were influenza A(H3N2), but isolations of this subtype
increased as the season waned, and it subsequently predominated during the
1989-90 season. During the 1988-89 season outbreaks in nursing homes were
reported in association with influenza B and A(H3N2) but not influenza
A(H1N1).
Interpretation: The alternating temporal and geographic predominance of
influenza strains A(H1N1) and B during the 1988-89 season emphasizes the
importance of continual attention to regional viral strain surveillance, since
amantadine is effective only for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A.
Actions Taken: Weekly interim analyses of surveillance data produced
throughout the season allow physicians and public health officials to make
informed choices regarding appropriate use of amantadine. CDC's annual
surveillance allows the observed viral variants to be assessed as candidates
for inclusion as components in vaccines used in subsequent influenza seasons.
Authors: Louisa E. Chapman, M.D., M.S.P.H., Epidemiology Activity, Office of
the Director, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for
Infectious Diseases; Margaret A. Tipple, M.D., Division of Quarantine,
National Center for Prevention Services, CDC. Suzanne Gaventa Folger, M.P.H.,
Health Investigations Branch, Division of Health Studies, Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry. Maurice Harmon, Ph.D., Connaught
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 22
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Laboratories, Pasteur-Mirieux Company, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania. Alan P.
Kendal, Ph.D., European Regional Office, World Health Organization,
Copenhagen, Denmark. Nancy J. Cox, Ph.D., Influenza Branch, Division of Viral
and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases; Lawrence B.
Schonberger, M.D., M.P.H., Epidemiology Activity, Office of the Director,
Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious
Diseases, CDC.
Reference
1. CDC. CDC surveillance summaries (March 19). MMWR 1993;42(no. SS-1).
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 23
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clinical Research News
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clinical Research News for
Arizona Physicians
Vol. 4, No. 4, April 1993     Tucson, Arizona
Published monthly by the Office of Public Affairs at The University of Arizona
Health Sciences Center.
Copyright 1993, The University of Arizona
High Tech Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Following the birth of the first in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-
ET) baby in 1978, a host of assisted reproductive technologies have been
developed that include IVF-ET, gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT),
embryo cryopreservation (freezing) and gamete micromanipulation. Together,
these technologies are referred to as the high-tech assisted reproductive
technology (ART) procedures.
Ovulation induction, sperm insemination and surgery for tubal disease and/or
pathology still are the mainstays of the therapies available for infertility
management. However, when these fail, it almost always is appropriate to
proceed with one of the ART procedures.
Therefore, in addition to a comprehensive basic and general infertility
service at The University of Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and
Infertility, there is a program of Assisted Reproduction that specializes in
ART procedures. This program serves as a tertiary provider for those patients
in the state of Arizona whose infertility problems cannot be resolved by the
traditional therapies.
The following article (on back) describes the ART procedures available in our
Center, clarifies appropriate applications for each, and considers the
realistic expectations for their success. Procedures included are:
o in vitro
o fertilization - embryo transfer (IVF-ET),  gamete intrafallopian tube
transfer
o (GIFT),  cryopreservation of human embryos and  gamete micromanipulation.
This article also considers ongoing research in our program that is directed
towards improved success of these technologies.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 24
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Future Areas of Research
In addition to ongoing research that is directed exclusively toward the
management of infertile couples, we are developing the technology to assist
couples who are at risk for producing embryos with a serious hereditary
disease.
This technology involves biopsying the preimplantation human embryo and then
subjecting the biopsied cells to genetic analysis using either DNA
amplification or fluorescent in situ hybridization.
There are recent reports of the successful application of DNA amplification by
other centers, for example, for diagnosis of the genes for cystic fibrosis and
hemophilia. We hope to apply and further focus fluorescent in situ
hybridization technology for probing the X chromosome, the identification of
which will provide a scientific basis for counselling patients who exhibit
sex-linked disorders.
The considerable clinical application of such technology lies in the fact that
it circumvents the need for prenatal diagnosis, in addition to the possibility
of a subsequent termination of affected fetuses, in order to avoid the birth
of affected children.
Catherine Racowsky, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Research
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
College of Medicine
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Applications, Success Rates and Advances for the
Management of Infertility
The following are the ART procedures available at The University of Arizona
Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
In Vitro Fertilization - Embryo Transfer is the core ART procedure of our
Assisted Reproduction Program.  This procedure involves retrieval of
unfertilized eggs from the ovary, their insemination in vitro in a dish, and
the culture of resultant embryos for 1 or 2 days, before they are transferred
to the patient's uterus. All cultures are maintained in an incubator under
strictly controlled atmospheric and temperature conditions. Before being
processed for use in insemination, semen samples are evaluated in our
andrology laboratory using both subjective light microscopy and computer-
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 25
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
assisted semen analyses. To ensure an adequate number of eggs with which to
perform IVF-ET, or indeed, GIFT, follicular development is typically
stimulated, with gonadotropins (perganol, metrodin), gonadotropin releasing
hormone (GnRH, Factrel, lutrepulse) and/or GnRH analogues (lupron, Depo
lupron, synarel). Occasionally, however, IVF-ET is accomplished with eggs
obtained in non-stimulated cycles. While some programs utilize laparoscopic
egg retrieval in the operating room with the patient under general anesthesia,
we undertake the less costly approach of ultrasound-guided retrieval in our
Infertility Unit, with the patient sedated.
Couples who resort to IVF-ET exhibit such pathologies as tubal
deficiencies, ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis, and/or mild forms of male
factor infertility.  According to the United States IVF Registry, the overall
success rate for IVF-ET nationwide has stabilized at about 14 percent per
cycle. Results from our program, involving 86 patients who have undergone 173
IVF-ET cycles, reflect a comparable success rate.
Nevertheless, the overall incidence of success with this procedure is
disconcertingly low and emphasizes the need to address those physiological
factors that limit achievement of a higher percentage of pregnancies.  Well
recognized predictors of outcome include patient age, response to exogenous
ovarian stimulation, quality of sperm and number of repeated IVF-ET cycle
attempts. However, among these, age is the single most significant determinant
of conception. Therefore, it is critical that such patients are referred to an
Assisted Reproduction Program at the earliest opportunity following failure of
traditional therapies.
The underlying basis for the negative effect of age on fertility has not
been clearly delineated beyond recognition that: 1) the number of eggs
available for retrieval declines markedly with age; 2) fertilization rates
significantly decrease in eggs retrieved from patients who are over 40 years;
and 3) provided the appropriate hormonal background is present, age is
unrelated to uterine competency to sustain pregnancy. Ongoing research in our
Center, therefore, is investigating physiological changes in the egg that may
be impacted by age. We have determined that more than 50 percent of eggs that
fail to fertilize in vitro are chromosomally abnormal, and that a significant
proportion of these abnormalities are accountable to patient age. Currently,
the only recourse for such patients is to use eggs obtained from a donor. Our
program has initiated recruitment of volunteer egg donors to satisfy the needs
of a list of recipients interested in this form of therapy.
GIFT - This high-tech ART procedure is performed in the operating room,
usually with the use of a laparoscope and, in contrast to IVF-ET, involves
introducing sperm and freshly retrieved eggs into the lumen of the Fallopian
tube (an average of 3 eggs/tube). Under these circumstances, fertilization
occurs in vivo and, if excess eggs are retrieved, the remainder undergo IVF,
with subsequent options for embryo transfer in that cycle, or freezing for
transfer in a subsequent cycle. This ART procedure is applied to cases in
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 26
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
which there is at least one patent Fallopian tube but the couple has such
pathologies as ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis, male factor infertility
and/or idiopathic infertility.
The data reported in the United States IVF Registry for 1985 through 1990
indicate that the overall success rate with GIFT is higher than that obtained
with the IVF-ET technique (range of clinical pregnancies for GIFT is 24 to 36
percent and for IVF-ET 14 to 18 percent). In view of this fact, one might
expect more patients to be treated with GIFT than IVF-ET. However, in our
program we have taken into account three basic concerns which, while
substantially reducing the number of GIFT cycles performed, benefit the
patient. These concerns are: 1) the increased costs associated with performing
a procedure in the operating room; 2) the risks, albeit minimal, of undergoing
general anesthesia; and 3) the considerable benefits to be accrued from
obtaining direct information on the quality and fertilizability of the eggs,
and the developmental competency of resultant embryos.
The increased success with GIFT undoubtedly reflects the artificial
environment provided by the laboratory in the IVF-ET procedure. Between
January 1, 1991, and December 31, 1992, we have performed a total of 12 GIFT
cycles, with an overall success rate of 20 percent.
Embryo cryopreservation, or freezing, is applied in our program when
embryos result from residual GIFT eggs or from non-transferred IVF embryos.
This procedure not only provides patients with a subsequent opportunity for
success at much reduced costs, but also circumvents the legal and ethical
issues relating to disposal of supernumerary embryos. Therefore, as stipulated
by the American Fertility Society ethical guidelines for ART programs, from
both a practical and an ethical standpoint, all Assisted Reproduction programs
should have the capability of cryopreserving human embrys.
Gamete Micromanipulation - This ART procedure, which is still very new,
is applied to couples who are unaccepting of insemination with donor semen but
who have severe male factor infertility (less than 10 million sperm/ml in
combination with fewer than 20 perccent motile sperm, and/or less than 10
percent sperm with normal morphology). We are currently developing the
procedure of sub-zonal insertion (SZI), which entails injecting sperm under
the coating around the egg, the barrier normally penetrated by the sperm
through enzymatic digestion.
Available data from SZI programs world-wide indicate that only 5 to 10
percent of SZI cycles result in a pregnancy. This statistic undoubtedly
relates to limitations imposed by abnormalities inherent in the sperm.
Therefore, we are currently focusing on the development of improved techniques
for the recognition and selection of sperm chosen for manipulation. Such
efforts are unquestionably worthwhile in view of the fact that this technology
offers the only realistic opportunity for severe male factor patients to
establish conception.
Catherine Racowsky, Ph.D.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 27
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Associate Professor and Director of Research
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
College of Medicine
--------- end of part 2 ------------
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limits of AZT's efficacy and now suggest using the drug  either sequentially
with other drugs or in a kind of AIDS  treatment "cocktail" combining a number
of drugs to fight the  virus all at once.  "Treating people with AZT alone
doesn't  happen in the real world anymore," said Dr. Mark Jacobson of the
University of California--San Francisco.  Also, with recent  findings
indicating that HIV replicates rapidly in the lymph  nodes after infection,
physicians may begin pushing even harder  for early treatment of HIV-infected
patients.
==================================================================
"New Infectious Disease Push" American Medical News (04/05/93) Vol. 36, No.
13, P. 2
The Center for Disease Control will launch a worldwide network to track
the spread of infectious diseases and detect drug-resistant or new strains in
time to help prevent their spread.  The network is expected to cost between
$75 million and $125 million but is  an essential part of the Clinton
administration's health reform  plan, according to the CDC and outside
experts.  The plan will  require the CDC to enhance surveillance of disease in
the United  States and establish about 15 facilities across the world to
track disease.
=====================================================================
April 13, 1993
=====================================================================
"NIH Plans to Begin AIDS Drug Trials at Earlier Stage" Nature (04/01/93) Vol.
362, No. 6419, P. 382  (Macilwain, Colin)
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 42
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
The National Institutes of Health has announced it will start  treating
HIV-positive patients as soon as possible after  seroconversion, resulting
from recent findings that show HIV is  active in the body in large numbers
much earlier than was  previously believed.  Anthony Fauci, director of the
U.S.  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID),  said,
"We must address the question of how to treat people as  early as we possibly
can with drugs that are safe enough to give  people for years and that will
get around microbial resistance."  He said any delay would signify questions
over safety and  resistance rather than a lack of funds.  Fauci, who co-
authored  one of the two papers published last week in Nature, rejects the
argument by one of his co-authors, Cecil Fox, that the new  discovery
indicates that "$1 billion spent on vaccine trials" has been "a waste of time
and money" because the trials were started  too long after the patients were
infected and were ended too  quickly.  John Tew of the Medical College of
Virginia in Richmond claims that the new evidence strongly backs the argument
for  early treatment of HIV-infected patients.  AIDS activists  welcomed the
new information but said the scientific community  has been slow to understand
the significance of infection of the  lymph tissue.  "We've known about this
for five years, but we're  glad it is now in the public domain," said Jesse
Dobson of the  California-based Project Inform.  But Peter Duesberg, who
believes that AIDS is independent of HIV and is a result of drug  abuse in the
West, said, "We are several paradoxes away from an  explanation of AIDS--even
if these papers are right."
======================================================================
April 14, 1993
======================================================================
"Risk of AIDS Virus From Doctors Found to Be Minimal" Washington Post
(04/14/93), P. A9
The risk of HIV being transmitted from infected health-care
professionals to patients is minimal, according to new research  published in
today's Journal of the American Medical Association  (JAMA).  This finding
supports previous conclusions by health  experts that the chance of
contracting HIV from a health care  worker is remote.  Three studies in the
JAMA demonstrate that  thousands of patients were treated by two HIV-positive
surgeons  and dentists without becoming infected with the virus.  The  studies
were conducted by separate research teams in New  Hampshire, Maryland, and
Florida.  Each study started with an  HIV-positive doctor or dentist and
tested all patients willing to participate.  The New Hampshire study found
that none of the  1,174 patients who had undergone invasive procedures by an
HIV-positive orthopedic surgeon contracted HIV.  In Maryland, 413 of 1,131
patients operated on by a breast surgery specialist at  Johns Hopkins Hospital
were found to be HIV-negative.  Similarly  in Florida, 900 of 1,192 dental
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 43
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
patients, who all had been  treated by an HIV-positive general dentist, were
tested and found to be negative for HIV.  The Florida researchers, led by
Gordon  M. Dickinson of the University of Miami School of Medicine, said,
"This study indicates that the risk for transmission of HIV from  a general
dentist to his patients is minimal in a setting in  which universal
precautions are strictly observed."   Related Story: Philadelphia Inquirer
(04/14) P. A6
======================================================================
"Alternative Medicine Advocates Divided Over New NIH Research  Program" AIDS
Treatment News (04/02/93) No. 172, P. 6  (Gilden, Dave)
The new Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of
Health has raised questions about the NIH's commitment to an  effort that uses
unorthodox or holistic therapeutic methods.  The OAM is a small division of
the NIH, with its budget only at $2  million dollars compared to more than $10
billion for the NIH as  a whole.  In addition, the money for available
research grants is even smaller.  About $500,000 to $600,000 total will be
available this year for 10 or 20 grants.  Kaiya Montaocean, of the Center  for
Natural and Traditional Medicine in Washington, D.C., says  the OAM is afraid
to become involved in AIDS.  "They have to look successful and there is no
easy answer in AIDS," she said.    There is also a common perception that the
OAM will focus on  fields the NIH establishment will find non-threatening,
such as  relaxation techniques and acupuncture.  When the OAM called for  an
advisory committee conference of about 120 people last year,  the AIDS
community was largely missing from the meeting.  In  addition, activists'
general lack of contact with the Office has  added suspicion that the epidemic
will be ignored.  Jon  Greenberg, of ACT-UP/New York, said, "The OAM advisory
panel is  composed of practitioners without real research experience.  It
will take them several years to accept the nature of research."
Nevertheless,  Dr. Leanna Standish, research director and AIDS  investigator
at the Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine in  Seattle, said, "Here is a
wonderful opportunity to fund AIDS  research.  It's only fair to give the
Office time to gel, but  it's up to the public to insist that it's much, much
more [than  public relations]."
======================================================================
"Herpesvirus Decimates Immune-cell Soldiers" Science News (04/03/93) Vol. 143,
No. 14, P. 215   (Fackelmann, Kathy A.)
Scientists conducting test tube experiments have found that  herpesvirus-
6 can attack the human immune system's natural killer cells.  This attack
causes the killer cells to malfunction,  diminishing an important component in
the immune system's fight  against diseases.  Also, the herpesvirus-6 may be a
factor in  immune diseases, such as AIDS.  In 1989, Paolo Lusso's research
found that herpesvirus-6 attacks another white cell, the CD4  T-lymphocyte,
which is the primary target of HIV.  Lusso also  found that herpesvirus-6 can
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 44
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
kill natural killer cells.   Scientists previously knew that the natural
killer cells of  patients infected with HIV do not work correctly.  Lusso's
research represents the first time scientists have indicated that natural
killer cells are vulnerable to any kind of viral attack,  according to Anthony
L. Komaroff, a researcher with Harvard  Medical School.  Despite the test-tube
findings, scientists are  uncertain whether the same result occurs in the
body.  Lusso's  team also found that herpesvirus-6 produces the CD4 receptor
molecule that provides access for HIV.  CD4 T-lymphocytes express this surface
receptor, making them vulnerable to HIV's attack.   Researchers concluded that
herpesvirus-6 cells can exacerbate the affects of HIV.
======================================================================
April 15, 1993
====================================================================
"AIDS and Priorities in the Global Village: To the Editor" Journal of the
American Medical Association (04/07/93) Vol. 269,  No. 13, P. 1636  (Gellert,
George and Nordenberg, Dale F.)
All health-care workers are obligated and responsible for not  only
ensuring that politicians understand the dimensions of  certain health
problems, but also to be committed to related  policies, write George Gellert
and Dale F. Nordenberg of the  Orange County Health Care Agency, Santa Ana,
Calif., and the  Emory University School of Public Health in Atlanta, Ga.,
respectively.  Dr. Berkley's editorial on why American doctors  should care
about the AIDS epidemic beyond the United States  details several reasons for
the concerted interest that all  countries share in combating AIDS.  It should
be noted that while AIDS leads in hastening global health interdependence, it
is not  the only illness doing so.  Diseases such as malaria and many
respiratory and intestinal pathogens have similarly inhibited the economic
development of most of humanity and acted to marginalize large populations.
Berkley mentions the enormous social and  economic impact that AIDS will have
on many developing countries, and the increased need for international
assistance that will  result.  Berkley also cites the lack of political
aggressiveness  toward the AIDS epidemic in its first decade.  But now there
is a new administration with a promise of substantial differences in  approach
to international health and development in general, and  HIV/AIDS in
particular.  Vice President Al Gore proposes in his  book "Earth in the
Balance" a major environmental initiative that includes sustainable
international development, with programs to  promote literacy, improve child
survival, and disseminate  contraceptive technology and access throughout the
developing  world.  If enacted, this change in policy could drastically
change the future of worldwide health.
====================================================================
"AIDS and Priorities in the Global Village: In Reply" Journal of the American
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 45
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Medical Association (04/07/93) Vol. 269,  No. 13, P. 1636  (Berkley, Seth)
Every nation should tackle HIV as early and aggressively as    possible
before the disease reaches an endemic state, even at a  cost of diverting less
attention to some other illnesses, writes  Seth Berkley of the Rockefeller
Foundation in New York, N.Y., in  reply to a letter by Drs. Gellert and
Nordenberg.  Although it is true that diseases other than AIDS, such as
malaria and  respiratory and intestinal illnesses, have similarly inhibited
economic development in developing countries and deserve much  more attention
than they are getting, Berkley disagrees with the  contention that AIDS is
receiving too much attention.  HIV  differs from other diseases, in most
developing countries because it is continuing to spread.  For most endemic
diseases, the  outcome of neglecting interventions for one year is another
year  of about the same level of needless disease and death.  But with  AIDS
and its increasing spread, the cost of neglect, not only in  disease burden
but financially, is much greater.  Interventions  in the early part of a
rampantly spreading epidemic like HIV are  highly cost-effective because each
individual infection prevented significantly interrupts transmission.  Berkley
says he agrees  with Gellert and Nordenberg about the gigantic social and
economic effects of AIDS and about the need for political  leadership.  But he
concludes that not only is assertive  political leadership needed in the
United States for the AIDS  epidemic, but even more so in developing countries
with high  rates of HIV infection and where complacency about the epidemic
has been the rule.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 46
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AIDS/HIV Articles
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
First HIV Vaccine Trial Begins in HIV-Infected Children
H H S   N E W S
********************************************************************
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
March 29, 1993
First HIV Vaccine Therapy Trial Begins In HIV-Infected Children
The National Institutes of Health has opened the first trial of experimental
HIV vaccines in children who are infected with the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
The trial will compare the safety of three HIV experimental vaccines in 90
children recruited from at least 12 sites nationwide. Volunteers must be HIV-
infected but have no symptoms of HIV disease.
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala said this initial study can be seen as "a
hopeful milestone in our efforts to ameliorate the tragedy of HIV-infected
children who now face the certainty they will develop AIDS."
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases and of the NIH Office of AIDS Research, said the trial "is
the first step in finding out whether vaccines can help prevent or delay
disease progression in children with HIV who are not yet sick."  If these
vaccines prove to be safe, more sophisticated questions about their
therapeutic potential will be assessed in Phase II trials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 10,000 children in
the United States have HIV.  By the end of the decade, the World Health
Organization projects 10 million children will be infected worldwide.
The study will enroll children ages 1 month to 12 years old.  NIAID, which
funds the AIDS Clinical Trials Group network, anticipates conducting the trial
at nine ACTG sites around  the country and three sites participating in the
ACTG but funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development.
Preliminary evidence from similar studies under way in infected adults shows
that certain vaccines can boost existing HIV-specific immune responses and
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 47
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
stimulate new ones.  It will be several years, however, before researchers
know how these responses affect the clinical course of the disease.
The results from the pediatric trial, known as ACTG 218, will be examined
closely for other reasons as well.  "This trial will provide the first insight
into how the immature immune system responds to candidate HIV vaccines," said
Daniel Hoth, M.D., director of NIAID's division of AIDS.  "We need this
information to design trials to test whether experimental vaccines can prevent
HIV infection in children."
In the United States, most HIV-infected children live in poor inner-city
areas, and more than 80 percent are minorities, mainly black or Hispanic.
Nearly all HIV-infected children acquire the virus from their mothers during
pregnancy  or at birth.  An infected mother in the United States has more than
a one in four chance of transmitting the virus to her baby.  As growing
numbers of women of childbearing age become exposed to HIV through injection
drug use or infected sexual partners, researchers expect a corresponding
increase in the numbers of infected children.
HIV disease progresses more rapidly in infants and children than in adults.
The most recent information suggests that 50 percent of infants born with HIV
develop a serious AIDS-related infection by 3 to 6 years of age.  These
infections include severe or frequent bouts of common bacterial illnesses of
childhood that can result in seizures, pneumonia, diarrhea and other symptoms
leading to nutritional problems and long hospital stays.
At least half of the children in the trial will be 2 years of age or younger
to enable comparison of the immune responses of the younger and older
participants.  All volunteers must have well-documented HIV infection but no
symptoms of HIV disease other than swollen lymph glands or a mildly swollen
liver or spleen.  They cannot have received any anti-retroviral or immune-
regulating drugs within one month prior to their entry into the study.
Study chair John S. Lambert, M.D., of the University of Rochester Medical
School, and co- chair Samuel Katz, M.D., of Duke University School of
Medicine, will coordinate the trial assisted by James McNamara, M.D., medical
officer in the pediatric medicine branch of NIAID's division of AIDS.
"We will compare the safety of the vaccines by closely monitoring the children
for any side effects, to see if one vaccine produces more swollen arms or
fevers, for example, than another," said Dr. McNamara.  "We'll also look at
whether low or high doses of the vaccines stimulate immune responses or other
significant laboratory or clinical effects."   He emphasized that the small
study size precludes comparing these responses or effects among the three
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 48
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
products.
The trial will test two doses each of three experimental vaccines made from
recombinant HIV proteins.  These so-called subunit vaccines, each genetically
engineered to contain only a piece of the virus, have so far proved well-
tolerated in ongoing trials in HIV-infected adults.
One vaccine made by MicroGeneSys Inc. of Meriden, Conn., contains gp160--a
protein  that gives rise to HIV's surface proteins--plus alum adjuvant.
Adjuvants boost specific immune responses to a vaccine.  Presently, alum is
the only adjuvant used in human vaccines licensed by the Food and Drug
Administration.
Both of the other vaccines--one made by Genentech Inc. of South San Francisco
and the other by Biocine, a joint venture of Chiron and CIBA-Geigy, in
Emeryville, Calif.--contain the major HIV surface protein, gp120, plus
adjuvant.  The Genentech vaccine contains alum, while the Biocine vaccine
contains MF59, an experimental adjuvant that has proved safe and effective in
other Phase I vaccine trials in adults.
A low dose of each product will be tested first against a placebo in 15
children.  Twelve children will be assigned at random to be immunized with the
experimental vaccine, and three children will be given adjuvant alone,
considered the placebo.  Neither the health care workers nor the children will
be told what they receive.
If the low dose is well-tolerated, controlled testing of a higher dose of the
experimental vaccine and adjuvant placebo in another group of 15 children will
begin.
Each child will receive six immunizations--one every four weeks for six
months--and be followed-up for 24 weeks after the last immunization.
For more information about the trial sites or eligibility for enrollment, call
the AIDS Clinical Trials Information Service, 1-800-TRIALS-A, from 9 a.m. to 7
p.m., EST weekdays.  The service has Spanish-speaking information specialists
available.  Information on NIAID's pediatric HIV/AIDS research is available
from the Office of Communications at (301) 496- 5717.
NIH, CDC and FDA are agencies of the U.S. Public Health Service in HHS. For
press inquiries only, please call Laurie K. Doepel at (301) 402-1663.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 49
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
NEW EVIDENCE THAT THE HIV CAN CAUSE DISEASE INDEPENDENTLY
News from the National Institute of Dental Research
There is new evidence that the human immunodeficiency virus can cause disease
independently of its ability to suppress the immune system, say scientists at
the National Institues of Health.
They report that HIV itself, not an opportunistic infection, caused scaling
skin conditions to develop in mice carrying the genes for HIV.  Although the
HIV genes were active in the mice, they did not compromise the animals'
immunity, the researchers found.  This led them to conclude that the HIV
itself caused the skin disease.
Our findings support a growing body of evidence that HIV can cause disease
without affecting the immune system, said lead author Dr. Jeffrey Kopp of the
National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR).  Dr. Kopp and his colleagues
described their study in the March issue of AIDS Research and Human
Retroviruses.
Developing animal models of HIV infection has been difficult, since most
animals, including mice, cannot be infected by the virus.  To bypass this
problem, scientists have developed HIV-transgenic mice, which carry genes for
HIV as well as their own genetic material.
NIDR scientists created the transgenic mice by injecting HIV genes into mouse
eggs and then implanting the eggs into female mice.  The resulting litters
contained both normal and transgenic animals.
Institute scientists had created mice that carried a complete copy of HIV
genetic material in l988.  Those mice, however, became sick and died too soon
after birth to study in depth.  In the present study, the scientists used an
incomplete copy of HIV, which allowed the animals to live longer.
Some of the transgenic animals developed scaling, wart-like tumors on their
necks and backs.  Other transgenic mice developed thickened, crusting skin
lesions that covered most of their bodies, resembling psoriasis in humans.  No
skin lesions developed in their normal, non-transgenic littermates.
Studies of tissue taken from the wart-like skin tumors showed that they were a
type of noncancerous tumor called papilloma. Although the papillomavirus can
cause these skin lesions, laboratory tests showed no sign of that virus in the
animals.
Tissue samples taken from the sick mice throughout the study revealed the
presence of a protein-producing molecule made by the HIV genetic material.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 50
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Evidence of HIV protein production proved that the viral genes were "turned
on," or active, said Dr. Kopp.
The scientists found no evidence, however, of compromised immunity in the
mice:  no increase in their white blood cell count and no signs of common
infections.  The fact that HIV genes were active but the animals' immune
systems were not suppressed confirms that the virus itself was causing the
skin lesions, Dr. Kopp said.
Further proof of HIV gene involvement came from a test in which the scientists
exposed the transgenic animals to ultraviolet light.  The light increased HIV
genetic activity causing papillomas to develop on formerly healthy skin.
Papilloma formation in response to increased HIV genetic activity proved the
genes were responsible for the skin condition, the scientists said.  No
lesions appeared on normal mice exposed to the UV light.
The transgenic mice used in this study were developed at NIDR by Dr. Peter
Dickie, who is now with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases.
Collaborating on the study with Dr. Kopp were Mr. Charles Wohlenberg, Drs.
Nickolas Dorfman, Joseph Bryant, Abner Notkins, and Paul Klotman, all of NIDR;
Dr. Stephen Katz of the National Cancer Institute; and Dr. James Rooney,
formerly with NIDR and now with Burroughs Wellcome.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 51
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Clinical Consultation Telephone Service for AIDS
H H S   N E W S
********************************************
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
March 4, 1993
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced the first nationwide
clinical consultation telephone service for doctors and other health care
professionals who have questions about providing care to people with HIV
infection or AIDS.
The toll-free National HIV Telephone Consulting Service is staffed by a
physician, a nurse practitioner and a pharmacist. It provides information on
drugs, clinical trials and the latest treatment methods.  The service is
funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and operates out of
San Francisco General Hospital.
Secretary Shalala said, "One goal of this project is to share expertise
so patients get the best care.  A second goal is to get more primary health
care providers involved in care for people with HIV or AIDS, which reduces
treatment cost by allowing patients to remain with their medical providers and
community social support networks.  Currently, many providers refer patients
with HIV or AIDS to specialists or other providers who have more experience."
Secretary Shalala said, "This clinical expertise should be especially
helpful for physicians and providers who treat people with HIV or AIDS in
communities and clinical sites where HIV expertise is not readily available."
The telephone number for health care professionals is 1-800-933-3413, and
it is accessible from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST (7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST)
Monday through Friday.  During these times, consultants will try to answer
questions immediately, or within an hour.  At other times, physicians and
health care providers can leave an electronic message, and questions will be
answered as quickly as possible.
Health care professionals may call the service to ask any question
related to providing HIV care, including the latest HIV/AIDS drug treatment
information, clinical trials information, subspecialty case referral,
literature searches and other information.  The service is designed for health
care professionals rather than patients, families or others who have alternate
sources of information or materials.
When a health care professional calls the new service, the call is taken
by either a clinical pharmacist, primary care physician or family nurse
practitioner.  All staff members have extensive experience in outpatient and
inpatient primary care for people with HIV-related diseases.  The consultant
asks for patient-specific information, including CD4 cell count, current
medications, sex, age and the patient's HIV history.
This national service has grown out of a 16-month local effort that
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 52
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
responded to nearly 1,000 calls from health care providers in northern
California.  The initial project was funded by HRSA's Bureau of Health
Professions, through its Community Provider AIDS Training (CPAT) project, and
by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
"When providers expand their knowledge, they also improve the quality of
care they are able to provide to their patients," said HRSA Administrator
Robert G. Harmon. M.D., M.P.H.  "This project will be a great resource for
health care professionals and the HIV/AIDS patients they serve."
"This service has opened a new means of communication between health care
professionals and experts on HIV care management," said HRSA's associate
administrator for AIDS and director of the Bureau of Health Resources
Development, G. Stephen Bowen, M.D., M.P.H.  "Providers who treat people with
HIV or AIDS have access to the latest information on new drugs, treatment
methods and therapies for people with HIV or AIDS."
HRSA is one of eight U.S. Public Health Service agencies within HHS.
AIDS Hotline Numbers for Consumers
CDC National AIDS Hotline -- 1-800-342-AIDS
for information in Spanish - 1-800-344-SIDA
AIDS Clinical Trials (English & Spanish) -- 1-800-TRIALS-A
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 53

------------- cut here -----------------
-- This is the last part ---------------
---
Internet: david@stat.com                  FAX: +1 (602) 451-1165
Bitnet: ATW1H@ASUACAD                     FidoNet=> 1:114/15
Amateur Packet ax25: wb7tpy@wb7tpy.az.usa.na
From: sbishop@desire.wright.edu
Subject: Re: Hismanal, et. al.--side effects
Organization:  Wright State University
Lines: 22
In article <1993Apr21.024103.29880@spdcc.com>, dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
> In article <1993Apr20.212706.820@lrc.edu> kjiv@lrc.edu writes:
>>Can someone tell me whether or not any of the following medications
>>has been linked to rapid/excessive weight gain and/or a distorted
>>sense of taste or smell:  Hismanal; Azmacort (a topical steroid to
>>prevent asthma); Vancenase.
>
> Hismanal (astemizole) is most definitely linked to weight gain.
> It really is peculiar that some antihistamines have this effect,
> and even more so an antihistamine like astemizole which purportedly
> doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier and so tends not to cause
> drowsiness.
It also gave me lots of problems with joint and muscle pain.  Seemed to
trigger arthritis-like problems.
Sue
>
> --
> Steve Dyer
> dyer@ursa-major.spdcc.com aka {ima,harvard,rayssd,linus,m2c}!spdcc!dyer
From: david@stat.com (David Dodell)
Subject: HICN610 Medical Newsletter Part 1/4
Reply-To: david@stat.com (David Dodell)
Distribution: world
Organization: Stat Gateway Service, WB7TPY
Lines: 708
------------- cut here -----------------
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
+------------------------------------------------+
!                                                !
!              Health Info-Com Network           !
!                Medical Newsletter              !
+------------------------------------------------+
Editor: David Dodell, D.M.D.
10250 North 92nd Street, Suite 210, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258-4599 USA
Telephone +1 (602) 860-1121
FAX +1 (602) 451-1165
Compilation Copyright 1993 by David Dodell,  D.M.D.  All  rights  Reserved.
License  is  hereby  granted  to republish on electronic media for which no
fees are charged,  so long as the text of this copyright notice and license
are attached intact to any and all republished portion or portions.
The Health Info-Com Network Newsletter is  distributed  biweekly.  Articles
on  a medical nature are welcomed.  If you have an article,  please contact
the editor for information on how to submit it.  If you are  interested  in
joining the automated distribution system, please contact the editor.
E-Mail Address:
Editor:
Internet: david@stat.com
FidoNet = 1:114/15
Bitnet = ATW1H@ASUACAD
LISTSERV = MEDNEWS@ASUACAD.BITNET (or internet: mednews@asuvm.inre.asu.edu)
anonymous ftp = vm1.nodak.edu
Notification List = hicn-notify-request@stat.com
FAX Delivery = Contact Editor for information
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S
1.  Comments & News from the Editor
OCR / Scanner News ...................................................  1
2.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - MMWR
[16 April 1993] Emerging Infectious Diseases .........................  3
Outbreak of E. coli Infections from Hamburgers .......................  5
Use of Smokeless Tobacoo Among Adults ................................ 10
Gonorrhea ............................................................ 14
Impact of Adult Safety-Belt Use on Children less than 11 years Age ... 17
Publication of CDC Surveillance Summaries ............................ 21
3.  Clinical Research News
High Tech Assisted Reproductive Technologies ......................... 24
4.  Articles
Low Levels Airborne Particles Linked to Serious Asthma Attacks ....... 29
NIH Consensus Development Conference on Melanoma ..................... 31
National Cancer Insitute Designated Cancer Centers ................... 32
5.  General Announcments
UCI Medical Education Software Repository ............................ 40
6.  AIDS News Summaries
AIDS Daily Summary April 12 to April 15, 1993 ........................ 41
7.  AIDS/HIV Articles
First HIV Vaccine Trial Begins in HIV-Infected Children .............. 47
New Evidence that the HIV Can Cause Disease Independently ............ 50
Clinical Consultation Telephone Service for AIDS ..................... 52
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                            Page    i
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Comments & News from the Editor
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I would like to continue to thank everyone who has sent in a donation for the
Mednews OCR/Scanner Fund.  We have reached our goal!  A Hewlett Packard
Scanjet IIp was purchased this week.
Thank you to the following individuals whose contributions I just received:
John Sorenson
Carol Sigelman
Carla Moore
Barbara Moose
Judith Schrier
Again, thank you to all who gave!
I have been using Wordscan Plus for the past couple of weeks and would like to
review the product.  Wordscan Plus is a product of Calera Recognition Systems.
It runs under Windows 3.1 and supports that Accufont Technology of the Hewlett
Packard Scanners.
When initially bringing up the software, it lets you select several options;
(1) text / graphics (2) input source ie scanner, fax file, disk file (3)
automatic versus manual decomposition of the scanned image.
I like manual decomposition since the software then lets me select which
parts of the document I would like scanned, and in what order.
Once an image is scanned, you can bring up the Pop-Up image verification.  The
software gives you two "errors" at this point.  Blue which are words that were
converted reliability, but do not match anything in the built-in dictionary.
Yellow shade, which are words that Wordscan Plus doesn't think it converted
correctly at all.  I have found that the software should give itself more
credit.  It is usually correct, instead of wrong.  If a word is shaded blue,
you can add it to your personal dictionary.  The only problem is the personal
dictionary will only handle about 200 words.  I find this to be very limited,
considering how many medical terms are not in a normal dictionary.
After a document is converted, you can save it in a multitude of word
processor formats.  Also any images that were captured can be stored in a
seperate TIFF or PCX file format.
I was extremely impressed on the percent accuracy for fax files.  I use
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page  1
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
an Intel Satisfaxtion card, which stores incoming faxs in a PCX/DCX format.
While most of my faxes were received in "standard" mode (200x100 dpi), the
accuracy of Wordscan Plus was excellent.
Overall, a very impressive product.  The only fault I could find is the
limitations of the size of the user dictionary.  200 specialized words is just
too small.
If anyone has any specific questions, please do not hesitate to send me email.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page  2
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - MMWR
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emerging Infectious Diseases
============================
SOURCE: MMWR 42(14)   DATE: Apr 16, 1993
Introduction
Despite predictions earlier this century that infectious diseases would
soon be eliminated as a public health problem (1), infectious diseases remain
the major cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of illness and death in
the United States. Since the early 1970s, the U.S. public health system has
been challenged by a myriad of newly identified pathogens and syndromes (e.g.,
Escherichia coli O157:H7, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus,
Legionnaires disease, Lyme disease, and toxic shock syndrome). The incidences
of many diseases widely presumed to be under control, such as cholera,
malaria, and tuberculosis (TB), have increased in many areas. Furthermore,
control and prevention of infectious diseases are undermined by drug
resistance in conditions such as gonorrhea, malaria, pneumococcal disease,
salmonellosis, shigellosis, TB, and staphylococcal infections (2). Emerging
infections place a disproportionate burden on immunocompromised persons, those
in institutional settings (e.g., hospitals and child day care centers), and
minority and underserved populations. The substantial economic burden of
emerging infections on the U.S. health-care system could be reduced by more
effective surveillance systems and targeted control and prevention programs
(3).
This issue of MMWR introduces a new series, "Emerging Infectious
Diseases." Future articles will address these diseases, as well as
surveillance, control, and prevention efforts by health-care providers and
public health officials. This first article updates the ongoing investigation
of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in the western United States (4).
References
1. Burnet M. Natural history of infectious disease. Cambridge, England:
Cambridge University Press, 1963.
2. Kunin CM. Resistance to antimicrobial drugs -- a worldwide calamity. Ann
Intern Med 1993;118:557-61.
3. Lederberg J, Shope RE, Oaks SC Jr, eds. Emerging infections: microbial
threats to health in the United States. Washington, DC: National Academy
Press, 1992.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page  3
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
4. CDC. Preliminary report: foodborne outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7
infections from hamburgers --western United States, 1993. MMWR 1993;42:85-6.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page  4
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Update: Multistate Outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Infections from Hamburgers -- Western United States,
1992-1993
=======================================================
SOURCE: MMWR 42(14)   DATE: Apr 16, 1993
From November 15, 1992, through February 28, 1993, more than 500
laboratory-confirmed infections with E. coli O157:H7 and four associated
deaths occurred in four states -- Washington, Idaho, California, and Nevada.
This report summarizes the findings from an ongoing investigation (1) that
identified a multistate outbreak resulting from consumption of hamburgers from
one restaurant chain. Washington
On January 13, 1993, a physician reported to the Washington Department of
Health a cluster of children with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and an
increase in emergency room visits for bloody diarrhea. During January 16-17, a
case-control study comparing 16 of the first cases of bloody diarrhea or
postdiarrheal HUS identified with age- and neighborhood-matched controls
implicated eating at chain A restaurants during the week before symptom onset
(matched odds ratio OR=undefined; lower confidence limit=3.5). On January
18, a multistate recall of unused hamburger patties from chain A restaurants
was initiated.
As a result of publicity and case-finding efforts, during January-
February 1993, 602 patients with bloody diarrhea or HUS were reported to the
state health department. A total of 477 persons had illnesses meeting the case
definition of culture-confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infection or postdiarrheal HUS
(Figure 1). Of the 477 persons, 52 (11%) had close contact with a person with
confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infection during the week preceding onset of
symptoms. Of the remaining 425 persons, 372 (88%) reported eating in a chain A
restaurant during the 9 days preceding onset of symptoms. Of the 338 patients
who recalled what they ate in a chain A restaurant, 312 (92%) reported eating
a regular-sized hamburger patty. Onsets of illness peaked from January 17
through January 20. Of the 477 casepatients, 144 (30%) were hospitalized; 30
developed HUS, and three died. The median age of patients was 7.5 years
(range: 0-74 years). Idaho
Following the outbreak report from Washington, the Division of Health,
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, identified 14 persons with culture-
confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infection, with illness onset dates from December
11, 1992, through February 16, 1993 (Figure 2A). Four persons were
hospitalized; one developed HUS. During the week preceding illness onset, 13
(93%) had eaten at a chain A restaurant. California
In late December, the San Diego County Department of Health Services was
notified of a child with E. coli O157:H7 infection who subsequently died.
Active surveillance and record review then identified eight other persons with
E. coli O157:H7 infections or HUS from mid-November through mid-January 1993.
Four of the nine reportedly had recently eaten at a chain A restaurant and
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Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
four at a chain B restaurant in San Diego. After the Washington outbreak was
reported, reviews of medical records at five hospitals revealed an overall 27%
increase in visits or admissions for diarrhea during December 1992 and January
1993 compared with the same period 1 year earlier. A case was defined as
postdiarrheal HUS, bloody diarrhea that was culture negative or not cultured,
or any diarrheal illness in which stool culture yielded E. coli O157:H7, with
onset from November 15, 1992, through January 31, 1993.
Illnesses of 34 patients met the case definition (Figure 2B). The
outbreak strain was identified in stool specimens of six patients. Fourteen
persons were hospitalized, seven developed HUS, and one child died. The median
age of case-patients was 10 years (range: 1-58 years). A case-control study of
the first 25 case-patients identified and age- and sex-matched community
controls implicated eating at a chain A restaurant in San Diego (matched
OR=13; 95% confidence interval CI=1.7-99). A study comparing case-patients
who ate at chain A restaurants with well meal companions implicated regular-
sized hamburger patties (matched OR=undefined; lower confidence limit=1.3).
Chain B was not statistically associated with illness. Nevada
On January 22, after receiving a report of a child with HUS who had eaten
at a local chain A restaurant, the Clark County (Las Vegas) Health District
issued a press release requesting that persons with recent bloody diarrhea
contact the health department. A case was defined as postdiarrheal HUS, bloody
diarrhea that was culture negative or not cultured, or any diarrheal illness
with a stool culture yielding the Washington strain of E. coli O157:H7, with
onset from December 1, 1992, through February 7, 1993. Because local
laboratories were not using sorbitol MacConkey (SMAC) medium to screen stools
for E. coli O157:H7, this organism was not identified in any patient. After
SMAC medium was distributed, the outbreak strain was detected in the stool of
one patient 38 days after illness onset.
Of 58 persons whose illnesses met the case definition (Figure 2C), nine
were hospitalized; three developed HUS. The median age was 30.5 years (range:
0-83 years). Analysis of the first 21 patients identified and age- and sex-
matched community controls implicated eating at a chain A restaurant during
the week preceding illness onset (matched OR=undefined; lower confidence
limit=4.9). A case-control study using well meal companions of case-patients
also implicated eating hamburgers at chain A (matched OR=6.0; 95% CI=0.7-
49.8). Other Investigation Findings
During the outbreak, chain A restaurants in Washington linked with cases
primarily were serving regular-sized hamburger patties produced on November
19, 1992; some of the same meat was used in "jumbo" patties produced on
November 20, 1992. The outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from 11
lots of patties produced on those two dates; these lots had been distributed
to restaurants in all states where illness occurred. Approximately 272,672
(20%) of the implicated patties were recovered by the recall.
A meat traceback by a CDC team identified five slaughter plants in the
United States and one in Canada as the likely sources of carcasses used in the
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page  6
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
contaminated lots of meat and identified potential control points for reducing
the likelihood of contamination. The animals slaughtered in domestic slaughter
plants were traced to farms and auctions in six western states. No one
slaughter plant or farm was identified as the source.
Further investigation of cases related to secondary transmission in
families and child day care settings is ongoing.
Reported by: M Davis, DVM, C Osaki, MSPH, Seattle-King County Dept of Public
Health; D Gordon, MS, MW Hinds, MD, Snohomish Health District, Everett; K
Mottram, C Winegar, MPH, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept; ED Avner, MD, PI
Tarr, MD, Dept of Pediatrics, D Jardine, MD, Depts of Anesthesiology and
Pediatrics, Univ of Washington School of Medicine and Children's Hospital and
Medical Center, Seattle; M Goldoft, MD, B Bartleson, MPH; J Lewis, JM
Kobayashi, MD, State Epidemiologist, Washington Dept of Health. G Billman, MD,
J Bradley, MD, Children's Hospital, San Diego; S Hunt, P Tanner, RES, M
Ginsberg, MD, San Diego County Dept of Health Svcs; L Barrett, DVM, SB Werner,
MD, GW Rutherford, III, MD, State Epidemiologist, California Dept of Health
Svcs. RW Jue, Central District Health Dept, Boise; H Root, Southwest District
Health Dept, Caldwell; D Brothers, MA, RL Chehey, MS, RH Hudson, PhD, Div of
Health, Idaho State Public Health Laboratory, FR Dixon, MD, State
Epidemiologist, Div of Health, Idaho Dept of Health and Welfare. DJ Maxson,
Environmental Epidemiology Program, L Empey, PA, O Ravenholt, MD, VH Ueckart,
DVM, Clark County Health District, Las Vegas; A DiSalvo, MD, Nevada State
Public Health Laboratory; DS Kwalick, MD, R Salcido, MPH, D Brus, DVM, State
Epidemiologist, Div of Health, Nevada State Dept of Human Resources. Center
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration. Food
Safety Inspection Svc, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Svc, US Dept of
Agriculture. Div of Field Epidemiology, Epidemiology Program Office; Enteric
Diseases Br, Div of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for
Infectious Diseases, CDC.
Editorial Note: E. coli O157:H7 is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium first
identified as a cause of illness in 1982 during an outbreak of severe bloody
diarrhea traced to contaminated hamburgers (2). This pathogen has since
emerged as an important cause of both bloody diarrhea and HUS, the most common
cause of acute renal failure in children. Outbreak investigations have linked
most cases with the consumption of undercooked ground beef, although other
food vehicles, including roast beef, raw milk, and apple cider, also have been
implicated (3). Preliminary data from a CDC 2-year, nationwide, multicenter
study revealed that when stools were routinely cultured for E. coli O157:H7
that organism was isolated more frequently than Shigella in four of 10
participating hospitals and was isolated from 7.8% of all bloody stools, a
higher rate than for any other pathogen.
Infection with E. coli O157:H7 often is not recognized because most
clinical laboratories do not routinely culture stools for this organism on
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page  7
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
SMAC medium, and many clinicians are unaware of the spectrum of illnesses
associated with infection (4). The usual clinical manifestations are diarrhea
(often bloody) and abdominal cramps; fever is infrequent. Younger age groups
and the elderly are at highest risk for clinical manifestations and
complications. Illness usually resolves after 6-8 days, but 2%-7% of patients
develop HUS, which is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia,
renal failure, and a death rate of 3%-5%.
This report illustrates the difficulties in recognizing community
outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 in the absence of routine surveillance. Despite
the magnitude of this outbreak, the problem may not have been recognized in
three states if the epidemiologic link had not been established in Washington
(1). Clinical laboratories should routinely culture stool specimens from
persons with bloody diarrhea or HUS for E. coli O157:H7 using SMAC agar (5).
When infections with E. coli O157:H7 are identified, they should be reported
to local health departments for further evaluation and, if necessary, public
health action to prevent further cases.
E. coli O157:H7 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle, and can
contaminate meat during slaughter. CDC is collaborating with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service to identify
critical control points in processing as a component of a program to reduce
the likelihood of pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 entering the meat supply.
Because slaughtering practices can result in contamination of raw meat with
pathogens, and because the process of grinding beef may transfer pathogens
from the surface of the meat to the interior, ground beef is likely to be
internally contaminated. The optimal food protection practice is to cook
ground beef thoroughly until the interior is no longer pink, and the juices
are clear. In this outbreak, undercooking of hamburger patties likely played
an important role. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued interim
recommendations to increase the internal temperature for cooked hamburgers to
155 F (86.1 C) (FDA, personal communication, 1993).
Regulatory actions stimulated by the outbreak described in this report
and the recovery of thousands of contaminated patties before they could be
consumed emphasize the value of rapid public health investigations of
outbreaks. The public health impact and increasing frequency of isolation of
this pathogen underscore the need for improved surveillance for infections
caused by E. coli O157:H7 and for HUS to better define the epidemiology of E.
coli O157:H7.
References
1. CDC. Preliminary report: foodborne outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7
infections from hamburgers --western United States, 1993. MMWR 1993;42:85-6.
2. Riley LW, Remis RS, Helgerson SD, et al. Hemorrhagic colitis associated
with a rare Escherichia coli serotype. N Engl J Med 1983;308:681-5.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page  8
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
3. Griffin PM, Tauxe RV. The epidemiology of infections caused by Escherichia
coli O157:H7, other enterohemorrhagic E. coli, and the associated hemolytic
uremic syndrome. Epidemiol Rev 1991;13:60-98.
4. Griffin PM, Ostroff SM, Tauxe RV, et al. Illnesses associated with
Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections: a broad clinical spectrum. Ann Intern Med
1988;109:705-12.
5. March SB, Ratnam S. Latex agglutination test
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page  9
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Use of Smokeless Tobacco Among Adults -- United States,
1991
=======================================================
SOURCE: MMWR 42(14)   DATE: Apr 16, 1993
Consumption of moist snuff and other smokeless tobacco products in the
United States almost tripled from 1972 through 1991 (1). Long-term use of
smokeless tobacco is associated with nicotine addiction and increased risk of
oral cancer (2) -- the incidence of which could increase if young persons who
currently use smokeless tobacco continue to use these products frequently (1).
To monitor trends in the prevalence of use of smokeless tobacco products,
CDC's 1991 National Health Interview Survey-Health Promotion and Disease
Prevention supplement (NHIS-HPDP) collected information on snuff and chewing
tobacco use and smoking from a representative sample of the U.S. civilian,
noninstitutionalized population aged greater than or equal to 18 years. This
report summarizes findings from this survey.
The 1991 NHIS-HPDP supplement asked "Have you used snuff at least 20
times in your entire life?" and "Do you use snuff now?" Similar questions were
asked about chewing tobacco use and cigarette smoking. Current users of
smokeless tobacco were defined as those who reported snuff or chewing tobacco
use at least 20 times and who reported using snuff or chewing tobacco at the
time of the interview; former users were defined as those who reported having
used snuff or chewing tobacco at least 20 times and not using either at the
time of the interview. Ever users of smokeless tobacco included current and
former users. Current smokers were defined as those who reported smoking at
least 100 cigarettes and who were currently smoking and former smokers as
those who reported having smoked at least 100 cigarettes and who were not
smoking now. Ever smokers included current and former smokers. Data on
smokeless tobacco use were available for 43,732 persons aged greater than or
equal to 18 years and were adjusted for nonresponse and weighted to provide
national estimates. Confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using
standard errors generated by the Software for Survey Data Analysis (SUDAAN)
(3).
In 1991, an estimated 5.3 million (2.9%) U.S. adults were current users
of smokeless tobacco, including 4.8 million (5.6%) men and 533,000 (0.6%)
women. For all categories of comparison, the prevalence of smokeless tobacco
use was substantially higher among men. For men, the prevalence of use was
highest among those aged 18-24 years (Table 1); for women, the prevalence was
highest among those aged greater than or equal to 75 years. The prevalence of
smokeless tobacco use among men was highest among American Indians/Alaskan
Natives and whites; the prevalence among women was highest among American
Indians/Alaskan Natives and blacks. Among both men and women, prevalence of
smokeless tobacco use declined with increasing education. Prevalence was
substantially higher among residents of the southern United States and in
rural areas. Although the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was higher among
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 10
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
men and women below the poverty level, * this difference was significant only
for women (p less than 0.05) (Table 1).
Among men, the prevalence of current use of snuff was highest among those
aged 18-44 years but varied considerably by age; the prevalence of use of
chewing tobacco was more evenly distributed by age group (Table 2). Although
women rarely used smokeless tobacco, the prevalence of snuff use was highest
among those aged greater than or equal to 75 years.
An estimated 7.9 million (4.4% 95% CI=4.1-4.6) adults reported being
former smokeless tobacco users. Among ever users, the proportion who were
former smokeless tobacco users was 59.9% (95% CI=57.7-62.1). Among persons
aged 18-24 years, the proportion of former users was lower among snuff users
(56.2% 95% CI=49.4-63.0) than among chewing tobacco users (70.4% 95%
CI=64.2-76.6). Among persons aged 45-64 years, the proportion of former users
was similar for snuff (68.9% 95% CI=63.1-74.7) and chewing tobacco (73.5%
95% CI=68.9-78.1).
Among current users of smokeless tobacco, 22.9% (95% CI=19.9-26.0)
currently smoked, 33.3% (95% CI=30.0-36.5) formerly smoked, and 43.8% (95%
CI=39.9-47.7) never smoked. In comparison, among current smokers, 2.6% (95%
CI=2.3-3.0) were current users of smokeless tobacco.
Daily use of smokeless tobacco was more common among snuff users (67.3%
95% CI=63.2-71.4) than among chewing tobacco users (45.1% 95% CI=40.6-
49.6).
Reported by: Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion; Div of Health Interview Statistics, National
Center for Health Statistics, CDC.
Editorial Note: The findings in this report indicate that the use of smokeless
tobacco was highest among young males. Adolescent and young adult males, in
particular, are the target of marketing strategies by tobacco companies that
link smokeless tobacco with athletic performance and virility. Use of oral
snuff has risen markedly among professional baseball players, encouraging this
behavior among adolescent and young adult males and increasing their risk for
nicotine addiction, oral cancer, and other mouth disorders (4).
Differences in the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among
racial/ethnic groups may be influenced by differences in educational levels
and socioeconomic status as well as social and cultural phenomena that require
further explanation. For example, targeted marketing practices may play a role
in maintaining or increasing prevalence among some groups, and affecting the
differential initiation of smokeless tobacco use by young persons (5,6).
In this report, one concern is that nearly one fourth of current
smokeless tobacco users also smoke cigarettes. In the 1991 NHIS-HPDP, the
prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher among former smokeless tobacco
users than among current and never smokeless tobacco users. In a previous
study among college students, 18% of current smokeless tobacco users smoked
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 11
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
occasionally (7). In addition, approximately 7% of adults who formerly smoked
reported substituting other tobacco products for cigarettes in an effort to
stop smoking (8). Health-care providers should recognize the potential health
implications of concurrent smokeless tobacco and cigarette use.
The national health objectives for the year 2000 have established special
population target groups for the reduction of the prevalence of smokeless
tobacco use, including males aged 12-24 years (to no more than 4% by the year
2000 objective 3.9) and American Indian/Alaskan Native youth (to no more
than 10% by the year 2000 objective 3.9a) (9). Strategies to lower the
prevalence of smokeless tobacco use include continued monitoring of smokeless
tobacco use, integrating smoking and smokeless tobacco-control efforts,
enforcing laws that restrict minors' access to tobacco, making excise taxes
commensurate with those on cigarettes, encouraging health-care providers to
routinely provide cessation advice and follow-up, providing school-based
prevention and cessation interventions, and adopting policies that prohibit
tobacco use on school property and at school-sponsored events (5).
References
1. Office of Evaluations and Inspections. Spit tobacco and youth. Washington,
DC: US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector
General, 1992; DHHS publication no. (OEI-06)92-00500.
2. National Institutes of Health. The health consequences of using smokeless
tobacco: a report of the Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General. Bethesda,
Maryland: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service,
1986; DHHS publication no. (NIH)86-2874.
3. Shah BV. Software for Survey Data Analysis (SUDAAN) version 5.30 Software
documentation. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina: Research Triangle
Institute, 1989.
4. Connolly GN, Orleans CT, Blum A. Snuffing tobacco out of sport. Am J Public
Health 1992;82:351-3.
5. National Cancer Institute. Smokeless tobacco or health: an international
perspective. Bethesda, Maryland: US Department of Health and Human Services,
Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, 1992; DHHS publication
no. (NIH)92-3461.
6. Foreyt JP, Jackson AS, Squires WG, Hartung GH, Murray TD, Gotto AM.
Psychological profile of college students who use smokeless tobacco. Addict
Behav 1993;18:107-16.
7. Glover ED, Laflin M, Edwards SW. Age of initiation and switching patterns
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 12
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
between smokeless tobacco and cigarettes among college students in the United
States. Am J Public Health 1989;79:207-8.
8. CDC. Tobacco use in 1986: methods and tabulations from Adult Use of Tobacco
Survey. Rockville, Maryland: US Department of Health and Human Services,
Public Health Service, CDC, 1990; DHHS publication no. (OM)90-2004.
9. Public Health Service. Healthy people 2000: national health promotion and
disease prevention objectives. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and
Human Services, Public Health Service, 1991; DHHS publication no. (PHS)91-
50213.
--------- end of part 1 ------------
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University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Suggested Reading
Tan SL, Royston P, Campbell S, Jacobs HS, Betts J, Mason B, Edwards RG (1992).
Cumulative conception and Livebirth rates after in-vitro fertilization. Lancet
339:1390-1394.
For further information, call:
Physicians' Resource Line
1-800-328-5868
in Tucson:
694-5868
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 28
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Articles
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LOW LEVELS OF AIRBORNE PARTICLES LINKED
TO SERIOUS ASTHMA ATTACKS
American Lung Association
A new study published by the American Lung Association has shown that
surprisingly low concentrations of airborne particles can send people with
asthma rushing to emergency rooms for treatment.
The Seattle-based study showed that roughly one in eight emergency visits
for asthma in that city was linked to exposure to particulate air pollution.
The actual exposure levels recorded in the study were far below those deemed
unsafe under federal air quality laws.
"People with asthma have inflamed airways, and airborne particles tend to
exacerbate that inflammation," said Joel Schwartz, Ph.D., of the Environmental
Protection Agency, who was the lead author of the study.  "When people are on
the threshold of having, a serious asthma attack, particles can push them over
the edge."
The Seattle Study correlated 13 months of asthma emergency room visits
with daily levels of PM,,,. or particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter
of 10 microns or less.  These finer particles are considered hazardous because
they are small enough penetrate into the lung.  Cities are considered out of
compliance with clean air laws if the 24-hour average concentration of PM10
exceeds 150 micrograms per cubic millimeter of air.
In Seattle however, a link between fine particles and asthma was found at
levels as low as 30 micrograms.  The authors concluded that for every 30
microgram increase in the four-day average of PM10, the odds of someone with
asthma needing emergency treatment increased by 12 percent.
The findings were published in the April American Review of Respiratory
Disease, an official journal of the American Thoracic Society, the Lung
Association's medical section.
The study is the latest in a series of recent reports to suggest that
particulate matter is a greatly under appreciated health threat.  A 1992 study
by Dr. Schwartz and Douglas Dockery, Ph.D., of Harvard found that particles
may be causing roughly 60,000 premature deaths each year in the United States.
Other studies have linked particulate matter to increased respiratory symptoms
and bronchitis in children.
"Government officials and the media are still very focused on ozone,"
says Dr. Schwartz.  "But more and more research is showing that particles are
bad actors as well."      One problem in setting, standards for particulate
air pollution is that PMIO is difficult to study.  Unlike other regulated
pollutants such as ozone and carbon monoxide, particulate matter is a complex
and varying mixture of substances, including carbon, hydrocarbons, dust, and
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 29
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
acid aerosols.
"Researchers can't Put people in exposure chambers to study the effects
of particulate air pollution," says Dr. Schwartz.  "We have no way of
duplicating the typical urban mix of particles.  " Consequently, most of what
is known about particulates has been learned through population-based research
like the Seattle study.
Given that the EPA's current priority is to review the ozone and sulfur
dioxide standards, the agency is unlikely to reexamine the PM10 standard any
time soon.  Until changes are made, there appears to be little people with
asthma can do to protect themselves from airborne particles.
"In some areas, you can get reports on air quality, but the reports only
cover the pollutant that is closest to violating its standard, and that's
rarely particulate matter," says Dr.  Schwartz.  "However, PM10 doesn't have
to be near its violation range to be unhealthy."
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 30
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
NIH Consensus Development Conference on Melanoma
The National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on
Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Melanoma brought together experts in
dermatology, pathology, epidemiology, public education, surveillance
techniques, and potential new technologies as well as other health care
professionals and the public to address (1) the clinical and histological
characteristics of early melanoma; (2) the appropriate diagnosis, management,
and followup of patients with early melanoma; (3) the role of dysplastic nevi
and their significance; and (4) the role of education and screening in
preventing melanoma morbidity and mortality.  Following 2 days of
presentations by experts and discussion by the audience, a consensus panel
weighed the scientific evidence and prepared their consensus statement.
Among their findings, the panel recommended that (1) melanoma in situ is a
distinct entity effectively treated surgically with 0.5 centimeter margins;
(2) thin invasive melanoma, less than 1 millimeter thick, has the potential
for long-term survival in more than 90 percent of patients after surgical
excision with a 1 centimeter margin; (3) elective lymph node dissections and
extensive staging evaluations are not recommended in early melanoma; (4)
patients with early melanoma are at low risk for relapse but may be at high
risk for development of subsequent melanomas and should be followed closely;
(5) some family members of patients with melanoma are at increased risk for
melanoma and should be enrolled in surveillance programs; and (6) education
and screening programs have the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality
from melanoma.
A copy of the full text of the consensus panel's statement is available by
calling the NIH Office of Medical Applications of Research at (301) 496-1143
or by writing to:  Office of Medical Applications of Research, National
Institutes of Health, Federal Building, Room 618, Bethesda, MD 20892.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 31
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
The Cancer Centers Program is comprised of 55 NCI-designated Cancer Centers
actively engaged in multidisciplinary research efforts to reduce cancer
incidence, morbidity, and mortality.  Within the program, there are four types
of cancer centers:  basic science cancer centers (14), which engage primarily
in basic cancer research; clinical cancer centers (12), which focus on
clinical research; "comprehensive" cancer centers (28), which emphasize a
multidisciplinary approach to cancer research, patient care, and community
outreach; and consortium cancer centers (1), which specialize in cancer
prevention and control research.
Although some cancer centers existed in the late 1960s and the 1970s, it was
the National Cancer Act of 1971 that authorized the establishment of 15 new
cancer centers, as well as continuing support for existing ones.  The passage
of the act also dramatically transformed the centers' structure and broadened
the scope of their mission to include all aspects of basic, clinical, and
cancer control research.  Over the next two decades, the centers' program grew
progressively.
In 1990, there were 19 comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. Today,
there are 28 of these institutions, all of which meet specific NCI criteria
for comprehensive status.
To attain recognition from the NCI as a comprehensive cancer center, an
institution must pass rigorous peer review.  Under guidelines newly
established in 1990, the eight criteria for "comprehensiveness" include the
requirement that a center have a strong core of basic laboratory research in
several scientific fields, such as biology and molecular genetics, a strong
program of clinical research, and an ability to transfer research findings
into clinical practice.
Moreover, five of the criteria for comprehensive status go significantly
beyond that required for attaining a Cancer Center Support Grant (also
referred to as a P30 or core grant), the mechanism of choice for supporting
the infrastructure of a cancer center's operations.  These criteria encompass
strong participation in NCI-designated high-priority clinical trials,
significant levels of cancer prevention and control research, and important
outreach and educational activities--all of which are funded by a variety of
sources.
The other types of cancer centers also have special characteristics and
capabilities for organizing new programs of research that can exploit
important new findings or address timely research questions.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 32
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Of the 55 NCI-designated Cancer Centers, 14 are of the basic science type.
These centers engage almost entirely in basic research, although some centers
engage in collaborative research with outside clinical research investigators
and in cooperative projects with industry to generate medical applications
from new discoveries in the laboratory.
Clinical cancer centers, in contrast, focus on both basic research and
clinical research within the same institutional framework, and frequently
incorporate nearby affiliated clinical research institutions into their
overall research programs.  There are 12 such centers today.
Finally, consortium cancer centers, of which there is one, are uniquely
structured and concentrate on clinical research and cancer prevention and
control research.  These centers interface with state and local public health
departments for the purpose of achieving the transfer of effective prevention
and control techniques from their research findings to those institutions
responsible for implementing population-wide public health programs.
Consortium centers also are heavily engaged in collaborations with
institutions that conduct clinical trial research and coordinate community
hospitals within a network of cooperating institutions in clinical trials.
Together, the 55 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers continue to work toward
creating new and innovative approaches to cancer research, and through
interdisciplinary efforts, to effectively move this research from the
laboratory into clinical trials and into clinical practice.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers (Internet addresses are given where available)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center
Basic Health Sciences Building, Room 108
1918 University Boulevard
Birmingham, Alabama 35294
(205) 934-6612
University of Arizona Cancer Center
1501 North Campbell Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85724
(602) 626-6372
Internet:  syd@azcc.arizona.edu
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of California at Los Angeles
200 Medical Plaza
Los Angeles, California 90027
(213) 206-0278
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 33
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Internet:  rick@jccc.medsch.ucla.edu
Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Southern California
1441 Eastlake Avenue
Los Angeles, California  90033-0804
(213) 226-2370
Yale University Comprehensive Cancer Center
333 Cedar Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
(203) 785-6338
Lombardi Cancer Research Center
Georgetown University Medical Center
3800 Reservoir Road, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 687-2192
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Miami Medical School
1475 Northwest 12th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33136
(305) 548-4800
Internet:  hlam@mednet.med.miami.edu
Johns Hopkins Oncology Center
600 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21205
(410) 955-8638
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
(617) 732-3214
Internet:  Kristie_Stevenson@macmailgw.dfci.harvard.edu
Meyer L. Prentis Comprehensive Cancer Center of Metropolitan
Detroit
110 East Warren Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201
(313) 745-4329
Internet:  cummings%oncvx1.dnet@rocdec.roc.wayne.edu
University of Michigan Cancer Center
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 34
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
101 Simpson Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0752
(313) 936-9583
BITNET:  kallie.bila.michels@um.cc.umich.edu
Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center
200 First Street Southwest
Rochester, Minnesota 55905
(507) 284-3413
Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756
(603) 646-5505
BITNET:  edward.bresnick@dartmouth.edu
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, New York 14263
(716) 845-4400
Columbia University Comprehensive Cancer Center
College of Physicians and Surgeons
630 West 168th Street
New York, New York 10032
(212) 305-6905
Internet:  janie@cuccfa.ccc.columbia.edu
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, New York 10021
(800) 525-2225
Kaplan Cancer Center
New York University Medical Center
462 First Avenue
New York, New York 10016-9103
(212) 263-6485
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
(919) 966-4431
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 35
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
P.O. Box 3814
Durham, North Carolina 27710
(919) 286-5515
Cancer Center of Wake Forest University at the Bowman Gray School
of Medicine
300 South Hawthorne Road
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103
(919) 748-4354
Internet:  ccwfumail@phs.bgsm.wfu.edu
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
300 West 10th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 293-5485
Internet:  dyoung@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
Fox Chase Cancer Center
7701 Burholme Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111
(215) 728-2570
Internet:  s_davis@fccc.edu
University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
(215) 662-6364
Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
200 Meyran Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-2592
(800) 537-4063
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77030
(713) 792-3245
Vermont Cancer Center
University of Vermont
1 South Prospect Street
Burlington, Vermont 05401
(802) 656-4580
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 36
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1124 Columbia Street
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 667-4675
Internet:  sedmonds@cclink.fhcrc.org
University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53792
(608) 263-8600
BITNET:  carbone@uwccc.biostat.wisc.edu
Clinical Cancer Centers
University of California at San Diego Cancer Center
225 Dickinson Street
San Diego, California 92103
(619) 543-6178
Internet:  dedavis@ucsd.edu
City of Hope National Medical Center
Beckman Research Institute
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, California 91010
(818) 359-8111 ext. 2292
University of Colorado Cancer Center
4200 East 9th Avenue, Box B188
Denver, Colorado 80262
(303) 270-7235
University of Chicago Cancer Research Center
5841 South Maryland Avenue, Box 444
Chicago, Illinois 60637
(312) 702-6180
Internet:  judith@delphi.bsd.uchicago.edu
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, New York 10461
(212) 920-4826
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 37
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
University of Rochester Cancer Center
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704
Rochester, New York 14642
(716) 275-4911
Internet:  rickb@wotan.medicine.rochester.edu
Ireland Cancer Center Case Western Reserve University
University Hospitals of Cleveland
2074 Abington Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
(216) 844-5432
Roger Williams Cancer Center
Brown University
825 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, Rhode Island 02908
(401) 456-2071
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
332 North Lauderdale Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38101-0318
(901) 522-0306
Internet:  meyer@mbcf.stjude.org
Institute for Cancer Research and Care
4450 Medical Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78229
(512) 616-5580
Utah Regional Cancer Center
University of Utah Health Sciences Center
50 North Medical Drive, Room 2C110
Salt Lake City, Utah 84132
(801) 581-4048
BITNET:  hogan@cc.utah.edu
Massey Cancer Center
Medical College of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
1200 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23298
(804) 786-9641
Consortia
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 38
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
Drew-Meharry-Morehouse Consortium Cancer Center
1005 D.B. Todd Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37208
(615) 327-6927
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 39
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
General Announcments
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE UCI MEDICAL EDUCATION SOFTWARE REPOSITORY
This is to announce the establishment of an FTP site at the University of
California, for the collection of shareware, public-domain software and other
information relating to Medical Education.
Specifically, we are interested in establishing this site as a clearinghouse
for personally developed software that has been developed for local medical
education programs.  We welcome all contributions that may be shared with
other users.
To connect to the UCI Medical Education Software Repository, ftp to:
FTP.UCI.EDU
The Repository currently offers both MSDOS and Macintosh software, and we hope
to support other operating systems (UNIX, MUMPS, AMIGA?).
Uploads are welcome.  We actively solicit information and software which you
have personaly developed or have found useful in your local medical education
efforts, either as an instructor or student.
Once you have connected to the site via FTP, cd (change directory) to either
the med-ed/mac/incoming or the med-ed/msdos/incoming directories, change the
mode to binary and "send" or "put" your files.  Note that you won't be able to
see the files with the "ls" or "dir" commands.  Please compress your files as
appropriate to the operating system (ZIP for MSDOS; Compactor or something
similar for Macintosh) to save disk space.
After uploading, please send email to Steve Clancy (slclancy@uci.edu) (for
MSDOS) or Albert Saisho (saisho@uci.edu) (for MAC) describing the file(s) you
have uploaded and any other information we might need to describe it.
Note that we can only accept software or information that has been designated
as shareware, public-domain or that may otherwise be distributed freely.
Please do not upload commercial software!  Doing so may jeopardize the
existence of this FTP site.
If you wish to upload software for other operating systems, please contact
either Steve Clancy, M.L.S. or Albert Saisho, M.D. at the addresses above.
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 40
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AIDS News Summaries
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AIDS Daily Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National AIDS
Clearinghouse makes available the following information as a public  service
only. Providing this information does not constitute endorsement  by the CDC,
the CDC Clearinghouse, or any other organization. Reproduction  of this text
is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold.  Copyright 1993, Information,
Inc., Bethesda, MD
==================================================================
April 12, 1993
==================================================================
"NIH Set to Test Multiple AIDS Vaccines" Reuters (04/08/93)  (Frank,
Jacqueline)
Washington--The Clinton administration will permit the National
Institutes of Health to test multiple AIDS vaccines instead of  only allowing
the Army to test a single vaccine, administration  sources said Thursday.  The
decision ends the controversy between Army AIDS researchers who had hoped to
test a vaccine made by  MicroGeneSys Inc. and the National Institutes of
Health, which  contended that multiple vaccines should be tested.  Health and
Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala said a final announcement  on the
therapeutic vaccine trials was expected to be made last  Friday.  Companies
including Genentech Inc., Chiron Corp., and  Immuno AG have already told NIH
that they are prepared to  participate in the vaccine tests.  The testing is
intended to  demonstrate whether AIDS vaccines are effective in thwarting the
replication of HIV in patients already infected.  Shalala refuted last week's
reports that the Clinton administration had decided  the Army's test of the
MicroGeneSys VaxSyn should proceed without tests of others at the same time.
"The report was inaccurate,  and I expect there to be some announcement in the
next 24 hours  about that particular AIDS research project," said Shalala.
Administration sources subsequently confirmed that NIH director  Dr. Bernadine
Healy and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler had
convinced the White House that multiple  vaccines should be tested
simultaneously.  But MicroGeneSys  president Frank Volvovitz said a test of
multiple vaccines could  triple the cost of the trial and delay it by two
years.
==================================================================
HICNet Medical Newsletter                                              Page 41
Volume  6, Number 10                                           April 20, 1993
"The Limits of AZT's Impact on HIV" U.S. News & World Report (04/12/93) Vol.
114, No. 14, P. 18
AZT has become the most widely used drug to fight AIDS since it  was
approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1987.   Burroughs Wellcome,
the manufacturer of AZT, made $338 million  last year alone from sales of the
drug.  However, a team of  European researchers recently reported that
although HIV-positive patients taking AZT demonstrated a slightly lower risk
of  developing AIDS within the first year of treatment, that benefit
disappeared two years later.  The Lancet published preliminary  findings of
the three-year study, which could give more reason  for critics to argue the
drug's cost, side effects, and general  efficacy.  Even though U.S.
researchers concede the study was  more comprehensive than American trials,
many argue the European  researchers' suggestion that HIV-positive patients
experience  little improvement in their illness before the development of
AIDS symptoms.  In addition, researchers have long been familiar  with the
--------- end of part 3 ------------
---
Internet: david@stat.com                  FAX: +1 (602) 451-1165
Bitnet: ATW1H@ASUACAD                     FidoNet=> 1:114/15
Amateur Packet ax25: wb7tpy@wb7tpy.az.usa.na
From: caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Organization: Omen Technology INC, Portland Rain Forest
Lines: 29
In article <1r3ks8INNica@lynx.unm.edu> bhjelle@carina.unm.edu () writes:
>In article <1993Apr21.091844.4035@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:
>>In article <19687@pitt.UUCP> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>>>
>>>Can you provide a reference to substantiate that gaining back
>>>the lost weight does not constitute "weight rebound" until it
>>>exceeds the starting weight?  Or is this oral tradition that
>>>is shared only among you obesity researchers?
>>
>>Not one, but two:
>>
>>Obesity in Europe 88,
>>proceedings of the 1st European Congress on Obesity
>>
>>Annals of NY Acad. Sci. 1987
>>
>Hmmm. These don't look like references to me. Is passive-aggressive
>behavior associated with weight rebound? :-)
>
>Brian
I purposefully left off the page numbers to encourage the reader to
study the volumes mentioned, and benefit therefrom.
--
Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX          ...!tektronix!reed!omen!caf
Author of YMODEM, ZMODEM, Professional-YAM, ZCOMM, and DSZ
Omen Technology Inc    "The High Reliability Software"
17505-V NW Sauvie IS RD   Portland OR 97231   503-621-3406
From: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Subject: Re: Could this be a migraine?
Distribution: world
Organization: Invention Factory's BBS - New York City, NY - 212-274-8298v.32bis
Reply-To: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
Lines: 31
GB> From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
GB> >(I am excepting migraine, which is arguably neurologic).
GB> I hope you meant "inarguably".
Given the choice, I would rather argue <g>.
No arguments about migranous aura; in fact, current best evidence is
that aura is intrinsicially neuronal (a la spreading depression of
Leao) rather than vascular (something causing vasoconstriction and
secondary neuronal ischemia).
Migraine without aura, however, is a fuzzier issue.  There do not
seem to be objectively measurable changes in brain function.  The
Copenhagen mafia (Lauritzen, Olesen, et al) have done local CBF
studies on migraine without aura, and (unlike migraine with aura,
but like tension-type) they found no changes in LCBF.
From one (absurd) perspective, *all* pain is neurologic, because in
the absence of a nervous system, there would not be pain.  From
another (tautologic) perspective, any disease is in the domain of
the specialty that treats it.  Neurologists treat headache,
therefore (at least in the USA) headache is neurologic.
Whether neurologic or not, nobody would disagree that disabling
headaches are common.  Perhaps my fee-for-service neurologic
colleagues, scrounging for cases, want all the headache patients
they can get.  Working on a salary, however, I would rather not fill
my office with patients holding their heads in pain.
---
. SLMR 2.1 . E-mail: jim.zisfein@factory.com (Jim Zisfein)
From: thom@morgan.ucs.mun.ca (Thomas Clancy)
Subject: Re: Thrush ((was: Good Grief! (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)))
Organization: Memorial University of Newfoundland
Lines: 55
dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>In article <21APR199308571323@ucsvax.sdsu.edu> mccurdy@ucsvax.sdsu.edu (McCurdy M.) writes:
>>Dyer is beyond rude.
I'll drink to that.
>Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I didn't threaten to rip your lips off, did I?
>Snort.
>>There have been and always will be people who are blinded by their own
>>knowledge and unopen to anything that isn't already established. Given what
>>the medical community doesn't know, I'm surprised that he has this outlook.
>Duh.
Nice to see Steve still has his high and almighty intellectual prowess
in tact.
>>For the record, I have had several outbreaks of thrush during the several
>>past few years, with no indication of immunosuppression or nutritional
>>deficiencies. I had not taken any antobiotics.
>Listen: thrush is a recognized clinical syndrome with definite
>characteristics.  If you have thrush, you have thrush, because you can
>see the lesions and do a culture and when you treat it, it generally
>responds well, if you're not otherwise immunocompromised.  Noring's
>anal-retentive idee fixe on having a fungal infection in his sinuses
>is not even in the same category here, nor are these walking neurasthenics
>who are convinced they have "candida" from reading a quack book.
Yawn...
>>My dentist (who sees a fair amount of thrush) recommended acidophilous:
>>After I began taking acidophilous on a daily basis, the outbreaks ceased.
>>When I quit taking the acidophilous, the outbreaks periodically resumed.
>>I resumed taking the acidophilous with no further outbreaks since then.
>So?
Exactly my question to you, Steve. What's your point? This person had
one, you didn't
>--
>Steve Dyer
Nice to see that some things never change, Steve, if you aren't being
ignorant in one group [*.alternative] you're into another. One positive
thing came out of it, you are no longer bothering the folks in
*.alternative, it's just a shame that these people have to suffer so
that others may breath freely.
Sorry for wasting bandwidth folks. Don't forget to bow down once
every second day, and to offer your first born to the almight
omniscient, omnipotent, Mr. Steve.
From: dsc@gemini.gsfc.nasa.gov (Doug S. Caprette)
Subject: CS chemical agent
Organization: CDP VLBI
Lines: 10
Can anyone provide information on CS chemical agent--the tear gas used recently
in WACO.  Just what is it chemically, and what are its effects on the body?
dsc@gemini.gsfc.nasa.gov
|  Regards,         |   Hughes STX                |    Code 926.9 GSFC        |
|  Doug Caprette    |   Lanham, Maryland          |    Greenbelt, MD  20771   |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A path is laid one stone at a time" -- The Giant
From: annick@cortex.physiol.su.oz.au (Annick Ansselin)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Nntp-Posting-Host: cortex.physiol.su.oz.au
Organization: Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
Lines: 29
In <C5nFDG.8En@sdf.lonestar.org> marco@sdf.lonestar.org (Steve Giammarco) writes:
>>
>>And to add further fuel to the flame war, I read about 20 years ago that
>>the "natural" MSG - extracted from the sources you mention above - does not
>>cause the reported aftereffects; it's only that nasty "artificial" MSG -
>>extracted from coal tar or whatever - that causes Chinese Restaurant
>>Syndrome.  I find this pretty hard to believe; has anyone else heard it?
MSG is mono sodium glutamate, a fairly straight forward compound. If it is
pure, the source should not be a problem. Your comment suggests that
impurities may be the cause.
My experience of MSG effects (as part of a double blind study) was that the
pure stuff caused me some rather severe effects.
>I was under the (possibly incorrect) assumption that most of the MSG on
>our foods was made from processing sugar beets. Is this not true? Are
>there other sources of MSG?
Soya bean, fermented cheeses, mushrooms all contain MSG.
>I am one of those folx who react, sometimes strongly, to MSG. However,
>I also react strongly to sodium chloride (table salt) in excess. Each
>causes different symptoms except for the common one of rapid heartbeat
>and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in my chest, upper left quadrant.
The symptoms I had were numbness of jaw muscles in the first instance
followed by the arms then the legs, headache, lethargy and unable to keep
awake. I think it may well affect people differently.
From: lmegna@titan.ucs.umass.edu (Lisa Megna)
Subject: Neurofibromatosis
Organization: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Lines: 15
NNTP-Posting-Host: titan.ucs.umass.edu
Hello,
I am writing a grant proposal for a Developmental Genetics class and I
have chose to look at the Neurofibromatosis 1 gene and its variable
expressivity.  I am curious what has already been done on this subject,
especially the relationship between specific mutations and the resulting
phenotype.  My literature search has produce many references, but I want to
make sure I am proposing new research.  If anyone knows aything that has been
recently or key peopl doing research to search for using MEDLINE, I would
apprciate being informed.
Thank you.
Lisa Megna
lmegna@titan.ucc.umass.edu
From: x92lee22@gw.wmich.edu
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Western Michigan University
Lines: 33
In article <annick.735440726@cortex.physiol.su.oz.au>, annick@cortex.physiol.su.oz.au (Annick Ansselin) writes:
> In <C5nFDG.8En@sdf.lonestar.org> marco@sdf.lonestar.org (Steve Giammarco) writes:
>
>>>
>>>And to add further fuel to the flame war, I read about 20 years ago that
>>>the "natural" MSG - extracted from the sources you mention above - does not
>>>cause the reported aftereffects; it's only that nasty "artificial" MSG -
>>>extracted from coal tar or whatever - that causes Chinese Restaurant
>>>Syndrome.  I find this pretty hard to believe; has anyone else heard it?
>
> MSG is mono sodium glutamate, a fairly straight forward compound. If it is
> pure, the source should not be a problem. Your comment suggests that
> impurities may be the cause.
> My experience of MSG effects (as part of a double blind study) was that the
> pure stuff caused me some rather severe effects.
>
>>I was under the (possibly incorrect) assumption that most of the MSG on
>>our foods was made from processing sugar beets. Is this not true? Are
>>there other sources of MSG?
>
> Soya bean, fermented cheeses, mushrooms all contain MSG.
>
>>I am one of those folx who react, sometimes strongly, to MSG. However,
>>I also react strongly to sodium chloride (table salt) in excess. Each
>>causes different symptoms except for the common one of rapid heartbeat
>>and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in my chest, upper left quadrant.
>
> The symptoms I had were numbness of jaw muscles in the first instance
> followed by the arms then the legs, headache, lethargy and unable to keep
> awake. I think it may well affect people differently.
Well, I think msg is made from a kind of plant call "tapioca" and not those
staff you mentiond above.
Subject: Re: Broken rib
From: jc@oneb.almanac.bc.ca
Organization: The Old Frog's Almanac, Nanaimo, B.C.
Keywords: advice needed
Summary: thanx for the comeback
Lines: 7
Hello , I think you are probaly right, in spite of the movement
it is getting better each day.  cheers
jc@oneb.almanac.bc.ca (John Cross)
The Old Frog's Almanac  (Home of The Almanac UNIX Users Group)
(604) 245-3205 (v32)    <Public Access UseNet>    (604) 245-4366 (2400x4)
Vancouver Island, British Columbia    Waffle XENIX 1.64
From: u96_averba@vaxc.stevens-tech.edu
Subject: Arythmia
Lines: 11
Organization: Stevens Institute Of Technology
I don't know if anyone knows about this topic: electrical heart
failure. One of my friends has had to go to the doctor because
he had chest pains. The Doc said it was Arythmia. So he had to
go to a new york hospital for a lot of money to get treated. His
doctors said that he could die from it, and the medication caused
cancer ( that he was taking). Well, I suggested that he run, excersize
and eat more, ( he is very skinny) but he says that has nothing
to do with it. Does anyone know what causes arythmia and how
it can be treated?
Thanks
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Subject: Re: Acutane, Fibromyalgia Syndrome and CFS
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 37
[reply to Daniel.Prince@f129.n102.z1.calcom.socal.com (Daniel Prince]
>There is a person on the FIDO CFS echo who claims that he was cured of
>CFS by taking accutane.  He also claims that you are using it in the
>treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome.  Are you using accutane in the
>treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome?
Yes.
>Have you used it for CFS?
It seems to work equally well for CFS, another hint that these may be
different facets of the same underlying process.
>Have you gotten good results with it?
Yes.  The benefit is usually evident within a few days of starting it.
Most of the patients for whom it has worked well continued low-dose
amitriptyline, daily aerobic excersise, and a regular sleep schedule
(current standard therapy).  Because of the cost (usually > $150/mo.,
depending on dose) and potential for significant side effects like
corneal injury and birth defects, I currently reserve it for those who
fail conventional treatment.  It is important that the person
prescribing it have some experience with it and follow the patient
closely.
>Are you aware of any double blind studies on the use of accutane in
>these conditions?  Thank you in advance for all replies.
As far as I know, I am the only person looking at it currently.  I
should get off my duff and finish writing up some case reports.  I'm not
an academic physician, so I don't feel the pressure to publish or perish
and I don't have the time during the work day for such things.
David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
From: nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu (David Nye)
Subject: Re: Good Grief! (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Lines: 29
[reply to aldridge@netcom.com (Jacquelin Aldridge)]
>Medicine is not a totally scientific endevour.
The acquisition of scientific knowledge is completely scientific.  The
application of that knowledge in individual cases may be more art than
science.
>There are diseases that haven't been described yet and the root cause
>of many diseases now described aren't known. (Read a book on
>gastroenterology sometime if you want to see a lot of them.) After
>scientific methods have run out then it's the patient's freedom of
>choice to try any experimental method they choose. And it's well
>recognized by many doctors that medicine doesn't have all the answers.
Certainly we don't have all the answers.  The question is, what is the
most reliable means of acquiring further medical knowledge?  The
scientific method has proven itself to be reliable.  The *only* reason
alternative therapies are shunned by physicians is that their
practitioners refuse to submit their theories to rigorous scientific
scrutiny, insisting that "tradition" or anecdotal evidence are
sufficient.  These have been shown many times in the past to be very
unreliable ways of acquiring reliable knowledge.  Crook's ideas have
never been backed up by scientific evidence.  His unwillingness to do
good science makes the rest of us doubt the veracity of his contentions.
David Nye (nyeda@cnsvax.uwec.edu).  Midelfort Clinic, Eau Claire WI
This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher
must learn not to be frightened by absurdities. -- Bertrand Russell
From: des@helix.nih.gov (David E. Scheim)
Subject: Re: Burzynski's "Antineoplastons"
Organization: NIH
Lines: 58
In article <jschwimmer.123.735362184@wccnet.wcc.wesleyan.edu> jschwimmer@wccnet.wcc.wesleyan.edu (Josh Schwimmer) writes:
>I've recently listened to a tape by Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, in which he
>claims to have discovered a series naturally occuring peptides with anti-
>cancer properties that he names antineoplastons.  Burzynski says that his
>work has met with hostility in the United States, despite the favorable
>responses of his subjects during clinical trials.
>What is the generally accepted opinion of Dr. Burzynski's research?  He
>paints himself as a lone researcher with a new breakthrough battling an
>intolerant medical establishment, but I have no basis from which to judge
>his claims.  Two weeks ago, however, I read that the NIH's Department of
>Alternative Medicine has decided to focus their attention on Burzynski's
>work.  Their budget is so small that I imagine they wouldn't investigate a
>treatment that didn't seem promising.
>Any opinions on Burzynski's antineoplastons or information about the current
>status of his research would be appreciated.
>--
>Joshua Schwimmer
>jschwimmer@eagle.wesleyan.edu
There's been extensive discussion on the CompuServe Cancer Forum about Dr.
Burzynski's treatment as a result of the decision of a forum member's father
to undertake his treatment for brain glioblastoma.  This disease is
universally and usually rapidly fatal.  After diagnosis in June 1992, the
tumor was growing rapidly despite radiation and chemotherapy.  The forum
member checked extensively on Dr. Burzynki's track record for this disease.
He spoke to a few patients in complete remission for a few years from
glioblastoma following this treatment and to an NCI oncologist who had
audited other such case histories and found them valid and impressive.
After the forum member's father began Dr. Burzynski's treatment in
September, all subsequent scans performed under the auspices of his
oncologist in Chicago have shown no tumor growth with possible signs of
shrinkage or necrosis.
The patient's oncologist, although telling him he would probably not live
past December 1992, was vehemently opposed to his trying Dr. Burzynski's
treatment.  Since the tumor stopped its rapid growth under Dr. Burzynski's
treatment, she's since changed her attitude toward continuing these
treatments, saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Dr. Burzynski is an M.D., Ph.D. with a research background who found a
protein that is at very low serum levels in cancer patients, synthesized it,
and administers it to patients with certain cancer types.  There is little
understanding of the actual mechanism of activity.
/*********************************************************************/
/*                      --- David E. Scheim ---                      */
/* BITNET: none                                                      */
/* INTERNET: desl@helix.nih.gov          PHONE: 301 496-2194         */
/* CompuServe: 73750,3305                  FAX: 301 402-1065         */
/*                                                                   */
/* DISCLAIMER: These comments are offered to share knowledge based   */
/*   upon my personal views.  They do not represent the positions    */
/*   of my employer.                                                 */
/*********************************************************************/
From: cerulean@access.digex.com (Bill Christens-Barry)
Subject: cytoskeleton dynamics
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA
Lines: 16
NNTP-Posting-Host: access.digex.net
Summary: Fast dynamics of cytoskeleton re: transformed cells?
Keywords: cytoskeleton, microtubule, tubulin
I'm looking for good background and review paper references that can help me
understand the dynamics of cytoskeleton in normal and transformed cells.  In
particular, I'm not interested in translational behavior and cell motility,
but rather in the internal motions of the cytoskeleton and its components
under normal and transformed circumstances.
Also, I'd appreciate any data on force constants, mechanical, and elastic
properties of microtubules, and viscous properties of cytoplasm.  Any other
info relevant to the vibrational or acoustical properties of these would
be useful to me.
Thanks...
Bill Christens-Barry
cerulean@access.digex.com
From: ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth)
Subject: Selective Placebo
X-Gated-By: Usenet <==> RoseMail Gateway (v1.70)
Organization: Rose Media Inc, Toronto, Ontario.
Lines: 23
L(>  levin@bbn.com (Joel B Levin) writes:
L(>  John Badanes wrote:
L(>  |JB>  1) Ron...what do YOU consider to be "proper channels"...
L(>
L(>  |  I'm glad it caught your eye. That's the purpose of this forum to
L(>  | educate those, eager to learn, about the facts of life. That phrase
L(>  | is used to bridle the frenzy of all the would-be respondents, who
L(>  | otherwise would feel being left out as the proper authorities to be
L(>  | consulted on that topic. In short, it means absolutely nothing.
L(>
L(>  An apt description of the content of just about all Ron Roth's
L(>  posts to date.  At least there's entertainment value (though it
L(>  is diminishing).
Well, that's easy for *YOU* to say.  All *YOU* have to do is sit
back, soak it all in, try it out on your patients, and then brag
to all your colleagues about that incredibly success rate you're
having all of a sudden...
--Ron--
---
RoseReader 2.00  P003228: For real sponge cake, borrow all ingredients.
RoseMail 2.10 : Usenet: Rose Media - Hamilton (416) 575-5363
From: sheryl@seas.gwu.edu (Sheryl Coppenger)
Subject: Re: Hismanal, et. al.--side effects
Organization: George Washington University
Lines: 28
In article <1993Apr21.024103.29880@spdcc.com> dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>In article <1993Apr20.212706.820@lrc.edu> kjiv@lrc.edu writes:
>>Can someone tell me whether or not any of the following medications
>>has been linked to rapid/excessive weight gain and/or a distorted
>>sense of taste or smell:  Hismanal; Azmacort (a topical steroid to
>>prevent asthma); Vancenase.
>
>Hismanal (astemizole) is most definitely linked to weight gain.
>It really is peculiar that some antihistamines have this effect,
>and even more so an antihistamine like astemizole which purportedly
>doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier and so tends not to cause
>drowsiness.
>
So antihistamines can cause weight gain.  NOW they tell me. :-)
Is there any way to find out which do & which don't?  My doctor
obviously is asleep at the wheel.
The original poster mentioned fatigue.  I had that too, but it was
mostly due to the really bizarre dreams I was having -- I wasn't getting
any rest.  My doctor said that was a common reaction.  If astemizole
doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier, how does it cause that side
effect?  Any ideas?
--
Sheryl Coppenger    SEAS Computing Facility Staff	sheryl@seas.gwu.edu
The George Washington University	(202) 994-6853
From: bruce@Data-IO.COM (Bruce Reynolds)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Organization: Data I/O Corporation
Lines: 31
smjeff@lerc05.lerc.nasa.gov (Jeff Miller) writes:
>Even properly controlled studies (e.g. double blind studies) are almost
>useless if you are trying to prove that something does not affect anyone.
-- and --
>In article <1qnns0$4l3@agate.berkeley.edu> spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu (Steve Pope) writes:
>The mass of anectdotal evidence, combined with the lack of
>a properly constructed scientific experiment disproving
>the hypothesis, makes the MSG reaction hypothesis the
>most likely explanation for events.
>
Good grief; has no one ever heard of Biostatistics??  The University of
Washington (plus 3 or 4 others [Harvard, UNC]) has a department and
advanced degree program in Biostatistics.  My wife has an MS Biostat, and
there are plenty of MDs, PhDs, and postdocs doing Biostatistical work.
People do this for a living.  Really bright people study for decades to do
this sort of study well.
Anecedotal evidence is worthless.  Even doctors who have been using a drug
or treatment for years, and who swear it is effective, are often suprised
at the results of clinical trials.  Whether or not MSG causes describable,
reportable, documentable symptoms should be pretty simple to discover.
The last study on which my wife worked employed 200 nurses, 100 doctors,
and a dozen Ph.Ds at one University and at 70 hospitals in five nations.  I
would think the MSG question could be settled by one lowly Biostat MS
student in a thesis.
--bruce
From: stgprao@st.unocal.COM (Richard Ottolini)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Organization: Unocal Corporation
Lines: 20
Living things maintain small electric fields to (1) enhance certain
chemical reactions, (2) promote communication of states with in a cell,
(3) communicate between cells (of which the nervous system is a specialized
example), and perhaps other uses.  These electric fields change with location
and time in a large organism.  Special photographic techniques such as applying
external fields in Kirillian photography interact with these fields or the resistances
caused by these fields to make interesting pictures. Perhaps such pictures will
be diagonistic of disease problems in organisms when better understood. Perhaps not.
Studying the overall electric activity of biological systems is several hundred
years old, but not a popular activity.  Perhaps, except in the case of a few
tissues like nerves and the electric senses of fishes, it is hard to reduce the
investigation into small pieces that can be clearly analyzed.  There are some
hints that manipulating electric fields is a useful therapy such as speeding
the healing of broken bones, but not understood why.
Bioelectricity has a long association with mysticism. Ideas such as Frankenstein
reanimation go back to the most early electrical experiments on tissue such as
when Volta invented the battery.  I personally don't care to revert to supernatural
cause to explain things we don't yet understand.
From: Tammy.Vandenboom@launchpad.unc.edu (Tammy Vandenboom)
Subject: sore spot on testicles
Nntp-Posting-Host: lambada.oit.unc.edu
Organization: University of North Carolina Extended Bulletin Board Service
Distribution: na
Lines: 17
My husband woke up three days ago with a small sore spot
(a spot about the size of a nickel) on one of his testicles. Bottom side,
no knots or lumps, just a little sore spot.  He says it reminds him of
how a bruise feels.  He has no recollection of hitting it or anything like
that that would cause a bruise. (He asssures me he'd remember something
like that :-)
Any clues as to what it might be?  He's somewhat of a hypochondriac (sp?)
so he's sure he's gonna die. . .
Thanks!!
--
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Campus Office for Information
Technology, or the Experimental Bulletin Board Service.
internet:  laUNChpad.unc.edu or 152.2.22.80
From: rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu (David Rind)
Subject: Re: Thrush (was: Good Grief! (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Organization: Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Mass., USA
Lines: 24
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
In article <21APR199308571323@ucsvax.sdsu.edu> mccurdy@ucsvax.sdsu.edu
(McCurdy M.) writes:
>My dentist (who sees a fair amount of thrush) recommended acidophilous:
>After I began taking acidophilous on a daily basis, the outbreaks ceased.
>When I quit taking the acidophilous, the outbreaks periodically resumed.
>I resumed taking the acidophilous with no further outbreaks since then.
This is the second post which seems to be blurring the distinction
between real disease caused by Candida albicans and the "disease"
that was being asked about, systemic yeast syndrome.
There is no question that Candida albicans causes thrush.  It also
seems to be the case that active yogurt cultures with acidophilous
may reduce recurrences of thrush at least for vaginal thrush -- I've
never heard of anyone taking it for oral thrush before (though
presumably it would work by the same mechanism).
Candida is clearly a common minor pathogen and a less common major
pathogen.  That does not mean that there is evidence that it causes
the "systemic yeast syndrome".
--
David Rind
rind@enterprise.bih.harvard.edu
From: jacquier@gsbux1.uchicago.edu (Eric Jacquier )
Subject: Opinions on Allergy (Hay Fever) shots?
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations
Lines: 19
Hello,
I am interested in trying this "desensitization" (?) method
against hay fever.
What is the state of affairs about this. I went to a doctor and
paid $85 for a 10 minute interview + 3 scratches, leading to the
diagnostic that I am allergic to (June and Timothy) grass.
I believe this. From now on it looks like 2 shots per week for
6 months followed by 1 shot per month or so. Each shot costs
$20. Talking about soaring costs and the Health care system, I would
call that a racket. We are not talking about rare Amazonian grasses
here, but the garbage which grows behind the doctor's office.
Apart from this issue, I was somewhat disappointed to find out
that you have to keep getting the shots forever. Is that right?
Thanks for information.
Ej
From: williamt@athena.Eng.Sun.COM (William Turnbow)
Subject: Re: Discussions on alt.psychoactives
Organization: Sun Microsystems Inc., Mountain View, CA
Lines: 39
Reply-To: williamt@athena.Eng.sun.com (William Turnbow)
NNTP-Posting-Host: athena
In article <1r4bhsINNhaf@hp-col.col.hp.com> billc@col.hp.com (Bill Claussen) writes:
>
>This group was originally a takeoff from sci.med.  The reason for
>the formation of this group was to discuss prescription psychoactive
>drugs....such as ...
>
>Oh well, obviously, no one really cares.
---
Then let me ask you for a "workable" solution.  We have a name
here that implies certain things to many people.  Rather than trying
to educate each and every person that comes to the group -- is there
some "name" that would imply what this group was originally
intended for?
My dad was a lawyer -- as such I grew up with being a stickler
for "meaning".  In my "reality", psychoactives *technically* could
range from caffeine to datura to the drugs you mention to more
standard recreational drugs.  In practice I had hoped to see it
limited to those that were above some psychoactive level -- like
some of the drugs you mention, but also possibly including *some*
recreational drugs -- but with conversation limited to their psychoactive
effects -- the recent query about "bong water", I thought was a bit
off topic -- so I just hit "k".
But back to the original question -- what is a workable solution --
what is a workable name that would imply the topic you with to
discuss?  It sounds like there should be a alt.smartdrugs, or something
similar -- I don't feel psychoactives would generally be used to
describe alot of those drugs.  There is a big difference between a
drug that if taken in "certain doses, over a period of days may have
a psychoactive effect in some people", vs. many of the drugs in
PIHKAH which *are* psychoactive.
wm
--
:: If pro-choice means choice after conception, does this apply to men too? ::
From: matthews@Oswego.EDU (Harry Matthews)
Subject: Re: GETTING AIDS FROM ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES
Reply-To: matthews@oswego.Oswego.EDU (Harry Matthews)
Organization: Instructional Computing Center, SUNY at Oswego, Oswego, NY
Lines: 22
In article <1r4f8b$euu@agate.berkeley.edu> romdas@uclink.berkeley.edu (Ella I Baff) writes:
>
>   someone wrote in expressing concern about getting AIDS from acupuncture
>   needles.....
>
>Unless your friend is sharing fluids with their acupuncturist who
>themselves has AIDS..it is unlikely (not impossible) they will get AIDS
>from acupuncture needles. Generally, even if accidently inoculated, the normal
>immune response should be enough to effectively handle the minimal contaminant
>involved with acupuncture needle insertion.
>
Isn't this what HIV is about - the "normal immune response" to an exposure?
>Most acupuncturists use disposable needles...use once and throw away.
I had electrical pulse nerve testing done a while back.  The needles were taken
from a dirty drawer in an instrument cart and were most certainly NOT
sterile or even clean for that matter.  More than likely they were fresh
from the previous patient.  I WAS concerned, but I kept my mouth shut.  I
probably should have raised hell!
Any comments?  No excuses.
From: paulson@tab00.larc.nasa.gov (Sharon Paulson)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton VA, USA
Lines: 53
NNTP-Posting-Host: cmb00.larc.nasa.gov
In-reply-to: dozonoff@bu.edu's message of 21 Apr 93 16:18:19 GMT
In article <116305@bu.edu> dozonoff@bu.edu (david ozonoff) writes:
Path: news.larc.nasa.gov!darwin.sura.net!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!linac!att!bu.edu!dozonoff
From: dozonoff@bu.edu (david ozonoff)
Newsgroups: sci.med
Date: 21 Apr 93 16:18:19 GMT
References: <PAULSON.93Apr19081647@cmb00.larc.nasa.gov>
Sender: news@bu.edu
Lines: 22
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5
Sharon Paulson (paulson@tab00.larc.nasa.gov) wrote:
:
{much deleted]
:
:
: The fact that this happened while eating two sugar coated cereals made
: by Kellog's makes me think she might be having an allergic reaction to
: something in the coating or the cereals.  Of the four of us in our
: immediate family, Kathryn shows the least signs of the hay fever, running
: nose, itchy eyes, etc. but we have a lot of allergies in our family history
: including some weird food allergies - nuts, mushrooms.
:
Many of these cereals are corn-based. After your post I looked in the
literature and located two articles that implicated corn (contains
tryptophan) and seizures. The idea is that corn in the diet might
potentiate an already existing or latent seizure disorder, not cause it.
Check to see if the two Kellog cereals are corn based. I'd be interested.
--
David Ozonoff, MD, MPH		 |Boston University School of Public Health
dozonoff@med-itvax1.bu.edu	 |80 East Concord St., T3C
(617) 638-4620			 |Boston, MA 02118
A couple of folks have suggested the "corn connection".  In the five month
period between the two seizures, my daughter had eaten a fair amount of
Kix and Berry Berry Kix in the mornings and never had a problem.  I checked
the labels and the first ingredient is corn.  She has also never had a problem
eating corn or corn on the cob but of course, that is usually later in the day
with a full stomach so the absorption would not be so high.  I do believe that
Frost Flakes have corn in them but I will have to check the Fruit Loops.  But
the fact that she has eaten this other corny cereal in the morning makes me
wonder.
Thanks for checking into this.  All information at this point is valuable to me.
Sharon
--
Sharon Paulson                      s.s.paulson@larc.nasa.gov
NASA Langley Research Center
Bldg. 1192D, Mailstop 156           Work: (804) 864-2241
Hampton, Virginia.  23681           Home: (804) 596-2362
Organization: University of Maine System
From: Andrew T. Robinson <ANDY@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>
Subject: Reasons for hospitals to join Internet?
Lines: 8
What resources and services are available on Internet/BITNET which
would be of interest to hospitals and other medical care providers?
I'm interested in anything relelvant, including institutions and
businesses of interest to the medical profession on Internet,
special services such as online access to libraries or diagnostic
information, etc. etc.
Please reply directly to ANDY@MAINE.EDU
From: roos@Operoni.Helsinki.FI (Christophe Roos)
Subject: Wanted: Rat cell line (adrenal gland/cortical c.)
Summary: Where can I find a rat cell line
Keywords: adrenal_gland cortical_cell cell_line rat
Organization: Institute of Biotechnology (Univ. Helsinki)
Lines: 14
I am looking for a rat cell line of adrenal gland / cortical cell  -type. I
have been looking at ATCC without success and would very much appreciate any
help.
Thank you for reading this.
Christophe Roos
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institute of Biotechnology          Fax:                   +358 0 4346028
POBox 45, Valimotie 7               E-mail:   Christophe.Roos@Helsinki.Fi
University of Helsinki              X-400:           /G=Christophe/S=Roos
SF-00014 Finland                                /O=Helsinki/A=fumail/C=Fi
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: mcg2@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (Marc Gabriel)
Subject: Re: How to Diagnose Lyme... really
Organization: Lehigh University
Lines: 44
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL9]
Gordon Banks (geb@cs.pitt.edu) wrote:
: In article <1993Apr12.201056.20753@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu> mcg2@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (
Marc Gabriel) writes:
: >Now, I'm not saying that culturing is the best way to diagnose; it's very
: >hard to culture Bb in most cases.  The point is that Dr. N has developed a
: >"feel" for what is and what isn't LD.  This comes from years of experience.
: >No serology can match that.  Unfortunately, some would call Dr. N a "quack"
: >and accuse him of trying to make a quick buck.
: >
: Why do you think he would be called a quack?  The quacks don't do cultures.
: They poo-poo doing more lab tests:  "this is Lyme, believe me, I've
: seen it many times.  The lab tests aren't accurate.  We'll treat it
: now."  Also, is Dr. N's practice almost exclusively devoted to treating
: Lyme patients?  I don't know *any* orthopedic surgeons who fit this
: pattern.  They are usually GPs.
No, he does not exclusively treat LD patients.  However, in some parts of the
country, you don't need to be known as an LD "specialist" to see a large
number of LD patients walk through your office.  Given the huge problem of
underdiagnosis, orthopedists encounter late manifestations of the disease just
about every day in their regular practices.  Dr. N. told me that last year,
he sent between 2 and 5 patients a week to the LD specialists... and he is not
the only orthopedists in the town.
Let's say that only 2 people per week actually have LD.  That means at the
*very minimum* 104 people in our town (and immediate area) develop late stage
manifestations of LD *every year*.  Add in the folks who were diagnosed by
neurologists, rheumatologists, GPs, etc, and you can see what kind of problem
we have.  No wonder just about everybody in town personally knows an LD
patient.
He refers most patients to LD specialists, but in extreme cases he puts the
patient on medication immediately to minimize the damage (in most cases, to
the knees).
Gordon is correct when he states that most LD specialists are GPs.
-Marc.
--
--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Marc C. Gabriel        -  U.C. Box 545  -
(215) 882-0138         Lehigh University
From: debbie@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Debbie Forest)
Subject: Re: Hismanal, et. al.--side effects
Organization: Computing Services Division, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Lines: 19
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
In article <1993Apr21.231301.3050@seas.gwu.edu> sheryl@seas.gwu.edu (Sheryl Coppenger) writes:
<In article <1993Apr21.024103.29880@spdcc.com> dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
<>Hismanal (astemizole) is most definitely linked to weight gain.
<>It really is peculiar that some antihistamines have this effect,
<>and even more so an antihistamine like astemizole which purportedly
<>doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier and so tends not to cause
<>drowsiness.
<
<The original poster mentioned fatigue.  I had that too, but it was
<mostly due to the really bizarre dreams I was having -- I wasn't getting
<any rest.  My doctor said that was a common reaction.  If astemizole
<doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier, how does it cause that side
<effect?  Any ideas?
It made me really BITCHY for the first few weeks.  Now that I think about
it I was having some bizarre dreams too.  My doctor said it made him feel
like he had to be DOING something all the time.  But if you keep taking it,
after a few weeks these symptoms seem to go away, he said hang in there.
I did and they did.
From: shavlik@cs.wisc.edu (Jude Shavlik)
Subject: Program & Reg Forms: 1st Int Conf on Intell Sys for Molecular Biology
Keywords: computational biology, artificial intelligence
Organization: U of Wisconsin CS Dept
Lines: 482
[For those attending the AAAI conf this summer, note that
this conference is immediately preceding it.]
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM AND REGISTRATION MATERIALS
First International Conference on
Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology
Washington, D.C.
July 6-9, 1993
Sponsored by:
The National Institutes of Health,
National Library of Medicine
The Department of Energy,
Office of Health and Environmental Research
The Biomatrix Society
The American Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)
Poster Session and Tutorials:
Bethesda Ramada Hotel
Technical Sessions:
Lister Hill Center Auditorium, National Library of Medicine
For more information contact ISMB@nlm.nih.gov or FAX (608)262-9777
PURPOSE
This, the First International Conference on Intelligent Systems
for Molecular Biology, is the inaugural meeting in a series
intended to bring together scientists who are applying the
technologies of artificial intelligence, robotics, machine
learning, massively parallel computing, advanced data modelling,
and related methods to problems in molecular biology.  The scope
extends to any computational or robotic system supporting a
biological task that is cognitively challenging, involves a
synthesis of information from multiple sources at multiple levels,
or in some other way exhibits the abstraction and emergent
properties of an "intelligent system."
FACILITIES
The conference will be held at
Lister Hill Center
National Library of Medicine
8600 Rockville Pike
NIH, Building 38A
Bethesda MD 20894
Seating in the conference center is strictly limited, so
registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Accomodations, as well as a reception and poster session, will be
at the
Bethesda Ramada Hotel
8400 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda MD 20814
A special room rate has been negotiated with the hotel, of $92/day
(expires 6/21).  Attendees must make their own reservations, by
writing the hotel or calling (800)331-5252 and mentioning the
ISMB conference.  To participate in a roommate-matching service,
e-mail opitz@cs.wisc.edu.
TRANSPORTATION
The two facilities are within easy walking distance, convenient to
the subway (Metro Red Line, Medical Center stop), and from there
to the Amtrak station.  Nearby airports include Dulles, National,
and Baltimore-Washington International.
PROCEEDINGS
Full-length papers from both talks and posters will be published in
archival proceedings.  The citation is:
Proceedings of the First International
Conference on Intelligent Systems for
Molecular Biology (eds. L. Hunter,
D. Searls, and J. Shavlik) AAAI/MIT
Press, Menlo Park CA, 1993.
Copies will be distributed at the conference to registered
attendees, and will be available for purchase from the publisher
afterwards.
TALKS
Wednesday, July 7, 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------
8:00-9:00am     Continental Breakfast
9:00-9:15am     Opening Remarks
9:15-10:30am    Invited Talk
"Statistics, Protein Cores, and Predicted Structures"
Prof. Temple Smith (Boston University)
10:30-11:00am	Break
11:00am	"Constructive Induction and Protein Structure Prediction"
T.R. Ioerger, L. Rendell, & S. Surbramaniam
11:30am	"Protein Secondary-Structure Modeling with Probabilistic
Networks"  A.L. Delcher, S. Kasif, H.R. Goldberg, & W. Hsu
12:00-1:30pm	Lunch
1:30pm	"Protein Secondary Structure using Two-Level Case-Based
Reasoning"  B. Leng, B.G. Buchanan, & H.B. Nicholas
2:00pm 	"Automatic Derivation of Substructures Yields Novel
Structural Building Blocks in Globular Proteins"
X. Zhang, J.S. Fetrow, W.A. Rennie, D.L. Waltz, & G. Berg
2:30pm 	"Using Dirichlet Mixture Priors to Derive Hidden Markov
Models for Protein Families" M. Brown, R. Hughey, A. Krogh,
I.S. Mian, K. Sjolander, & D. Haussler
3:00-3:30pm	Break
3:30pm	"Protein Classification using Neural Networks"
E.A. Ferran, B. Pflugfelder, & P. Ferrara
4:00pm	"Neural Networks for Molecular Sequence Classification"
C. Wu, M. Berry, Y-S. Fung, & J. McLarty
4:30pm	"Computationally Efficient Cluster Representation in
Molecular Sequence Megaclassification"  D.J. States, N. Harris,
& L. Hunter
7:00-7:30pm     Poster Setup
7:30-10:00pm    Reception & Poster Session
Thursday, July 8, 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------
8:00-9:00am     Continental Breakfast
9:00-10:15am    Invited Talk
"Large-Scale DNA Sequencing:  A Tale of Mice and Men"
Prof. Leroy Hood (University of Washington)
10:15-10:45am	Break
10:45am	"Pattern Recognition for Automated DNA Sequencing:
I. On-Line Signal Conditioning and Feature Extraction for
Basecalling"  J.B. Bolden III, D. Torgersen, & C. Tibbetts
11:15am	"Genetic Algorithms for Sequence Assembly"
R. Parsons, S. Forrest, & C. Burks
11:45am	"A Partial Digest Approach to Restriction Site Mapping"
S.S. Skiena & G. Sundaram
12:15-2:00pm	Lunch
2:00pm	"Integrating Order and Distance Relationships from
Heterogeneous Maps"  M. Graves
2:30pm	"Discovering Sequence Similarity by the Algorithmic
Significance Method"  A. Milosavljevic
3:00pm	"Identification of Human Gene Functional Regions Based on
Oligonucleotide Composition"  V.V. Solovyev & C.B. Lawrence
3:30pm	"Knowledge Discovery in GENBANK"
J.S. Aaronson, J. Haas, & G.C. Overton
4:00-4:30pm	Break
4:30pm	"An Expert System to Generate Machine Learning
Experiments: Learning with DNA Crystallography Data"
D. Cohen, C. Kulikowski, & H. Berman
5:00pm 	"Detection of Correlations in tRNA Sequences with
Structural Implications"  T.M. Klingler & D. Brutlag
5:30pm	"Probabilistic Structure Calculations: A Three-
Dimensional tRNA Structure from Sequence Correlation Data"
R.B. Altman
Friday, July 9, 1993
-----------------------------------------------------------------
8:00-9:00am     Continental Breakfast
9:00-10:15am    Invited Talk
"Artificial Intelligence and a Grand Unified Theory of
Biochemistry" Prof. Harold Morowitz (George Mason University)
10:15-10:45am	Break
10:45am	"Testing HIV Molecular Biology in in silico Physiologies"
H.B. Sieburg & C. Baray
11:15am	"Identification of Localized and Distributed Bottlenecks
in Metabolic Pathways"  M.L. Mavrovouniotis
11:45am	"Fine-Grain Databases for Pattern Discovery in Gene
Regulation"  S.M. Veretnik & B.R. Schatz
12:15-2:00pm	Lunch
2:00pm	"Representation for Discovery of Protein Motifs"
D. Conklin, S. Fortier, & J. Glasgow
2:30pm	"Finding Relevant Biomolecular Features"
L. Hunter & T. Klein
3:00pm	"Database Techniques for Biological Materials and
Methods"  K. Baclawski, R. Futrelle, N. Fridman,
& M.J. Pescitelli
3:30pm	"A Multi-Level Description Scheme of Protein
Conformation"  K. Onizuka, K. Asai, M. Ishikawa, & S.T.C. Wong
4:00-4:30pm	Break
4:30pm	"Protein Topology Prediction through Parallel Constraint
Logic Programming"  D.A. Clark, C.J. Rawlings, J. Shirazi,
A. Veron, & M. Reeve
5:30pm	"A Constraint Reasoning System for Automating Sequence-
Specific Resonance Assignments in Multidimensional Protein
NMR Spectra"  D. Zimmerman, C. Kulikowski, & G.T. Montelione
5:30-5:45pm	Closing Remarks
POSTER SESSION
The following posters will be on display at the Bethesda Ramada
Hotel from 7:30-10:00pm, Wednesday, July 7.
[1] "The Induction of Rules for Predicting Chemical
Carcinogenesis in Rodents"  D. Bahler & D. Bristol
[2] "SENEX: A CLOS/CLIM Application for Molecular Pathology"
S.S. Ball & V.H. Mah
[3] "FLASH: A Fast Look-Up Algorithm for String Homology"
A. Califano & I. Rigoutsos
[4] "Toward Multi-Strategy Parallel Learning in Sequence
Analysis"  P.K. Chan & S.J. Stolfo
[5] "Protein Structure Prediction: Selecting Salient Features
from Large Candidate Pools"  K.J. Cherkauer & J.W. Shavlik
[6] "Comparison of Two Approaches to the Prediction of Protein
Folding Patterns"  I. Dubchak, S.R. Holbrook, & S.-H. Kim
[7] "A Modular Learning Environment for Protein Modeling"
J. Gracy, L. Chiche & J. Sallantin
[8] "Inference of Order in Genetic Systems"
J.N. Guidi & T.H. Roderick
[9] "PALM - A Pattern Language for Molecular Biology"
C. Helgesen & P.R. Sibbald
[10] "Grammatical Formalization of Metabolic Processes"
R. Hofestedt
[11] "Representations of Metabolic Knowledge"
P.D. Karp & M. Riley
[12] "Protein Sequencing Experiment Planning Using Analogy"
B. Kettler & L. Darden
[13] "Design of an Object-Oriented Database for Reverse Genetics"
K.J. Kochut, J. Arnold, J.A. Miller, & W.D. Potter
[14] "A Small Automaton for Word Recognition in DNA Sequences"
C. Lefevre & J.-E Ikeda
[15] "MultiMap:  An Expert System for Automated Genetic Linkage
Mapping"  T.C. Matise, M. Perlin & A. Chakravarti
[16] "Constructing a Distributed Object-Oriented System with
Logical Constraints for Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting"
T. Matsushima
[17] "Prediction of Primate Splice Junction Gene Sequences with
a Cooperative Knowledge Acquisition System"
E.M. Nguifo & J. Sallantin
[18] "Object-Oriented Knowledge Bases for the Analysis of
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Genomes"
G. Perriere, F. Dorkeld, F. Rechenmann, & C. Gautier
[19] "Petri Net Representations in Metabolic Pathways"
V.N. Reddy, M.L. Mavrovouniotis, & M.L. Liebman
[20] "Minimizing Complexity in Cellular Automata Models of
Self-Replication"  J.A. Reggia, H.-H. Chou, S.L. Armentrout,
& Y. Peng
[21] "Building Large Knowledge Bases in Molecular Biology"
O. Schmeltzer, C. Medigue, P. Uvietta, F. Rechenmann,
F. Dorkeld, G. Perriere, & C. Gautier
[22] "A Service-Oriented Information Sources Database for the
Biological Sciences"  G.K. Springer & T.B. Patrick
[23] "Hidden Markov Models and Iterative Aligners: Study of their
Equivalence and Possibilities" H. Tanaka, K. Asai, M. Ishikawa,
& A. Konagaya
[24] "Protein Structure Prediction System Based on Artificial
Neural Networks"  J. Vanhala & K. Kaski
[25] "Transmembrane Segment Prediction from Protein Sequence
Data"  S.M. Weiss, D.M. Cohen & N. Indurkhya
TUTORIAL PROGRAM
Tutorials will be conducted at the Bethesda Ramada Hotel on
Tuesday, July 6.
12:00-2:45pm "Introduction to Molecular Biology for Computer
Scientists"  Prof. Mick Noordewier (Rutgers University)
This overview of the essential facts of molecular biology is
intended as an introduction to the field for computer scientists
who wish to apply their tools to this rich and complex domain.
Material covered will include structural and informational
molecules, the basic organization of the cell and of genetic
material, the "central dogma" of gene expression, and selected
other topics in the area of structure, function, and regulation as
relates to current computational approaches.  Dr. Noordewier has
appointments in both Computer Science and Biology at Rutgers, and
has extensive experience in basic biological research in addition
to his current work in computational biology.
12:00-2:45pm "Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for
Biologists"  Dr. Richard Lathrop (MIT & Arris Corp.)
An overview of the field of artificial intelligence will be
presented, as it relates to actual and potential biological
applications.  Fundamental techniques, symbolic programming
languages, and notions of search will be discussed, as well as
selected topics in somewhat greater detail, such as knowledge
representation, inference, and machine learning.  The intended
audience includes biologists with some computational background,
but no extensive exposure to artificial intelligence.  Dr.
Lathrop, co-developer of ARIADNE and related technologies, has
worked in the area of artificial intelligence applied to
biological problems in both academia and industry.
3:00-5:45pm "Neural Networks, Statistics, and Information Theory
in Biological Sequence Analysis" Dr. Alan Lapedes (Los Alamos
National Laboratory)
This tutorial will cover the most rapidly-expanding facet of
intelligent systems for molecular biology, that of machine
learning techniques applied to sequence analysis.  Closely
interrelated topics to be addressed include the use of artifical
neural networks to elicit both specific signals and general
characteristics of sequences, and the relationship of such
approaches to statistical techniques and information-theoretic
views of sequence data.  Dr. Lapedes, of the Theoretical
Division at Los Alamos, has long been a leader in the use of such
techniques in this domain.
3:00-5:45pm "Genetic Algorithms and Genetic Programming"
Prof. John Koza (Stanford University)
The genetic algorithm, an increasingly popular approach to highly
non-linear multi-dimensional optimization problems, was originally
inspired by a biological metaphor.  This tutorial will cover both
the biological motivations, and the actual implementation and
characteristics of the algorithm.  Genetic Programming, an
extension well-suited to problems where the discovery of the size
and shape of the solution is a major part of the problem, will
also be addressed.  Particular attention will be paid to
biological applications, and to identifying resources and software
that will permit attendees to begin using the methods.  Dr. Koza,
a Consulting Professor of Computer Science at Stanford, has taught
this subject since 1988 and is the author of a standard text in
the field.
3:00-5:45pm "Linguistic Methods in Sequence Analysis"
Prof. David Searls (University of Pennsylvania)
& Shmuel Pietrokovski (Weizmann Institute)
Approaches to sequence analysis based on linguistic methodologies
are increasingly in evidence.  These involve the adaptation of
tools and techniques from computational linguistics for syntactic
pattern recognition and gene prediction, the classification of
genetic structures and phenomena using formal language theory, the
identification of significant vocabularies and overlapping codes
in sequence data, and sequence comparison reflecting taxonomic and
functional relatedness.  Dr. Searls, who holds research faculty
appointments in both Genetics and Computer Science at Penn,
represents the branch of this field that considers higher-order
syntactic approaches to sequence data, while Shmuel Pietrokovski
has studied and published with Prof. Edward Trifinov in the area
of word-based analyses.
REGISTRATION FORM
Mail, with check made out to "ISMB-93", to:
ISMB Conference, c/o J. Shavlik
Computer Sciences Department
University of Wisconsin
1210 West Dayton Street
Madison, WI 53706  USA
================================================
Name____________________________________________
Affiliation_____________________________________
Address_________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________
FAX_____________________________________________
Electronic Mail_________________________________
Registration Status: ____ Regular   ____ Student
Presenting?          ____ Talk      ____  Poster
================================================
TUTORIAL REGISTRATION
____"Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists"
or
____"Artificial Intelligence for Biologists"
-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
____"Neural Networks, Statistics, and
or     Information Theory in Sequence Analysis"
____"Genetic Algorithms and Genetic Programming"
or
____"Linguistic Methods in Sequence Analysis"
================================================
PAYMENT       (Early Registration Before June 1)
Registration:  Early   Late	    $___________
Regular  $100    $125
Student  $75     $100
Tutorials:     One      Two         $___________
Regular  $50      $65
Student  $25      $35
Total:                              $___________
================================================
Registration fees include conference proceedings,
refreshments, and general program expenses.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Lawrence Hunter                              NLM
David Searls                  U. of Pennsylvania
Jude Shavlik                     U. of Wisconsin
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Douglas Brutlag                      Stanford U.
Bruce Buchanan                  U. of Pittsburgh
Christian Burks          Los Alamos National Lab
Fred Cohen                    U.C.-San Francisco
Chris Fields           Inst. for Genome Research
Michael Gribskov                  U.C.-San Diego
Peter Karp                     SRI International
Toni Kazic                         Washington U.
Alan Lapedes             Los Alamos National Lab
Richard Lathrop                MIT & Arris Corp.
Charles Lawrence                          Baylor
Michael Mavrovouniotis            U. of Maryland
George Michaels                              NIH
Harold Morowitz                  George Mason U.
Katsumi Nitta                               ICOT
Mick Noordewier                       Rutgers U.
Ross Overbeek               Argonne National Lab
Chris Rawlings                              ICRF
Derek Sleeman                     U. of Aberdeen
David States                       Washington U.
Gary Stormo                       U. of Colorado
Ed Uberbacher             Oak Ridge National Lab
David Waltz              Thinking Machines Corp.
From: green@island.COM (Robert Greenstein)
Subject: Re: accupuncture and AIDS
Organization: Strawman Incorporated
Lines: 21
In article <C5t76D.2x6@news.cso.uiuc.edu> euclid@mrcnext.cso.uiuc.edu (Euclid K.) writes:
>aliceb@tea4two.Eng.Sun.COM (Alice Taylor) writes:
>
>>A friend of mine is seeing an acupuncturist and
>>wants to know if there is any danger of getting
>>AIDS from the needles.
>
>	Ask the practitioner whether he uses the pre-sterilized disposable
>needles, or if he reuses needles, sterilizing them between use.  In the
>former case there's no conceivable way to get AIDS from the needles.  In
>the latter case it's highly unlikely (though many practitioners use the
>disposable variety anyway).
It is illegal to perform acupuncture with unsterilized needles. No licensed
practitioner would dare do this. Also there is not a single documented case
of transmission of AIDS via acupuncture needles. I wouldn't worry about it.
--
******************************************************************************
Robert Greenstein           What the fool cannot learn he laughs at, thinking
green@srilanka.island.com   that by his laughter he shows superiority instead
of latent idiocy - M. Corelli
From: jge@cs.unc.edu (John Eyles)
Subject: diet for Crohn's (IBD)
Organization: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Lines: 16
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: ceti.cs.unc.edu
A friend has what is apparently a fairly minor case of Crohn's
disease.
But she can't seem to eat certain foods, such as fresh vegetables,
without discomfort, and of course she wants to avoid a recurrence.
Her question is: are there any nutritionists who specialize in the
problems of people with Crohn's disease ?
(I saw the suggestion of lipoxygnase inhibitors like tea and turmeric).
Thanks in advance,
John Eyles
jge@cs.unc.edu
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Neurasthenia
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 15
In article <1993Apr21.174553.812@spdcc.com> dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>responds well, if you're not otherwise immunocompromised.  Noring's
>anal-retentive idee fixe on having a fungal infection in his sinuses
>is not even in the same category here, nor are these walking neurasthenics
>who are convinced they have "candida" from reading a quack book.
Speaking of which, has anyone else been impressed with how much the
descriptions of neurasthenia published a century ago sound like CFS?
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Reply-To: geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks)
Organization: Univ. of Pittsburgh Computer Science
Lines: 35
In article <1993Apr22.001642.9186@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:
>>>>Can you provide a reference to substantiate that gaining back
>>>>the lost weight does not constitute "weight rebound" until it
>>>>exceeds the starting weight?  Or is this oral tradition that
>>>>is shared only among you obesity researchers?
>>>
>>>Annals of NY Acad. Sci. 1987
>>>
>>Hmmm. These don't look like references to me. Is passive-aggressive
>>behavior associated with weight rebound? :-)
>
>I purposefully left off the page numbers to encourage the reader to
>study the volumes mentioned, and benefit therefrom.
>
Good story, Chuck, but it won't wash.  I have read the NY Acad Sci
one (and have it).  This AM I couldn't find any reference to
"weight rebound".  I'm not saying it isn't there, but since you
cited it, it is your responsibility to show me where it is in there.
There is no index.  I suspect you overstepped your knowledge base,
as usual.
--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: good book
From: RGINZBERG@eagle.wesleyan.edu (Ruth Ginzberg)
Distribution: world
Organization: Philosophy Dept., Wesleyan University
Nntp-Posting-Host: wesleyan.edu
X-News-Reader: VMS NEWS 1.20Lines: 48
Lines: 48
Having been gone for 10 days, I'm way behind on my News reading, so many
pardons if I am repeating something that has been said already.
I read a good book while I was away, THE ANTIBIOTIC PARADOX: HOW MIRACLE DRUGS
ARE DESTROYING THE MIRACLE, Stuart B. Levy, M.D., 1992, Plenum Press,
ISBN:0-306-44331-7.
It is about drug resistant microorganisms & the history of antibiotics.  It
is interesting & written at a level which I think many sci.med readers would
appreciate -- which is:  it assumes an intelligent reader who is capable of
understanding scientific concepts, but who may not yet have been exposed to
this particular information. I.e., it assumes you are smart enough to
understand it, but it does not assume that you already have a degree in
microbiology or medicine. Table of contents:
Chapter 1
From Tragedy the Antibiotic Age is Born
Chapter 2
The Disease and the Cure:  The Microscopic World of Bacteria and
Antibiotics
Chapter 3
Reliance on Medicine and Self-Medication: The Seeds of Antibiotic
Misuse
Chapter 4
Antibiotic Resistance:  Microbial Adaptation and Evolution
Chapter 5
The Antibiotic Myth
Chapter 6
Antibiotics, Animals and the Resistance Gene Pool
Chapter 7
Further Ecological Considerations:  Antibiotic Use in Agriculture,
Aquaculture, Pets, and Minor Animal Species
Chapter 8
Future Prospects:  New Advances Against Potential Disaster
Chapter 9
The Individual and Antibiotic Resistance
Chapter 10
Antibiotic Resistance: A Societal Issue at Local, National, and
International Levels.
Includes bibliography and index.
I personally found that it made very good Airplane-Reading.
-rg
------------------------
Ruth Ginzberg <rginzberg@eagle.wesleyan.edu>
Philosophy Department;Wesleyan University;USA
From: young@serum.kodak.com (Rich Young)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Originator: young@sasquatch
Nntp-Posting-Host: sasquatch
Reply-To: young@serum.kodak.com
Organization: Clinical Diagnostics Division, Eastman Kodak Company
Lines: 86
>>In article <1qnns0$4l3@agate.berkeley.edu> spp@zabriskie.berkeley.edu (Steve Pope) writes:
>>The mass of anectdotal evidence, combined with the lack of
>>a properly constructed scientific experiment disproving
>>the hypothesis, makes the MSG reaction hypothesis the
>>most likely explanation for events.
The following is from a critique of a "60 Minutes" presentation on MSG
which was aired on November 3rd, 1991.  The critique comes from THE TUFTS
DIET AND NUTRITION LETTER, February 1992.  [...edited for brevity...]
"Chances are good that if you watched '60 Minutes' last November
3rd [1991], you came away feeling MSG is bad for you. [...] In
the segment entitled 'No MSG,' for instance, show host Ed Bradley
makes alarming statements without adequately substantiating them
('millions are suffering a host of symptoms, and some get violently
sick'); peppers his report with sensational but clinically unproven
personal testimony...; and speaks of studies on MSG that make the
substance seem harmful without explaining just how inconclusive
those studies are.
Consider his making reference at the beginning of the program to
a study conducted at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in order
to back up his comment that there is 'a lot of evidence' that MSG,
a flavor enhancer in Chinese and other Asian cuisines as well as
in many supermarket items, causes headaches.  What he does NOT
make reference to is the fact that the study was performed not on
humans but on rabbits.
One of the researchers who conducted the study, pharmacologist
Patricia Williams, Ph.D., says it certainly is conceivable that
a small minority of people are sensitive enough to MSG to get
headaches from it.  'But,' she explains, 'the show probably
overemphasized the extent of the problem.'
A second lapse comes with mention of Dr. John Olney, a professor
at the Washington University School of Medicine who, Mr. Bradley
remarks, 'says that his 20 years of research with laboratory
animals shows MSG is a hazard for developing youngsters' because
it poses a threat of irreversible brain damage.  Dr. Olney's
research with lab animals does not 'show' anything about human
youngsters.
In fact, only under extreme circumsrtances did Dr. Olney's
experiments ever bring about any brain damage: when he injected
extremely high doses of MSG into rodents, completely bypassing
their digestive tracts and entering their bloodstreams more directly,
and when he used tubes to force-feed huge amounts of the substance
to very young animals on an empty stomach.  Of course, neither
of those procedures occurs with humans; they simply take in MSG
with food.  And most of what they take in is broken down by
enzymes in the wall of the small intestine, so that very little
reaches the bloodstream -- much to little, in fact, for human
blood levels of MSG to come anywhere near the high concentrations
found in Dr. Olney's lab animals.....
The World Health Organization appears to be very much aware of
that fact.  And so does the European Communities' Scientific
Committee for Food....Both, after examining numerous studies,
have concluded that MSG is safe.
Their determination makes sense, considering that MSG has never
been proven to cause all the symptoms that have been attributed
to it -- headaches, swelling, a tightness in the chest, and a
burning sensation, among others.  In fact, the most fail-safe
of clinical studies, the double-blind study..., has consistently
exonerated the much-maligned substance.
That's quite fortunate since the alleged hazardous component of
monosodium glutamate, glutamate, enters our systems whenever
we eat any food that contains protein.  The reason is that one
of the amino acids that make up protein, glutamic acid, is broken
down into glutamate during digestion.
It's a breakdown that occurs frequently.  Glutamic acid is the
most abundant of the 20 or so amino acids in the diet.  It makes
up about 15 percent of the protein in flesh foods, 20 percent in
milk, 25 percent in corn, and 29 percent in whole wheat.
That doesn't mean it's entirely unimaginable that a small number
of people have trouble metabolizing MSG properly and are therefore
sensitive to it...The consensus reached by large, international
professional organizations [is that MSG is safe], the same consensus
reached by the FDA and the biomedical community at large."
-Rich Young (These are not Kodak's opinions.)
From: neal@cmptrc.lonestar.org (Neal Howard)
Subject: Re: seek sedative information
Organization: CompuTrac Inc., Richardson TX
Lines: 18
In article <C5uBrn.F0u@fig.citib.com> ghica@fig.citib.com (Renato Ghica) writes:
>
>has any one heard of a sedative called "Rhoepnol"? Made by LaRouche,
>I believe. Any info as to side effects or equivalent tranquillizers?
You probably mean "RoHypnol", a member of the benzodiazepine family,
chemical name is flunitrazepam. It is such a strong tranquilizer that it is
probably best refered to as a hypnotic, rather than a tranquilizer. Just one
pill will knock you on your ass. Side effects may be similar to valium, xanax,
serax, librium and other benzodiazepines.
--
=============================================================================
Neal Howard   '91 XLH-1200      DoD #686      CompuTrac, Inc (Richardson, TX)
doh #0000001200   |355o33|      neal@cmptrc.lonestar.org
Std disclaimer: My opinions are mine, not CompuTrac's.
"Let us learn to dream, gentlemen, and then perhaps
we shall learn the truth." -- August Kekule' (1890)
=============================================================================
From: brandon@caldonia.nlm.nih.gov (Brandon Brylawski)
Subject: Re: Should I be angry at this doctor?
Organization: National Library of Medicine
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL4
Distribution: na
Lines: 30
mryan@stsci.edu writes:
: Am I justified in being pissed off at this doctor?
:
: Last Saturday evening my 6 year old son cut his finger badly with a knife.
: I took him to a local "Urgent and General Care" clinic at 5:50 pm.  The
: clinic was open till 6:00 pm.  The receptionist went to the back and told the
: doctor that we were there, and came back and told us the doctor would not
: see us because she had someplace to go at 6:00 and did not want to be delayed
: here.  During the next few minutes, in response to my questions, with several
: trips to the back room, the receptionist told me:
: 	- the doctor was doing paperwork in the back,
: 	- the doctor would not even look at his finger to advise us on going
: 	  to the emergency room;
: 	- the doctor would not even speak to me;
: 	- she would not tell me the doctor's name, or her own name;
: 	- when asked who is in charge of the clinic, she said "I don't know."
:
: I realize that a private clinic is not the same as an emergency room, but
: I was quite angry at being turned away because the doctor did not want to
: be bothered.  My son did get three stitches at the emergency room.
Speaking as a physician who works in an urgent care center, the above
behavior is completely inappropriate. If a patient who requires extensive
care shows up at the last minute, we always see them and give them appropriate
care. It is reasonable for a clinic to refuse to see patients outside of its
posted hours, but what you describe is misbehavior. Ask to speak to the
clinic director, and complain. Whatever their attitude, they have nothing to
gain from angering patients.
Brandon Brylawski
From: uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu!gila005 (Stephen Holland)
Subject: Re: diet for Crohn's (IBD)
Organization: Gastroenterology - Univ. of Alabama
Distribution: usa
Lines: 36
In article <1r6g8fINNe88@ceti.cs.unc.edu>, jge@cs.unc.edu (John Eyles)
wrote:
>
>
> A friend has what is apparently a fairly minor case of Crohn's
> disease.
>
> But she can't seem to eat certain foods, such as fresh vegetables,
> without discomfort, and of course she wants to avoid a recurrence.
>
> Her question is: are there any nutritionists who specialize in the
> problems of people with Crohn's disease ?
>
> (I saw the suggestion of lipoxygnase inhibitors like tea and turmeric).
>
> Thanks in advance,
> John Eyles
> jge@cs.unc.edu
If she is having problems with fresh vegetables, the guess is that there
is some obstruction of the intestine.  Without knowing more it is not
possible to say whether the obstruction is permanent due to scarring,
or temporary due to swelling of inflammed intestine.  In general, there are
no dietary limitations in patients with Crohn's except as they relate
to obstruction.  There is no evidence that any foods will bring on
recurrence of Crohn's.  It is important to distinguish recurrence from
recurrent symptoms.  A physician would think of new inflammation as
recurrence, while pains from raw veggies just imply a narrowing of the
intestine.
Your friend should look into membership in the Crohn's and Colitis
Foundation of America.   1-800-932-2423
Good luck to your friend.
Steve Holland
From: HOLFELTZ@LSTC2VM.stortek.com
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Nntp-Posting-Host: lstc2vm.stortek.com
Organization: StorageTek SW Engineering
X-Newsreader: NNR/VM S_1.3.2
Lines: 53
In article <1993Apr19.205615.1013@unlv.edu>
todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey) writes:
>In article <1993Apr19.205615.1013@unlv.edu>, todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey) writes:
>> I think that's the correct spelling..
>
>The proper spelling is Kirlian. It was an effect discoverd by
>S. Kirlian, a soviet film developer in 1939.
>
>As I recall, the coronas visible are ascribed to static discharges
>and chemical reactions between the organic material and the silver
>halides in the films.
>
>--
>         Tarl Neustaedter       Stratus Computer
>         tarl@sw.stratus.com    Marlboro, Mass.
>Disclaimer: My employer is not responsible for my opinions.
>
>I think that's the correct spelling..
>        I am looking for any information/supplies that will allow
>do-it-yourselfers to take Krillean Pictures. I'm thinking
>that education suppliers for schools might have a appartus for
>sale, but I don't know any of the companies. Any info is greatly
>appreciated.
>        In case you don't know, Krillean Photography, to the best of my
>knowledge, involves taking pictures of an (most of the time) organic
>object between charged plates. The picture will show energy patterns
>or spikes around the object photographed, and depending on what type
>of object it is, the spikes or energy patterns will vary. One might
>extrapolate here and say that this proves that every object within
>the universe (as we know it) has its own energy signature.
>
>
To construct a Kirlian device find a copy of _Handbook of Psychic
Discoveries_ by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder 1975 Library of
Congress 73-88532.  It describes the necessary equipment and
suppliers for the Tesla coil or alternatives, the copper plate and
setup. I used a pack of SX-70 film and removed a single pack in a
dark room, then made the exposure, put it back in the film pack and
ran it out through the rollers of the camera forinstant developing
and very high quality.  It is a good way to experience what Kirlian
Photography is really and what it is not.  As you know all ready,
it is the pattern in the bioplasmic energy fieldthat is significant.
Variations caused by exposure time, distance from the plate, or
pressure on the plate, or variations in the photo materials are not
important.
Hard copy mail; Mark C. High
P O Box  882
Parowan,  UT
84761
From: banschbach@vms.ocom.okstate.edu
Subject: Candida(yeast) Bloom, Fact or Fiction
Lines: 187
Nntp-Posting-Host: vms.ocom.okstate.edu
Organization: OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
I can not believe the way this thread on candida(yeast) has progressed.
Steve Dyer and I have been exchanging words over the same topic in Sci.
Med. Nutrition when he displayed his typical reserve and attacked a women
poster for being treated by a liscenced physician for a disease that did
not exist.  Calling this physician a quack was reprehensible Steve and I
see that you and some of the others are doing it here as well.
Let me tell you who the quacks really are, these are the physicans who have
no idea how the human body interacts with it's environment and how that
balance can be altered by diet and antibiotics.  These are the physicians
who dismiss their patients with difficult symptomatology and make them go
from doctor to doctor to find relief(like Elaine in Sci. Med. Nutrition) and
then when they find one that solves their problem, the rest start yelling
quack.  Could it just be professional jealousy?  I couldn't help Elaine or Jon
but somebody else did.  Could they know more than Me?  No way, they must be a
quack.
I've been teaching a human nutrition course for Medical students for over ten
years now and guess who the most receptive students are?  Those that were
raised on farms and saw first-hand the effect of diet on the health of their
farm animals and those students who had made a dramatic diet change prior to
entering medical school(switched to the vegan diet).  Typically, this is
about 1/3 of my class of 90 students.  Those not interested in nutrition
either tune me out or just stop coming to class.  That's okay because I
know that some of what I'm teaching is going to stick and there will be at
least a few "enlightened" physicians practicing in the U.S.  It's really
too bad that most U.S. medical schools don't cover nutrition because if
they did, candida would not be viewed as a non-disease by so many in the
medical profession.
In animal husbandry, an animal is reinnoculated with "good" bacteria after
antibiotics are stopped.  Medicine has decided that since humans do not
have a ruminant stomach, no such reinnoculation with "good" bacteria is
needed after coming off a braod spectrum antibiotic.  Humans have all
kinds of different organisms living in the GI system(mouth, stomach, small
and large intestine), sinuses, vagina and on the skin.  These are
nonpathogenic because they do not cause disease in people unless the immune
system is compromised.  They are also called nonpathogens because unlike
the pathogenic organisms that cause human disease, they do not produce
toxins as they live out their merry existence in and on our body.  But any of
these organisms will be considered pathogenic if it manages to take up
residence within the body.  A poor mucus membrane barrier can let this
happen and vitamin A is mainly responsible for setting up this barrier.
Steve got real upset with Elaine's doctor because he was using anti-fungals
and vitamin A for her GI problems.  If Steve really understoood what
vitamin A does in the body, he would not(or at least should not) be calling
Elaine's doctor a quack.
Here is a brief primer on yeast.  Yeast infections, as they are commonly
called, are not truely caused by yeasts.  The most common organism responsible
for this type of infection is Candida albicans or Monilia which is actually a
yeast-like fungus.  An infection caused by this organism is called candidiasis.
Candidiasis is a very rare occurance because, like an E. Coli infection, it
requires that the host immune system be severly depressed.
Candida is frequently found on the skin and all of the mucous membranes of
normal healthy people and it rarely becomes a problem unless some predisposing
factor is present such as a high blood glucose level(diabetes) or an oral
course of antibiotics has been used.  In diabetics, their secretions contain
much higher amounts of glucose.  Candida, unlike bacteria, is very limited in
it's food(fuel) selection.  Without glucose, it can not grow, it just barely
survives.  If it gets access to a lot of glucose, it blooms and over rides
the other organisms living with it in the sinuses, GI tract or vagina.  In
diabetics, skin lesions can also foster a good bloom site for these little
buggers.  The bloom is usually just a minor irritant in most people but
some people do really develop a bad inflammatory process at the mucus
membrane or skin bloom site.  Whether this is an allergic like reaction to
the candida or not isn't certain.  When the bloom is in the vagina or on
the skin, it can be easliy seen and some doctors do then try to "treat" it.
If it's internal, only symptoms can be used and these symptoms are pretty
nondiscript.
Candida is kept in check in most people by the normal bacterial flora in
the sinuses, the GI tract(mouth, stomach and intestines) and in the
vaginal tract which compete with it for food.  The human immune system
ususally does not bother itself with these(nonpathogenic organisms) unless
they broach the mucus membrane "barrier".  If they do, an inflammatory
response will be set up.  Most Americans are not getting enough vitamin A
from their diets.  About 30% of all American's die with less Vitamin A than
they were born with(U.S. autopsy studies).  While this low level of vitamin
A does not cause pathology(blindness) it does impair the mucus membrane
barrier system.  This would then be a predisposing factor for a strong
inflammatory response after a candida bloom.
While diabetics can suffer from a candida "bloom" the  most common cause of
this type of bloom is the use of broad spectrum antibiotics which
knock down many different kinds of bacteria in the body and remove the main
competition for candida as far as food is concerned.  While drugs are
available to handle candida, many patients find that their doctor will not
use them unless there is evidence of a systemic infection.  The toxicity of
the anti-fungal drugs does warrant some caution.  But if the GI or sinus
inflammation is suspected to be candida(and recent use of a broad spectrum
antibiotic is the smoking gun), then anti-fungal use should be approrpriate
just as the anti-fungal creams are an appropriate treatment for recurring
vaginal yeast infections, in spite of what Mr. Steve Dyer says.
But even in patients being given the anti-fungals, the irritation caused by
the excessive candida bloom in the sinus, GI tract or the vagina tends to
return after drug treatment is discontinued unless the underlying cause of
the problem is addressed(lack of a "good" bacterial flora in the body and/or
poor mucus membrane barrier).  Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most effective
therapy for candida overgrowth.  From it's name, it is an acid loving
organism and it sets up an acidic condition were it grows.  Candida can not
grow very well in an acidic environment.  In the vagina, L. acidophilius is
the predominate bacteria(unless you are hit with broad spectrum
antibiotics).
In the GI system, the ano-rectal region seems to be a particularly good
reservoir for candida and the use of pantyhose by many women creates a very
favorable environment around the rectum for transfer(through moisture and
humidity) of candida to the vaginal tract.  One of the most effctive ways to
minimmize this transfer is to wear undyed cotton underwear.
If the bloom occurs in the anal area, the burning, swelling, pain and even
blood discharge make many patients think that they have hemorroids.  If the
bloom manages to move further up the GI tract, very diffuse symptomatology
occurs(abdominal discomfort and blood in the stool).  This positive stool
for occult blood is what sent Elaine to her family doctor in the first
place.  After extensive testing, he told her that there was nothing wrong
but her gut still hurt.  On to another doctor, and so on.  Richard Kaplan
has told me throiugh e-mail that he considers occult blood tests in stool
specimens to be a waste of time and money because of the very large number of
false positives(candida blooms guys?).  If my gut hurt me on a constant
basis, I would want it fixed.  Yes it's nice to know that I don't have
colon cancer but what then is causing my distress?  When I finally find a
doctor who treats me and gets me 90% better, Steve Dyer calls him a quack.
Candida prefers a slightly alkaline environment while bacteria
tend to prefer a slightly acidic environment.  The vagina becomes alkaline
during a woman's period and this is often when candida blooms in the vagina.
Vinegar and water douches are the best way of dealing with vaginal
problems.  Many women have also gotten relief from the introduction of
Lactobacillus directly into the vaginal tract(I would want to be sure of
the purity of the product before trying this).  My wife had this vagina
problem after going on birth control pills and searched for over a year
until she found a gynocologist who solved the problem rather than just writting
scripts for anti-fungal creams.  This was a woman gynocologist who had had
the same problem(recurring vaginal yeast infections).  This M.D. did some
digging and came up with an acetic acid and L. Acidophilis douche which she
used in your office to keep it sterile.  After three treatments, sex
returned to our marraige.  I have often wondered what an M.D. with chronic
GI distress or sinus problems would do about the problem that he tells his
patients is a non-existent syndrome.
The nonpathogenic bacteria L. acidophilus is an acid producing bacteria
which is the most common bacteria found in the vaginal tract of healthy women.
If taken orally, it can also become a major bacteria in the gut.  Through
aresol sprays, it has also been used to innoculate the sinus membranes.
But before this innoculation occurs, the mucus membrane barrier system
needs to be strengthened.  This is accomplished by vitamin A, vitamin C and
some of the B-complex vitamins.  Diet surveys repeatedly show that Americans
are not getting enough B6 and folate.  These are probably the segement of
the population that will have the greatest problem with this non-existent
disorder(candida blooms after antibiotic therapy).
Some of the above material was obtained from "Natural Healing" by Mark
Bricklin, Published by Rodale press, as well as notes from my human
nutrition course.  I will be posting a discussion of vitamin A  sometime in
the future, along with reference citings to point out the extremely
important role that vitamin A plays in the mucus membrane defense system in
the body and why vitamin A should be effective in dealing with candida
blooms.  Another effective dietary treatment is to restrict carbohydrate
intake during the treatment phase, this is especially important if the GI
system is involved.  If candida can not get glucose, it's not going to out
grow the bacteria and you then give bacteria, which can use amino acids and
fatty acids for energy, a chance to take over and keep the candida in check
once carbohydrate is returned to the gut.
If Steve and some of the other nay-sayers want to jump all over this post,
fine.  I jumped all over Steve in Sci. Med. Nutrition because he verbably
accosted a poster who was seeking advice about her doctor's use of vitamin
A and anti-fungals for a candida bloom in her gut.  People seeking advice
from newsnet should not be treated this way.  Those of us giving of our
time and knowledge can slug it out to our heart's content.  If you saved
your venom for me Steve and left the helpless posters who are timidly
seeking help alone, I wouldn't have a problem with your behavior.
Martin Banschbach, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry and Chairman
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology
OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
1111 West 17th St.
Tulsa, Ok. 74107
"Without discourse, there is no remembering, without remembering, there is
no learning, without learning, there is only ignorance".
From: egb7390@ucs.usl.edu (Boutte Erika G)
Subject: M. contagiosem
Organization: The Wild Wacky World of Dolly Parton Clones in Zero Gravity
Lines: 16
I was wondering if anyone had any information about Molluscous contagiosem.
I acquired it, and fortunately got rid of it, but the question still lingers
in my mind: Where did it come from?  The little bit of info that I have
received about it in the past states that it can be transmitted sexually, but
also occurs in small children on the hands, feet and genitalia.
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
"I grow old, I grow old;
I shall wear my trousers rolled."
-T. S. Eliot
From: sdr@llnl.gov (Dakota)
Subject: Re: HELP for Kidney Stones ..............
Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, NCD
Lines: 30
NNTP-Posting-Host: eet1477-10780-t1477r1104.llnl.gov
In article <1993Apr21.143910.5826@wvnvms.wvnet.edu>
pk115050@wvnvms.wvnet.edu writes:
> My girlfriend is in pain from kidney stones. She says that because she
has no
> medical insurance, she cannot get them removed.
>
> My question: Is there any way she can treat them herself, or at least
mitigate
> their effects? Any help is deeply appreciated. (Advice, referral to
literature,
> etc...)
>
> Thank you,
>
> Dave Carvell
> pk115050@wvnvms.wvnet.edu
First, let me offer you my condolences.  I've had kidney stones 4 times
and I know the pain she is going through.  First, it is best that she see
a doctor.  However, every time I had kidney stones, I saw my doctor and the
only thing they did was to prescribe some pain killers and medication for a
urinary tract infection.  The pain killers did nothing for me...kidney stones
are extremely painful.  My stones were judged passable, so we just waited it
out.  However the last one took 10 days to pass...not fun.  Anyway, if she
absolutely won't see a doctor, I suggest drinking lots of fluids and perhaps
an over the counter sleeping pill.  But, I do highly suggest seeing a doctor.
Kidney stones are not something to fool around with.  She should be x-rayed
to make sure there is not a serious problem.
Steve
From: spenser@fudd.jsc.nasa.gov (S. Spenser Aden)
Subject: Re: diet for Crohn's (IBD)
Organization: Flight Data and Evaluation Office
Distribution: usa
Lines: 72
In article <uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu-220493145727@spam.dom.uab.edu> uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu!gila005 (Stephen Holland) writes:
>In article <1r6g8fINNe88@ceti.cs.unc.edu>, jge@cs.unc.edu (John Eyles)
>wrote:
>>
>> A friend has what is apparently a fairly minor case of Crohn's
>> disease.
>>
>> But she can't seem to eat certain foods, such as fresh vegetables,
>> without discomfort, and of course she wants to avoid a recurrence.
>>
>> Her question is: are there any nutritionists who specialize in the
>> problems of people with Crohn's disease ?
>
>If she is having problems with fresh vegetables, the guess is that there
>is some obstruction of the intestine.  Without knowing more it is not
>possible to say whether the obstruction is permanent due to scarring,
>or temporary due to swelling of inflammed intestine.  In general, there are
>no dietary limitations in patients with Crohn's except as they relate
>to obstruction.  There is no evidence that any foods will bring on
>recurrence of Crohn's.
Interesting statements, simply because I have been told otherwise.  I'm
certainly not questioning Steve's claims, as for one I am not a doctor, and I
agree that foods don't bring on the recurrence of Crohn's.  But inflammation
can be either mildly or DRASTICALLY enhanced due to food.
Having had one major obstruction resulting in resection (is that a good enough
caveat :-), I was told that a *LOW RESIDUE* diet is called for.  Basically,
the idea is that if there is inflammation of the gut (which may not be
realized by the patient), any residue in the system can be caught in the folds
of inflammation and constantly irritate, thus exacerbating the problem.
Therefore, anything that doesn't digest completely by the point of common
inflammation should be avoided.  With what I've been told is typical Crohn's,
of the terminal ileum, my diet should be low residue, consisting of:
Completely out - never again - items:
o corn (kernel husk doesn't digest ... most of us know this :-)
o popcorn (same)
o dried (dehydrated) fruit and fruit skins
o nuts (Very tough when it comes to giving up some fudge :-)
Discouraged greatly:
o raw vegetables (too fibrous)
o wheat and raw grain breads
o exotic lettuce (iceberg is ok since it's apparently mostly water)
o greens (turnip, mustard, kale, etc...)
o little seeds, like sesame (try getting an Arby's without it!)
o long grain and wild rice (husky)
o beans (you'll generate enough gas alone without them!)
o BASICALLY anything that requires heavy digestive processing
I was told that the more processed the food the better! (rather ironic in this
day and age).  The whole point is PREVENTATIVE ... you want to give your
system as little chance to inflame as possible.  I was told that among the
NUMEROUS things that were heavily discouraged (I only listed a few), to try
the ones I wanted and see how I felt.  If it's bad, don't do it again!
Remember though that this was while I was in remission.  For Veggies: cook the
daylights out of them.  I prefer steaming ... I think it's cooks more
thoroughly - you're mileage may vary.
As with anything else, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.  Don't just take my word.  But
this is the info I've been given, and it may be a starting point for
discussion.  Good luck!
-Spenser
--
S. Spenser Aden --- Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. --- (713) 483-2028
NASA --- Flight Data and Evaluation Office --- Johnson Space Center, Houston
spenser@fudd.jsc.nasa.gov    (Internet) ---  Opinions herein are mine alone.
aden@vf.jsc.nasa.gov (if above bounces) ---  "Eschew obfuscation." - unknown
From: SASTLS@MVS.sas.com (Tamara Shaffer)
Subject: Re: seizures ( infantile spasms )
Nntp-Posting-Host: sdcmvs.mvs.sas.com
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Lines: 16
In article <1993Apr20.184034.13779@dbased.nuo.dec.com>,
dufault@lftfld.enet.dec.com (MD) writes:
>
>        The reason I'm posting this article to this newsgroup is to:
>1. gather any information about this disorder from anyone who might
>   have recently been *e*ffected by it ( from being associated with
>   it or actually having this disorder ) and
>2. help me find out where I can access any medical literature associated
>   with seizures over the internet.
I tried to e-mail you but it bounced back.  Please e-mail me and
I will give you someone's name who might be very helpful.  You might
also post your message to misc.kids.
TAMARA
sastls@mvs.sas.com
From: euclid@mrcnext.cso.uiuc.edu (Euclid K.)
Subject: Re: GETTING AIDS FROM ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES
Article-I.D.: news.C5wGEs.K6u
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Lines: 19
matthews@Oswego.EDU (Harry Matthews) writes:
>I had electrical pulse nerve testing done a while back.  The needles were taken
>from a dirty drawer in an instrument cart and were most certainly NOT
>sterile or even clean for that matter.  More than likely they were fresh
>from the previous patient.  I WAS concerned, but I kept my mouth shut.  I
>probably should have raised hell!
Could you describe in more detail the above procedure?  I've never
heard about it.
And yes, if they pierced you with the needles you probably should have
protested.
euclid
--
Euclid K.       standard disclaimers apply
"It is a bit ironic that we need the wave model [of light] to understand the
propagation of light only through that part of the system where it leaves no
trace."  --Hudson & Nelson (_University_Physics_)
From: tas@pegasus.com (Len Howard)
Subject: Re: Foreskin Troubles
Summary: Dorsal slit operation
Article-I.D.: pegasus.1993Apr22.221111.9678
Organization: Pegasus,  Honolulu
Lines: 11
In article <1993Apr18.042100.2720@radford.vak12ed.edu> mmatusev@radford.vak12ed.edu (Melissa N. Matusevich) writes:
>What can be done, short of circumcision, for an adult male
>whose foreskin will not retract?
>
Melissa, there is a simpler procedure called a "Dorsal slit" that is
really the first step of the usual circumcision.  It is simpler and
quicker, but the pain is about the same as circumcision after the
anesthetic wears off and the aesthetic result post healing is not as
good.  See your friendly urologist for more details.
Len Howard
.
From: tas@pegasus.com (Len Howard)
Subject: Re: quality control in medicine
Summary: Kaiser has been doing it for a while
Article-I.D.: pegasus.1993Apr22.221508.10196
Organization: Pegasus,  Honolulu
Lines: 14
In article <93108.003258U19250@uicvm.uic.edu> <U19250@uicvm.uic.edu> writes:
>Does anybody know of any information regarding the implementaion of total
> quality management, quality control, quality assurance in the delivery of
> health care service.  I would appreciate any information.  If there is enough
>interest, I will post the responses.
>        Thank You
>        Abhin Singla MS BioE, MBA, MD
>        President AC Medcomp Inc
Dr Singla, you might contact Kaiser Health Plan either in the area
closest to you or at the central office in Oakland CA.  We have been
doing QA, QoS, concurrent UR, and TQM for some time now in the Hawaii
Region, and I suspect it is nationwide in the system.
Len Howard MD
From: tron@fafnir.la.locus.com (Michael Trofimoff)
Subject: REQUEST: Gyro (souvlaki) sauce
Organization: Locus Computing Corporation, Los Angeles, California
Distribution: usa
Lines: 12
Hi All,
Would anyone out there in 'net-land' happen to have an
authentic, sure-fire way of making this great sauce that
is used to adorn Gyro's and Souvlaki?
Thanks,
-=< tron >=-
e-mail: tron@locus.com		*Vidi, vici, veni*
From: akins@cbnewsd.cb.att.com (kay.a.akins)
Subject: Seizure information - infant
Organization: AT&T
Keywords: seizures
Lines: 8
Here is the tollfree hotline for the Epilepsy Foundation
of America - 1-800-EFA-1000.  They will be able to answer
your questions and send you information and references on
seizure types, medication, etc.  They can also give you references
for a pediatric neorologist in your area.  Also ask for the
number of your local Foundation who can put you in touch with
a Parent Support Group and social workers.
Good Luck.
From: koreth@spud.Hyperion.COM (Steven Grimm)
Subject: Re: Opinions on Allergy (Hay Fever) shots?
Organization: Hyperion, Mountain View, CA, USA
Lines: 7
NNTP-Posting-Host: spud.hyperion.com
I had allergy shots for about four years starting as a sophomore in high
school.  Before that, I used to get bloody noses, nighttime asthma attacks,
and eyes so itchy I couldn't get to sleep.  After about 6 months on the
shots, most of those symptoms were gone, and they haven't come back.  I
stopped getting the shots (due more to laziness than planning) in college.
My allergies got a little worse after that, but are still nowhere near as
bad as they used to be.  So yes, the shots do work.
Subject: Re: Arythmia
From: perry1@husc10.harvard.edu (Alexis Perry)
Organization: Harvard University Science Center
Nntp-Posting-Host: husc10.harvard.edu
Lines: 18
In article <1993Apr22.031423.1@vaxc.stevens-tech.edu> u96_averba@vaxc.stevens-tech.edu writes:
>doctors said that he could die from it, and the medication caused
>
Is it that serious?  My EKG often comes back with a few irregular
beats.  Another question:  Is a low blood potassium level very bad?  My
doctor seems concerned, but she tends to worry too much in general.
___________________________________________________________________________
Alexis Perry				"The less I want the more I get
perry1@husc.harvard.edu			 Make me chaste, but not just yet.
eliot house box 413			 It's a promise or a lie
(617) 493-6300				 I'll repent before I die."
"Work? Have you lost your mind?!"
-Ren				-Sting
Nobody really admits to sharing my opinions - last of all Harvard College
From: melewitt@cs.sandia.gov (Martin E. Lewitt)
Subject: Re: Altitude adjustment
Article-I.D.: cs.1993Apr22.055958.2377
Organization: nCUBE, Sandia Park, NM
Lines: 31
In article <4159@mdavcr.mda.ca> vida@mdavcr.mda.ca (Vida Morkunas) writes:
>I live at sea-level, and am called-upon to travel to high-altitude cities
>quite frequently, on business.  The cities in question are at 7000 to 9000
>feet of altitude.  One of them especially is very polluted...
>
>Often I feel faint the first two or three days.  I feel lightheaded, and
>my heart seems to pound a lot more than at sea-level.  Also, it is very
>dry in these cities, so I will tend to drink a lot of water, and keep
>away from dehydrating drinks, such as those containing caffeine or alcohol.
>
>Thing is, I still have symptoms.  How can I ensure that my short trips there
>(no, I don't usually have a week to acclimatize) are as comfortable as possible?
>Is there something else that I could do?
I saw a Lifetime Medical Television show a few months back on travel
medicine.  It briefly mentioned some drugs which when started two or
three days before getting to altitude could assist in acclimitazation.
Unfortunately all that I can recall is that the drug stimulated
breathing at night???  I don't know if that makes sense, it seems
to me that the new drug which stimulates red blood cell production
would be a more logical approach, erythropoiten (sp?).
Alas, I didn't record the program, but wish I had, since I live
at over 7000ft. and my mother gets sick when visiting.
Please let me know if you get more informative responses.
--
Phone:  (505) 845-7561           Martin E. Lewitt             My opinions are
Domain: lewitt@ncube.COM         P.O. Box 513                 my own, not my
Sandia: melewitt@cs.sandia.GOV   Sandia Park, NM 87047-0513   employer's.
From: robg@citr.uq.oz.au (Rob Geraghty)
Subject: Re: Good Grief! (was Re: Candida Albicans: what is it?)
Article-I.D.: bunyip.C5wwGz.17G
Organization: Prentice Centre, University of Queensland
Lines: 45
dyer@spdcc.com (Steve Dyer) writes:
>Snort.  Ah, there go my sinuses again.
>Oh, wow.  A classic textbook.  Hey, they laughed at Einstein, too!
>Yeah, I'll bet.  Tomorrow, the world.
>Listen, uncontrolled studies like this are worthless.
>I'm sure you are.  You sound like the typical hysteric/hypochondriac who
>responds to "miracle cures."
>Yeah, "it makes sense to me", so of course it should be taken seriously.
>Snort.
>Yeah, "it sounds reasonable to me".
>Oh, really?  _What_ tests?  Immune-compromised, my ass.
>More like credulous malingerer.  This is a psychiatric syndrome.
>You know, it's a shame that a drug like itraconazole is being misused
>in this way.  It's ridiculously expensive, and potentially toxic.
>The trouble is that it isn't toxic enough, so it gets abused by quacks.
>The only good thing about nystatin is that it's (relatively) cheap
>and when taken orally, non-toxic.  But oral nystatin is without any
>systemic effect, so unless it were given IV, it would be without
>any effect on your sinuses.  I wish these quacks would first use
>IV nystatin or amphotericin B on people like you.  That would solve
>the "yeast" problem once and for all.
>Perhaps a little Haldol would go a long way towards ameliorating
>your symptoms.
>Are you paying for this treatment out of your own pocket?  I'd hate
>to think my insurance premiums are going towards this.
Steve, take a look at what you are saying.  I don't see one construvtive
word here.  If you don't have anything constructive to add, why waste
the bandwidth - yeah, sure, flame me for doing it myself.  Is this
sci.med or alt.flame?  Like it or not, medical science does *not* know
categorically everything about everything.  I'm not flaming your
knowledge, just asking you to sit back and ask yourself "what if?"
"Minds are like parachutes - they only function when they are open."
Oh - and if you *do* want to flame me or anyone else, how about using
email?
Rob
Who doesn't claim any relevant qualifications, just interest
--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rob Geraghty               | 3 things are important to me
robg@citr.uq.oz.au         | The gift of love, the joy of life
CITR                       | And the making of music in all its forms
From: pete@smtl.demon.co.uk (Pete Phillips)
Subject: Nebulisers and particle Size
X-Address: Bridgend, S. Wales, CF31 1JP
Reply-To: pete@smtl.demon.co.uk
Organization: Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory
X-Fax: +44 656 667291
X-Phone: +44 656 652166
Lines: 25
Hi,
we are just completing a project on nebuliser performance, and have a
wealth of data on particle size and output which we are going to use
to adjudicate a contract next week.
Although the output data is easy for us to present, there seems to be
little concensus on the optimum diameter of the nebulised droplets for
straightforward inhalation therapy (eg: for asthmatics).
Some say that the droplets must be smaller than 5 microns, whilst
others say that if they are too small they will not be effective.
Anyone up on this topic who could summarise the current status ?
Cheers,
Pete
--
Pete Phillips, Deputy Director, Surgical Materials Testing Lab,
Bridgend General Hospital, S. Wales. 0656-652166 pete@smtl.demon.co.uk
--
"The Four Horse Oppressors of the Apocalypse were Nutritional
Deprivation, State of Belligerency, Widespread Transmittable Condition
and Terminal Inconvenience" - Official Politically Correct Dictionary
From: banschbach@vms.ocom.okstate.edu
Subject: Re: diet for Crohn's (IBD)
Lines: 34
Nntp-Posting-Host: vms.ocom.okstate.edu
Organization: OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
Distribution: usa
In article <1r6g8fINNe88@ceti.cs.unc.edu>, jge@cs.unc.edu (John Eyles) writes:
>
> A friend has what is apparently a fairly minor case of Crohn's
> disease.
>
> But she can't seem to eat certain foods, such as fresh vegetables,
> without discomfort, and of course she wants to avoid a recurrence.
>
> Her question is: are there any nutritionists who specialize in the
> problems of people with Crohn's disease ?
>
> (I saw the suggestion of lipoxygnase inhibitors like tea and turmeric).
>
> Thanks in advance,
> John Eyles
All your friend really has to do is find a Registered Dietician(RD).  While
most work in hospitals and clinics, many major cities will have RD's who
are in "private practice" so to speak.  Many physicans will refer their
patients with Crohn's disease to RD's for dietary help.  If you can get
your friend's physician to make a referral, medical insurance should pay for
the RD's services just like the services of a physical therapist.  The
better medical insurance plans will cover this but even if your friend's
plan doesn't, it would be well worth the cost to get on a good diet to
control the intestinal discomfort and help the intestinal lining heal.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal lining and
lipoxygenase inhibitors may help by decreasing leukotriene formation but
I'm not aware of tea or turmeric containing lipoxygenase inhibitors.  For
bad inflammation, steroids are used but for a mild case, the side effects
are not worth the small benefit gained by steroid use.  Upjohn is developing
a new lipoxygenase inhibitor that should greatly help deal with
inflammatory diseases but it's not available yet.
Marty B.
From: krishnas@vax.oxford.ac.uk
Subject: RE: HELP ME INJECT...
Organization: Oxford University VAX 6620
Lines: 12
The best way of self injection is to use the right size needle
and choose the correct spot. For Streptomycin, usually given intra
muscularly, use a thin needle (23/24 guage) and select a spot on
the upper, outer thigh (no major nerves or blood vessels there).
Clean the area with antiseptic before injection, and after. Make
sure to inject deeply (a different kind of pain is felt when the
needle enters the muscle - contrasted to the 'prick' when it
pierces the skin).
PS: Try to go to a doctor. Self-treatment and self-injection should
be avoided as far as possible.
From: noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring)
Subject: Great Post! (was Re: Candida (yeast) Bloom...) (VERY LONG)
Summary: Warning, lots of words in typical Phlegmatic fashion
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Lines: 447
GREAT post Martin.  Very informative, well-balanced, and humanitarian
without neglecting the need for scientific rigor.
(Cross-posted to alt.psychology.personality since some personality typing
will be discussed at the beginning - Note: I've set all followups to sci.med
since most of my comments are more sci.med oriented and I'm sure most of the
replies, if any, will be med-related.)
In article banschbach@vms.ocom.okstate.edu writes:
>I can not believe the way this thread on candida(yeast) has progressed.
>Steve Dyer and I have been exchanging words over the same topic in Sci.
>Med. Nutrition when he displayed his typical reserve and attacked a woman
>poster for being treated by a licenced physician for a disease that did
>not exist.  Calling this physician a quack was reprehensible, Steve, and I
>see that you and some of the others are doing it here as well.
They are just responding in their natural way:  Hyper-Choleric Syndrome (HCS).
Oops, that is not a recognized "illness" in the psychological community,
better not say that since it therefore must not, and never will, exist.  :^)
Actually, it is fascinating that a disproportionate number of physicians
will type out as NT (for those not familiar with the Myers-Briggs system,
just e-mail me and I'll send a summary file to you).  In the general
population, NT's comprise only about 12% of the population, but among
physicians it is much much higher (I don't know the exact percentage -
any help here a.p.p.er's?)
One driving characteristic of an NT, especially an NTJ, is their obvious
choleric behavior (driver, type A, etc.) - the extreme emotional need to
control, to lead, and/or to be the best or the most competent.  If they are
also extroverted, they are best described as "Field Marshalls".  This trait
is very valuable and essential in our society - we need people who want to
lead, to strive to overcome the elements, to seek and thirst for knowledge,
to raise the level of competency, etc.  The great successes in science and
technology are in large part due to the vision (an N trait) and scientifically-
minded approach (T trait) of the NT personality (of course, the other types
and temperaments have their own positive contributions as well).  However,
when the NT person has self-image challenges, the "dark-side" of this
personality type usually comes out, which should be obvious to all.
A physician who is a strong NT and who has not learned to temper their
temperament will be extremely business-like (lack of empathy or feeling),
and is very compelled to have total control over their patient (the patient
must be obedient to their diagnosis and prescription without question).  I've
known many M.D.'s of this temperament and suffice to say I don't oblige them
with a followup visit, no matter how competent I think they are (and they
usually are very competent from a knowledge viewpoint since that is an
extreme drive of theirs - to know the most, to know it all).
Maybe we need more NF doctor's.  :^)
Enough on this subject - let's move on to candida bloom.
>Let me tell you who the quacks really are, these are the physicans who have
>no idea how the human body interacts with it's environment and how that
>balance can be altered by diet and antibiotics...  Could it just be
>professional jealousy?  I couldn't help Elaine or Jon but somebody else did.
You've helped me already by your post.  Of course, I believe that I have
been misdiagnosed on the net as suffering from 'anal retentivitis', but being
the phlegmatic I am, maybe I was just a little too harsh on a few people
myself in past posts.  Let's all try to raise the level of this discussion
above the level of anal effluent.
>...Humans have all
>kinds of different organisms living in the GI system (mouth, stomach, small
>and large intestine), sinuses, vagina and on the skin.  These are
>nonpathogenic because they do not cause disease in people unless the immune
>system is compromised.  They are also called nonpathogens because unlike
>the pathogenic organisms that cause human disease, they do not produce
>toxins as they live out their merry existence in and on our body.  But any of
>these organisms will be considered pathogenic if it manages to take up
>residence within the body.  A poor mucus membrane barrier can let this
>happen and vitamin A is mainly responsible for setting up this barrier.
In my well-described situation (in prior posts), I definitely was immune
stressed.  Blood tests showed my vitamin A levels were very low.  My sinuses
were a mess - no doubt the mucosal lining and the cilia were heavily damaged.
I also was on antibiotics 15 times in 4 years!  In the end, even two weeks
of Ceftin did not work and I had confirmed diagnoses of a chronic bacterial
infection of the sinuses via cat-scans, mucus color (won't get into the
details), and other symptoms.  Three very traditional ENT's made this
diagnosis (I did not have any cultures done, however, because of the
difficulty of doing this right and because my other symptoms clearly showed
a bacterial infection).  Enough of this background (provided to help you
understand where I was when I make comments about my Sporanox anti-fungal
therapy below).
The first question I have is this.  Can fungus penetrate a little way into poor
mucus membrane tissue, maybe via hyphae, thus causing symptoms, without being
considered 'systemic' in the classic sense?  It is sort of an inbetween
infection.
>Steve got real upset with Elaine's doctor because he was using anti-fungals
>and vitamin A for her GI problems.  If Steve really understoood what
>vitamin A does in the body, he would not(or at least should not) be calling
>Elaine's doctor a quack.
I was concerned, too, because of the toxicity of vitamin A.  My doctor, after
my blood tests, put me on 75,000 IU of vitamin A for one week only, then
dropped it down to 25,000 IU for the next couple of weeks.  I also received
zinc and other supplementation, since all of these interrelate in fairly
complex ways as my doctor explained (he's one of those 'evil' orthomolecular
specialists).  I had a blood test three weeks later and vitamin A was normal,
he then stopped me on all vitamin A (except for some in a multi-vitamin)
supplement), and made sure that I maintain a 50,000 IU/day of beta carotene.
Call me carrot face.  :^)
Hopefully, Elaine's doctor will take a similar, careful approach and to
all supplements.  I'm even reevaluating some supplements I'm taking, for
example, niacin in fairly large dosages, 1 gram/day, which Steve Dyer had
good information about on sci.med.nutrition.  If niacin only has second-order
improvement in symptomatic relief of my sinus allergies, then it probably is
not worth taking such a large dose long-term and risking liver damage.
>survives.  If it gets access to a lot of glucose, it blooms and over rides
>the other organisms living with it in the sinuses, GI tract or vagina.  In
Though I do now believe, based on my successful therapy with Sporanox, that
I definitely had some excessive growth of fungus (unknown species) in my
sinuses, I still want to ask the question:  have there been any studies that
demonstrate candida "blooms" in the sinuses with associated sinus irritation
(sinusitis/rhinitis)?  (My sinus irritation reduced significantly after one
week of Sporanox and no other new treatments were implemented during this
time - I did not have any noticeable GI track problems before starting on
Sporanox, but some for a few days after which then went away - considered
normal).
BTW, my doctor dug out one of his medical reference books (sorry, can't
remember which one), and found an obscure comment dating back into the 1950's
which stated that people can develop contained (non-lethal or non-serious)
aspergillis infestations (aspergiliosis) of the sinuses leading to sinus
inflammation symptoms.  I'll have to dig out that reference again since it
is relevant to this discussion.
>some people do really develop a bad inflammatory process at the mucus
>membrane or skin bloom site.  Whether this is an allergic like reaction to
>the candida or not isn't certain.
My doctor tested me (I believe a RAST or RAST similar test) for allergic
response to specificially Candida albicans, and I showed a strong positive.
Another question, would everybody show the same strong positive so this test
is essentially useless?  And, assuming it is true that Candida can grow
part-way into the mucus membrane tissue, and the concentration exceeds a
threshold amount, could not a person who tests as having an allergy to
Candida definitely develop allergic symptoms, such as mucus membrane
irritation due to the body's allergic response?  As I said in an earlier post,
one does not need to be a rocket scientist, or have a M.D. degree or a
Ph.D. in biochemistry to see the plausibility of this hypothesis.
BTW, and I'll repost this again.  Dr. Ivker, in his book, "Sinus Survival",
has routinely given, before anything else, Nizoral (a pre-Sporanox systemic
anti-fungal, not as safe and not as good as Sporanox) to his new chronic
sinusitis patients IF they have been on antibiotics four or more times in
the last two years.  He claims that out of 2000 or so patients, well over
90% notice some relief of sinus inflammation and other symptoms, but it
doesn't cure it by any means, implying the so-called yeast/fungus infection
is not the primary cause, but a later complication.  He's also found that
nystatin, whether taken internally, or put into a sinus spray, does not help.
This implies (of course assuming that excessive yeast/fungus bloom is
aggravating the sinus inflammation) that the yeast/fungus has grown partway
into the tissue since nystatin will not kill yeast/fungus other than by
direct contact - it is not absorbed into the blood stream.  Again, I admit,
lots of 'ifs', and 'implies', which doesn't please the hard-core NT who
has to have the double-blind study or it's a non-issue, but one has to start
with some plausible hypothesis/explanation, a strawman, if you will.
>If it's internal, only symptoms can be used and these symptoms are pretty
>nondescript.
This brings up an interesting observation used by those who will deny
and reject any and all aspects of the 'yeast hypothesis' until the
appropriate studies are done.  And that is if you can't observe or culture
the yeast "bloom" in the gut or sinus, then there's no way to diagnose or
even recognize the disease.  And I know they realize that it is virtually
impossible to test for candida overbloom in any part of the body that cannot
be easily observed since candida is everywhere in the body.
It's a real Catch-22.
Another Catch-22:  Those who totally reject the 'yeast hypothesis' say that
no studies have been done (actually studies have been done, but if it's not
up to a certain standard then it is, from their perspective, a non-study which
should not even be considered).  I agree that the appropriate studies should
be done, and that will take big $ to do it right.  However, in order to
convince the funding agencies in these austere times to open their wallets,
you literally have to give them evidence, and the only acceptable evidence to
compete with other proposals is paradoxically to do almost the exact study
needed funding.  That is, you have to do 90% of the study before you even get
funding (as a scientist at a National Lab, I'm very aware of this for the
smaller funded projects).  I'm afraid that even if Dr. Ivker and 100 other
doctors got together, pooled their practice's case histories and anecdotes
into a compelling picture, and approach the funding agencies, they would get
nowhere, even if they were able to publish their statistical results.
It is obvious from the comments by some of the doctors here is that they have
*decided* excessive yeast colonization in the gut or sinuses leading to
noticeable non-lethal symptoms does not exist, and is not even a tenable
hypothesis, so any amount of case histories or compiled anecdotal evidence
to the contrary will never change their mind, and not only that, they would
also oppose the needed studies because in their minds it's a done issue -
excessive yeast growth leading to diffuse allergic symptoms does not, will
not, and cannot exist.  Period.  Kind of tough to dialog with those who hold
such a viewpoint.  Kind of reminds me of Lister...
>Candida is kept in check in most people by the normal bacterial flora in
>the sinuses, the GI tract(mouth, stomach and intestines) and in the
>vaginal tract which compete with it for food.  The human immune system
>ususally does not bother itself with these(nonpathogenic organisms) unless
>they broach the mucus membrane "barrier".  If they do, an inflammatory
>response will be set up.  Most Americans are not getting enough vitamin A
>from their diets.  About 30% of all American's die with less Vitamin A than
>they were born with(U.S. autopsy studies).  While this low level of vitamin
>A does not cause pathology(blindness) it does impair the mucus membrane
>barrier system.  This would then be a predisposing factor for a strong
>inflammatory response after a candida bloom.
Aren't there also other nutrients necessary to the proper working of the
sinus mucus membranes and cilia?
>While diabetics can suffer from a candida "bloom" the  most common cause of
>this type of bloom is the use of broad spectrum antibiotics which
>knock down many different kinds of bacteria in the body and remove the main
>competition for candida as far as food is concerned.  While drugs are
>available to handle candida, many patients find that their doctor will not
>use them unless there is evidence of a systemic infection.  The toxicity of
>the anti-fungal drugs does warrant some caution.  But if the GI or sinus
>inflammation is suspected to be candida(and recent use of a broad spectrum
>antibiotic is the smoking gun), then anti-fungal use should be approrpriate
>just as the anti-fungal creams are an appropriate treatment for recurring
>vaginal yeast infections, in spite of what Mr. Steve Dyer says.
Again, the evidence from mycological studies indicate that many yeast/fungus
species can grow hyphae ("roots") into deep tissue, similar to mold growing
in bread.  You can continue to kill the surface, such as nystatin does, but
you can't kill that which is deeper in the tissue without using a systemic
anti-fungal such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or some of the older ones such
as Nizoral which are more toxic and not as effective.  This is why, as has
been pointed out by recent studies (sent to me by a doctor I've been in
e-mail contact with - thanks), that nystatin is not effective in the long-
term treatment of GI tract "candidiasis".  It's like trying to weed a garden
by cutting off what's above the ground but leaving the roots ready to come
out again once you walk away.
The $60000 question is whether a contained candida "bloom" can partially
grow into tissue through the mucus membranes, causing some types of symptoms
in susceptible people (e.g., allergy), without becoming "systemic" in the
classical sense of the word - something in between strictly an excessive
bloom not causing any problems and the full-blown systemic infection that
is potentially lethal.
>In the GI system, the ano-rectal region seems to be a particularly good
>reservoir for candida and the use of pantyhose by many women creates a very
>favorable environment around the rectum for transfer(through moisture and
>humidity) of candida to the vaginal tract.  One of the most effctive ways to
>minimmize this transfer is to wear undyed cotton underwear.
Also, if one is an 'anal retentive', like I've been diagnosed in a prior
post, that can also provide more sites for excessive candida growth.  ;^)
>If the bloom occurs in the anal area, the burning, swelling, pain and even
>blood discharge make many patients think that they have hemorroids.  If the
>bloom manages to move further up the GI tract, very diffuse symptomatology
>occurs(abdominal discomfort and blood in the stool).  This positive stool
>for occult blood is what sent Elaine to her family doctor in the first
>place.  After extensive testing, he told her that there was nothing wrong
>but her gut still hurt.  On to another doctor, and so on.  Richard Kaplan
>has told me throiugh e-mail that he considers occult blood tests in stool
>specimens to be a waste of time and money because of the very large number of
>false positives(candida blooms guys?).  If my gut hurt me on a constant
>basis, I would want it fixed.  Yes it's nice to know that I don't have
>colon cancer but what then is causing my distress?  When I finally find a
>doctor who treats me and gets me 90% better, Steve Dyer calls him a quack.
As I've said in private e-mail, there are flaws in our current medical system
that make it difficult or even impossible for a physician to attempt
alternative therapies AFTER the approved/proven/accepted therapies don't work.
For example, I went to three ENT's, who all said that I will just have to live
with my acute/chronic sinusitis after the ab's failed (they did mention
surgery to open up the ostia, but my ostia weren't plugged and it would not
get to the root cause of my condition).  After three months of aggressive and
fairly non-standard therapy (Sporanox, body nutrient level monitoring and
equalization, vitamin C, lentinen, echinacea, etc.), my health has vastly
improved to where I was two years ago, before my health greatly deteriorated.
Of course, skeptics would say that maybe if I did nothing I would have
improved anyway, but that view is stretching things quite far because of the
experience of the three ENT's I saw who said that I'd just have to "live with
it".  I'm confident I will reach what one could call a total "cure".  The
anti-fungal program I undertook was one necessary step in that direction
because of my overuse of ab's for the last four years.  (Note:  for those
having sinus problems, may I suggest the book by Dr. Ivker I mention above.
Be sure to get the revised edition.)
>...I have often wondered what an M.D. with chronic
>GI distress or sinus problems would do about the problem that he tells his
>patients is a non-existent syndrome.
Dr. Ivker started off having chronic and severe sinus problems, and his
visits to several ENT's totally floored him when they said "you'll just have
to live with it".  He spent several years trying everything - standard and
non-standard, until he was essentially cured of chronic sinusitis.  He now
shares his approach in his book and I can honestly say that I am on the road
to recovery following some parts of it.  His one recommendation to take a
systemic anti-fungal at the beginning of treatment IF you have a history of
anti-biotic overuse has been proven to him time and time again in his own
practice.  I'm sure if I commented to him of the hard-core beliefs of the anti-
"yeast hypothesis" posters that he would have definite things to say, such as,
"it's worked wonders for me in almost two thousand cases", to put it mildly.
I also would not be surprised if he would say that they are the ones violating
their moral obligations to help the patient.
Maybe those doctors who are reading this who have a practice and are
confronted by a patient having symptoms that could be due to the "hypothetical
yeast overgrowth" (e.g., they fit some of the profiles the pro-yeast people
have identified), should consider anti-fungal therapy IF all other avenues
have been exhausted.  Remember, theory and practice are two different things -
you cannot have one without the other, they are synergistic.  If a doctor does
something non-standard yet produces noticeable symptomatic relief in over a
thousand of his patients, shouldn't you at least sit up and take notice?
Maybe you ought to trust what he says and begin hypothesizing why it works
instead of why it shouldn't work.  I'm afraid a lot of doctors have become
so enamored with "scientific correctness" that they are ignoring the patients
they have sworn to help.  You have to do both;  both have to be balanced, which
we don't see from some of the posters to this group.  There comes a point when
you just have to use a little common sense, and maybe an empirical approach
(such as trying a good systemic anti-fungal such as Sporanox) after having
exhausted all the other avenues.  I was one of those who the traditional
medical establishment was not able to help, so I did the natural thing:  I
went to a couple of doctor's who are (somewhat) outside this establishment,
and as a result I have found significant relief.
Would it not be better if the traditional medical establishment can set up
some kind of mechanism where any doctor, without fear of being sued or having
his license pulled, can try experimental and unproven (beyond a doubt)
therapies for his/her patients that finally reach the point where all the
accepted therapies are ineffective?  I'd like to hear a doctor tell me:
"well, I've tried all the therapies that are approved and accepted in this
country, and since they clearly don't work for you, I now have the authority
to use experimental, unproven techniques that seem to have helped others.  I
can't promise anything, and there are some risks.  You will have to sign
something saying you understand the experimental and possibly risky nature of
these unproven therapies, and I'll have to register your case at the State
Board."  Anyway, if my ENT had suggested this to me, I would've jumped on this
pronto instead of going to one of those doctors who, for either altruistic
reasons, or for greed, is practicing these alternative therapies with much
risk to him/her (risk meaning losing their license) and possibly to the
patient.  Such a mechanism would keep control in the more mainstream medicine,
and also provide valuable data that would essentially be free.  It also would
be morally and ethically better than the current system by showing the
compassion of the medical community to the patient - that it's doing everything
it can within reason to help the patient.  It is the lack of such a mechanism
that is leading large numbers of people to try alternative therapies, some of
which seem to work (like my case), and others of which will never work at all
(true quackery).
I better get off my soapbox before this post reaches 500K in size.
>If taken orally, it can also become a major bacteria in the gut.  Through
>aresol sprays, it has also been used to innoculate the sinus membranes.
>But before this innoculation occurs, the mucus membrane barrier system
>needs to be strengthened.  This is accomplished by vitamin A, vitamin C and
>some of the B-complex vitamins.  Diet surveys repeatedly show that Americans
>are not getting enough B6 and folate.  These are probably the segement of
>the population that will have the greatest problem with this non-existent
>disorder(candida blooms after antibiotic therapy).
What dosage of B6 appears to be necessary to promote the healing and proper
working of the mucos memebranes?
>Some of the above material was obtained from "Natural Healing" by Mark
>Bricklin, Published by Rodale press, as well as notes from my human
>nutrition course.  I will be posting a discussion of vitamin A  sometime in
>the future, along with reference citings to point out the extremely
>important role that vitamin A plays in the mucus membrane defense system in
>the body and why vitamin A should be effective in dealing with candida
>blooms.  Another effective dietary treatment is to restrict carbohydrate
>intake during the treatment phase, this is especially important if the GI
>system is involved.  If candida can not get glucose, it's not going to out
>grow the bacteria and you then give bacteria, which can use amino acids and
>fatty acids for energy, a chance to take over and keep the candida in check
>once carbohydrate is returned to the gut.
I'd like to see the role of complex carbohydrates, such as starch.
>If Steve and some of the other nay-sayers want to jump all over this post,
>fine.  I jumped all over Steve in Sci. Med. Nutrition because he verbably
>accosted a poster who was seeking advice about her doctor's use of vitamin
>A and anti-fungals for a candida bloom in her gut.  People seeking advice
>from newsnet should not be treated this way.  Those of us giving of our
>time and knowledge can slug it out to our heart's content.  If you saved
>your venom for me Steve and left the helpless posters who are timidly
>seeking help alone, I wouldn't have a problem with your behavior.
Brave soul you are.  The venom on Usenet can be quite toxic unless one
develops an immunity to it.  One year ago, my phlegmatic self would have
backed down right away from an attack of cholericitis.  But my immune
system, and my computer system, have been hardened from gradual
desensitization.  I now kind of like being called "anal retentive" - it has
a nice ring to it.  I also was very impressed by how it just flowed into the
post - truly classic, worthy of a blue (or maybe brown) ribbon.  I might
even cross-post it to alt.best.of.internet.  Hmmm...
>Martin Banschbach, Ph.D.
>Professor of Biochemistry and Chairman
>Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology
>OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
Thanks again for a great and informative post.  I hope others who have
researched this area and are lurking in the background will post their
thoughts as well, no matter their views on this subject.
Jon Noring
--
Charter Member --->>>  INFJ Club.
If you're dying to know what INFJ means, be brave, e-mail me, I'll send info.
=============================================================================
| Jon Noring          | noring@netcom.com        |                          |
| JKN International   | IP    : 192.100.81.100   | FRED'S GOURMET CHOCOLATE |
| 1312 Carlton Place  | Phone : (510) 294-8153   | CHIPS - World's Best!    |
| Livermore, CA 94550 | V-Mail: (510) 417-4101   |                          |
=============================================================================
Who are you?  Read alt.psychology.personality!  That's where the action is.
From: dpc47852@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Daniel Paul Checkman)
Subject: Re: Is MSG sensitivity superstition?
Article-I.D.: news.C5wI4F.Dt
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Lines: 22
bruce@Data-IO.COM (Bruce Reynolds) writes:
>Anecedotal evidence is worthless.  Even doctors who have been using a drug
>or treatment for years, and who swear it is effective, are often suprised
>at the results of clinical trials.  Whether or not MSG causes describable,
>reportable, documentable symptoms should be pretty simple to discover.
I tend to disagree- I think anecdotal evidence, provided there is a lot of it,
and it is fairly consistent, will is very important.  First, it points to the
necessity of doing a study, and second, it at least says that the effects are
all psychological (or possibly allergy in this case).  As I've pointed out
before, pyschological effects are no less real than other effects.  One
person's "make-believe" can easily be another person's reality.  Using
psychadelic drugs in a bizarre and twisted example, the hallucinations one
person experiences on an acid trip cannot be guaranteed to another person on
an acid trip- there is no clinical evidence that those effects are always going
to happen.  Anyhow, that was a pretty lame example, but hopefully I made my
point- it's all a matter of perception, and as long as someone ingesting MSG
perceives it as causing bad effects, then s/he can definitely experience those
affects.  On the other hand, it could just be an allergy to the food it's in,   or something.  Still, anecdotal evidence is not worthless- it's the stuff that
leads to the study being done.
-Dan
From: eulenbrg@carson.u.washington.edu (Julia Eulenberg)
Subject: Re: Arythmia
Article-I.D.: shelley.1r7mfbINNhvu
Organization: University of Washington
Lines: 2
NNTP-Posting-Host: carson.u.washington.edu
Alexis Perry asked if low blood potassium could be dangerous.  Yes.
ZZ
From: hahn@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (David James Hahn)
Subject: Re: RE: HELP ME INJECT...
Article-I.D.: uwm.1r82eeINNc81
Reply-To: hahn@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Lines: 39
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: hahn@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
From article <1993Apr22.233001.13436@vax.oxford.ac.uk>, by krishnas@vax.oxford.ac.uk:
> The best way of self injection is to use the right size needle
> and choose the correct spot. For Streptomycin, usually given intra
> muscularly, use a thin needle (23/24 guage) and select a spot on
> the upper, outer thigh (no major nerves or blood vessels there).
> Clean the area with antiseptic before injection, and after. Make
> sure to inject deeply (a different kind of pain is felt when the
> needle enters the muscle - contrasted to the 'prick' when it
> pierces the skin).
>
> PS: Try to go to a doctor. Self-treatment and self-injection should
> be avoided as far as possible.
>
The areas that are least likely to hurt are where you have a little
fat.  I inject on my legs and gut, and prefer the gut.  I can stick
it in at a 90 degree angle, and barely feel it.  I'm not fat, just
have a little gut.  My legs however, are muscular, and I have to pinch
to get anything, and then I inject at about a 45 degree angle,and it
still hurts.  The rate of absorbtion differs for subcutaneous and
muscular injections however--so if it's a daily thing it would be
best not to switch places every day to keep consistencey.  Although
some suggest switch legs or sides of the stomach for each shot, to prevent
irritation.  When you clean the spot off with an alcohol prep,
wait for it to dry somewhat, or you may get the alcohol in the
puncture, and of course, that doesn't feel good.  A way to prevent
irratation is to mark the spot that you injected.  A good way to
do this is use a little round bandage and put it over the
spot.  This helps prevent you from injecting in the same spot,
and spacing the sites out accuartely (about 1 1/2 " apart.)
This is from experience, so I hope it'll help you.  (I have
diabetes and have to take an injection every morning.)
Later,
David
--
David Hahn
University of Wisconsin : Milwaukee
hahn@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
From: mcovingt@aisun3.ai.uga.edu (Michael Covington)
Subject: Re: food-related seizures?
Nntp-Posting-Host: aisun3.ai.uga.edu
Organization: AI Programs, University of Georgia, Athens
Lines: 27
In article <C5uq9B.LrJ@toads.pgh.pa.us> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>In article <116305@bu.edu> dozonoff@bu.edu (david ozonoff) writes:
>>
>>Many of these cereals are corn-based. After your post I looked in the
>>literature and located two articles that implicated corn (contains
>>tryptophan) and seizures. The idea is that corn in the diet might
>>potentiate an already existing or latent seizure disorder, not cause it.
>>Check to see if the two Kellog cereals are corn based. I'd be interested.
>
>Years ago when I was an intern, an obese young woman was brought into
>the ER comatose after having been reported to have grand mal seizures
>why attending a "corn festival".  We pumped her stomach and obtained
>what seemed like a couple of liters of corn, much of it intact kernals.
>After a few hours she woke up and was fine.  I was tempted to sign her out as
>"acute corn intoxication."
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
How about contaminants on the corn, e.g. aflatoxin???
--
:-  Michael A. Covington, Associate Research Scientist        :    *****
:-  Artificial Intelligence Programs      mcovingt@ai.uga.edu :  *********
:-  The University of Georgia              phone 706 542-0358 :   *  *  *
:-  Athens, Georgia 30602-7415 U.S.A.     amateur radio N4TMI :  ** *** **  <><
From: caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX)
Subject: Re: My New Diet --> IT WORKS GREAT !!!!
Organization: Omen Technology INC, Portland Rain Forest
Lines: 38
In article <C5wC7G.4EG@toads.pgh.pa.us> geb@cs.pitt.edu (Gordon Banks) writes:
>In article <1993Apr22.001642.9186@omen.UUCP> caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX) writes:
>
>>>>>Can you provide a reference to substantiate that gaining back
>>>>>the lost weight does not constitute "weight rebound" until it
>>>>>exceeds the starting weight?  Or is this oral tradition that
>>>>>is shared only among you obesity researchers?
>>>>
>>>>Annals of NY Acad. Sci. 1987
>>>>
>>>Hmmm. These don't look like references to me. Is passive-aggressive
>>>behavior associated with weight rebound? :-)
>>
>>I purposefully left off the page numbers to encourage the reader to
>>study the volumes mentioned, and benefit therefrom.
>>
>
>Good story, Chuck, but it won't wash.  I have read the NY Acad Sci
>one (and have it).  This AM I couldn't find any reference to
>"weight rebound".  I'm not saying it isn't there, but since you
>cited it, it is your responsibility to show me where it is in there.
>There is no index.  I suspect you overstepped your knowledge base,
>as usual.
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Gordon Banks  N3JXP      | "Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and
>geb@cadre.dsl.pitt.edu   |  it is shameful to surrender it too soon."
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's on page 315, about 2 1/2 inches up from the bottom and an inch in
from the right.
At least we know what some people *haven't* read and remembered.
--
Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX          ...!tektronix!reed!omen!caf
Author of YMODEM, ZMODEM, Professional-YAM, ZCOMM, and DSZ
Omen Technology Inc    "The High Reliability Software"
17505-V NW Sauvie IS RD   Portland OR 97231   503-621-3406
From: heart@access.digex.com (G)
Subject: cholistasis(sp?)/fat-free diet/pregnancy!!
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA
Lines: 80
NNTP-Posting-Host: access.digex.net
Hi,
I've just returned from a visit with my OB/GYN and I have a few
concerns that maybe y'all can help me with.  I've been seeing
her every 4 weeks for the past few months (I'm at week 28)
and during the last 2 visits I've gained 9 to 9 1/2 pounds every
4 weeks.  She said this was unacceptable over any 4 week period.
As it stands I've thus far gained 26 pounds.  Also she says that
though I'm at 28 weeks the baby's size is 27 weeks, I think she
mentioned 27 inches for the top of the fundus.  When I was 13
weeks the baby's size was 14 weeks.  I must also add, that I had
an operation a few years ago for endometriosis and I've had no
problems with endometriosis but apparently it is causing me pain
in my pelvic region during the pregnancy, and I have a very
difficult time moving, and the doc has recommended I not walk or
move unless I have to. (I have a little handicapped sticker for
when I do need to go out.)
Anyway that's 1/2 of the situation the other is that almost from
the beginning of pregnancy I was getting sick (throwing up) about
2-3 times a day and mostly it was bile that was being eliminated.
(I told her about this).  I know this because I wasn't eating
very much due to the nausea and could see the 'results'.  Well
now I only get sick about once every 1-2 weeks, and it is still bile
related.  But in addition I had begun to feel movement near my
upper right abdomen, just below the right breast, usually when I
was lying on my right side.  It began to get worse though because
it started to hurt when I lay on my right side, and then it hurt
no matter what position I was in.  Next, I noticed that when I
ate greasy or fatty foods I felt like my entire abdomen had
turned to stone, and the pain in the area got worse.  However if
I ate sauerkraut or vinegar or something to 'cut' the fat it
wasn't as much of a problem.
So the doctor says I have cholistatis, and that I should avoid
fatty foods.  This makes sense, and because I was already aware
of what seemed to me this cause and effect relationship I have
been avoiding these foods on my own.  But I'm still able to eat
foods with Ricotta cheese for instance and other low fat foods.
But doc wants me to be on a non-fat diet.  This means no meat
except fish and chicken w/o skin (I do this anyway).  No nuts,
fried food, cheese etc.  I am allowed skim milk.  She said I
should avoid anything sweet (e.g. bananas).  Also I must only
have one serving of something high in carbohydrates a day (
potatoes, pasta, rice)!  She said I can't even cook vegetables in
a little bit of oil and that I should eat vegetables raw or
steamed.  I'm concerned because I understand you need to have
some fat in your diet to help in the digestive process.  And if
I'm not taking in fat, is she expecting the baby will take it
from my stores?  And why this restriction on carbohydrates if
she's concerned about fat?  I'm not clear how much of her
recommendation is based on my weight gain and how much on
cholistatis, which I can't seem to find any information on.  She
originally said that I should only gain 20 pounds during the
entire pregnancy since I was about 20 lbs overweight when I
started.  But my sister gained 60 lbs during her pregnancy and
she's taken it all off and hasn't had any problems.  She also
asked if any members of my family were obese, which none of them
are.  Anyway I think she is overly concerned about weight gain,
and feel like I'm being 'punished' by a severe diet.  She did
want to see me again in one week so I think she the diet may be
temporary for that one week.
What I want to know is how reasonable is this non-fat diet?  I
would understand if she had said low-fat diet, since I'm trying
that anyway, even if she said really low-fat diet.  I think she
assumes I must be eating a high-fat diet, but really it is that
because of the endometriosis and the operation I'm not able to
use the energy from the food I do eat.
Any opinions, info and experiences will be appreciated.  I'm
truly going stark raving mad trying to meet this new strict diet
because fruits and vegetables go through my system in a few
minutes and I'll end up having to eat constantly.  Thus far I
don't find any foods satisfying.
Thanks
G
From: bbenowit@telesciences.com (Barry D Benowitz)
Subject: PRK (Photo Refractive Keratostomy)
Organization: TeleSciences CO Systems, Inc.
Distribution: usa
Lines: 21
For those of you interested in the above Procedure, I am able to add the
following facts:
1) This Procedure is not done in Philadelphia.
2) It is performed in Maryland at Johns Hopkins for corrections between
0 and -5 and from -10 to -20 (diopters, I think are the units).
3) It is performed in New York City at Manhattan Eye and Ear for corrections
between 0 and -6.
The magic words to use when requesting information on this is not PRK (they
think you mean RK) but the excimer laser study (or protocol). This will get
you to the proper people.
--
Barry D. Benowitz
EMail:	bbenowit@telesciences.com (...!pyrnj!telesci!bbenowit)
Phone:	+1 609 866 1000 x354
Snail:	Telesciences CO Systems, 351 New Albany Rd, Moorestown, NJ, 08057-1177
From: etxmow@garbo.ericsson.se (Mats Winberg)
Subject: Re: HELP for Kidney Stones ..............
Nntp-Posting-Host: garboc29.ericsson.se
Organization: Ericsson
Lines: 15
Isn't there a relatively new treatment for kidney stones involving
a non-invasive use of ultra-sound where the patient is lowered
into some sort of liquid when he/she undergoes treatment? I'm sure
I've read about it somewhere. If I remember it correctly it is a
painless and effective treatment.
A couple of weeks ago I visited a hospital here in Stockholm and
saw big signs showing the way to the "Kidney stone chrusher" ...
Mats Winberg
Stockholm, Sweden
From: ske@pkmab.se (Kristoffer Eriksson)
Subject: Re: Science and methodology (was: Homeopathy ... tradition?)
Keywords: science   errors   Turpin   NLP
Organization: Peridot Konsult i Mellansverige AB, Oerebro, Sweden
Lines: 14
In article <1quqlgINN83q@im4u.cs.utexas.edu> turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin) writes:
> My definition is this: Science is the investigation of the empirical
>that avoids mistakes in reasoning and methodology discovered from previous
>work.
Reading this definition, I wonder: when should you recognize something
as being a "mistake"? It seems to me, that proponents of pseudo-sciences
might have their own ideas of what constitutes a "mistake" and which
discoveries of such previous mistakes they accept.
--
Kristoffer Eriksson, Peridot Konsult AB, Stallgatan 2, S-702 26 Oerebro, Sweden
Phone: +46 19-33 13 00  !  e-mail: ske@pkmab.se
Fax:   +46 19-33 13 30  !  or ...!mail.swip.net!kullmar!pkmab!ske
From: bill@scorch.apana.org.au (Bill Dowding)
Subject: Re: Krillean Photography
Organization: Craggenmoore public Unix system , Newcastle , Oz
Lines: 15
todamhyp@charles.unlv.edu (Brian M. Huey) writes:
>I think that's the correct spelling..
>	I am looking for any information/supplies that will allow
>do-it-yourselfers to take Krillean Pictures. I'm thinking
>that education suppliers for schools might have a appartus for
>sale, but I don't know any of the companies. Any info is greatly
>appreciated.
Krillean photography involves taking pictures of minute decapods resident in
the seas surrounding the antarctic. Or pictures taken by them, perhaps.
Bill from oz
From: Donald Mackie <Donald_Mackie@med.umich.edu>
Subject: Re: REQUEST: Gyro (souvlaki) sauce
Organization: UM Anesthesiology
Lines: 11
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 141.214.86.38
X-UserAgent: Nuntius v1.1.1d9
X-XXDate: Fri, 23 Apr 93 14:56:04 GMT
In article <1993Apr22.205341.172965@locus.com> Michael Trofimoff,
tron@fafnir.la.locus.com writes:
>Would anyone out there in 'net-land' happen to have an
>authentic, sure-fire way of making this great sauce that
>is used to adorn Gyro's and Souvlaki?
I'm not sure of the exact recipe, but I'm sure acidophilus is one of
the major ingredients.   :-)
Don Mackie - his opinions
UM Anesthesiology will disavow
From: sjha+@cs.cmu.edu (Somesh Jha)
Subject: What is "intersection syndrome" near the forearm/wrist?
Nntp-Posting-Host: gs73.sp.cs.cmu.edu
Organization: School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon
Lines: 17
Hi:
I went to the orthopedist on Tuesday. He diagnosed me as having
"intersection syndrome". He prescribed Feldene for me. I want
to know more about the disease and the drug.
Thanks
Somesh
From: choueiry@liasun1.epfl.ch (Berthe Y. Choueiry)
Subject: French to English translation of medical terms
Organization: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne
Lines: 41
NNTP-Posting-Host: liasun1.epfl.ch
Dear Netters,
I am not sure whether this is the right place to post my query, but I
thought there may be some bilingual physicians in this newsgroup that
could help. Please, excuse me for overloading the bandwidth.
I am trying to build a resource allocation program for managing a
surgical operating unit in a hospital. The user interface is in
English, however the terms of medical specialties I was given are in
French :-( I have no medical dictionary handy, mine is a technical
university :-((
I need to get the translation into English (when there is one) of the
following words. They refer to medical categories of operating rooms
(theaters). I admit they may not be universally "used".
1- sceptique
2- orl
3- brulure/brule'
4- ne'onatal
5- pre'natal
6- pre'mature'
7- neurochirurgie (neuro-surgery??)
8- chirurgie ge'ne'rale
9- chirurgie plastique
10- urologie (urology??)
Thank you for you help.
Cheers,
---------
Berthe Y. Choueiry
choueiry@lia.di.epfl.ch
LIA-DI, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Ecublens
CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
Voice: +41-21-693.52.77 and +41-21-693.66.78 	Fax: +41-21-693.52.25
--------
ps: please reply by e-mail if possible since I scan too quickly
through the messages of this newsgroup.
From: jgd@dixie.com (John De Armond)
Subject: Re: Do we need a Radiologist to read an Ultrasound?
Organization: Dixie Communications Public Access.  The Mouth of the South.
Lines: 28
E.J. Draper <draper@odin.mda.uth.tmc.edu> writes:
>If it were my wife, I would insist that a radiologist be involved in the
>process.  Radiologist are intensively trained in the process of
>interpreting diagnostic imaging data and are aware of many things that
>other physicians aren't aware of.
Maybe, maybe not.  A new graduate would obviously be well trained (but
perhaps without sufficient experience). A radiologist trained 10 or
15 years ago who has not kept his continuing education current is a
whole 'nuther matter.  A OB who HAS trained in modern radiology technology
is certainly more qualified than the latter and at least equal to
the former.
>Would you want a radiologist to
>deliver your baby?  If you wouldn't, then why would you want a OB/GYN to
>read your ultrasound study?
If the radiologist is also trained in OB/GYN, why not?
John
--
John De Armond, WD4OQC               |Interested in high performance mobility?
Performance Engineering Magazine(TM) | Interested in high tech and computers?
Marietta, Ga                         | Send ur snail-mail address to
jgd@dixie.com                        | perform@dixie.com for a free sample mag
Lee Harvey Oswald: Where are ya when we need ya?
From: mmatusev@radford.vak12ed.edu (Melissa N. Matusevich)
Subject: Re: HELP ME INJECT...
Organization: Virginia's Public Education Network (Radford)
Lines: 5
According to a previous poster, one should seek a doctor's
assistance for injections. But what about Sumatriptin [sp?]?
Doesn't one have to inject oneself immediately upon the onset
of a migraine?
From: backon@vms.huji.ac.il
Subject: Re: diet for Crohn's (IBD)
Distribution: usa,world
Organization: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Lines: 52
In article <1993Apr22.202051.1@vms.ocom.okstate.edu>, banschbach@vms.ocom.okstate.edu writes:
> In article <1r6g8fINNe88@ceti.cs.unc.edu>, jge@cs.unc.edu (John Eyles) writes:
>>
>> A friend has what is apparently a fairly minor case of Crohn's
>> disease.
>>
>> But she can't seem to eat certain foods, such as fresh vegetables,
>> without discomfort, and of course she wants to avoid a recurrence.
>>
>> Her question is: are there any nutritionists who specialize in the
>> problems of people with Crohn's disease ?
>>
>> (I saw the suggestion of lipoxygnase inhibitors like tea and turmeric).
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>> John Eyles
>
> All your friend really has to do is find a Registered Dietician(RD).  While
> most work in hospitals and clinics, many major cities will have RD's who
> are in "private practice" so to speak.  Many physicans will refer their
> patients with Crohn's disease to RD's for dietary help.  If you can get
> your friend's physician to make a referral, medical insurance should pay for
> the RD's services just like the services of a physical therapist.  The
> better medical insurance plans will cover this but even if your friend's
> plan doesn't, it would be well worth the cost to get on a good diet to
> control the intestinal discomfort and help the intestinal lining heal.
> Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal lining and
> lipoxygenase inhibitors may help by decreasing leukotriene formation but
> I'm not aware of tea or turmeric containing lipoxygenase inhibitors.  For
If you do a MEDLINE search on "turmeric" you'll see that it is a potent
lipoxygenase inhibitor which is being investigated in a number of areas.
I'm in cardiology and about 4 years ago the cardiothoracic surgery lab at my
hospital compared the effect of a teaspoon of dissolved turmeric vs. a $2000
bolus of tPA in preventing myocardial reperfusion injury in a perfused
Langendorff sheep heart. The turmeric was more effective :-)
A colleague of mine in the School of Pharmacy (Dr. Ron Kohen) has a paper "in
press" on the free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity of tea.
Josh
backon@VMS.HUJI.AC.IL
> bad inflammation, steroids are used but for a mild case, the side effects
> are not worth the small benefit gained by steroid use.  Upjohn is developing
> a new lipoxygenase inhibitor that should greatly help deal with
> inflammatory diseases but it's not available yet.
>
> Marty B.
From: mhollowa@ic.sunysb.edu (Michael Holloway)
Subject: Re: Wanted: Rat cell line (adrenal gland/cortical c.)
Organization: State University of New York at Stony Brook
Lines: 14
NNTP-Posting-Host: engws5.ic.sunysb.edu
Keywords: adrenal_gland cortical_cell cell_line rat
In article <roos.49@Operoni.Helsinki.FI> roos@Operoni.Helsinki.FI (Christophe Roos) writes:
>I am looking for a rat cell line of adrenal gland / cortical cell  -type. I
>have been looking at ATCC without success and would very much appreciate any
>help.
I shot off a response to this last night that I've tried to cancel.  It was
only a few minutes later while driving home that I remembered that your
message does specifically say cortical.  My first reaction had been to suggest
the PC12 pheochromocytoma line.  That may still be a good compromise, depending
on what you're doing.  Have you concidered using a mouse cell line from one
of the SV40 T antigen transgenic lines?  Another alternative might be primary
cells from bovine adrenal cortex.
Mike
From: jkjec@westminster.ac.uk (Shazad Barlas)
Subject: NEED HELP ON SCARING PLEASE
Organization: University of Westminster
Distribution: sci.med
Lines: 18
Hi...
I need information on scaring. Particularly as a result of grazing the skin
I really wanted to know of
1. would a scar occur as a result of grazing
2. if yes, then would it disappear?
3. how long does a graze take to heal?
4. will hair grow on it once it has healed?
5. what is 'scar tissue'?
6. should antiseptic cream be applied to it regularly?
7. is it better to keep it exposed and let fresh air at it?
Please help - any info - no matter how small will be appreciated greatly.
BUT PLEASE E-MAIL ME DIRECTLY because I dont read this newsgroup often (this
is my first time).
....Shaz....
From: uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu!gila005 (Stephen Holland)
Subject: Re: diet for Crohn's (IBD)
Organization: Gastroenterology - Univ. of Alabama
Distribution: usa
Lines: 81
Summary of thread:
A person has Crohns, raw vegetables cause problems (unspecified)
Steve Holland replies:  patient may have mild obstruction.  Avoid things
that would plug her up.  Crohn's has no dietary restriction in general.
In article <1993Apr22.210631.13300@aio.jsc.nasa.gov>,
spenser@fudd.jsc.nasa.gov (S. Spenser Aden) wrote:
>
> Interesting statements, simply because I have been told otherwise.  I'm
> certainly not questioning Steve's claims, as for one I am not a doctor, and I
> agree that foods don't bring on the recurrence of Crohn's.  But inflammation
> can be either mildly or DRASTICALLY enhanced due to food.
The feeling obout this has changed in the GI community.  The current
feeling
is that inflammation is not induced by food.  There is even evidence that
patients deprived of food have mucosal atrophy due to lack of stimulation
of
intestinal growth factors.  There is now interest in providing small
amounts
of nasogastric feeding to patients on IV nutrition.  But I digress.
Symptoms can be drastically enhanced by food, but not inflammation.
> Having had one major obstruction resulting in resection (is that a good enough
> caveat :-), I was told that a *LOW RESIDUE* diet is called for.  Basically,
> the idea is that if there is inflammation of the gut (which may not be
> realized by the patient), any residue in the system can be caught in the folds
> of inflammation and constantly irritate, thus exacerbating the problem.
> Therefore, anything that doesn't digest completely by the point of common
> inflammation should be avoided.  With what I've been told is typical Crohn's,
> of the terminal ileum, my diet should be low residue, consisting of:
>
> Completely out - never again - items:
> 	o corn (kernel husk doesn't digest ... most of us know this :-)
> 	o popcorn (same)
> 	o dried (dehydrated) fruit and fruit skins
> 	o nuts (Very tough when it comes to giving up some fudge :-)
The low residue diet is appropriate for you if you still have obstructions.
Again, it is not felt that food causes inflammation.  These foods are
avoided because they may get stuck.  I'd go ahead and have the
fudge, though ;-)  .
> Discouraged greatly:
> 	o raw vegetables (too fibrous)
> 	o wheat and raw grain breads
> 	o exotic lettuce (iceberg is ok since it's apparently mostly water)
> 	o greens (turnip, mustard, kale, etc...)
> 	o little seeds, like sesame (try getting an Arby's without it!)
> 	o long grain and wild rice (husky)
> 	o beans (you'll generate enough gas alone without them!)
> 	o BASICALLY anything that requires heavy digestive processing
>
> I was told that the more processed the food the better! (rather ironic in this
> day and age).  The whole point is PREVENTATIVE ... you want to give your
> system as little chance to inflame as possible.  I was told that among the
> NUMEROUS things that were heavily discouraged (I only listed a few), to try
> the ones I wanted and see how I felt.  If it's bad, don't do it again!
> Remember though that this was while I was in remission.  For Veggies: cook the
> daylights out of them.  I prefer steaming ... I think it's cooks more
> thoroughly - you're mileage may vary.
>
> As with anything else, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.  Don't just take my word.  But
> this is the info I've been given, and it may be a starting point for
> discussion.  Good luck!
>
Spencer makes an especially good point in having an observant and
informed patient.  Would that many patients be able to tell what
causes them problems.  The digestive processing idea is changing, but
if a food causes problems, avoid them.  Be sure that the foods are
tested a second time to be sure the food is a real cause.  Crohn's
commonly causes intermittent symptoms and some patients end up with
severly restricted diets that take months to renormalize.
There was a good article in the CCFA newsletter recently that discussed
the issue of dietary restriction of fiber.  It would be worth reading
to anyone with an interest in Crohn's.
And, as I always say when dealing with Crohn's, as does Spencer, Good Luck!
Steve Holland
From: uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu!gila005 (Stephen Holland)
Subject: Re: diet for Crohn's (IBD)
Organization: Gastroenterology - Univ. of Alabama
Distribution: usa
Lines: 48
In article <1993Apr22.202051.1@vms.ocom.okstate.edu>,
banschbach@vms.ocom.okstate.edu wrote:
>
> In article <1r6g8fINNe88@ceti.cs.unc.edu>, jge@cs.unc.edu (John Eyles) writes:
> >
> > A friend has what is apparently a fairly minor case of Crohn's
> > disease.
> >
> > But she can't seem to eat certain foods, such as fresh vegetables,
> > without discomfort, and of course she wants to avoid a recurrence.
> >
> > Her question is: are there any nutritionists who specialize in the
> > problems of people with Crohn's disease ?
> >
> > (I saw the suggestion of lipoxygnase inhibitors like tea and turmeric).
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> > John Eyles
>
> All your friend really has to do is find a Registered Dietician(RD).  While
> most work in hospitals and clinics, many major cities will have RD's who