Volume 2, Issue 1

Medical Veritas: The Journal of Medical Truth

Apr. 2005, Volume 2, Issue 1

Table of Contents

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00038 Assessment of adverse reactions to vaccines given to Greyson and Gwyneth with recommendations for clinical tests by Mohammed Ali Al-Bayati
Abstract:     Greyson and Gwyneth were perfectly healthy children prior to May 12, 2004 when each of them received eleven vaccines in one single visit to a health care provider. Greyson is a five year and two month old white male and his sister; Gwyneth is six year and 10 months old. They developed significant health problems after receiving these vaccinations.
     In June of 2004, their mother, Janet Burton, consulted with me as a toxicologist and a pathologist with expertise in the area of adverse reactions to vaccines to evaluate the following: (1) her children's vaccination records and their adverse reactions to vaccines; (2) the validity of the vaccination procedure and the compatibility of these vaccines with the ages of her children; (3) the synergistic actions among vaccines given to her children in causing adverse reactions; (4) the health problems that can be caused by vaccinating Greyson and Gwyneth a second time on June 12, 2004; and (5) the predisposing factors that might increase her children's risk to be injured by vaccines.
     Furthermore, Janet requested that I provide recommendations for clinical tests that monitor her children's adverse reactions to vaccines and my opinions on the risk verses benefit from vaccinating her children in the future. I described the children's vaccination history and their symptoms induced by the vaccines; provided a list of some of the adverse reactions described in the medical literature of vaccines given to Janet's children; and listed the problems with the protocol used by the health care provider. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):325–330]
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00039 Testing new predictive models involving biological warfare attacks on civilians by Walter R. Schumm and Farrell J. Webb
Abstract:     Walden and Kaplan (2004) and Brookmeyer, Johnson, and Bollinger (2003) have recently used complex mathematical models to predict projected infections and fatalities, respectively, from biological warfare anthrax attacks on civilians. Their models have been based, in large part, on the events at Sverdlovsk when anthrax spores were released by mistake from a Soviet facility in 1979. Dr. Brookmeyer, when contacted by the senior author, provided a revised table of predictions, since his original published table had included substantial errors. Here, the new models' predictions are validated against the anthrax epidemic that occurred at the Arms Mill in Manchester, New Hampshire in the autumn of 1957. The models predicted approximately 8 infections and 5 deaths. Nine infections occurred, providing support for the Walden and Kaplan (2004) model. Given that 4 deaths occurred with one death prevented only by timely administration of antibiotics, the mortality outcome also provides support for Brookmeyer et al.'s (2003) statistical modeling. Thus, both models appeared to predict the outcomes of the relatively small epidemic at Manchester with adequate accuracy. Whether the models would accurately predict the outcomes of much larger attacks is yet to be determined. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):331–333]
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00040 An expanded comment on the use of FluMist by Walter R. Schumm
Abstract:     Recent disclosures of ethical lapses in medical research have heightened concern that the public be accurately informed of the benefits and risks of medical procedures and pharmaceutical agents. Statistics from the package insert for FluMist® were reanalyzed to check their accuracy. While a few minor errors may have been detected, the overriding issue is that FluMist® does not appear to reduce a person's chance of becoming ill during the annual flu season, only of reducing their chances of becoming severely ill from the flu itself. Such information should be provided to patients to allow them to make informed choices about their prospective medical procedures. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):334–335]
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00041 Changes in the subjective health of Reserve Component Veterans as a function of mobilization status during the first Persian Gulf Way by Walter R. Schumm, Anthony P. Jurich, Farrell J. Webb, Stephan R. Bollman, Earl J. Reppert, and Carlos S. Castelo
Abstract:     Data from nearly 1,000 Reserve Component Persian Gulf War veterans were analyzed to assess changes in sub-jective health as reported retrospectively for four time periods: prior to the war, during the war, between June 1991 and June 1995, and during the past year (1996-1997). Changes were assessed by analysis of variance with repeated measures over time as a function of gender, mobilization status, military rank, branch of service (army/marines versus air force/navy), and ethnic minority status. Both being mobilized within the United States and being deployed to the Persian Gulf region were associated with declines in reported subjective health; de-clines over the four time periods were not moderated by gender, minority status, ground force status, or rank, but women and minorities did appear to experience more rapid declines in health from pre-war to during the war. Minorities (excluding women), lower ranking veterans, and ground force veterans tended to report poorer subjective health, independently of level of mobilization or time of their retrospective reports. Implications for the search for causal factors responsible for the health problems of many Persian Gulf War veterans are dis-cussed. This article is dedicated to one such veteran, Chaplain (CPT) (P)(Retired) John Peters. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):336–341]
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00042 Was it statistically legitimate to combine data from four text mills in Brachman et al.'s (1962) study of the effectiveness of a human anthrax vaccine? by Walter R. Schumm<
Abstract:     In late 2003, the Brachman et al. (1960, 1962) field study of an earlier anthrax vaccine became one important basis for an FDA regulatory determination that the currently licensed vaccine is effective against B. anthracis strains, regardless of the route of exposure. One issue overlooked earlier (Schumm, Brenneman, Arieli, Mayo-Theus, and Muhammad, 2004) was whether or not it was legitimate, from a statistical perspective, to combine the results from the four textile mills to assess the effectiveness of the anthrax vaccine. Therefore, the Brachman et al. (1962) field study was again reexamined in terms of its statistical validity. The Box's M test, which evaluates the statistical legitimacy of combining data from different groups (in this case, the four mills), was very significant (p < .001) in all three statistical tests performed, indicating that the data from the four mills should not be combined. Arguments for combining or pooling the data from the four mills cannot be justified from statistical or scientific evidence. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):342–343]
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00043 Were the rights of human subjects violated at the Arms Mill in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1957 during human anthrax vaccine trials? by Walter R. Schumm
Abstract:     Ethical limitations of the clinical trial of anthrax vaccine as exemplified at the Arms Mill in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1957 are described and discussed. Researchers and physicians have codes to "do no harm." Once the epidemic began and one worker had died, far better coordination should have occurred between the Arms Mill, local hospitals, local physicians, and the government specialists in anthrax infections. It would be interesting to have today's institutional review boards evaluate the design of the 1955-1959 trials. It is doubted that the design would be considered ethically acceptable today, as well as lacking sufficient protocols for protecting workers should they become infected. Thus, not only were the design and statistical issues in the trials problematic, but the procedures and protocols of the study can be challenged from an ethical standpoint. As it reviews the efficacy and safety of the anthrax vaccine, the Food and Drug Administration should consider the root of the tree, the uncertain ethical validity of this key study of the anthrax vaccine. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):344–347]
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00044 The long term safety of anthrax vaccine Pyridostigmine Bromide (PB) tablets, and other risk factors among Reserve Component veterans of the first Persian Gulf War by Walter R. Schumm, Anthony P. Jurich, Stephan R. Bollman, Farrell J. Webb, and Carlos S. Castelo
Abstract:     Data from several hundred Reserve Component Persian Gulf War veterans were analyzed to assess associations between Gulf War illness as defined by both the CDC and Kansas classifications and a variety of potential risk factors. The most significant risk factors, in order of importance for their possible contributions to Gulf War illness were perceived exposure to nerve agent, ciprofloxacin pills, gum problems, insect repellant, anthrax vaccination, use of personal insecticide, reported reactions to vaccines, and botulim toxoid vaccine. Of those, PB tablets, gum problems, insect repellants, insecticide use, and anthrax vaccination were more significant statistically when veterans reported that they had experienced reactions to vaccines. Insect repellant and insecticide remained significantly related to Gulf War illness among veterans who remained in the United States during the war; among those non-deployed veterans, anthrax vaccine was associated with Gulf War illness (10% versus 4% for those with or without anthrax vaccine), but the relationship was not statistically significant if those who were "not sure" about their vaccination were removed from the analysis. For anthrax vaccine, Gulf War veterans needed only to report a "mild reaction" to maintain a significant relationship with Gulf War illness under the reaction condition. Anthrax vaccine seemed to be more reactive than other vaccines, especially for female veterans. A dose-response relationship was observed for PB tablets. Recall bias was reduced in several ways but may not have been eliminated. It is recommended that PB tablets, ciprofloxacin pills, as well as insect repellants and insecticides be used with caution, especially not exceeding recommended daily amounts. Anthrax vaccine should be administered on a voluntary basis only, given the long-term safety risks observed here, especially for those who experience even mild reactions. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):348–362]
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00045 Vitamin D and the FDA by John Jacob Cannell
Abstract:     The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) knows that vitamin D deficiency is much more common among African Americans than white Americans. The FDA knows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with numerous health problems in the African American community. The FDA knows that many African Americans do not, and perhaps cannot, consume lactose containing milk products due to lactose intolerance. In spite of these facts, the FDA uses milk to deliver supplementary vitamin D to Americans. In fact, virtually all the foods the FDA mandates to contain vitamin D are lactose containing milk products—the one food most African Americans do not consume. The FDA could easily mandate other foods contain vitamin D, such as cheese, yogurt or cereal grains—foods African Americans do consume. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):363–366]
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00046 Did Bryant Arroyo kill baby Jordan Anthony Shenk, as alleged by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? by Mohammed Ali Al-Bayati
Abstract:     Bryant Arroyo was arrested in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on September 26, 1994 in connection with baby Jordan Anthony Shenk's death. On May 10, 1995, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The medical examiner testified at Arroyo's preliminary hearing and trial that Jordan was killed by blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen, and that the manner of death was homicide. My investigation of this case clearly showed that Jordan died as a result of serious illnesses that led to his cardiac arrest and bleedings on September 25, 1994. He had brain disease (spongiosis of the cerebral cortex and white matter, and focal Purkinje cell dropout in the cerebellum); aspiration pneumonitis; sepsis; inflammation of the liver, gallbladder, and the mesentery; thymus atrophy; and weight loss. These lesions and symptoms have been reported in children with propionic acidemia and other metabolic problems involving branched amino acids. The baby's symptoms and lesions indicate that he probably suffered from genetic illness that led to the development of propionic acidemia and his death. The government and the medical authority in the State of Pennsylvania should evaluate the medical evidence that shows Bryant Arroyo was falsely accused and unjustly convicted of killing Jordan Anthony Shenk because the factual causes of illness and death in this case were not revealed to the jury. I believe that Bryant should be released from prison immediately and compensated for his pain and suffering and time wrongly spent in prison. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):367–382]
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00047 Chronic mycoplasmal infections in Gulf War veteran's children and autism patients by Garth L. Nicolson, Paul Berns, Robert Gan, and Jeorg Haier
Abstract:     Autism patients have systemic bacterial, viral and fungal infections that may play an important part in their illnesses. We found that immediate family members of veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Illnesses (GWI) often complain of fatigue and other problems, and upon analysis they report similar signs and symptoms as their veteran family members, except that their children are often diagnosed with Autism. Since a relatively common finding in GWI patients is a bacterial infection due to Mycoplasma fermentans, we examined military families (149 patients: 42 veterans, 40 spouses, 32 other relatives and 35 children with at least one family complaint of illness) selected from a group of 110 veterans with GWI who tested positive (~42%) for mycoplasmal infections. Consistent with previous results, over 80% of GWI patients who were positive for blood mycoplasmal infections had only one Mycoplasma species, M. fermentans. In healthy control subjects the incidence of any mycoplasmal infection was ~8.5% and none were found to have multiple mycoplasmal species (P<0.001). In 107 family members of mycoplasma-positive GWI patients there were 57 patients (53%) that had essentially the same signs and symptoms as the veterans and were diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) and/or Fibromyalgia Syndrome. The majority of children (n=35) in this group were diagnosed with autism. Most of these CFS or autism patients also had mycoplasmal infections compared to the few non-symptomatic family members (P<0.001), and the most common species found was M. fermentans. In contrast, in the few non-symptomatic family members that tested mycoplasma-positive, the Mycoplasma species were usually different from the species found in the GWI patients. The results suggest that a subset of GWI patients have mycoplasmal infections, and these infections can be transmitted to immediate family members who subsequently display similar signs and symptoms, except for their children who are often diagnosed with autism. In a separate study in Central California we examined a group of autism patients and also found a high incidence of mycoplasmal infections, but in contrast to the military families a variety of Mycoplasma species were detected. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):383–387]
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00048 Good nutrition: solving the riddle of eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy) and lowering risk of birth defects in newborns by James A. Howenstine
Abstract:     For hundreds of years eclampsia has been a puzzling illness for conventional medicine. This condition is managed as an emergency with diuretics, salt restriction, drugs to lower blood pressure and obstetrical therapy designed to bring about immediate delivery of the child.
     Since the 1920s there has been a wealth of evidence that eclampsia is an easily preventable nutritional deficiency disease. High protein diets, liberal salt intake, and avoidance of any restriction of weight gain has been used to successfully manage thousands of pregnancies. Women on such a program have very low risk of eclampsia, anemia, premature separation of the placenta, severe infections in the lungs, kidneys and liver, low birth weight babies, premature babies and miscarriages. Midwives instructed in high protein diets have been able to treat eclampsia patients with prompt reversal of symptoms and no need for emergent deliveries.
     Cystic fibrosis is conventionally believed to be a genetic disorder. However, 35% of children dying of selenium deficiency Keshan disease have evidence of cystic fibrosis changes in their pancreases. Providing mothers of cystic fibrosis children with selenium during pregnancy seems to prevent the development of cystic fibrosis disease in the newborn.
     Many infertile couples have been able to have children when nutritional deficiencies in the parents were corrected. There is evidence that risk of birth defects is lowered when good nutrition is provided prior to conception and throughout pregnancy. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):388–390]
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00049 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and related illnesses: the potential role of Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) by Richard F. Miller
Abstract:     Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and related illnesses are insidious diseases that are now recognized to affect millions of Americans. Although having been studied for almost twenty years, they are still considered to be disorders of unknown etiology. An exhaustive review of the literature reporting immunological abnormalities and the physical symptoms of these disorders yielded little of significance with respect to the cause of onset of these illnesses.
     In an ongoing study, glutathione, a tripeptide necessary for the body's general wellness, was proved to be more successful in improving patient health than antivirals, antidepressants or antibiotics. In the study to be cited, patients were treated with glutathione, both IM and IV, and with the tripeptide as a complex, glutathione•ATP. Patients receiving the glutathione•ATP complex at a dosage of 300 mg/week (IM) showed an 82% improvement in their physical symptoms. Until now, it appeared that a definitive "cure" for CFS was out of the question, with a recovery rate of only 12% being reported.
     In 2002, a review authored by T.W. Clarkson entitled, The Three Modern Faces of Mercury, provided the needed information to bridge the gap between mercury in the environment and ethylmercury as potentially causing harm to infants and children (autism) and adults later diagnosed with CFS, FMS or GWS.
     It is the author's hypothesis that Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs), genetic polymorphism and stress lead to the onset of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and a number of related illnesses. Data and literature are cited to lend support to this hypothesis. Finally, a proposed treatment program for adults suffering from CFS and its related illnesses is presented. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):391–397]
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00050 The euglycemic status: enhances immunity against polio and other infections by Juan Manuel Martinez Mendez
Abstract:     Can poliomyelitis or polio-like diseases be prevented, treated, or cured without vaccination? Several case studies suggest that alternatives to vaccination were effectively used during the epidemics of the mid 1950's. However, at that time alternative approaches to Polio prevention and treatment were generally neglected in favor of mass vaccination. Three alternative approaches discussed in this paper entail (a) oral ingestion or intramuscular/intravenous injection of vitamin C, (b) oral ingestion of a solution of magnesium chloride, and (c) the application of a diet that restricts sugar intake.
     The role of vaccination is somewhat paradoxical, in that this supposed panacea was a prime aetiological factor in polio epidemics in the early 1950s. "Cutter's incident" caused a significant increase in polio cases as a result of the vaccine manufacturer releasing polio vaccine with a live virus component. Continued use of other polio vaccines has contributed to increases in other iatrogenic disorders. The Post Vaccinal Syndrome (PVS), a syndrome of disease or disorder due to the administration of a vaccine, has gained increasing attention in recent times—whether due to the inoculated virus, the adjuvants, or contaminants.
     Correctly treating hypoglycemia enhances the functioning of the immune system, resulting in natural immunity for a vast variety of diseases. The euglycemic status is a key condition for preventing, treating, or maintaining optimum health. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):398–405]
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00051 Adverse effects of varicella vaccination are under-reported in VAERS, mitigating against discover of the true cost-benefit by Gary S. Goldman
Abstract:     Varicella vaccination is generally considered safe but there are usually no prescreening tests to determine whether an adverse reaction is likely to occur. The literature contains a surprising number of adverse reactions following varicella vaccination including vaccine-strain HZ in children and adults. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states, "VAERS data are limited by underreporting and unknown sensitivity of the reporting system, making it difficult to compare adverse event rates following vaccination reported to VAERS with those from complications following natural disease. Nevertheless, the magnitude of these differences makes it likely that serious adverse events following vaccination occur at a substantially lower rate than following natural disease." Since follow-up is not conducted, it may be argued that some reports may not be attributed to or associated with vaccination and therefore the true rate of adverse events is essentially unknown. Nevertheless, adverse reactions reported in VAERS have typically been shown to be only 5% or 10% of the true rates. Cost-benefit analyses of the universal varicella vaccination program appear to be optimistic, especially when adverse vaccine reactions are completely ignored or excluded. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):406–408]
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00052 The unfettered foot: a paradigm change for equine podiatry by Tomas G. Teskey
Abstract:     The present day paradigm of equine hoof care fails to both define and solve some of the most common health problems seen in the equine industry. Traditional hoof care methods are unable to maintain soundness, nor bring lasting relief to ailing horses due to reliance on traditional farrier methods which are incompatible with the normal physiologic needs of equine species. The new paradigm of hoof care respects the hoof's ability to protect sensitive inner structures, adjust itself in response to the environment, promote proper circulation, exfoliate old tissue, replace itself over time and have a keen ability to sense the environment. Application of steel shoes prevents all of these vital functions and alters the form of hooves to such severe degrees that shod horses can not be deemed sound. Instead of providing the hoof protection, support and traction, steel shoes promote weakening and deterioration of the hoof, disrupt natural support mechanisms and disallow normal traction on all terrains. Protection for the hoof should be afforded the horse through the use of boots made of dynamic materials which complement the nature of the hoof. Veterinarians and other equine professionals are obligated to examine the evidence that shoeing horses is harmful and replace traditional hoof care practices with techniques that keep horses sound, return lame horses to health, and abandon the use of nailed on shoes, thus doing no harm to the animals. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):409–417]
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00053 Editorial: The "Milk is Milk" industry campaign threatens public health by Samuel S. Epstein and Ronnie Cummins
Abstract:     The Cancer Prevention Coalition and Organic Consumers Association released on February 4, 2005 the following statement by Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., professor emeritus, Environmental & Occupational Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health; Chairman, Cancer Prevention Coalition; and Ronnie Cummins, National Director, Organic Consumers Association.
     Last month, the Hudson Institute's agribusiness-funded Center for Global Food Issues launched an aggressive "Milk is Milk" campaign to assure consumers that there is no difference between natural milk and that from cows injected with Monsanto's genetically-engineered or recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) to increase milk production and profitability. This campaign is also aimed at preventing organic dairy farmers and retailers from making "false or misleading claims to be hormone-free, (and) nutritional and animal welfare perceptions, such as happier cows." Responding to Hudson's complaints, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will take action against such misleading marketing practices.
     A 1999 European Commission report by a team of internationally recognized experts concluded: "Avoidance of rBGH dairy products in favor of natural products would appear to be the most practical and immediate dietary intervention to ... (achieve) the goal of preventing cancer." [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):418–419]
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00054 Hepatitis B vaccination: CDC public relations (PR) material vs. Medical Veritas rebuttal by Medical Veritas Editorial Staff
Abstract:     The Association of American Physicians & Surgeons (AAPS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrate two divergent schools of thought when it comes to administration of Hepatitis B vaccination, especially with regard to newborns. Several statements from Dr. Jane Orient, Director of AAPS were presented by Medical Veritas staff to the CDC via e-mail so that a CDC representative could review AAPS' opposing position and respond. We invite the reader to decide whether or not the available CDC public relations material presented in Appendix 1-3 adequately counters Dr. Orient's assessment, "For most children, the risk of a serious vaccine reaction may be 100 times greater than the risk of hepatitis B." [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):420–428]
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00055 Parent Case Report: Encephalomyelitis caused by Hepatitis B vaccination by Nina Guluo
Abstract:     I want to tell the story of an accident that changed radically my son George Kobalia's life as well as our family's.
     On March 18, 2002 the Hepatitis B vaccination was administered to my son George Kobalia in the polyclinic. At that time, George was 12½-years-old. This particular vaccine was manufactured by Green Cross Vaccine Corporation in Korea and was imported in Georgia by the UN Children Fund - UNICEF humanitarian mission.
     Three days following vaccination, the child suffered acute headache, general weakness, a loss of coordination that was followed by diminished mental capacity and he lapsed into a coma. An ambulance from Center of Catastrophic Medicine rushed the child to Kutaisi, and then to intensive care at Children's Republican Hospital in Tbilisi, under the care of Dr. David Pulariani who initiated the child's connection to an artificial respirator. These circumstances were the basis for the Georgian press and television broadcast that "12-year-old George Kobalia was struggling with death." [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):429–431]
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00056 Editorial—Needed: A more sensible flu prevention by F. Edward Yazbak
Abstract:     In the spring of 2004, the CDC published new recommendations in regards to Influenza vaccination. During the summer, the flu vaccine manufactured by Chiron in its British plant and intended for the 2004-2005 season was banned for use in the United States. The CDC had already mounted an intense publicity campaign to sup-port its new recommendations when it was faced with the "perceived" shortage. The "threatening" epidemic never materialized and the flu season was one of the mildest. Many lessons were learned: (1) hype and propa-ganda do not necessarily result in better vaccination rates; (2) unexpected and new virus strains may appear dur-ing the season; (3) some of the "at risk-groups" may not benefit from vaccination; (4) Influenza A virus is be-coming increasingly resistant to anti-viral medications; (5) avoiding exposure remains the ideal prophylaxis; (6) appropriate and selective vaccination should be closely monitored. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):432–437]
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00057 Hypothesis—Thimerosal in mandated vaccinations is the major etiological agent in the recent increase in autism and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder by Boyd E. Haley
Abstract:     The recent epidemic of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) seems to confound the federal agencies responsible for the USA vaccine program. A recent Institute of Medicine report dismissed all biological research that strongly implied that the vaccine preservative Thimerosal may be the likely causation factor. They also dis-missed the epidemiological studies done using an American data base and based most of their opinion on stud-ies from Denmark and England, studies the IOM described as "well designed". The Danish studies presented results implying that Thimerosal in vaccines actually reduced the occurrence of ASD, a highly questionable pos-sibility. The IOM ignored the relative rates of autism in Denmark versus the USA, about 4-5 versus 60 per 10,000, respectively, and the fact that Denmark children are exposed to less mercury and only after they are much older than the USA children. This suggests that early and excessive Thimerosal might be causal. Also, the exposure to mercury from vaccines greatly surpassed the EPA safe level. This safe level was determined by studies on young children ingesting fish. However, the injection of Thimerosal bypasses the heavy metal protection provided by the intestines and is a much more toxic delivery route. Even though the IOM was presented with confirmed research that autistics represented a genetically susceptible subpopulation that could not effec-tively excrete mercury they still put more weight on studies showing the half-life of blood mercury from vac-cines in "normal" children where the authors made the unsubstantiated claim that infants cleared Thimerosal to quickly for it to be toxic. A simple analysis of maximum fecal excretion of mercury by these children proves this claim unlikely for normals, let alone autistics who seem to retain mercury longer. The IOM also refused to consider two separate facts, that testosterone is specifically elevated in the amniotic fluid of mothers who give birth to autistic children and that testosterone, in contrast to estradiol, enhanced the toxicity of Thimerosal to neurons in culture. This could explain the high ration of male to females in ASD. The IOM dismissal of all re-search supporting the Thimerosal/ASD hypothesis, and the lack of supplying another reasonable hypothesis is an incredibly unscientific approach that the American medical and scientific community should not accept. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):438–440]
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00058 "Something is Rotten, But Not Just in Denmark" by Dave Weldon
Abstract:     It is a pleasure to be here with you today. I am pleased to see that the Autism community is more united to-day than they have ever been. I have said repeatedly that the Autism Community is the 900-pound gorilla that has not had its voice heard adequately on Capitol Hill. That is largely due to the endless demands on your time, effort, emotions, and money in caring for the unique needs of your children. There is little left to engage the public at large and the Congress in particular. I see that changing. Certainly, last week's Institute of Medicine "report" has had one positive effect, it has united and reinvigorated you and the parents of autistic and vaccine injured children across this nation.
     I want to make it clear that I support vaccinations. My 5-year-old son has had all of his vaccinations. Someone in the media last week tried to portray me as a "vaccine skeptic." After reviewing my record on this issue and all of my statements in the past, the newspaper printed a retraction. This however, seems to be part of a pattern to vilify those who simply ask if our vaccines could be safer. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):441–446]
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00059 Interview with David Kirby concerning "Evidence of Harm" associated with Thimerosal-containing vaccines by David Kirby and Teri Small
Abstract:     David Kirby, author of the book Evidence of Harm, presents a summary of his investigation concerning increasing use of Thimerosal in vaccines and the potential association with increasing rates of neurological developmental disorders (NDDs), including autism, in the United States. He details how exposure levels to mercury exceeded the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) guidelines. He quotes Lyn Redwood who uses an illustration that clarifies that bolus exposures to mercury are significant: "You can take two Tylenol® a day for 60 days and you will be fine. But if you took 120 Tylenol® in one day, that's a lethal dose and you'll probably die." David Kirby has chronicled the different "generations" of analyses that Thomas Verstraeten and the CDC produced. Despite the fact that the risk factor for autism and neurological disorders decreased with each successive manipulation of the data and generation of results, Verstraeten, on a number of occasions, relates that the statistical significance of higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders as a function of higher doses of mercury "just won't go away." Also discussed is the collusion between the drug companies and federal health bureaucracy. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):447–455]
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00060 Interview with Dr. Jacquelyn McCandless concerning medical evaluation/treatment for autism spectrum disorder by Jacquelyn McCandless and Teri Small
Abstract:     Autism is treatable, and the younger we can start the better. However, it's never too late to start helping these medically ill children gain better health. Infant vaccinations with toxins and antibiotics have damaged their gas-trointestinal tracts and immune systems. We have learned that gut health is primary on the healing path, and a restrictive diet (no casein, gluten, soy, or sugar) is the first and best strategy parents can use to start their chil-dren toward recovery. Once we stop food intake that keeps their guts inflamed and utilize helpful laboratory studies to guide us, we give them nutrients required to feed their starving brains and can properly treat and then prevent gut infections that cause so many stool problems. We can begin correcting their impaired methylation and folate metabolism with newer exciting treatments such as methylcobalamin injections which help their me-thylation and detoxification mechanisms work more efficiently. We have learned ways of chelating the heavy metals from their bodies with mild agents that aid detoxification such as TTFD to more serious but very safe chelation agents such as DMSA and now also DMPS in a very effective and non-invasive transdermal form. These and other immune-enhancing strategies help us manage viral infestations which tend to accompany toxic insults, often without prescriptives. This broad-spectrum bio-medical protocol is bringing great improvement and even recovery to unprecedented numbers of ASD children now. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):456–464]
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00061 Interview with Dr. Mark Geier and David Geier concerning Thimerosal, testosterone, and autism treatment hypothesis by Mark R. Geier, David A. Geier, Teri Small
Abstract:     In this transcript of an interview given by Dr. Mark and David Geier, these researchers provide insight into the growing proof of Thimerosal toxicity manifesting in children after routine vaccinations, as evidenced within the CDC's own Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) database. The interview conducted on January 13, 2005, gives indication of cover-ups on the part of senior public health officials, who have found within the statistics of VSD such compelling evidence that they are unable to obfuscate it with statistical manipulations. Topics broached include illegal collusion of authorities with industry; perjury from experts in sworn testimonies before Con-gress; and non-cooperation with Congressional orders that independent bodies (namely the Geiers) access the critical VSD data. The public health ramifications for the nation are discussed, as well as the possible mecha-nisms of Thimerosal's adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, and—if this assessment turns out to be accurate—some potential steps that might be taken to assuage the widespread damage now being observed in chil-dren. The Geier's treatment hypothesis was developed based on their observation of testosterone-mercury toxic-ity. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1);465–471]
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00062 Forum—Natural birth: improved outcomes for both mother and child by Lisa Muscarella, Kathy Blanco, and Donna Young
Abstract:     This forum consists of three mothers who each candidly share their birthing experience and knowledge in the hopes of educating pregnant mothers and effecting sorely needed medical reforms. Lisa Muscarella discuses how proper birthing position can achieve as much as 30% greater opening of the birth canal, thus reducing the risk of shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injuries, and other injuries to both mother and child. Kathy Blanco's personal experience and narrative demonstrates the positive birthing outcomes associated with natural birthing methods and contrasts these with a pregnancy where labor was induced using drugs, a pain killer was adminis-tered, and the umbilical cord was instantly clamped. Since 1998, Donna Young has been engaged in extensive research, and is most qualified to discuss fraudulent policies, procedures, and protocols that have come to be established for the benefit and convenience of the healthcare professional and medical staff, rather than serve the interests of the mother and well-being of the baby. [©Medical Veritas, 2005 Apr; 2(1):472–488]
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    Book and DVD Reviews  
       Quecksilber: The Strange Story of Dental Amalgam by Dr. Robert Gammal 489
       Evidence of Harm by David Kirby 491
    Guide for Authors Free
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