Man & His Environment in Health and Disease
February 23-26, 1989
Sheraton Park Central Hotel - Dallas, Texas
Faculty:
Nicholas Ashford, Ph.D., J.D.
Associate Professor of Technology & Policy
M.I.T.
77 Mass. Avenue, Building E40-239
Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 253-1664
Iris R. Bell, M.D.
Instructor in Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School
McLean Hospital
115 Mill Street
Belmont, MA 02178 (617) 855-3183
Jacques Benveniste, M.D.
Director of Research
Institute National de la Sante
et de la Recherche Medicale
INSERM U 200
University of Paris-Sud
32 rue des Carnets
Clamart, 92140 France (011-33-1-46321207)
Abrahm Ber, M.D.
20635 N. Cave Creek Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85024 (602) 279-3795
Jeffrey S. Bland, Ph.D.
President
HealthComm, Inc.
3215-56th Street N.W., Suite 1-B
Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (206) 851-3943
Joel R. Butler, Ph.D., Professor
Psychology Department
North Texas State University
Denton, TX 76201 (817) 565-2643
Mark R. Cullen, M.D.
Director
Yale New Haven Occupational Medicine Program
Yale University School of Medicine
333 Cedar Street
New Haven, CT 06510 (203) 785-5885
Dr. Jose Delgado
Professor of Neurobiology
Center for Neurobiological Studies
L.B.E., Velazquez 31
28001 Madrid, Spain 275-0667
Nancy A. Didriksen, Ph.D.
Environmental Health Psychologists
1401 Airport Freeway
Bedford, Texas 76021 (817) 540-4414
Ervin J. Fenyves, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
University of Texas at Dallas
P. O. Box 830688
Richardson, TX 75083-0688 (214) 690-2971
Ronald Finn, M.D.
Consultant Physician
Royal Liverpool Hospital
Prescot Street
Liverpool L7 8XP
Merseyside, England (011-44-51-709-0141 X2465)
H. P. Friedrichsen, M.D.
Medical Director of the First German
Hospital for Environmental Medicine
Veramed Clinic
Schulstr. 4
8221 Inzell, W. Germany (011-49-866567150)
Zane Gard, M.D.
3888 B Calle Fontonada
San Diego, CA 92123 (619) 571-0300
Arthur S. Hume, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacology-toxicology
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 N. State Street
Jackson, MS 39216-4505 (601) 984-1612
Satoshi Ishikawa, M.D.
Professor and Chairman
Department of Ophthalmology
Kitasato University
1-51-1 Kitasato
Sagamihara, Kanagawa 228, Japan (011-81-427-78-8464)
Alfred R. Johnson, D.O.
Environmental Health Center - Dallas
8345 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 205
Dallas, Texas 75231-4262 (214) 368-4132
Amanullah Khan, M.D.
9000 Harry Hines
Dallas, Texas 75235 (214) 351-8270
John L. Laseter, Ph.D.
Enviro-Health Systems, Inc.
990 No. Bowser Road, #800
Richardson, Texas 75081 (214) 234-5577
Andrew Marino, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport
P. O. Box 33932
Shreveport, LA 71130-3932 (318) 674-6180
Lewis W. Mayron, Ph.D.
Environmental Medicine and Ecologic Science, Inc.
1779 Summer Cloud Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 (805) 492-2458
Jean Monro, M.D.
Breakspear Hospital
Abbots Langley
Hertfordshire, WD5 OPU
England (011-44-92776133)
Jon B. Pangborn, Ph.D.
30 W. 101 Roosevelt Road
W. Chicago, IL 60185 (312) 231-3649
Doris J. Rapp, M.D.
1421 Colvin Blvd.
Buffalo, NY 14223 (716) 875-5578
William J. Rea, M.D.
Director
Environmental Health Center - Dallas
8345 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 205
Dallas, Texas 75231-4262 (214) 368-4132
Sherry A. Rogers, M.D.
Medical Director
Northeast Center for Environmental Medicine
2800 West Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13219 (315) 488-2856
Gerald H. Ross, M.D.
Environmental Health Center - Dallas
8345 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 205
Dallas, Texas 75231-4262 (214) 368-4132
Colin G. Rousseaux, B.V.Sc., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dept. of Veterinary Pathology
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7N OWO Canada (306) 966-7294
F. Fuller Royal, M.D.
6105 W. Tropicana Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89103 (702) 732-1400
Douglas M. Sandberg
Professor of Pediatrics
Director, Div. of Gastroenterology and Nutrition
University of Miami
Children's Hospital Center
1500 N.W. 12th Ave. #1027-28
Miami, FL 33136 (305) 547-6511
David W. Schnare, MSPH, Ph.D.
8311 Crestridge road
Fairfax Station, VA 22039 (202) 382-5541
Cyril W. Smith, Ph.D.
Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering
University of Salford
Salford M5 4WT
England (011-44-61-736-5843)
Johannes C. Steenkamp, H.D., D.O.
Department of Public Health & Prev. Medicine
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Camp Bowie at Montgomery
Ft. Worth, TX 76107 (817) 735-2252
Ellen Widess
Director of Environmental Health and Safety
Texas Department of Agriculture
P. O. Box 12847
Austin, Texas 78711 (512) 463-7534
Said Youdim, Ph.D.
8345 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 205
Dallas, Texas 75231 (214) 368-4132
Faculty Abstracts:
Nicholas A. Ashford, Ph.D., J.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
LEGAL AND REGULATORY CHALLENGES FOR LOW LEVEL EXPOSURES
As advances in both analytical measurement technology and in clinical
observations of health effects due to low level exposures to toxic substances
have occurred, new demands for response from the public health and regulatory
agencies have arisen. Attribution over both the sources of exposure and
of causation are especially confounded. Yet, governmental entities are
being asked to respond. New challenges and opportunities for both environmental
and occupational health professionals will be discussed.
Iris R. Bell, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont Massachusetts
NUTRITIONAL FACTORS IN GERIATRIC DEPRESSION
This paper reviews relevant clinical literature and the author's recent
research findings on B complex vitamins, zinc and other laboratory measures
of nutritional status in geriatric psychiatry inpatients with major depression.
Although some investigators have found over 50% of new admissions with
B vitamin deficiencies in general inpatient psychiatric populations, this
writer observed much lower frequencies of B1, B2, B6, folate, and B12 blood
level deficiencies in our sample of geropsychiatric inpatients. However,
serum zinc levels are abnormally low in the majority of such patients.
Lack of family psychiatric history and later age at onset may be associated
with poorer vitamin status in these individuals. Other pilot work suggests
that low-dose supplementation of vitamins B1, B2, and B6 may improve cognitive
dysfunction but not depression better than placebo during concomitant antidepressant
medication treatment. Available data suggest several important hypotheses
to guide future studies: (1) central nervous system levels and function
of the B vitamins may be deficient despite normal blood vitamin levels
and/or peripheral enzyme function tests; (2) in the treatment of severe
depression, vitamins may best serve as an adjunctive rather than primary
modality in combination with standard antidepressants; (3) research must
focus on biochemically interrelated nutrients at the same time rather than
isolate individual B vitamins or minerals for study; (4) as in studies
of environmental toxins, prescreening for individuals vulnerable to nutritional
insult may be the best research strategy in evaluating response to nutrient
supplementation.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY IN ENVIRONMENTAL ILLNESS
This paper summarizes the author's clinical data on environmental illness patients who sought psychiatric treatment (EIP). As others have noted, EIP presented polysymptomatic syndromes with prominent complaints of chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, headaches, gastrointestinal distress, and other somatic disturbances. EIP in the author's practice also reported extremely high frequencies of positive family histories for psychiatric disorders (63%), alcohol and/or drug abuse (54%), asthma/local allergies (51%). Within psychiatry, the clinical presentation and course of severely-ill EIP most closely resembled those of Briquet's Syndrome ad defined by Guze's group1, with superimposed atypical depression and anxiety disorders. In many cases, these EIP individuals were labile in terms of affective, cognitive, and psycho physiological manifestations; they often showed only portions of DSM-111R diagnosable psychiatric syndromes. Furthermore, a subset of the EIP responded in limited degree to standard psychiatric medications, including lithium, alprazolam, clonazepam, tricyclic and monomine oxidate inhibitor antidepressants. Notably, the frequency of reported upper respiratory infections in certain susceptible patients decreased during treatment with lithium and certain antidepressants. This conceptualization of a subset of EIP facilitates the synthesis of available data on the neurochemical, genetic, psychopharmacological, and psychological aspects of Briquet's, atypical and major depression, and panic disorder with clinical characteristics of EIP to suggest promising areas for further research on EIP.
__________________________________________________
1 Perley MJ, Guze, SB. NEJM 266:421-26, 1962
J. Benveniste, M.D., INSERM, U.200, Clamart, France
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS IN THE ABSENCE OF LIGAND IN USUAL MOLECULAR FORM:
ELECTROMAGNETIC ORDERING OF WATER? IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EFFECT OF HOMEOPATHIC
REMEDIES
Even at extreme dilutions, some substances are able to influence cell
response. In a first study, mice received between 1 x 10-19
of silica, a substance cytotoxic for macrophages, for 25 days. The synthesis
of the inflammatory either-lipid paf-acether by peritoneal macrophages
was increased by 30 to 65% in treated mice as compared to untreated ones.
The observed differences were highly significant in all experiments, demonstrating
an unexplained in vivo cellular effect of high dilutions of silica (Davenas
et al., 1987, Eur. J. Pharmacol. 135:313). In two other studies, high dilutions
substances specifically stimulated or inhibited human basophil. High and
low dilutions of goat anti-human IgE antiserum induced a loss of basophil
staining (achromasia). Successive peaks of basophil degranulation (40-60%)
were observed with the anti-IgE antiserum ten-fold or hundred-fold diluted
from 1 x 10-6 M down to concentrations (theoretical after the
14th ten-fold dilution) well below those generally used in classical
pharmacology. The same process applied to a goat anti-human IgG antiserum
gave no results (Davenas et al., 1988, Nature 33:816). High dilutions of
two homeopathic drugs Lung Histamine and Apis Mellifica used for the treatment
of allergic diseases significantly inhibited human basophil degranulation
induced by 1 x 10-16 to 1 x 10-18 M anti-IgE antibody
(Poitevin et al., 1988, Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 25:439). These data indicate
that substances highly diluted - to the point that no molecule is present
in the solution - do influence biological functions at the cellular or
whole body level. It also suggested that the basophil degranulation test
could be applied to the diagnosis at the cellular level of allergy-related
diseases. An automatic basophil-counting machine is presently under development.
Abram Ber, M.D., Homeopathic physician, Phoenix, Arizona
THE DOMESTIC ANIMAL AS A SOURCE OF ILLNESS
Clinical ecologist and allergists are familiar with the potential of
animal dander as an inciter of allergic symptoms. Domestic animals are
also a potential source of infectious agents easily transferred to humans,
especially children
The author describes a case involving a child brought to his care for
a fever of unknown origin. Previous laboratory investigation and clinical
consultation had failed to reveal a cause for the prolonged pyrexia..
The environmental history revealed that this child played with numerous
pets which also included seven (7) cats. A stool specimen examined by an
expert parasitologist working in the author's office revealed the presence
of heavy infestation of Toxoplasma gondii.
Treatment consisted of the sublingual administration of the neutralizing
dilution of toxoplasma antigen. The neutralizing dilution of toxoplasma
antigen. The neutralizing dilution was found to be the 3rd dilution
of a 1:5 and was found by measurement of skin resistance utilizing a Dermatron
(electro acupuncture device). The child improved immediately and made a
complete recovery in several weeks.
Jeffrey S. Bland, Ph.D., HealthComm, Inc., Gig Harbor, Washington
PHYTOPHARMACEUTICALS AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO ECOLOGICAL MEDICINE
The past five years has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of interest
in phytopharmaceutical-based preparations. The basic science that underlies
many of these preparations is now becoming better understood although the
legacy for their effectiveness can be traced back to lower an anecdote
of several thousand years.
New phytopharmaceutical substances which have interest in environmental
medicine include Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea augustifolia, feverfew, silymarin
and Aloe vera. This presentation will focus on the phytopharmacy of these
particular herbal preparations in the context of environmental medicine.
Questions concerning the ethnobotany, pharmacognosy and standardized potency
of these preparations will be discussed.
By utilizing these specific examples of herbal-based preparations, a
more general review of the application of phytopharmacy in environmental
medicine will be explored. Concerned relating to the concentration of active
principles, dose response relationships of phytopharmaceuticals, the presence
of zenobiotic contaminants and unit dose potency of herbal-based preparations
will be discussed.
Closing this presentation will be a brief discussion concerning the
loss of species diversity in the rain forest biome and the impact that
has upon the botanical pharmacy and how this interrelates to questions
concerning man and his environment.
Joel R. Butler, Ph. D, Professor of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
ECOLOGY OF THE MIND
In considering the totality of inner relationships of all organism,
the universe of the mind and its ecological connection to health needs
further examination. The mind/body interaction is woven together as much
by imagery as by molecules. In far ranging activities from the first running
of the under 4-minute mile to an increase in mother's milk or a psychological-classical
conditioning of mast cells-the mind takes precedence over the molecule.
The mind does not exist just from the skin in but is truly ecological in
its recognition and response to those things cultural, spiritual, learned
or psychological/physiological. It is a reservoir of attitudes, beliefs
and hopes. Yet the mind is a great intangible to most even though it can
heal or destroy. While the mind cannot substitute for bodily processes,
it can certainly influence them-for better or worse. The reverse holds
true as well but too often the approach to health is intentionally physiological
and often only accidentally mental or psychological or a combination. The
state of mind will generally reflect the state of total health and a mind/body
ecological balance must be struck.
Mark R. Cullen, M.D., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven Connecticut
MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES: TOWARD A COMMON UNDERSTANDING
The occupational medicine community, along with other community providers,
has become increasingly exposed to patients with adverse reactions to multiple
diverse chemical agents. Although many patients have been treated by clinical
ecologists, broad debate rages in medical circles regarding the theories
of pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment methods for these. Until now
this debate has been characterized by polemics on both sides, yielding
more heat than light. In this talk I shall address strategies to progress
beyond this state of affairs by utilizing the existing and considerable
wisdom which each side has to offer.
Jose M. R. Delgado, M.D., Centro De Estudios Neurobiologicos, Madrid Spain
ELECTROMAGNETIC AND IDEOLOGICAL POLLUTION OF THE BRAIN
The modern proliferation of electrical plants, high power lines and
electrically mechanized homes are sources of artificial magnetic fields
which may influence biological activities. In our experiments we demonstrated
the following effects induced by weak, very low frequency electromagnetic
fields: (a) Modifications in the orientation of snails; (b) Polarographic
changes of amino acids "in vitro"; (c) Influences on the synthesis of T-RNA;
(d) Changes in learning and memory in mice; (e) Orientation and viability
of drosophila; (f) Genetic changes in drosophila; (g) Bacterial growth;
(h) Unitary activity of the stretch receptor in the crab; (I) Powerful
modification in the development of chick embryos; (j) Effects on unitary
activity of cerebellar Purkinje cells in the cat; (k) Changes in motor
activity and sleep-wakefulness cycles in monkeys; and (l) Non-invasive
modifications of the central nervous system using a special methodology.
Utilization of electromagnetic energy represents risks and benefits for
mankind requiring intelligent, ethical evaluation of results.
Attention should also be paid to a very subtle but powerful and widespread
danger related to modern mass media communication technologies: the
ideological pollution of the brain. Minds and bodies are directed with
objectives imposed without the knowledge or consent of the individual.
Mental and physiological functions are usurped by hidden forces without
concern for personal identity.. Unfortunately a sensation of freedom may
be provided when, in reality, there is a manipulation of ideologies, motivations
and actions.
It is essential to be aware of the many dangers caused by different
kinds of ecological, physiological and neurobiological pollution. Solutions
must be found for the prevention and management of undesirable consequences.
Nancy A. Didriksen, Ph.D,, Environmental Health Psychologist, Bedford, Texas, and Joel R. Butler, Ph.D., University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
PATIENT COMPLIANCE: FACILITATION METHOD
Evidence is abundant for the incidents of noncompliance with various
medical and/or psychological treatment regimens with attrition rates as
high as 100% among patients including healthcare professionals. Major factors
related to nonadherence include treatment variables (complexity and duration),
patient variables (individual characteristics regarding social support,
negativism, lack of resources), disease variables (stability of symptoms)
and patient-healthcare provider interaction.
The behavior of healthcare providers as well as that of the patient
can facilitate or interfere with treatment adherence. Factors such as effective
communication, mutual goal setting, positive belief systems, empathy, concern,
warmth, courtesy, explanatory style and efficacy of treatment itself should
be considered for successful outcomes.
Ervin J. Fenyves, Ph.D., and Roy Kinslow, Ph.D., University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE HAZARDS OF RADON EXPOSURE
Radon - 222 and its mother nucleus Radium - 226 pose an until now unidentified
hazard: oil field waste, oil field pipelines and brine may have relatively
high levels of radium contamination, and emanate high levels of radon gas.
Structures, buildings and even children's playgrounds using materials,
and equipment containing any of the above contaminated pipe-yards and other
structural materials are posing a significant health hazard to the general
population, and particularly to children.
Ronald Finn, M.D., F.R.C.P., Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, England
SENSITIVITY AS A CENTRAL CONCEPT IN ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
Environmental Factors play an important role in many diseases. Environmental
agents are common and disease rare, and it is likely that affected subjects
are particularly sensitive to the relevant environmental agent. Clinical
sensitivity is, therefore, important in the genesis of environmental disease.
Allergy is the classical example of sensitivity and is divided into
immediate IgE reactions and delayed IgG and cellular reactions. Most food
antibodies are IgG4 which are probably protective rather than pathogenic
as the bind weakly to antigen and are poor activators of complement.
Most clinical sensitivities are probably biochemical and are based on
defective enzyme systems. Thus, the slow acetylator genes predispose to
isoniazid peripheral neuropathy and defects in oxidation and sulphate conjugation
of dietary amines predispose to migraine. Addiction is largely determined
by genetic factors in the presence of the addicting agent such as alcohol.
It is also probably that the complications of tobacco are due to sensitivity
rather than chance. Defects in the sodium pump predispose to hypertension
and sensitivity to alcohol, tobacco and analgesics are of clinical relevance
in individual patients.
Clinical sensitivities are of importance in Environmental Medicine and
their management can be clinically rewarding. There are several types of
sensitivity, many of them having a genetic basis.
Arthur S. Hume, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
BINDING OF TOXICANTS BY CARBONYL AND SULFIDE CONTAINING CHEMICALS
It may be of significance that endogenous carbonyl and sulfide containing chemicals are recognized to bind certain toxicant. It has long been recognized that sulfides will bind heavy metals and are used as antidotes for these chemicals. However, their binding activities at lower concentrations have not been significantly investigated. Since sulfide containing chemicals will bind significant amounts of heavy metals, sulfide containing amino acids could serve as scavengers for heavy metals, reducing their accessibility and enhancing their excretion. Carbonyl groups are relatively reactive groups and will react with a number of chemical functional groups. Carbonyl containing chemicals have been reported as binding several toxicants. Some examples are: alphketoglutaric acid binds cyanide; pyruvic acid binds sulfide; citric acid enhances the excretion of aluminum. It is reasonable that these agents could assist in binding and removing some toxicants especially those with long half-lives.
Satoshi Ishikawa, Yoshihiro Kojima, Iehiko Tsujisawa and Hirotsune Sako, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.
OBJECTIVE DETERMINATION OF "FATIGUE" ON THE PERFORMANCE OF VISUAL
DISPLAY TERMINAL (VDT) OPERATOR
Near triad of the eye is consisted of three responses, i.e., accommodation,
pupil constriction and convergence. These responses were simultaneously
recorded by using infrared optometer, pulillometer, and photoelectric oculographic
devices. The stimulus to the eye was carried out with the velocity of 0.2
diopter (D) per sec. from -12 D to +12 D continuously, thus, quasi-static
responses of the near triad were recorded. The subjects who complained
of eye strain from ordinary hard work business (A) and the other subjects
who also complained of the eye strain from VDT performance over 20 hours/week
(B) were compared by measuring above parameters.
The results indicated that there were functional abnormalities of the
near triad in both groups. Even with the minor abnormality of the responses,
it was designated as "abnormal." The appearance rate of the abnormality
of the near triad was 25.9% in Group A and 71.1% in Group B (p. 0.01).
With the loading of the accommodative stimulus, the pupillary reaction
was more involved in the VDT operator. A possible existence of parasympathicomimetic
state was considered. A possible role to produce the eye strain in VDT
performance will be presented.
RETINAL DEGENERATION POSSIBLY DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE TO ORGANOPHOSPHORUS
PESTICIDES
Organophosphorus pesticides (OP) produces pathological changes in the
ciliary muscle and in the optic nerve of both animals and humans. The effect
of OP on the retina has been functionally studied using the electro-retinogram
in the acute and subacute stages as the reduction of a and b waves of the
scotopic ERG. Decrease in the amplitude of visually evoked responses (VER)
as well as potentials recorded at superficial layer of the superior colliculus
has been introduced. Functional and histological changes in the retina
induced by chronic administration of OP have not been studied except Imai's
work (1).
In this presentation, we would report a case of chronic OP intoxication
who died by myocardial infarction. He was a professional OP sprayer for
about 20 years spraying mainly parathion, fenitrothion, fenthion DDVP,
etc. He has no consanguinity but presented severe choroidal sclerosis with
retinal pigmentary degeneration. This unique histopathological finding
will be reported.
1. Imai, H et al: Retinal degeneration in rats exposed to an Fenthion.
Environmental Research 30:453-465, 1983.
Alfred R. Johnson, D.O., William J. Rea, M.D., Environmental Health Center - Dallas, Texas and Satoshi Ishikawa, M.D., and Shinji Shirakawa, M.D., Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan.
ENVIRONMENTAL PATIENT PROFILE, 200 SUBJECTS
Diagnosing and evaluating the environmentally sensitive patient is the
ultimate challenge for the practicing physician. Two hundred first-time
admit patients to the Environmental Care Unit were evaluated for multiple
demographic, laboratory and psychological perimeters. Most frequent complaints
involved that of central nervous system with headache, fatigue, and poor
concentration. Fifty-two percent were of the third and fourth decade of
life. At least 60% had attended college. Laboratory work revealed frequent
immune dysregulation with 14% revealing positive antinuclear antibodies.
Many similarities exist with the current CDC criteria for diagnosing Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome. Careful and complete environmental illness evaluation
and treatment program is necessary.
Alfred R. Johnson, D.O., William J. Rea, M.D., Environmental Health Center - Dallas, Texas
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS OF EYE RESPONSE WITH CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES
Autonomic nervous system complaints are frequently present among the
environmental sensitivity patients. Quantitative evaluation of the autonomic
nervous system has been difficult prior to the development of the bionuclear
IrisCorder. Analysis of the iris reaction to light stimuli by a high precision
infrared video camera measures the real time variation in pupil area of
both eyes in response to a light stimulus. Chemically sensitive individuals,
as well as those that have been exposed specifically to pesticides, show
a deviation from normal controls, producing a sympatholytic or cholinergic
nerve response pattern.
Lewis W. Mayron, Ph.D., Environmental Medicine and Ecologic Science, Inc. Thousand Oaks, California 91362
NEUTRALIZATION OF THE BRITTLE PATIENT
A system of neutralization fine-tuning was introduced in 1981 which
defined fractions of fifths and twenty-fifths of a whole number interval.
Ultrafine tuning was performed by using increments of 0.01 ml between the
twenty-fifths. This system has yielded data that appears to define three
types of lesions: 1) Sensitivity to an antigen; 2) Intolerance or brittleness
to an antigen; 3) Instability to an antigen. In highly intolerant or brittle
states, ultrafine tuning has proven to be inadequate, thus necessitating
the development of a system we have termed averaging. Averaging enables
the physician to tune a titration of five-trillionths of an interval, if
needed. Thus, not only does the body respond to specific serial five-fold
dilutions of an antigen but it also responds clearly and dramatically to
minutes changes in concentration, especially in the brittle patient. This
has been particularly helpful in the asthmatic patient, the migrainer,
the seizure patient, and the patient with chronic infections.
Jean Monro, M.D., Breakspear Hospital for Allergy and Environmental Medicine, Hertfordshire, England
BRAIN FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
We have shown that patients will react to very low field strength frequencies
through the whole frequency spectrum from less than 1 Hz to 4 gigaHz. The
patients evince symptoms which can be negated. The "neutralizing" frequency
can be administered in the form of similarly charged vaccines. There is
no objective evidence of the "neutralizing" endpoint other than the clinical
signs which can be observed. The most electrical tissue in the brain can
be assessed by E.E.G. Computerized E.E.G. tracings have been monitored
simultaneously with exposure to weak electromagnetic frequencies through
the similar range, viz. 1 Hz. - 200 Hz. That frequency has been selected
for the provision of a frequency generator. The patient can be provided
with weak field strength frequencies through the miniature computer. The
device can be worn close to the body, as in a watch or pendant. It has
been shown to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraine in
98% of a group of patients. Data concerning the pilot study will be presented
and the principles demonstrated.
Jon B. Pangborn, Ph.D., President, Bionostics, Inc., Vice President, Doctor's Data, Inc., Consultant, Klaire Laboratories, W. Chicago, Illinois
LABORATORY ASSESSMENTS OF CHEMICAL TOXICITY AND ENZYMATIC DETOXICATION
One process by which the human body cleanses itself is by enzymatic
detoxication which occurs mainly in liver tissue. Alcohol, some medications,
street drugs (narcotics) normally induce or increase the activities of
certain hepatic microsomal enzymes. One reliable marker for increased activity
of such enzymes is the level of D-glutaric acid in a 24-hour urine sample.
Many Zenobiotic that are pesticides, herbicides or fungicides undergo epoxidation
followed by conjugation to form mercapturic acids. A laboratory test procedure
is being developed at Doctors' Data Laboratory to monitor conjugated mercapturic
acids in urine. Other laboratory tests that are useful in assessing an
individuals's capacity for enzymatic detoxication include determination
of functional vitamin activities, measurement of amino acid adequacies,
especially those of cystine and taurine, and measurement of the adequacy
of certain minerals, especially selenium, manganese, zinc and copper.
D. J. Rapp, M.D. and D. Cantor, Ph.D., Buffalo, New York
MULTIPLE PARAMETER STUDIES IN ENVIRONMENTALLY ILL CHILDREN
10 patients, aged 6 to 16 years, and one adult with diverse cerebral
allergic symptoms were part of a pilot study to evaluate neurometric changes
during provocation testing. The patients were tested with a variety of
common allergens. Constant brainwave and video recordings were conducted
during the baseline, after placebos, at the peak of the reaction and after
neutralization. Bender Gestalt tests, and the ability to write were similarly
monitored along with changes in C3, C4, histamine, serotonin, Elisa tests
and 43 amino acids. The confounding variables will be discussed.
The results of the above will be presented as well as details about
two patients, in particular. One showed cerebral changes which correlated
with the pulse and observations noted during provocation neutralization
testing for wheat. The other appeared to have a brain stem reaction during
a rice test. The neurometric recording of the cerebrum showed insignificant
changes. Video excerpts will be presented. This pilot study should provide
insight and direction so that a well-designed larger study will be possible
in the future.
Unfortunately, analysis of the resting and concentration phases of the
neurometric study could not be completed on all the patients prior to this
presentation.
William J. Rea, M.D., Yaqin Pan, M.D., Peking China, Salvador Figueroa, M.D., Tampico, Mexico, and Rintu Khan, M.D., Dhaka, Bangladesh
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS, PART II
Blind studies were performed under environmentally controlled conditions
in electricity and electromagnetically measured porcelain steel rooms.
Studies using a B-K (3030 sweep) Precision Dynasean frequency generator
were performed on 76 patients who reported thy were electrically sensitive
and 24 controls. Ages ranged from 5-75 with a mean of 40.4 with 18 males
and 58 females. Patients were tested with 2-5 minutes exposure per frequency
with blanks being the machine off for 5 minutes. There were at least 10
separate challenges in 5 blanks per patient. Reaction occurred in 56 of
76 patients in the range of .1 Hz to 5 Hz. More than one frequency produced
reactions in each patient that reacted. 56 (73%) patients reacted to challenge
and 27 (35%) to placebo (includes 14 patients who reacted to previous challenge).
The greatest number of patients reacted at 1 Hz (34), 10 Hz (44) 100 Hz
(40) l KHz (42), 10 KHz (34), 100 Khz (31), 1MHz (33) and 5 MHz (30). The
main signs and symptoms reproduced were neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory,
musculo-skeletal, gastrointestinal, ocular and skin.
It is clear from this study that a group of patients exist who are sensitive
to a broad range of frequencies and effect can be elicited under environmentally
controlled conditions.
William J. Rea, M.D., Environmental Health Center - Dallas, Texas and Michael Rath, Senior Medical Student, Munich, Germany
SERIES OF PATIENTS WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSITIVITIES (MEASUREMENT)
- PART I
Measurements of electric and magnetic fields of different areas outside
homes, apartments and office buildings were performed using the E.M.F.
and electric detector by Genitron. Less polluted rural ranch area of Texas
showed 0 . V/M + 0 nT. These areas were at least 100 feet from any power
source. Both areas were at least 60 miles from the Dallas metropolitan
area. In addition, environmentally controlled porcelain trailers that were
connected to 110 volt power lines by an extension cord were used for indoor
air measurements. Ten units each read 0 V/M + 0 nT.
The less polluted areas and units may be used for references of what
the ideal or control areas should be. In addition, measurements of electric
and magnetic fields were measured from high tension power lines in the
U.S., Japan, England and Germany. Electric fields were negligible at any
distance. However, magnetic fields were first detected at a distance of
one mile in 20/20 lines measured in England; ½ mile in Germany 6/6;
300-500 feet in the U.S. 20/20 and Japan 10/10. Once the magnetic field
was detected, it increased linearally until it was off scale (over 1000
n/T) at or near being underneath the power line. Apartments and houses
showed electric fields +25 to 100 n/T in the U.S., England, Japan and Germany.
Shopping centers in Texas and Ohio were off the scale (1000 n/T) up to
300 feet from the buildings. Airports in Munich, London, Tokyo, Las Vegas,
Dallas, Toledo, and Detroit were off the scale as well 1000 n/T.
William J. Rea, M.D., Environmental Health Center - Dallas, Texas and Shingi Shirakawa, M.D., Kanagawa, Japan, Yaqin Pan, M.D., Peking China, Daniel Martinez, M.D., Dallas, Texas
EVALUATION OF AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION VIA THE IRISCORDER
AND OTHER OBJECTIVE PARAMETERS AFTER CHEMICAL DEPOLLUTION
Pupillography using the Iriscorder (Ishikawa and Hamamtsu) can measure
autonomic nervous system dysfunction. One can objectively measure changes
in the autonomic nervous system including sympathetic, cholinmergic, sympatholytic
and cholinergolytic functions. Chemically sensitive patients were measured
before, during and after treatment showing objective changes during this
process. 20 consecutive chemically sensitive patients (16 females and 4
males) with a mean age of 43 years were followed pre, during and after
sauna. 9 (45%) improved, 4 (20%) got worse and 7 (35%) remained the same.
These were correlated with blood levels of toxic chemicals. In addition,
changes can be shown before and after inhaled challenge and before and
after intradermal challenge as well as intradermal neutralization.
Balance studies using the computerized posterography balance unit by
Neurocom has been very useful in analyzing patients with central and periferal
nervous systems sensitivity, as well as inner ear involved by toxic chemicals.
This test for total equilibrium is a computerized moving platform and moving
visual surroundings. This system assesses motor and sensory deficiencies
affecting posture and equilibrium. It creates, in a clinical setting, the
types of situations which cause a dysfunction of equilibrium in patients
in their daily lives. By using these parameters we can find that one has
more objective parameters in which to evaluate the chemically sensitive
individual.
Sherry A. Rogers, M.D., Northeast Center for Environmental Medicine, 2800 W. Genesse Street, Syracuse, New York 13219
A NEW APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL ILLNESS TREATMENT FAILURES
Environmental Illness (E.I.) is clearly a product of a maladapted detoxication
system. We are the first generation exposed to an unprecedented number
of chemicals and simultaneously eating a more nutrient depleted diet. Since
macrobiotics (MB) has cleared cancers, it should be able to clear E.I.,
but requires modifications to be tolerated. Eighteen of twenty treatment
failures of the total load program had no options remaining, and many were
even intolerant of non-phenol, non-glycerine injections and any supplements.
They were markedly improved on MB, tolerating foods, mold and chemicals
for the first time in years. They also corrected resistant nutrient deficiencies,
had more energy and a state of optimistic well being, and the improvement
progressed the longer they were on the program. Many no longer needed injections.
Two out of twenty decided they were unable to do the program. MB has since
provided an inexpensive option for over 50 patients who had no options
left, and is compatible with ecologic principles.
Gerald H. Ross, M.D., C.C.F.P., International Fellow in Environmental Medicine, Environmental Health Center - Dallas, Texas
A COMPARISON STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE PATIENTS AND CONTROLS,
MEASURING TOXICOLOGICAL, NUTRITIONAL, IMMUNOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS.
A multi parameter study was conducted at the Environmental Health Center
- Dallas in which hematology, immunology, trace mineral analysis, organic
hydrocarbons and depollution enzymes were assessed in a series of chemically
sensitive patients and compared to a group of volunteer controls. The controls
did not use tobacco, alcohol, tea, coffee, medications or nutritional supplements,
and had no ongoing health problems.
Statistically significant differences were found in the nutrient status,
biochemistry, toxic pollutant load and other parameters between these groups,
which will be discussed.
These findings have important implications, concerning the degree to
which both patients and healthy people are affected by environmental pollutants,
and the factors which are associated with pollutant load.
*This study was conducted with the cooperation of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Dallas East Stake and supported by Accuchem
Laboratory of Richardson, Texas, Doctor's Data of Chicago, Monroe Medical
Labs of New York and North Texas Immunology Lab of Dallas.
C. G. Rousseaux, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS OF TRACE ELEMENT INTERACTIONS
Trace elements are true hormetic agents in that disease occurs in both
deficient and excess states. Unfortunately, unraveling the issue of trace
element nutrition is fraught with difficulty as each element cannot be
considered in isolation. In fact, competition of one trace element with
another may cause a deficiency state in an individual who has "normal"
levels of the "deficient" trace element. This phenomenon means interpretation
of trace element results can only be undertaken in conjunction with results
of known competing elements eg. copper and molybdenum. Many interactions
are known, hence examination of interactions will be limited to: copper-sulphur-molybdenum,
zinc-vitamin A, zinc-calcium, zinc-copper, zinc-lead, nickel-copper-iron,
and manganese-iron-zinc. The complexity of these elemental interactions
means nutritional studies involving trace elements must be made with caution;
interpretation of results from well controlled studies may only hold true
for the experiment from which they were attained, and may be of little
use when attempting to determine nutritional requirements.
C. G. Rousseaux, A. Olkowski, A. Chauvet, R. Gooneratne, and D. A. Christensen, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
SULPHATE-RELATED NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE IN SHEEP
Fifty-six female cross-bred 2 month old sheep were housed in individual
cages, and fed a basic ration of barley (48%) soybean meal (20%) and alfalfa
(32%) mixture prepared to meet NRC requirements. The diets contained sulphur
(.19% low level/ .63% high level) copper (6.7 mg/Kg low level/28.8 mg/Kg
high level), and thiamine (13.7 mg/Kg low level/243 mg/Kg high level) as
factors tested. All animals had free access to water and were offered 1
Kg/animal/day of diet for 14 weeks, at which time necropsy is undertaken.
Gross lesions of polioencephalomalacia, some of which fluoresced, were
noted in the animals treated with high levels of oral sulphur. Histological
grading of pathological changes, with subsequent nonparametric statistical
analysis, revealed treatment effects totally attributable to high sulphur
intake. The cortical, extrapyramidal, limbic, motor, vestibular, visual,
auditory and olfactory systems demonstrated more severe morphological changes
in the low sulphur counterparts. Extrapyramidal lesions in sheep supplemented
with thiamine were less severe in sheep receiving .63% sulphur in the diet.
It was concluded that inorganic sulphur was associated with polioencephalomalacia
and that dietary thiamine may decrease the severity of lesions in some
affected areas of the central nervous system.
David W. Schnare, MSPH Ph.D. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Fairfax Station, Virginia
REDUCTION OF HUMAN POLYHALOGENATED BIPHENYL BURDENS
With increasing evidence of an etiological association between chemical
body burdens and compromise in human health and function, there has been
an increase in interest in means to reduce or remove chemical burdens stored
in the human body. This paper describes the efficacy of one such treatment
regimen, indicating those areas of research which, if pursued, would be
helpful in extending understanding of chemical burden reduction, as well
as in improving existing treatment methods.
The methods discussed rely on enhanced mobilization of lipid-stored
contaminants, enhanced excretion (predominantly through a fecal/biliary
route), and protection of liver function during mobilization. Approximately
three weeks of treatment lead to large reductions in whole body burdens
of polyhalogenated biphenyls of about 40 percent, well in excess of normal
excretion/metabolism rates (half-lives in excess of a decade.)
Cyril W. Smith, Ph.D. Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering University of Salford, M5 4WT, England
ELECTRICITY AND WATER: PART I
The remarkable properties of that common substance water, so essential
to the existence and functioning of living systems are discussed from the
fundamentals of all the sciences involved. The duality between chemical
structure and coherent frequencies involves electrical oscillations in
an essential way. The similarity between the actions of homeopathic potencies,
allergens and coherent oscillations are considered in respect of the possibility
of providing therapy or, producing "proving" symptoms in sensitive persons,
through interactions involving structured water.
ELECTRICITY AND WATER: PART II
Data obtained during the testing of electrically hypersensitive patients
will be presented. Examples of electric and magnetic field strengths and
frequencies which produce various clinical effects will be presented. They
will be discussed in respect of the theory of non-linear control systems
and their environmental health implications.
Said Youdim, Ph.D. Dallas, Texas
IMMUNOLOGIC FACTORS IN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
Many theories and mechanism have been proposed for the generation of
autoimmune response (see table). No single theory based on findings in
humans or experimental models is universally acceptable or at least without
certain amounts of controversy. This is not surprising given the complex
nature of the prototype model of the autoimmune disease; systemic lupus
erythematosis (SLE) which exhibits multisystem, multiorgan pathology with
a considerable number of autoantibodies of high titer. This presentation
discusses certain number of the mechanisms of autoimmune disease in the
context of tolerance, self recognition, idiotypic, anti-idiotypic regulatory
network and other immunologic factors. Other factors of critical importance
in autoimmunity are genetic, virologic, and hormonal. These undoubtedly
play essential roles each acting singularly or synchronously with the others
to induce autoimmune disease.
THEORIES OF ORIGIN OF AUTOIMMUNITY
Release of sequestered antigens
Diminished suppressor T cell function
Enhanced helper T cell activity, T cell bypass
Thymic defects
Presence of abnormal clones, defects in tolerance induction
Polyclonal B cell activation
Refractoriness of B cells to suppressor messages
Defects in macrophages
Stem cell defects
Defects in the idiotype-anti-idiotype network
Abnormal genes: Immune response genes, immunoglobulin genes
Viral factors
Hormonal factors