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Dangerous Dust

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

What would you do if you found out that the roads you drive on could cause cancer? This is the reality that residents face in Dunn County, North Dakota. For roughly 30 years, gravel containing the potentially carcinogenic mineral erionite was spread on nearly 500 kilometers of roads, playgrounds, parking lots, and even flower beds throughout Dunn County... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Week In Review at Mesothelioma Center: Asbestos Activists Working, Libby Victims Getting Help

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:27:46 +0100

It was a busy week at the Mesothelioma Center with anti-asbestos activists in Canada finding success, victims in Libby getting some much-needed help, and residents in Vermont debating a Superfund site. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

White House Criticized about Workplace Policies of Toxins Like Asbestos

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:12:45 +0100

The White House received criticism for delaying a regulation that provides a safer work environment against toxins like asbestos, citing that approximately 60 lives could have been saved during the time that the policy was being held up. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Cytoreductive Surgery with Selective Versus Complete Parietal Peritonectomy Followed by Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Patients with Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Controlled Study

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:21:17 +0100

Conclusions CPP improved survival in patients with DMPM undergoing combined treatment. This information may contribute to standardize surgical options for DMPM and other peritoneal malignancies. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Regional Cancer TherapiesPages 1-9DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2237-2Authors Dario Baratti, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, ItalyShigeki Kusamura, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, ItalyAntonello Domenico Cabras, Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, ItalyMarcello Deraco, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy Journal Annals of Surgical OncologyOnline ISSN 1534-4681Print ISSN 1068...

Combined Diffusion-Weighted and Gadolinium-Enhanced MRI Can Accurately Predict the Peritoneal Cancer Index Preoperatively in Patients Being Considered for Cytoreductive Surgical Procedures

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:21:17 +0100

Conclusions Combined diffusion-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced peritoneal MRI accurately predicts the PCI before surgery in patients undergoing evaluation for cytoreductive surgery. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Regional Cancer TherapiesPages 1-8DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2236-3Authors Russell N. Low, Department of Radiology, Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA, USARobert M. Barone, Department of Surgical Oncology, Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA Journal Annals of Surgical OncologyOnline ISSN 1534-4681Print ISSN 1068-9265 (Source: Annals of Surgical Oncology)

Asbestos in Schools ‘A National Scandal’ in United Kingdom

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:17:10 +0100

Asbestos contamination in schools throughout the United Kingdom has become "a national scandal,'' according to one Member of Parliament who has asked for swift action to correct the growing health concern. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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MPs attack 'national scandal' of asbestos in schools

Telegraph Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:48:32 +0100

Urgent action is needed to protect children and teachers from exposure to deadly asbestos in schools, MPs warned today. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Vermont Residents Debate Whether Asbestos Mine Should Become Superfund Site

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:37:07 +0100

Vermont residents are debating whether the Belvidere Mountain Asbestos mine should become a Superfund site. If the mine is cleaned up through the EPA program, a biomass electric generation plant will be added in its place. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Malignant biphasic peritoneal mesothelioma in a child: Consideration of other diagnostic possibilities

Diagnostic Cytopathology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology)

Asbestos Victims in Libby Finally Seeing Settlement with Montana

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:53:11 +0100

More than a decade after originally filing suit against the state of Montana, those who were exposed to asbestos in Libby have begun seeing their portion of the (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Synthesis, characterization and antiproliferative activity on mesothelioma cell lines of bis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes based on picoplatin

RSC - Dalton Trans. latest articles — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:08:30 +0100

Dalton Trans., 2012, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C2DT11874B, PaperMauro Ravera, Elisabetta Gabano, Ilaria Zanellato, Ilaria Bonarrigo, Esther Escribano, Virtudes Moreno, Merce Font-Bardia, Teresa Calvet, Domenico OsellaPicoplatin-based Pt(IV) complexes with axial carboxylato ligands, bypassing chemoresistance to cisplatin, are reported for the first time.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Dalton Trans. latest articles)

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Preclinical studies identify novel targeted pharmacological strategies for treatment of human malignant pleural mesothelioma

British Journal of Pharmacology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe incidence of human malignant pleural mesothelioma (hMPM) is still increasing worldwide. hMPM prognosis is poor even if the median survival time has been slightly improved after the introduction of the up‐to‐date chemotherapy. Nevertheless, large phase II/III trials support the combination of platinum‐derivatives and pemetrexed or raltitrexed, as preferred first‐line schedule. Better understanding of the molecular machinery of hMPM will lead to the design and synthesis of novel compounds targeted against pathways identified as crucial for hMPM cell proliferation and spreading. Among them, several receptors tyrosine kinase show altered activity in subsets of hMPM. This observation suggests that these kinases might represent novel therapeutic targets in this chemotherapy‐...

The Antioxidants Vitamins A and E and Selenium Do Not Reduce the Incidence of Asbestos-Induced Disease in a Mouse Model of Mesothelioma.

Nutrition and Cancer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Robinson C, Woo S, Walsh A, Nowak AK, Lake RA Abstract Epidemiological evidence indicates that supplementation with some dietary factors is associated with a lower incidence of cancer. An effective cancer prevention strategy for the millions of people worldwide who have been exposed to asbestos could have enormous benefit. We tested whether dietary supplementation of the antioxidants vitamin A, E, and selenium could alter the pattern of disease in the MexTAg transgenic mouse model, in which mice uniformly develop mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. We focused on antioxidants because one of the most widely accepted hypotheses for the mechanism by which asbestos fibers cause cancer proposes the involvement of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. We compared the survival o...

Appeal Begins Involving $15.2 million Award for Worker Exposed to Asbestos in Oil-Drilling Mud

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:33:59 +0100

Conoco Phillips Corp. has begun its appeal before the Mississippi Supreme Court concerning the $15.2 million award that was given to a worker who was exposed to asbestos by the additive he was mixing with oil-drilling mud. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

A comparison of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in malignant peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma

Pathology International — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

An evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phenotypic expression in malignant pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma was undertaken, using immunohistochemical (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Thirty‐eight malignant mesothelioma (MM) specimens were subjected to IHC staining and FISH to evaluate the expression of EGFR protein and gene status. Overall positive IHC reaction was detected in 20/38 (53%) cases, in 11/22 (50%) pleural MM, and in 9/16 (56%) peritoneal MM. Our study confirmed that EGFR membranous expression is a common feature in MM, but not in benign mesothelial lesion. Thirty‐seven cases did not show a gene copy number gain. Only one case showed a copy number gain. The protein overexpression of EGFR was not related to a gene copy number ...

Week in Review at the Mesothelioma Center: Alarming Asbestos News

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:01:58 +0100

The Week in Review at the Mesothelioma Center included helpful proposed legislation, an alarming report about asbestos imports, the small-cell lung cancer that killed the legendary coach and a good-looking donation by a drug company. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Congressman Promotes Legislation To Speed Up Drug Development for Diseases Like Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:11:59 +0100

U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance is promoting a piece of legislation designed to speed the process of getting new drugs and treatments for rare diseases like mesothelioma/ to patients. The bill is in front of the Health Subcommittee. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

High Wilms’ tumour gene (WT1) expression and low mitotic count are independent predictors of survival in diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma

Histopathology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:24:21 +0100

Conclusions: Our study suggests that low WT1 expression and high MC may be indicative of an unfavourable prognosis in patients with advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. (Source: Histopathology)

Mitochondrial Rac1 Mediates Pulmonary Fibrosis [Enzymology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study shows that Rac1 is localized in the mitochondria of alveolar macrophages from asbestosis patients, and mitochondrial import requires the C-terminal cysteine of Rac1 (Cys-189), which is post-translationally modified by geranylgeranylation. Furthermore, H2O2 generation mediated by mitochondrial Rac1 requires electron transfer from cytochrome c to a cysteine residue on Rac1 (Cys-178). Asbestos-exposed mice harboring a conditional deletion of Rac1 in macrophages demonstrated decreased oxidative stress and were significantly protected from developing pulmonary fibrosis. These observations demonstrate that mitochondrial import and direct electron transfer from cytochrome c to Rac1 modulates mitochondrial H2O2 production in alveolar macrophages pulmonary fibrosis. (Source: Journal of B...

PRAME (Preferentially Expressed Antigen of Melanoma) Is a Novel Marker for Differentiating Serous Carcinoma From Malignant Mesothelioma.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:56:09 +0100

The objective of this study was to validate this finding at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of 126 müllerian carcinomas and 23 malignant mesotheliomas showed significantly higher PRAME mRNA expression in the former tumor (P < .001; test sensitivity and specificity, 89% and 91%, respectively). PRAME protein was expressed in 41 of 50 müllerian carcinomas and 0 of 30 mesotheliomas using Western blotting (P < .001; test sensitivity and specificity, 82% and 100%, respectively). PRAME levels in müllerian carcinoma were unrelated to survival; however, PRAME protein expression was up-regulated in solid metastases compared with primary carcinoma and effusions (P < .001). Our data confirm that PRAME effectively differ...

Asbestos Imports Have Started to Rise Again, Fueled by Manufacturers’ Demands

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:28 +0100

Although the dangers of asbestos are well known, the importing of the toxic mineral has started to increase again, according to the 2012 United States Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Analysis of mortality in chrysotile asbestos miners in China

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:49:56 +0100

Summary In order to investigate the mortality of a cohort of chrysotile asbestos miners in China and evaluate its association with exposure to chrysotile, a fixed cohort of 1932 workers in chrysotile asbestos mine was established in 1981 and followed till June 1, 2010. Information on vital status, cause of death and smoking habits was collected. The workers were divided into two groups according to their exposure status. The exposed group was composed of frontline workers who worked directly on mining or processing asbestos products. The control group consisted of those who were not directly exposed to asbestos in their work. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated according to Chinese national death rates. Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate t...

Report: Almost Half of All Cancers Caused by Lifestyle Choices

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:49:08 +0100

A report from the Cancer Research UK has reported that 45 percent of cancers in men and 40 percent of cancers in women could be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle, citing that four lifestyle choices contribute to over 100,000 cancers. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Asbestos a Risk Factor In Small-Cell Lung Cancer that Killed Ex-Penn State Coach Joe Paterno

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:40:43 +0100

Former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno was a non-smoker throughout his life, which gave him little chance of getting the small-cell lung cancer. But that's what killed him, making asbestos exposure a question to ask about his life (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Heme Oxygenase-1 Promoter Polymorphism is Associated with Risk of Malignant Mesothelioma

Lung — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:26:28 +0100

Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that long (GT)n repeats in the HO-1 gene promoter are associated with a higher risk of malignant mesothelioma in the Japanese population. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00408-012-9371-2Authors Aki Murakami, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501 JapanYoshihiro Fujimori, Hyogo College of Medicine, Cancer Center, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501 JapanYoshie Yoshikawa, Department of Genetics, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501 JapanShusai Yamada, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-ch...

Bristol-Myers Squibb Donates $6.9 Million for Patients of Cancers Like Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:04:13 +0100

On Thursday, Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that the company donated $6.9 million in 2011 to HealthWell Foundation, a non-profit that is dedicated to providing financial assistance for treatments for cancers like mesothelioma. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Week in Review: Asbestos Violations, Promising Mesothelioma Research and More Awareness

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:56:17 +0100

Researchers examine the Navy's role in asbestos exposure, while a state lawmaker raises the awareness by a lung cancer announcement, all part of The Week in Review at the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

New Mexico Lawmaker Blames Asbestos Exposure for Stage IV Lung Cancer

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:31:27 +0100

New Mexico House Speaker Ben Lujan, 76, has stage 4 lung cancer diagnosed back in 2009. Since he was not a smoker, he believes his cancer is a result of asbestos exposure while working as an iron worker in a previous job. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

The asbestos disease epidemic: here today, here tomorrow

Thorax — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In what may be the best ever use of a Wellcome grant, Geoffrey Tweedale, in his fascinating history of the multinational asbestos company Turner & Newall,1 reminds us that asbestos was once known as the ‘magic mineral’. Indeed, in many ways, it is the ideal construction material: tough, durable, light in weight, fire-resistant and very cheap. Unfortunately, asbestos is also, as every respiratory physician knows, highly toxic when inhaled. Total bans on its use are in place in 52 countries including those of the European Union, Australia, Japan and South Africa2; and its use is tightly restricted in the USA, New Zealand and Canada—the last, ironically, among the world's largest exporters of the material. Readers from these countries may be surprised to learn that...

A 37-year observation of mortality in Chinese chrysotile asbestos workers

Thorax — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Data from this prospective cohort provide strong evidence for increased mortality risks, particularly from lung cancer and non-malignant respiratory diseases, associated with exposure to chrysotile asbestos, while taking into account of the smoking effect. (Source: Thorax)

Louisiana Man Caught Burning Asbestos Shingles for 2nd Time Slapped with Fine

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:51:28 +0100

After failing to learn his lesson the first time, a Louisiana man is sentenced by District Court Judge for violating strict laws against burning asbestos shingles. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Epithelial Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma After Extrapleural Pneumonectomy: Stratification of Survival With CT-Derived Tumor Volume

American Journal of Roentgenology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION. With control of prognostic covariates, CT-derived tumor volume can be used to stratify survival of patients with epithelial mesothelioma after extrapleural pneumonectomy and should be included in prognostic evaluation of patients for whom resection is being considered. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)

Researchers Investigate How Gene Mutations Relate To Lung Cancer of Nonsmokers

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:48:24 +0100

Researchers identified distinct gene mutations that exist in lung cancer cases in individuals who have never smoked. The long-term implications of the research may be tremendous for all those affected by this disease. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Expression of Interleukin-4 Receptor Alpha by Human Pleura Mesothelioma is Associated with Poor Survival and Promotion of Tumor Inflammation.

Clinical Cancer Research — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Tumor expression of IL-4Ra is inversely correlated with survival in patients undergoing surgical resection for epithelial MPM. Tumor-infiltrating T cells in MPM are polarized to produce IL-4 and may provide endogenous activation signals to MPM tumor cells in situ. The IL-4/IL-4 receptor axis is a potential therapeutic target in human MPM. PMID: 22261806 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

CD26 overexpression is associated with prolonged survival and enhanced chemosensitivity in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Clinical Cancer Research — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that CD26 is a clinically significant biomarker for predicting response to chemotherapy for MPM. PMID: 22261805 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

New Report Shines Light on Navy’s Knowledge of Asbestos Dangers

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:17:32 +0100

According to a report by ChemRisk, the Navy continued to mandate that asbestos-containing materials be used on their ships even as mesothelioma and other diseases were clearly being linked to asbestos exposure. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Rab25 is overexpressed in Müllerian serous carcinoma compared to malignant mesothelioma

Virchows Archiv — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:07:42 +0100

The objective of this study was to validate this finding at the mRNA and protein level. Quantitative PCR analysis of 112 Müllerian serous carcinomas (84 effusions, 28 primary ovarian carcinomas) and 22 malignant mesotheliomas (19 effusions, 3 solid specimens) showed significantly higher RAB25 mRNA expression in the former tumor (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis of Rab25 protein expression in 245 effusions showed significantly higher expression of this protein in Müllerian serous carcinoma compared to malignant mesothelioma (189/209 vs. 12/36 positive tumors, respectively; p < 0.001). Immunostaining of 101 patient-matched solid Müllerian carcinoma specimens (34 primary carcinomas, 67 metastases) showed expression levels comparable to effusions (94/101 positive...

Roshi Chadha Resigns from Red Cross Board Because of Asbestos Industry Ties

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:36:30 +0100

Days after receiving a vote of confidence, Roshi Chadha resigned from the Canadian Red Cross board of directors because of her ties to the asbestos industry and pressure from the anti-asbestos lobby. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Asbestos Exposure During Uncontrolled Removal of Sprayed-on Asbestos

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, exposures to historical airborne fiber levels prevailing half a century ago may still occur today when the work regulations are not applied. In these conditions, even very short exposures may result in considerable lung fiber retention in case of amphibole exposure with the subsequent risk for developing asbestos-related diseases. Fiber analysis in BALF is useful to clarify such exposures. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)

Asbestos-Related Diseases in Automobile Mechanics

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The asbestos exposure experienced by automobile mechanics may lead to pleural plaques. The low prevalence of non-malignant asbestos-related diseases, using a very sensitive diagnostic tool, is in favor of a low cumulative exposure to asbestos in this population of workers. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)

Development of an Exposure Measurement Database on Five Lung Carcinogens (ExpoSYN) for Quantitative Retrospective Occupational Exposure Assessment

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: ExpoSYN is a unique occupational exposure database with measurements from 18 European countries and Canada covering a time period of >50 years. This database will be used to develop a country-, job-, and time period-specific quantitative JEM. This JEM will enable data-driven quantitative exposure assessment in a multinational pooled analysis of community-based lung cancer case–control studies. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)

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Data-driven information retrieval in heterogeneous collections of transcriptomics data links SIM2s to malignant pleural mesothelioma

Bioinformatics — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Motivation: Genome-wide measurement of transcript levels is an ubiquitous tool in biomedical research. As experimental data continues to be deposited in public databases, it is becoming important to develop search engines that enable the retrieval of relevant studies given a query study. While retrieval systems based on meta-data already exist, data-driven approaches that retrieve studies based on similarities in the expression data itself have a greater potential of uncovering novel biological insights. Results: We propose an information retrieval method based on differential expression. Our method deals with arbitrary experimental designs and performs competitively with alternative approaches, while making the search results interpretable in terms of differential expression patterns. We ...

Mechanism for Expansile Nanoparticle Uptake in Mesothelioma

Journal of Surgical Research — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:29:49 +0100

Conclusions: Uptake of expansile nanoparticles by tumor cells utilizes pathways of macropinocytosis. This pathway is non-receptor dependent thus allowing rapid nanoparticle uptake to occur in tumors of various cell origins; thus explaining similar anti-tumor efficacy against breast and ovarian carcinoma in vivo. (Source: Journal of Surgical Research)

Simmons Firm Appoints New Shareholder, Strengthens Commitment to...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:41:50 +0100

Litigator and mesothelioma advocate appointed as new shareholder for leading national law firm(PRWeb January 11, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/1/prweb9093188.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

Mesothelioma Center Week In Review: A Look To the Future, A Glance At the Past for Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:11:31 +0100

Asbestos abatement violators go to trial, Orphan Drug Designation comes alive, Steve McQueen and Warren Zevon all take the stage at the Mesothelioma Center this week. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Trial Starts for Men Accused of Illegally Removing Asbestos from Salvage Site

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:54:23 +0100

Three men are on trial in a U.S. District Court in Chattanooga after being accused of illegally removing asbestos from a salvage site, according to an 11-count indictment from a federal grand jury. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Determining the Frequency of Asbestos Use in Automotive Brakes from a Fleet of On-Road California Vehicles

Environmental Science and Technology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:10:11 +0100

Environmental Science & TechnologyDOI: 10.1021/es202667d (Source: Environmental Science and Technology)

ADAO Will Honor Mesothelioma Victim Steve McQueen at 8th Annual Convention

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:00:45 +0100

Actor Steve McQueen is one of several well-known Americans to fall victim to mesothelioma. He will be honored in March at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization's annual convention. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

ERRATUM for a missing eComment 'Malignant pleural mesothelioma: a therapeutic challenge'

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)

Product stewardship and science: Safe manufacture and use of fiber glass.

Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology : RTP — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hesterberg TW, Anderson R, Bernstein DM, Bunn WB, Chase GA, Jankousky A, Marsh GM, McClellan RO Abstract This paper describes a proactive product stewardship program for glass fibers. That effort included epidemiological studies of workers, establishment of stringent workplace exposure limits, liaison with customers on safe use of products and, most importantly, a research program to evaluate the safety of existing glass fiber products and guide development of new even safer products. Chronic inhalation exposure bioassays were conducted with rodents and hamsters. Amosite and crocidolite asbestos produced respiratory tract cancers as did exposure to "biopersistent" synthetic vitreous fibers. "less biopersistent" glass fibers did not cause respiratory tract cancers. Corollar...

Inpsector General: EPA Lacks Regulation of Nanomaterials

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:08:36 +0100

The Environmental Protection Agency doesn't have the data or ability to manage the challenges associated with nanomaterials, concludes a recent report from the EPA's Office of Inspector General. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Practical approaches to diagnose and treat for T0 malignant pleural mesothelioma: a proposal for diagnostic total parietal pleurectomy

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:53:38 +0100

Abstract Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) remains suffering poor prognosis in spite of recent diagnostic and therapeutic progress. Although there is currently no established evidence, early diagnosis and early intervention may play a key role to improve prognosis of MPM, similarly to other malignancies. As pleural effusion is usually the first clinical sign of MPM, pleural effusion cytology is often the first diagnostic examination to be carried out. Since the sensitivity of pleural effusion cytology is approximately 60%, however, false-negative diagnosis is given to almost half of true MPM patients at this clinical step. One practical way to reduce the number of misdiagnosed MPM is to encourage performing thoracoscopic pleural biopsy unless definitive diagnosis other ...

Pathological and molecular biological approaches to early mesothelioma

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:53:37 +0100

Abstract Malignant mesothelioma is an asbestos-related malignancy that arises primarily from mesothelial cells on the serosal surfaces of the pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial cavities. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is most common, and its incidence is dramatically increasing worldwide as a result of widespread use of asbestos. Morphological discrimination between MPM and reactive mesothelial hyperplasia is difficult, and the most reliable pathological criterion for malignancy is mesothelial proliferation invading deeply into subpleural adipose tissues. To establish radical cure of MPM, it is crucial to find early-stage MPM of epithelial type, in which mesothelial proliferation is localized on the serosal surface of parietal pleura or limited within the submesoth...

Choice of rating method for assessing occupational asbestos exposure: Study for compensation purposes in France

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThis study shows that the two rating systems have good or very good agreement. These results validate the routine use in the PNSM of the “by subject” rating, with the advantage of being convenient and quick to provide feedback on occupational asbestos exposure to mesothelioma cases for compensation. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine)

EPA, Federal Courts Continue Crackdown on Violations of Asbestos Regulations

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:28:45 +0100

The EPA is asking a federal district court in New Jersey to access a hefty fine against Lovett Contracting, just the latest violator of (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Early mesothelioma revisited

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:57:38 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Introduction to Review ArticlesPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s10147-011-0365-5Authors Seiki Hasegawa, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, 663-8501 Japan Journal International Journal of Clinical OncologyOnline ISSN 1437-7772Print ISSN 1341-9625 (Source: International Journal of Clinical Oncology)

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Estimating the asbestos-related lung cancer burden from mesothelioma mortality

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: V McCormack, J Peto, G Byrnes, K Straif & P Boffetta (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

miR-34a Expression, Cell Cycle Arrest and Cell Death of Malignant Mesothelioma Cells upon Treatment with Radiation, Docetaxel or Combination Treatment.

Oncology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Microtubule formation and other related functions by docetaxel might be the most suitable treatment modulation in both sarcomatoid and epithelial types of MM. PMID: 22237142 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Oncology)

Clinical Treatment CBP501 Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:37:39 +0100

CBP501, made by CanBas Co., is being tested as a treatment for mesothelioma. With the FDA's recent Orphan Drug Designation, the company can now receive incentives to continue pursuing their treatment for the rare cancer. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Exposure-response relationship between chrysotile exposure and mortality from lung cancer and asbestosis

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The study confirmed strong associations between exposure to chrysotile asbestos and lung cancer and asbestosis, in which clear exposure–response relationships were observed. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Asbestos Week in Review: Schools, Bankruptcy, Verdicts, Aggressive Surgeries and Presidential Campaigns

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:17:59 +0100

This week in the Mesothelioma Center, there was all sorts of news: A bankruptcy, a reversed asbestos verdict, schools awaiting costly abatement and more debate over the use of EPP surgery. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Report: Cancer Deaths and Lung Cancer Deaths Down Over 20-Year Period

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:37:23 +0100

Cancer-related deaths, including those by lung cancer, continued to decrease over the past 20 years, the American Cancer Society reported. The study estimates that more than 1 million cancer deaths have been avoided. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Upregulated p53 expression activates apoptotic pathways in wild-type p53-bearing mesothelioma and enhances cytotoxicity of cisplatin and pemetrexed

Cancer Gene Therapy — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Q Li, K Kawamura, M Yamanaka, S Okamoto, S Yang, S Yamauchi, T Fukamachi, H Kobayashi, Y Tada, Y Takiguchi, K Tatsumi, H Shimada, K Hiroshima & M Tagawa (Source: Cancer Gene Therapy)

Mesotheliomas with small cell features: report of eight cases

Modern Pathology AOP — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Modern Pathology advance online publication, January 6, 2012. doi:10.1038/modpathol.2011.202 Author: Nelson G Ordóñez (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)

Canadian Asbestos Mine Could Reopen Despite Bankruptcy Filing

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:52:38 +0100

Filing for bankruptcy won't stop owners of asbestos mine in Canada from moving forward with plans to restart production in the future. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Mississippi Judge Throws Out Record $322 Million Lawsuit Verdict

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:41:52 +0100

Thomas Brown won $322 million in his asbestos lawsuit against Union Carbide and Chevron Oil in 2011, but a Mississippi judge rescinded the verdict, agreeing with Union Carbide that the presiding judge should have disclosed that his parents had been involved in unrelated asbestos litigation against one of the defendants. A new trial is scheduled for April. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Study: Risky Mesothelioma Treatment Improves Patient Quality of Life

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:51:28 +0100

Researchers have concluded that a controversial treatment option known as extrapleural pneumonectomy may provide more significant benefits on the quality of life in mesotheliomapatients than previously thought. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Mesothelioma Patient and Air Force Veteran Campaigning For Rick Perry In Iowa

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:24:41 +0100

A diagnosis of mesothelioma didn't stop Air Force veteran Patrick Burke from joining Rick Perry's presidential campaign before the Iowa Caucus. Campaigning was on Burke's "bucket list." (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Benign Localized Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: Report of 25 New Cases.

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Benign localized fibrous tumors are uncommon and treated by surgical means. According to our data obtained from literature review, clinicians should be aware of recurrence possibility even after complete resection of benign localized fibrous tumor and the risk of malign transformation. PMID: 22215500 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)

Vatalanib ineffective against malignant mesothelioma

Modern Medicine — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Monotherapy with vatalanib is ineffective against malignant mesothelioma, according to new results from the Cancer and Leukemia Group B. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Benign Localized Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: Report of 25 New Cases

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Benign localized fibrous tumors are uncommon and treated by surgical means. According to our data obtained from literature review, clinicians should be aware of recurrence possibility even after complete resection of benign localized fibrous tumor and the risk of malign transformation.[...]Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)

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The Traveling Libby Legacy: Minnesota Community Exhibits Nonoccupational Health Impacts Consistent with Asbestos Damage

EHP-in-Press — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: EHP-in-Press)

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: diagnostic studies and differential diagnosis.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chekol SS, Sun CC Abstract Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is an extremely rare tumor representing 0.3% to 5% of all malignant mesotheliomas. Gross examination of testicular mesotheliomas typically reveals tumor nodules studding the thickened tunica vaginalis and, in some cases, infiltrating the testicular parenchyma, leading to diagnostic challenges. Microscopically, the tumor is characterized by epithelioid cells arising from the tunica vaginalis with papillary, tubulopapillary, or solid architectural patterns. The papillae are usually lined by a single layer of cells with relatively bland cytologic features. An epithelial cell phenotype admixed with a sarcomatoid pattern has also been described in a few cases. Immunohistochemically, the tumor is us...

Week In Review: Asbestos Disappearing in Canada, Deadline in NYC, Firefighters in Washington

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:54:12 +0100

The Mesothelioma Center's week in review includes the decline of asbestos support in Canada, a deadline for Victim Compensation Fund applicants in New York City and a health care settlement for firefighters in Washington. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Asbestos Abatement Proves Costly for Massachusetts High School

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:18:18 +0100

Newton North High School spent nearly $14 million for the building demolition because of increased costs of removing asbestos. The school was initially supposed to cost $40 million, but now, the total costs are estimated at more than $190 million. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Primary pleural angiosarcoma as a mimicker of mesothelioma: a case report

Diagnostic Pathology — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 49-year-old male patient with primary pleural angiosarcoma, who presented with initial hemothorax, followed by a rapid progress to an inoperable status. (Source: Diagnostic Pathology)

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Deadline Approaching For Pending Lawsuits Regarding 9/11 and Compensation Fund

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:59:12 +0100

Anyone wanting to apply for inclusion in the government's Victims Compensation Fund regarding the 9/11 terrorist attack of the World Trade Center must withdraw a pending lawsuit by Jan. 2, 2012. It is the latest hard decision to make for those who fear mesothelioma cancer from intense asbestos exposure. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Durham prisoner of war camp to be saved

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:23:57 +0100

English Heritage to invest £500,000 into the set of farm buildings decorated with nostalgic scenes by homesick GermansA £500,000-rescue has been launched to save the battered remains of a canteen and theatre covered with nostalgic scenes by homesick German prisoners.They form part of Harperley prisoner of war camp in Durham, the only camp to have scheduled monument status which puts it on a par with Stonehenge.English Heritage is investing £500,000 on emergency repairs without requiring any matching funding from the private owners, a rare move for the cash-strapped organisation, reflecting the unique importance of the site.The decision on whether to save the site, or record it and abandon it to nature, became urgent in last year's bitter winter, when winds howled around the forests sket...

Asbestos Awareness Group Details 2012 Asbestos Conference

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:11:19 +0100

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization recently announced who the keynote speaker and honorees will be for the 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference. The event strives to end the development of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Firefighters Receive Lifetime Health Monitoring After Dangerous Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:00:31 +0100

The city of Everett,. Washington agreed to pay for lifetime health monitoring for fighters who were exposed to asbestos during faulty training sessions, as a part of a legal settlement. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Mesothelioma risk persists after asbestos exposure

Modern Medicine — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - French researchers say the risk of pleural mesothelioma seems to increase for up to 30 years after occupational asbestos exposure. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Chronic disease prevention, asbestos exposure in diamond miners

Occupational Medicine — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Occupational Medicine)

Pacific Meso Center opens free-standing mesothelioma research lab

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:33:13 +0100

Pacific Meso Center has opened a new state-of-the-art mesothelioma research laboratory dedicated solely to the discovery of new treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest lining caused by asbestos exposure. Pacific Meso Center, a division of the nonprofit Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, said the lab at 10780 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles is the first of its kind in the world, and was “established to lead a focused and collaborative mesothelioma research effort that is independent of the limitations often imposed by academic as well as private medical institutions... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

Week in Review: Asbestos Still Threatens Everyone Despite Reduction in Use

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:27:45 +0100

The Week in Review at the Mesothelioma Center touched on a variety of issues, including the continued threat posed by the toxic mineral. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Experimental Asbestos Demolition in Fort Worth, Texas Considered Health Risk

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:27:31 +0100

Asbestos abatement at the Fort Worth's Oak Hollow apartments was performed under the "wet method," which has not been approved by the EPA. Construction workers and local residents may have been exposed to asbestos during the procedure. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Nanotechnology: Size matters

Nature Reviews Cancer — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Nature Reviews Cancer 12, 7 (2012). doi:10.1038/nrc3198 Author: Nicola McCarthy Although multiwalled carbon nanotubes show promise for delivering cancer therapy, there have been concerns raised over the potential of these nanotubes to cause cancer owing to their similarity in structure to asbestos. New research by Nagai et al. indicates that thin (approximately 50 nm (Source: Nature Reviews Cancer)

National Cancer Institute Opening 2 New Trials For Mesothelioma Patients

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:39:19 +0100

With a rare cancer like (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Clinical Impact of Extrapleural Pneumonectomy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:37:01 +0100

Conclusions Extrapleural pneumonectomy has a significant and durable impact on function and symptoms as well as on physical and mental components of quality of life in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Thoracic OncologyPages 1-8DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2171-8Authors Vincenzo Ambrogi, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, ItalyAlfonso Baldi, Department of Biochemistry, Section of Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, ItalyOrazio Schillaci, Department of Biopathology and Diagnostic Imaging, Tor Vergata University, Rome, ItalyTommaso Claudio Mineo, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy Journal Annals of Surgical OncologyOnline ISSN 1534-4681Print ISSN 10...

New York Firefighters Concerned after Asbestos Confirmed at Firehouse

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:47:42 +0100

Lackawanna firefighters have expressed serious concerns after tests confirm that asbestos fibers were present in the firehouse where they worked. The firemen were evacuated from Fire House 3 at 2990 South Park Ave. on Saturday after two samples tested positive for asbestos. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

BRCA1 is an essential mediator of vinorelbine induced apoptosis in mesothelioma

The Journal of Pathology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractTherapeutic options for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are limited despite the increasing incidence globally. The vinca alkaloid, vinorelbine exhibits clinical activity, however, to date, treatment optimization has not been achieved using biomarkers. BRCA1 regulates sensitivity to microtubule poisons, however its role in regulating vinorelbine induced apoptosis in mesothelioma is unknown. Here we demonstrate that BRCA1 plays an essential role in mediating vinorelbine induced apoptosis, as evidenced by: 1) the strong correlation between vinorelbine sensitivity and BRCA1 expression level, 2) induction of resistance to vinorelbine by BRCA1 using siRNA oligonucleotides, 3) dramatic downregulation of BRCA1 following selection for vinorelbine resistance, and 4) the re‐activation ...

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Obituary: Dr John MG Davis

Particle and Fibre Toxicology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

John Davis, who died aged 76 on October 21st 2011, was a leading researcher into asbestos and coal related diseases. In his role as head of pathology at the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) in Edinburgh he led a group of scientists who were to make important contributions not just to the understanding of classical occupational diseases but also to the recent literature on nanotoxicology (Source: Particle and Fibre Toxicology)

EPA Questions Its Own Approval Of Experimental Method For Asbestos Demolition

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:43:17 +0100

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finds itself under fire in Fort Worth, Texas, because of an experimental method for handling asbestos before a building is destroyed. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Pericardial synovial sarcoma, a potential for misdiagnosis: clinicopathologic and molecular cytogenetic analysis of three cases with literature review.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:13:08 +0100

In this report, we describe 3 cases of synovial sarcoma that manifested clinically as primary pericardial lesions. All 3 cases occurred in men in their fourth decade. Fever, cough, chest pain, and chest distress were the most common symptoms. Histologically, 2 of the tumors were spindle cell monophasic, and 1 tumor was biphasic. By immunohistochemical studies, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigen. In addition, the tumor cells displayed focal immunoreactivity for calretinin, cytokeratin 5/6, and HBME-1, resulting in the initial interpretations of malignant mesotheliomas. None of the 3 cases were diagnosed correctly until subsequent molecular cytogenetic assays demonstrated the presence of SYT gene rearrangements. As there are overlapping morphologic...

Benign multicystic mesothelioma with concurrent colonic adenocarcinoma: a report of two cases

Surgery Today — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:43:25 +0100

In this report, we present two cases of BMM detected in females with concurrent colonic adenocarcinoma arising in the ileocecal region. The tumors were present in the serosa surrounding the colonic adenocarcinoma in one case, and in the omentum in the other case, which grossly mimicked peritoneal seeding of carcinoma. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the cells lining the cystic spaces in both lesions were positive for keratin and calretinin, confirming their mesothelial origin. To the best of our knowledge, these cases represent the first documented examples of multicystic mesothelioma concurrent with colonic adenocarcinoma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s00595-011-0099-zAuthors Anwar Husain, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Cent...

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Reveals Rare Case of Short Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:51:42 +0100

Roger Hammett was awarded $1.45 million in a mesothelioma lawsuit, after his cancer was caused by asbestos exposure after just 67 days of exposure. Most cases of mesothelioma involve years of occupational exposure, but Hammett developed cancer after less than two months of work. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Leukocyte-derived extracellular superoxide dismutase does not contribute to airspace EC-SOD after interstitial pulmonary injury

AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The antioxidant enzyme extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is abundant in the lung and is known to limit inflammation and fibrosis following numerous pulmonary insults. Previous studies have reported a loss of full-length EC-SOD from the pulmonary parenchyma with accumulation of proteolyzed EC-SOD in the airspace after an interstitial lung injury. However, following airspace only inflammation, EC-SOD accumulates in the airspace without a loss from the interstitium, suggesting this antioxidant may be released from an extrapulmonary source. Because leukocytes are known to express EC-SOD and are prevalent in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after injury, it was hypothesized that these cells may transport and release EC-SOD into airspaces. To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6 wild-t...

Week In Review: Promising Mesothelioma Study And Red Cross Exec Under Fire For Asbestos Ties

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:21:21 +0100

In the news this week at the (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Preparation and Evaluation of a Chrysotile Asbestos-containing Standard Material for Validating X-Ray Diffractometric Quantitation.

Anal Sci — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:18:03 +0100

Authors: Asahi T, Kobayashi S, Nakayama K, Konya T, Fujinawa G, Nakamura T Abstract A standard material containing chrysotile asbestos for the validation of x-ray diffractometric quantitation was developed using an asbestos-containing building material i.e., perlite board. The board as the base material was crushed, pulverized, and homogenized. The homogeneity of the powder of perlite board was estimated by analysis of variance. The diffraction intensity values of the crystalline phases and the concentrations of elements determined by x-ray diffractometry and x-ray fluorescence analysis were used for analysis of variance. There is no significant difference between the within-bottle variance and the between-bottle variance, indicating that the powdered perlite board was sufficiently...

EPA Inspector General Elkins Challenges Agency’s Policies On Asbestos

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:56:13 +0100

The government entity responsible for protecting citizens from environmental dangers like asbestos is the same agency that is endangering its employees through asbestos exposure, reports the agency's own inspector general. asbestos (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Photodynamic Therapy For Mesothelioma Patients Should Improve With PHOTOFRIN Approval

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:30:08 +0100

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for mesothelioma patients got a boost when PHOTOFRIN obtained Orphan Drug Designation. PHOTOFRIN is often prescribed following surgery and chemotherapy for malignant mesothelioma cancer. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Investigation of occupational and environmental causes of respiratory cancers (ICARE): a multicenter, population-based case-control study in France

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe large number of subjects should allow to uncover exposures associated with moderate increase in risks, and to evaluate risks associated with infrequent or widely dispersed exposures. It will be possible to study joint effects of exposure to different occupational risk factors, to examine the interactions between occupational exposures, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and genetic risk factors, and to estimate the proportion of respiratory cancers attributable to occupational exposures in France. In addition, information on many non-occupational risk factors is available, and the study will provide an excellent framework for numerous studies in various fields. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Differentiation of malignant pleural mesothelioma from other pleural diseases

Thorax — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, pleural effusion samples from 101 patients with suspected or newly diagnosed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) or metastatic adenocarcinoma (ADCA) were collected between 1998 and 2010. Of the 101 patients, 65 were diagnosed with MPM, 25 with ADCA and 15 with benign pleural effusion. Cancer cells isolated from pleural effusion samples were subjected to genome-wide gene expression analysis, done with the help of microarrays and real-time PCR. The study found 74 genes coding for markers that were overexpressed in MPM and 9 genes that were overexpressed in ADCA. The highest expression in MPM cells was the gene COL3A1, coding for type III collagen. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated 100% staining of MPM biopsy samples with antibodies specific for COL3A1 and no staining in ADCA....

Canadian Red Cross May Remove Board Member Roshi Chada Because Of Asbestos Ties

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:17:06 +0100

Anti-asbestos advocates are pushing for the removal of Red Cross executive board member Roshi Chadha because of ties she has to the asbestos industry. Her husband, Baljit Chadha, is president of Balcorp, a company that has a subsidiary that transports asbestos. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Canadian Red Cross May Remove Board Member Roshi Chadha Because Of Asbestos Ties

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:17:06 +0100

Mesothelioma Claims Another Actor: Australia’s Harold Hopkins

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:25:25 +0100

Longtime Australian Actor Harold Hopkins, known for his role in Gallipoli, died Sunday of mesothelioma cancer at a hospital in Sydney, Australia. Hopkins's family said the disease stemmed from his exposure to asbestos from his days as a carpenter apprentice in the 1960s. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Study: Indoor Tanning Linked With Early Onset of Skin Cancer

TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:35:49 +0100

Given that indoor tanning beds were officially classified as a human carcinogen in 2009 -- up there with cigarettes and asbestos -- it should be fairly obvious that frequent tanning-booth exposure would increase your risk of skin cancer (Source: TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories)

Genomic gains and losses in malignant mesothelioma demonstrated by FISH analysis of paraffin-embedded tissues

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The authors found various genomic gains and losses in MM by FISH analysis. The frequency of each genomic gain or loss examined in MM by FISH analysis almost agreed with the comparative genomic hybridisation technique in previous studies. This study suggests that genomic evaluation by FISH analysis might be helpful in distinguishing MM from benign mesothelial proliferation. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

American Companies Warned about Buying Improperly Labeled Asbestos Products

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:14:23 +0100

American companies purchased products that contained asbestos but were labeled as "non-asbestos containing." The names of the companies were not released, but handlers or end-users may be at risk of asbestos exposure if the products are disturbed or damaged. Lawsuits are expected to follow. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Lagging Exposure Information in Cumulative Exposure-Response Analyses

American Journal of Epidemiology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Lagging exposure information is often undertaken to allow for a latency period in cumulative exposure-disease analyses. The authors first consider bias and confidence interval coverage when using the standard approaches of fitting models under several lag assumptions and selecting the lag that maximizes either the effect estimate or model goodness of fit. Next, they consider bias that occurs when the assumption that the latency period is a fixed constant does not hold. Expressions were derived for bias due to misspecification of lag assumptions, and simulations were conducted. Finally, the authors describe a method for joint estimation of parameters describing an exposure-response association and the latency distribution. Analyses of associations between cumulative asbestos exposure and lu...

Cancer 'timebomb' fear linked to chemical used in paint and dye industry

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:06:27 +0100

Lawyers point to rise in people with bladder cancer and say victims may not be aware of risk from past employmentLawyers are warning of a "ticking timebomb" as workers exposed to carcinogenic chemicals in the 1950s and 1960s start to develop potentially fatal cancers.Their plight has drawn parallels with workers who inhaled fibres from insulation material used in the 1970s and contracted asbestosis, the chronic inflammation of the lungs that does not appear in victims for up to 40 years.Pannone, a law firm that specialises in industrial disease cases, said it had observed a "small but highly significant" rise in bladder cancer cases being referred to it. It said it now had around 20 cases on its books, compared with none just a few years ago."My fear is that workers in a number of industri...

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A Patriotic Week in Review for Veterans and Mesothelioma Center

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:54:19 +0100

Navy veteran Frank Curre loved Pearl Harbor Day, not for the death and destruction it originally brought, but for the patriotism it invoked every year. He fought to see it one last time. Curre was 18 years old and aboard the USS Tennessee when he survived the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor that drew Americans [...] (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Arkansas Community Fears Possible Asbestos Contamination

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:46:24 +0100

Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency met with community members in North Little Rock on December 8 to discuss the possible presence of asbestos exposure in the area where a vermiculite processing facility operated in prior years. Further testing is expected as residents await. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Obama, Harper Urged To Help Stop Asbestos Import, Export and Production

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:29:47 +0100

Critics of the asbestos industry are pushing President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to stop the import, export and production of asbestos in North America. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

β-catenin expression in benign and malignant pleural disorders.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:54:02 +0100

Authors: Anani W, Bruggeman R, Zander DS Abstract Benign and malignant pleural processes display a large and overlapping spectrum of morphological appearances, and can be difficult to distinguish, histologically, from each other. β-catenin, a participant in the wingless-type (Wnt) transduction pathway, is involved in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma and has received limited evaluation for its ability to serve as a diagnostic aid for distinguishing between individual pleural disorders. We performed immunohistochemistry for β-catenin on 10 pleural malignant mesotheliomas, 10 examples of mesothelial hyperplasia and 18 cases of organizing pleuritis. Although differences were noted in staining intensity between the mesothelioma and mesothelial hyperplasia groups, extensivene...

Nation Remembers Veterans on 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:02:14 +0100

Seventy years to the day, the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor. Today we honor all survivors and past veterans of the attack. Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives. Some survivors are dealing with more than the bad memories of the attack; they are also dealing with mesothelioma. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Taking Aim at Malignant Pleural MesotheliomaTaking Aim at Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:07:11 +0100

Dr. Lee Krug looks at how new approaches in research and treatment might improve outcomes for patients with metastatic mesothelioma. Medscape Hematology-Oncology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Cancer causes: the full list from Cancer Research UK

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:47:00 +0100

New research details what causes cancer and how likely it is• Get the dataWhat causes cancer? New research from Cancer Research UK shows that 40% of cancers in women and 45% in men could be prevented by a healthier lifestyle.The Cancer Research UK report found more than 100,000 cancers each year in the UK are caused by four lifestyle factors - smoking, unhealthy diets, alcohol and people being too fat.This rises to around 134,000 cases a year when 14 lifestyle and environmental factors are taken into account.The key facts are:• Smoking accounts for 23% of all cancers in men and 15.6% in women. As well as lung cancer, it is implicated in other forms of the disease including bladder, kidney, pancreatic and cervical cancer• One in 25 cancers is linked to a person's job, such as being ex...

Aberrant DNA methylation profile in pleural fluid for differential diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Cancer Science — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) usually develops pleural fluid. We investigated the value of DNA methylation in the pleural fluid for differentiating MPM from lung cancer (LC). Pleural fluid was collected from 39 patients with MPM, 46 with LC, 25 with benign asbestos pleurisy (BAP), and 30 with other causes. The methylation of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), p16INK4a, ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A), death‐associated protein kinase (DAPK), and retinoic acid receptor ß (RARß) was examined using quantitative real‐time PCR. DNA methylation of RASSF1A, p16INK4a, RARß, MGMT, and DAPK was detected in 12 patients (30.8%), 3(7.7%), 11(28.2%), 0(0.0%), and 5(12.8%) with MPM, and in 22 patients (47.8%), 14(30.4%), 24(52.2%), 1(2.2%), and 6(13.0%) with...

High Cost of Asbestos Abatement Derailing Another Historic Renovation

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:04:08 +0100

The economy is tough all over, and it is especially tough on cities and counties that find themselves needing to do an asbestos abatement. The cost can be prohibitive, it has altered more than one historic renovation. The latest is in Bartonville, Illinois. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Diameter and rigidity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes are critical factors in mesothelial injury and carcinogenesis [Medical Sciences]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have the potential for widespread applications in engineering and materials science. However, because of their needle-like shape and high durability, concerns have been raised that MWCNTs may induce asbestos-like pathogenicity. Although recent studies have demonstrated that MWCNTs induce various types of reactivities, the physicochemical features of MWCNTs that determine their cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity in mesothelial cells remain unclear. Here, we showed that the deleterious effects of nonfunctionalized MWCNTs on human mesothelial cells were associated with their diameter-dependent piercing of the cell membrane. Thin MWCNTs (diameter ∼ 50 nm) with high crystallinity showed mesothelial cell membrane piercing and cytotoxicity in vitro and subseq...

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A Live-attenuated Listeria Vaccine (ANZ-100) and a Live-attenuated Listeria Vaccine Expressing Mesothelin (CRS-207) for Advanced Cancers: Phase 1 Studies of Safety and Immune Induction.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: ANZ-100 and CRS-207 administration was safe and resulted in immune activation. PMID: 22147941 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Carbonic anhydrase IX is expressed in mesothelioma and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma of the lung

Virchows Archiv — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:40:13 +0100

Abstract High immunohistochemical expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is found in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but no studies have assessed CAIX in metastatic ccRCC (mccRCC) of the lung. As 75% of patients with mccRCC show lung involvement, characterization of protein expression in these lesions is warranted. This investigation analyzed CAIX immunohistochemical expression in pulmonary/pleural tumors including mccRCC (n = 22), mesothelioma (n = 19), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 27), small cell carcinoma (n = 9), and adenocarcinoma (n = 49), as well as other mesothelial lesions (n = 4). Membranous immunoreactivity was semiquantitatively evaluated for percent of cells stained and intensity. All cases of mccRCC (1+, 4.5%; 3+, 95.5%) and...

Garlock Submits Chapter 11 Exit Plan to Repay 100,000 Asbestos Claims

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:07:33 +0100

Garlock Sealing Technologies submitted a Chapter 11 exit plan to the North Carolina bankruptcy judge. The plan will create a trust fund payment for current and future asbestos claimants, which may involve as many as 100,000 claims. The company plans to set aside $60 million with an additional $140 secured by the company's stock. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

ERRATUM for a missing eComment 'Malignant pleural mesothelioma: a therapeutic challenge' [Erratum]

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery)

Downregulation of MUC1 expression and its recognition by CD8+ T cells on the surface of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells treated with HDACi

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study suggests that the choice of tumor antigens could be critical for strategies combining epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy. (Source: European Journal of Immunology)

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Week in Review: Canada Asbestos Mines Shut Down, Spirulina Treatment Emerges

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:27:57 +0100

It was a week of good news at the Mesothelioma Center. News broke about two asbestos mines in Canada closing and that spirulina, a natural supplement, could help mesothelioma patients. In addition, Hispanic leaders went to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and pushed for tougher asbestos regulations. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Hispanic Workers in Asbestos Industry Face Language Hurdles, Disease Dangers

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:54:47 +0100

Hispanic workers expressed concern about asbestos exposure in the construction industry during a November meeting in Washington D.C. Leaders and workers within the construction and asbestos abatement industries spoke at the National Press Club to request stronger asbestos safety regulations. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

For Some, BWH is Home for the Holidays

BWH News — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Sisters Angela and Dina Rezkalla got a little taste of home last week when BWH staff and other organizations provided guests of the Thornton and Naumes Mesothelioma House and the Patrick Thompson Suites with a complete Thanksgiving meal. (Source: BWH News)

Christmas Decorations in the Attic Might Be Sprinkled with Asbestos

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:52:27 +0100

Even during the holidays, asbestos can be a danger. The toxic mineral once was sprinkled on trees and ornaments as artificial snow. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Pulmonary nodules detected by thoracic computed tomography scan after exposure to asbestos: diagnostic significance.

Clinical Lung Cancer — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the expected excess prevalence of lung cancer in subjects presenting with pulmonary nodules according to the radiologist's report, and shows the absence of relationship between the presence of nodules and level of cumulative asbestos exposure. Our study therefore offers no argument in favour of specific surveillance modalities based on estimated cumulative asbestos exposure. PMID: 22118184 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Lung Cancer)

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Epididymal germinoma: Reality or myth?

Canadian Urological Association Journal — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We present a case of a 45-year-old male referred urgently for suspected scrotal mass which on ultrasonography showed a lesion in the left epididymal head (possible granuloma). PMID: 22154173 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Urological Association Journal)

French Study Shows That Later Asbestos Exposure Lowers Risk of Developing Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:15:03 +0100

A French study shows that later asbestos exposure lowers the risk of developing mesothelioma. Recently published reports show that the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma is lower for individuals exposed after the age of 20. Sample studies of 2,466 male cases were conducted from 1987 to 2006. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Canada’s Asbestos Mining Comes to a Stop, For Now

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:50:08 +0100

For 130 years, asbestos mines operated in Canada. Now, with the close of Jeffrey Mine and Lac d'amiante du Canada, they are all shut down at least temporarily. Critics are hopeful they are shut down for good. Asbestos is a known cause of (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Study: Spirulina, Vitamin C Show Promise To Help Liver Damage from Cisplatin

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:04:37 +0100

A recent study published in Food and Function indicates that the all-natural dietary supplement spirulina can help reverse the liver damage caused by cisplatin, which is often a key part of chemotherapy treatment for a href="http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/">mesothelioma patients. The best results came when spirulina was given in combination with vitamen C. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Processing and analysis of serum antibody binding signals from Printed Glycan Arrays for diagnostic and prognostic applications.

International Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:42:02 +0100

Authors: Vuskovic MI, Xu H, Bovin NV, Pass HI, Huflejt ME Abstract Procedures for data preprocessing, quality control, data analysis, evaluation and visualization of the new high-throughput biomarker platform based on printed glycan arrays (PGA) are presented in this paper. PGAs are similar in concept to DNA arrays but contain deposits of various carbohydrate structures (glycans) instead of spotted DNAs. PGA biomarker discovery for the early detection, diagnosis and prognosis of human malignancies and viral diseases is based on the response of the immune system as measured by the level of binding of anti-glycan antibodies from human serum to the glycans on the array. Procedures related to PGA data processing are herein demonstrated in a pilot study of cases representing 50 sera fro...

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National survey of malignant mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in Japan

Cancer Science — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryWe retrospectively investigated malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases in Japan. We extracted 6,030 cases of death due to MM between 2003 and 2008 to clarify the clinical features of MM including the association with asbestos exposure (AE). Among them, clinical diagnosis of MM was confirmed in 929 cases. The origin of MM included the pleura in 794(85.5%) cases, the peritoneum in 123(13.2%) cases, the pericardium in 7(0.8%) cases, and the testicular tunica vaginalis in 5(0.5%) cases. The histological subtype of MM included 396(55.9%) epithelioid, 154(21.7%) sarcomatoid, 126(17.8%) biphasic, and 33(4.7%) cases classified as other types. AE was indicated in 76.8% and pleural plaques were detected in 34.2% of all MM cases. Asbestos particles were determined in 103 MM cases. More than 1,000 a...

Construction Workers And Electricians At High Risk Of Asbestos Exposure

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:00:00 +0100

Asbestos exposure is known to cause : Mesothelioma Lung cancer Asbestosis Statistics show it is particularly prevalent amongst construction workers and electricians due to their constant contact with construction materials and dust, some of which is likely to include asbestos, no matter how careful they are. Asbestos, although a natural fiber, when swallowed or inhaled, can cause grave health risks as fibers trapped in the body begin to cause irritation, tumors and especially pulmonary problems... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mesothelioma, Erionite Warning Issued by NIOSH

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:41:38 +0100

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health called for more protective measures on job sites for workers who may be exposed to erionite, a mineral similar to asbestos. NIOSH warned that erionite is America's next mineral danger and is similar to asbestos in the diseases it can cause. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Family of Mesothelioma Patient Receives Largest Settlement in Missouri History: $10 million

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:39:24 +0100

The family of a Nancy Lopez, who died from <a href="http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/malignant/"mesothelioma cancer, reached a $10 million settlement, the largest in Missouri history for an asbestos case. The value of many asbestos-related settlements are never known. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Paclitaxel-Loaded Expansile Nanoparticles in a Multimodal Treatment Model of Malignant Mesothelioma [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC]

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions A murine model of CRS for malignant mesothelioma allows the in vivo assessment of multimodal therapy, including nanoparticle delivery. Combination therapy was superior to no treatment or CRS alone in prolonging survival. Treatment with Pax-eNP improved overall survival in the setting of CRS, suggesting that Pax-eNP merits further evaluation for intracavitary drug delivery following the surgical resection of malignant mesothelioma. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)

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International Think Tanks Attempt To Shape Asbestos Policy

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:34:04 +0100

International think tanks like Cellegium Ramazzini are helping in the fight against asbestos use by pushing for reform in public policy by governments around the world. They are using scientific data to sway policy makers to ban asbestos use to reduce diseases like mesothelioma, which can result from asbestos exposure. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

New York Mesothelioma Attorney Praises FDA’s Efforts To Slash...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:42:18 +0100

Victims of asbestos-related cancer have enough concerns without having to worry about access to anti-mesothelioma drugs, says Joseph W. Belluck of New York’s Belluck & Fox, LLP.(PRWeb November 21, 2011)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/ny-mesothelioma-lawyer/mesothelioma-treatment/prweb8982101.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

Asbestos Abatement in Arizona Gymnasium Costs School District $160K in Tight Times

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:23:42 +0100

The Payson Unified School District was stunned at the cost, but in the end voted to have asbestos abated from its high school gymnasium. The abatement comes as the district, like many across the country, are dealing with budget cuts. Asbestos is a known cause for mesothelioma, a cancer for which there is no known cure. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Comparison of Digital with Film Radiographs for the Classification of Pneumoconiotic Pleural Abnormalities

Academic Radiology — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results indicate that digital radiography is not statistically different from analog film for the purpose of classifying pneumoconiotic pleural abnormalities, when appropriate standards are used. (Source: Academic Radiology)

Ten-year survival rates of methylprednisolone plus cyclophosphamide followed by mycophenolate mophetyl of azathiopurine for progressive systemic sclerosis patients

Rheumatology International — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:28:25 +0100

Abstract Progressive systemic sclerosis is a multisystem disease characterized by vascular abnormalities, connective tissue sclerosis, atrophy, and the presence of autoantibodies. Up to now, symptomatic therapy was the mainstay, but immunosuppressive therapies have shown encouraging results in the inhibition of the disease progression. Our clinic has been treating these patients with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide followed by azathiopurine or mycophenolate mophetyl after 2 years (MPC–MMA combination) for nearly 30 years, and we wanted to present the treatment results of our patients. Systemic sclerosis patients who have applied to our rheumatology clinic from April 1981 to December 2010 were all treated with MPC–MMA combination therapy. All the data ...

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Both Good and Bad News in Mesothelioma Research This Week

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:04:10 +0100

There was good news and not so good news for mesothelioma research this week. Our weekly news roundup details a breath test that sounds promising for detecting pleural mesothelioma but also a study that shows a drug regimen using thalidomide was not effective in treating mesothelioma. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Can new ‘Electronic Nose’ Device Diagnose Mesothelioma by Somone’s Breath? Researchers Say Yes

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:34:33 +0100

Can pleural mesothelioma be detected by someone's breath? Dutch and Italian researchers think so, and early test results are promising. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Australian Experts No Longer Consider Bonded Asbestos To Be Safe

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:08:44 +0100

The Asbestos Management Review in Australia decided the country should ban bonded asbestos because of the dangers it presents in natural disasters. Asbestos is a known cause of mesothelioma. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Researcher: Thalidomide Does Not Slow Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:14:02 +0100

Dutch scientist Peter Baas, M.D., said that a recent one-year Phase III clinical trial studying thalidomide did not prove to help pleural mesothelioma patients. Baas gave results of the study at a gathering of cancer researchers in Perth, Australia. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)