In Third-Degree Burn Treatment, Hydrogel Helps Grow New, Scar-Free Skin

ScienceDaily (Dec. 14, 2011) Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a jelly-like material and wound treatment method that, in early experiments on skin damaged by severe burns, appeared to regenerate healthy, scar-free tissue.

In the Dec. 12-16 online Early Edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers reported their promising results from mouse tissue tests. The new treatment has not yet been tested on human patients. But the researchers say the procedure, which promotes the formation of new blood vessels and skin, including hair follicles, could lead to greatly improved healing for injured soldiers, home fire victims and other people with third-degree burns. The treatment involved a simple wound dressing that included a specially designed hydrogel -- a waterbased, three-dimensional framework of polymers. This material was developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins' Whiting School of Engineering, working with clinicians at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Burn Center and the Department of Pathology at the university's School of Medicine. Third-degree burns typically destroy the top layers of skin down to the muscle. They require complex medical care and leave behind ugly scarring. But in the journal article, the Johns Hopkins team reported that their hydrogel method yielded better results. "This treatment promoted the development of new blood vessels and the regeneration of complex layers of skin, including hair follicles and the glands that produce skin oil," said Sharon Gerecht, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering who was principal investigator on the study. Gerecht said the hydrogel could form the basis of an inexpensive burn wound treatment that works better than currently available clinical therapies, adding that it would be easy to manufacture on a large scale. Gerecht suggested that because the hydrogel contains no drugs or biological components to make it work, the Food and Drug Administration would most likely to classify it as a device. Further animal testing is planned before trials on human patients begin. But Gerecht said, "It could be approved for clinical use after just a few years of testing." John Harmon, a professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and director of surgical research at Bayview, described the mouse study results as "absolutely remarkable. We got complete skin regeneration, which never happens in typical burn wound treatment." If the treatment succeeds in human patients, it could address a serious form of injury. Harmon, a coauthor of the PNAS journal article, pointed out that 100,000 third-degree burns are treated in U. S. burn centers like Bayview every year. A burn wound dressing using the new hydrogel could have enormous potential for use in applications beyond common burns, including treatment of diabetic patients with foot ulcers, Harmon said. Guoming Sun, Gerecht's Maryland Stem Cell Research Postdoctoral Fellow and lead author on the paper, has been working with these hydrogels for the last three years, developing ways to improve the growth of blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. "Our goal was to induce the growth of functional new blood vessels within the hydrogel to treat wounds and ischemic disease, which reduces blood flow to organs like the heart," Sun said. "These tests on burn injuries just proved its potential." Gerecht says the hydrogel is constructed in such a way that it allows tissue regeneration and blood vessel formation to occur very quickly. "Inflammatory cells are able to easily penetrate and degrade the hydrogel,

enabling blood vessels to fill in and support wound healing and the growth of new tissue," she said. For burns, the faster this process occurs, Gerecht added, the less there is a chance for scarring. Originally, her team intended to load the gel with stem cells and infuse it with growth factors to trigger and direct the tissue development. Instead, they tested the gel alone. "We were surprised to see such complete regeneration in the absence of any added biological signals," Gerecht said. Sun added, "Complete skin regeneration is desired for various wound injuries. With further fine-tuning of these kinds of biomaterial frameworks, we may restore normal skin structures for other injuries such as skin ulcers." Gerecht and Harmon say they don't fully understand how the hydrogel dressing is working. After it is applied, the tissue progresses through the various stages of wound repair, Gerecht said. After 21 days, the gel has been harmlessly absorbed, and the tissue continues to return to the appearance of normal skin. The hydrogel is mainly made of water with dissolved dextran -- a polysaccharide (sugar molecule chains). "It also could be that the physical structure of the hydrogel guides the repair," Gerecht said. Harmon speculates that the hydrogel may recruit circulating bone marrow stem cells in the bloodstream. Stem cells are special cells that can grow into practically any sort of tissue if provided with the right chemical cue. "It's possible the gel is somehow signaling the stem cells to become new skin and blood vessels," Harmon said. Additional co-authors of the study included Charles Steenbergen, a professor in the Department of Pathology; Karen Fox-Talbot, a senior research specialist from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; and physician researchers Xianjie Zhang, Raul Sebastian and Maura Reinblatt from the Department of Surgery and Hendrix Burn and Wound Lab. From the Whiting School's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, other co-authors were doctoral students Yu-I (Tom) Shen and Laura Dickinson, who is a Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) National Science Foundation IGERT fellow. Gerecht is an affiliated faculty member of INBT. The work was funded in part by the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund Exploratory Grant and Postdoctoral Fellowship and the National Institutes of Health. The Johns Hopkins Technology Transfer staff has filed a provisional patent application to protect the intellectual property involved in this project. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213131956.htm

Burn Treatment Cream May Delay Healing

ScienceDaily (Oct. 9, 2008) A cream commonly used to treat burns may actually delay healing. In addition, despite the wide range of wound dressings available for burns, there is no consensus on the most effective alternative treatment, say Cochrane Researchers who carried out a systematic review of existing data.

Increased understanding of the wound healing process means that there are now a large number of different ways to treat burns. Films, gels, artificial skins and fibre dressings may all help to heal wounds, but doctors still often turn to traditional gauze dressings, as well as silver sulphadiazine (SSD) cream. Healthcare providers have used SSD cream since the 1960s to minimize the risk of burns becoming infected, although concerns have recently been raised about its toxic effects on skin cells. The Cochrane Team who carried out the research found 26 relevant trials. Although each trial was relatively small they concluded that SSD cream increases the time taken for a wound to heal, as well as increasing the number of dressing applications required. "We think that the use of SSD cream on burn wounds needs to be reconsidered," says lead researcher, Jason Wasiak, who works for the Victorian Adult Burns Service at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Trials showed that a number of different dressing types, including polyurethane films, hydrocolloid gels and biosynthetic dressings, can be more effective for treatment of moderate burns than SSD or standard chlorhexidine impregnated gauze dressings. As well as reducing healing times, some alternative dressings also reduced pain associated with burns. Many of the trials, however, failed to adequately assess the depth of burns suffered, so the data was less easy to interpret. The researchers say there is a strong case for larger and better designed trials that will help inform doctors about the most appropriate treatments for burns of different severities. "There is a need to clearly estimate burn depth in order to make proper recommendations as to the best products for treating burns," says Wasiak. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007192447.htm

Prediction of psychological symptoms in family members of patients with burns 1 year after injury

Abstract
Aim. To report a study of predictors of psychological symptoms in family members of patients with burns. Background. Family members are important as a source of social support for patients undergoing prolonged rehabilitation. Little is known about psychological symptoms of family members of patients with burns, especially in the long term. Design. The design of the study was prospective and longitudinal. Methods. Forty-four family members of adult patients treated in a burn centre between 20002007 completed questionnaires during care and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. Psychological symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Predictors for anxiety and depression were explored in regression analyses. Results. The mean scores indicated normal to mild symptoms in general. Moderate and severe symptom levels during care and at 12 months were demonstrated on the anxiety subscale by 15/44 and 5/39, respectively, and on the depression subscale by 5/44 and 0/39 of the family members, respectively. In the final regression models, the primary predictor was psychological symptoms at the previous assessment. Other predictors were previous life events, age, and the coping strategy avoidance. Conclusion. Family members of patients with burns demonstrate normal to mild levels of psychological symptoms that decrease over time. One-third show moderate to severe anxiety symptoms during care and may benefit from counselling. Previous symptoms predict later symptoms, indicating that screening with a validated instrument is useful. The results provide guidance for nurses in assessing and planning adequate interventions for family members. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.06017.x/abstract

Children as Young as 12 Months Can Reach

a Countertop; Puts Them at Risk for Severe Burns
ScienceDaily (Oct. 4, 2010) Most toddlers can reach as high as a kitchen countertop, putting them at risk for severe burns from hot liquids, according to research presented Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in San Francisco.

In the study, "How Far Toddlers Can Reach onto a Standard Kitchen Countertop," investigators and parents urged children, ages 12 to 23 months, to reach for a toy phone atop a standard, 36-inch countertop at a pediatric clinic. The children were of various weights and heights; some wore shoes, some did not. Of the 54 children who participated, 41 (76 percent) could reach at least some distance, with many of the children able to reach as far as eight inches onto the countertop, which was "much farther than anticipated," said lead study author David Allasio, MSW, LMSW, Children's Hospital of Michigan. Many of the younger children were able to reach the countertop and phone by pushing up onto their tip-toes -- a milestone not expected until age 22 months. Children who pull down a cup of hot liquid such as coffee or tea can sustain serious burns requiring hospital admission. "Findings from the research are important as it will help us reduce pain, financial costs and parental distress associated with scald-related burns to children, and the information can be used to better educate parents," said Allasio. Parents participating in the study were surprised by the findings, and subsequently urged to place hot and potentially dangerous liquids and objects toward the back of the countertop, closest to the backsplash and wall. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101003081456.htm

Burn size and survival probability in paediatric patients in modern burn care: a prospective observational cohort study
Robert Kraft MD, Prof David N Herndon MD, Ahmed M Al-Mousawi MD, Felicia N Williams MD, Celeste C Finnerty PhD ,Dr Marc G Jeschke MD Background Patient survival after severe burn injury is largely determined by burn size. Modern developments in burn care have greatly improved survival and outcomes. However, no large analysis of outcomes in paediatric burn patients with present treatment regimens exists. This study was designed to identify the burn size associated with significant increases in morbidity and mortality in paediatric patients.

Methods We undertook a single-centre prospective observational cohort study using clinical data for paediatric patients with burns of at least 30% of their total body surface area (TBSA). Patients were stratified by burn size in 10% increments, ranging from 30% to 100% TBSA, with a secondary assignment made according to the outcome of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Statistical analysis was done with Student's t test, 2 test, logistic regression, and ROC analysis, as appropriate, with significance set at p<005. Findings 952 severely burned paediatric patients were admitted to the centre between 1998 and 2008. All groups were comparable in age (mean 73 [SD 53] years, ranging from 61 [51] years in the 30 39% TBSA group to 96 [54] years in the 90100% TBSA group) and sex distribution (628 [66%] boys, ranging from 59% [73/123] in the 6069% TBSA group to 82% [42/51] in the 90 100% TBSA group). 123 (13%) patients died (increasing from 3% [five of 180] in the 3039% TBSA group to 55% [28/51] in the 90100% TBSA group; p<00001), 154 (16%) developed multiorgan failure (increasing from 6% [ten] in the 3039% TBSA group to 45% [23] in the 90 100% TBSA group; p<00001), and 89 (9%) had sepsis (increasing from 2% [three] in the 30 39% TBSA group to 26% [13] in the 90100% TBSA group; p<00001). Burn size of 62% TBSA was a crucial threshold for mortality (odds ratio 1007, 95% CI 5561822, p<00001). Interpretation We established that, in a modern paediatric burn care setting, a burn size of roughly 60% TBSA is a crucial threshold for postburn morbidity and mortality. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that paediatric patients with greater than 60% TBSA burns be immediately transferred to a specialised burn centre. Furthermore, at the burn centre, patients should be treated with increased vigilance and improved therapies, in view of the increased risk of poor outcome associated with this burn size. http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2811%2961345-7/abstract

Cyanide poisoning - New recommendations on first aid treatment

For many years HSE has received numerous enquiries relating to the treatment of cyanide poisoning, although incidents involving significant cyanide exposure are, fortunately, very rare. The amount of activity generated for both HSE and employers has appeared quite out of proportion to the risk. Most enquiries have related either to the appropriateness of various antidotes or to methods of resuscitation of victims of cyanide poisoning. The high level of interest has arisen from two causes. The first is the past recognition of cyanide as a 'specific hazard' requiring additional training for first aiders as described below. The second is that there has been much debate about the value of the various treatments, both first aid and medical, used for cyanide poisoning, with conflicting opinions coming from HSE, manufacturers and other authorities. Previous attempts to standardise HSE's position and advice on first aid treatment for cyanide poisoning have been hampered by the regulatory framework. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 made provision for additional training for first aiders,

beyond the basic qualifications approved by HSE, 'as may be appropriate in the circumstances'. The 1990 Approved Code of Practice on First Aid at Work (COP 42) expanded upon this by stating, 'Where an undertaking presents specific or unusual hazards, then at least one of the suitable persons should have received additional or specialised training particular to the first aid requirements of the employers' undertaking'. One of the specific hazard situations defined in the associated guidance was where there was a danger of poisoning by cyanides or related compounds. Because of this a syllabus for training of first aiders in the treatment of cyanide poisoning was developed, mentioning the use of amyl nitrate ampoules and intravenous dicobalt edetate (Kelocyanor) as antidotes. This syllabus had the status of guidance only and was never an absolute legal requirement, although employers were understandably reluctant to depart from its recommendations. Definitions of specific hazards have been dropped from the new revision of the first aid ACOP, and this has given HSE the opportunity to produce new, informal guidance. At the same time, the main manufacturer and supplier of cyanides in the UK was revising its safety data sheets. Its occupational medical department has more practical experience of treating cyanide poisoning than any other organisation in the country, so we had discussions with the company to establish a consensus view. As a result we have developed recommendations on the treatment of cyanide poisoning which are closely aligned with the information in manufacturers' safety data sheets.

Antidotes for cyanide poisoning

Three antidotes for cyanide poisoning have been widely recommended for use in the UK, namely 'solutions A and B' (ferrous sulphate dissolved in aqueous citric acid, and aqueous sodium carbonate) given orally, amyl nitrate by inhalation, and intravenous dicobalt edetate (Kelocyanor). The mixture of solutions A and B is only of value in reducing the absorption of swallowed cyanide, whereas the majority of accidental exposures are by inhalation or skin contact. The solutions also have a very limited shelf life. A recently published review of the use of this antidote has questioned the efficacy of the solutions and drawn attention to their inappropriate use. HSE is also aware of cases of iron poisoning where the solutions have been used incorrectly. This antidote should not be used. Amyl nitrate, given by inhalation, has a long history of use in cyanide poisoning although there is little scientific evidence that it is of significant benefit. It is also potentially dangerous, particularly in people with some forms of heart disease, although serious illness caused by misuse seems to be rare. It can be abused by 'sniffers' and has to be obtained on a medical prescription. It also has a limited shelf life and can be difficult to obtain as it is manufactured only in small quantities. Its use is still described in safety data sheets and there may be circumstances, such as the use of cyanide preparations in the field for control of rodents, where it is the only treatment which can practicably be given. HSE will not recommend its use, but would not object if particular employers, after conducting a risk assessment, decided to maintain a supply. Kelocyanor, given by intravenous injection, has been proven to be of use when administered to seriously ill victims of confirmed cyanide poisoning. It is itself toxic, however, and can kill if used wrongly. HSE knows of several cases of inappropriate use

resulting in hospital treatment. Its administration is beyond the scope of first aid and a recommendation has been made in the past that a 'Kelocyanor kit' should be kept by users of cyanide and transported to hospital with the patient. Unfortunately we are aware of cases where this has misled doctors to treat patients for cyanide poisoning when this diagnosis was not correct. Kelocyanor should only be used by medically qualified personnel when the diagnosis is certain and the patient is seriously ill. It should not be used by first aiders. HSE recommends that employers who use cyanides should discuss the arrangements for the medical treatment of cyanide poisoning with their local hospital or other provider of medical care. They should not routinely keep Kelocyanor at the workplace. The conclusion is therefore that HSE will no longer recommend the use of any antidote in the first aid treatment of cyanide poisoning and will not require employers to keep supplies.

Administration of oxygen and artificial respiration

There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence of the value of oxygen and the experience of most occupational physicians is that the majority of victims of mild to moderate cyanide poisoning improve rapidly when treated with oxygen alone. There is also some evidence from animal studies that oxygen improves the response to treatment with specific antidotes. HSE will in future advise that administration of oxygen is the most useful initial treatment for cyanide poisoning. This implies that in premises where cyanides are used at least one person should be trained to administer oxygen. If breathing has stopped artificial respiration is essential. In the past, safety data sheets have advised that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should not be used, because of the possible risk of secondary poisoning to the first aider, but no positive advice has been given on alternative methods. Manual techniques of artificial respiration are extremely inefficient and can not be recommended, so a suitable mechanical resuscitation device, through which oxygen can be given, is needed. The simplest solution is a bag and mask device connected to an oxygen supply. Other types of equipment could be used but in all cases the employer will have a responsibility to ensure that the first aider is trained to use the device.

Overall outline of first aid treatment for cyanide poisoning

Speed is essential. Obtain immediate medical attention. Protect yourself and the casualty from further exposure during decontamination and treatment.

Inhalation:
Remove patient from exposure. Keep warm and at rest. Oxygen should be administered. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and mask. Do not use mouth to mouth resuscitation.

Skin contact:
Remove all contaminated clothing immediately. Wash the skin with plenty of water. Treat patient as for inhalation.

Eye contact:
Immediately irrigate with water for at least ten minutes. Treat patient as for inhalation.

Ingestion:
Do not give anything by mouth. Treat patient as for inhalation. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc076.htm

New Treatment for Hydroxocobalamin

Cyanide

Poisoning:

By Dr. Ken Lavelle, MD, NREMT-P In the past two articles we discussed cyanide poisoning and the difficulties of treating potential cyanide exposure from victims of smoke inhalation. The burning of plastics, fabrics and other synthetic materials creates cyanide, and fire victims often are exposed to cyanide as well as carbon monoxide and other gasses. There are existing treatments for cyanide poisoning, namely the Cyanide Antidote Kit, but this kit cannot be safely used in smoke inhalation victims because the kit itself causes a decrease in the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. In someone with carbon monoxide exposure this could be fatal. We need another option. Because there is no specific test or sign of cyanide poisoning, we need a treatment that is safe to give to a victim even if they do not in fact have exposure to cyanide. We need it to be easy to give and transport so it can be given by paramedics in the field. And preferably, we need it to be cheap. Well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad. To find this treatment, we look across the ocean. The Paris Fire Brigade has been treating victims of smoke inhalation for several years with a substance called hydroxocobalamin. This substance has recently been made available in the United States. It has also been used in Sweden, Japan, Spain and Hong Kong. Hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12a) is a natural form of the vitamin B12 that contains a hemoglobin-like molecule with cobalt. It binds to cyanide with such an affinity that it can pull the cyanide out of the mitochondria of the cell to form cyanocobalamin. The mitochondria can then return to its normal function. Cyanocobalamin is then excreted in the urine.

Hydroxocobalamin has a very safe profile. It has been given to numerous volunteers that had no cyanide exposure without any significant adverse effects. It was found to mildly increase blood pressure, not necessarily a bad thing in cyanide exposed patients. It also turns the skin of recipients reddish-orange, which clears in a few days. In Paris, a study was published based on the results of its use. You can read a PDF report from the study here. Over a 7 year period, it was given to 69 patients. 37 of these were comatose and 15 in cardiac arrest. Fifty of these patients survived, 41 with no long term adverse outcome. Two of the patients in cardiac arrest survived. This is rather significant, especially in light of the fact that in the 63 patients tested for cyanide, 42 had elevated levels. The number of patients treated was low, so we have to be careful about saying this is the standard of care, but the fact that the agent is so safe makes the risk benefit ratio lean towards its use. Hydroxocobalamin was approved by the FDA for use in the US in 2006 as CyanoKit for known or suspected cyanide poisoned patients. It is supplied in 2 vials, each with 2.5 grams of Hydroxocobalamin. The dose is 5 grams to be given IV over 15 minutes. It can be used in conjunction with Sodium Thiosulfate, which we have discussed previously. The shelf life of the drug is about 30 months, however the cost is significant approximately $700. Unfortunately, this is common for new drugs that are still "on patent." This high cost will limit its deployment to every ambulance, even if approved by each state for use by paramedics. It is unlikely to be needed in a patient who is awake and alert and not in acute distress. However, it can be considered for victims from a fire building that are comatose, in severe cardiovascular compromise or in cardiac arrest. If approved in your region, it could be deployed on a supervisor vehicle to limit the cost of stocking it on every ambulance. It will likely become cheaper in the future just as amiodarone did, and its stock and use may become more widespread. In summary, hydroxocobalamin is a new, safe agent for use in known or suspected victims of cyanide exposure. The cost and approval status may limit its use in your EMS system, but watch for changes in both areas that may permit its use to be implemented. http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/ems-supplies/articles/509574-A-New-Treatment-forCyanide-Poisoning-Hydroxocobalamin/

New Jersey children nearly poisoned to death with pharmacy fluoride pills
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 by: Ethan A. Huff, staff writer (NaturalNews) More than a dozen families in New Jersey were shocked to learn recently that some of the supposed fluoride pills they had received from a CVS/pharmacy in Chatham were actually tamoxifen pills, a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. ABC News reports that an unknown error resulted in some of these families administering this chemotherapy medication to their children rather than the fluoride pills, a monumental error that could have life-threatening consequences. The Chatham CVS/pharmacy in question may have been dispensing an unknown amount of chemotherapy pills in fluoride prescriptions for at least the past two months, which is why the pharmacy is attempting to contact all families that ordered prescriptions for 0.5 milligram (mg) fluoride tablets within the past 60 days to notify them of the potential problem. Meanwhile, an investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the mixup. "CVS/pharmacy has industry-leading pharmacy systems and processes designed to enhance the safety of the prescription filling process, including inventory controls that keep similar-looking medications in separate areas, such as fluoride tablets and tamoxifen," alleged CVS Caremark in a recent statement about the issue. "We are actively investigating this matter to determine how the mistake occurred in order to take corrective actions to prevent this from happening again." But it is precisely because CVS/pharmacy supposedly employs such advanced, error-preventing safety protocols that this case leaves more questions than answers. After all, fluoride pills would have been stocked in an entirely different section of the pharmacy than tamoxifen. And contrary to the claims made by CVS Caremark about the two pills looking similar, the same can be said about all sorts of pills -- in reality, tamoxifen pills and fluoride pills are not really all that similar, especially since they both bear unique identifiers imprinted right on the pills. Because it is a chemotherapy medication, tamoxifen carries with it some very serious side effects, including the ability to actually cause cancer. Though fluoride is not much better in terms of safety, the use of hormone-disrupting tamoxifen in children can cause some very serious

developmental problems, as well as increase their risk of developing certain types of cancer. And oral fluoride pills, which have never been proven to prevent tooth decay or improve health in any way, are linked to lowered IQ levels, dental fluorosis (a type of tooth decay), allergies, kidney disease, brain damage, hormone disruption, thyroid and pineal gland problems, bone disease, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and cancer (http://www.fluoridealert.org/). http://www.naturalnews.com/035230_fluoride_pills_poison_children.html#ixzz239yAyntM

Poison is in your perfume

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 by: Melanie Banzer (NaturalNews) As lovely as your favorite fragrance may smell, there's a good chance that it's a toxic chemical concoction of poisons. The ingredients used to make perfume and cologne don't stop at natural spices and pure essential oils (no matter what those romantic commercials on your TV may imply). The list often includes formaldehyde, toluene, methylene chloride, benzaldehyde, petroleum, and phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to a wide range of damaging symptoms, including respiratory problems, nervous system issues, reproductive issues like infertility, and various forms of cancer. Phthalates are also known to be endocrine disruptors. These harmful effects have the most impact on young children and developing fetuses. In fact, pregnant women have been advised to avoid the use of perfume altogether due to these ill effects on unborn children. But the range of products that these synthetic poisons contaminate goes far beyond your most cherished night-out-on-the-town scent. "Fragrance" is a common ingredient in air fresheners, cleaning products, lotions, cosmetics, shampoos, and sadly enough, baby products. Under the guise of trade secrecy laws, companies are not required to inform their healthconscious consumers what ingredients are actually in this empty word- fragrance. So how do you protect yourself and your family? Read ingredients labels! Become familiar with the names of these adverse chemicals and don't buy products that are made with them. The sweet connotation that you may have associated with your favorite perfume will change drastically once you learn what its regular use actually does to your body. Everyone wants to smell nice, but is it at the expense of your health and your family's? Read those labels to get a better idea of what's in these magic potions you're spraying on yourself. If the ingredients are not clear and straight-forward, but rather hidden under the catch-all term "fragrance," be very suspicious! Skin Deep Cosmetics Database offers an online resource where you can look up the ingredients in your favorite perfumes. You'll find that the most popular brands are also often the most detrimental.

Be proactive about researching the chemicals in the products you use. Perfume, air fresheners, and lotions just won't smell as good anymore once you really know what's in them. Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033329_perfume_toxic_chemicals.html#ixzz239ywlzkl

Fast New Test for Terrible Form of Food Poisoning

ScienceDaily (Nov. 10, 2011) Scientists are reporting development of a fast, reliable new test that could help people avoid a terrible type of food poisoning that comes from eating fish tainted with a difficult-to-detect toxin from marine algae growing in warm waters. The report appears in ACS' journal Analytical Chemistry.

Takeshi Yasumoto and colleagues explain that 20,000-60,000 people every year come down with ciguatera poisoning from eating fish tainted with a ciguatoxin -- the most common source of food poisoning from a natural toxin. Fish, such as red snapper and sea bass, get the toxin by eating smaller fish that feast on marine algae that produce the toxin in tropical and subtropical areas, such as the Gulf Coast of the U.S. There's no warning that a fish has the toxin -- it smells, looks and tastes fine. But within hours of ingesting the toxin, people with ciguatera have symptoms that often include vomiting, diarrhea, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs and muscle and joint aches. Debilitating symptoms may last for months. The current test for the toxin involved giving it to laboratory mice and watching them for symptoms. It is time-consuming, may miss the small amounts present in fish, and can't tell the difference between certain forms of the disease. That's why Yasumoto's group developed a faster, more sensitive test. They describe development of a new test, using standard laboratory instruments, that avoids those draw backs. Yasumoto's team proved its effectiveness by identifying 16 different forms of the toxin in fish from the Pacific Ocean. Clear regional differences emerged -- for example, snappers and groupers off Okinawa shores had one type, whereas spotted knifejaw captured several miles north of Okinawa had another type. They also identified 12 types of toxin in a marine alga in French Polynesia, which could be the primary toxin source. The researchers say that the method outperforms current detection methods and in addition to helping diagnose patients, it will also help scientists study how the toxins move through the food chain from one animal to another.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109111534.htm