MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'chronic fatigue'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:55:56 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911412&cid=t_122898_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F07%2Fto-retract-or-not-to-retract-thats-the-question%2F In the previous post I discussed [1] that editors of Science asked for the retraction of a paper linking XMRV retrovirus to ME/CFS. The decision of the editors was based on the failure of at least 10 other studies to confirm these findings and on growing support that the results were caused by contamination. When the authors refused [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911412 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:34:25 +0100 4911412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4901815&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F6ejjjJ3bpj0%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Stephen Goff Retrovirologist Stephen Goff joins Vincent, Rich, and Alan for a discussion of recent papers on the retrovirus XMRV and its association with chronic fatigue syndrome and prostate cancer. Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV #136 (61 MB .mp3, 84 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Recombinant origin of XMRV (Science Express) No evidence of gammaretroviruses in XMRV-positive CFS patients (Science Express) Editorial expression of concern (Science) Absence of XMRV in CFS patients (J Virology) TWiV on Facebook Letters read on TWiV 136 Weekly Science ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4901815 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:00:09 +0100 4901815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893338&cid=t_122898_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F02%2Fscience-asks-to-retract-the-xmrv-cfs-paper-it-should-never-have-accepted-in-the-first-place%2F Wow! Breaking! As reported in WSJ earlier this week [1], editors of the journal Science asked Mikovits and her co-authors to voluntary retract their 2009 Science paper [2]. In this paper Mikovits and colleagues of the Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) and the Cleveland Clinic, reported the presence of xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus (XMRV) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893338 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:34:34 +0100 4893338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4882968&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FpvidiGD_uZ4%2F The novel human retrovirus XMRV has been associated with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. The nucleotide sequence of XMRV isolated from humans indicates that the virus is nearly identical with XMRV produced from a human prostate tumor cell line called 22Rv1. This cell line was derived by passage of human prostate tumor tissue in nude mice. Sequence analyses reveal that the genomes of these mouse strains contain two different proviral DNAs related to XMRV. These viral genomes recombined to produce XMRV that has been isolated from humans. XMRV was originally isolated from a human prostate cancer in 2006, and subsequently associated with ME/CFS. The human cell line 22Rv1, which was established from a human prostate tumor (CWR22), produces infectious XMRV. An important question is... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4882968 Tue, 31 May 2011 14:45:14 +0100 4882968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4788639&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F672LnNviqFM%2F Since the first association of the retrovirus XMRV with chronic fatigue syndrome in 2009 in the US, subsequent studies have failed to detect evidence of infection in patients from the US, Europe, and China. These studies were potentially compromised by a number of factors, such as differences in patient characterization, geographic locations, clinical samples used, and methods used to detect the virus. These and other potentially confounding conditions have been addressed in the most comprehensive study to date on the association of XMRV with CFS. In the introduction to their paper, published in the Journal of Virology, the authors note other problems with many of the studies of XMRV in CFS patients: Too small control populations Patient and control samples collected at different times ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4788639 Wed, 04 May 2011 15:26:33 +0100 4788639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4554337&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Ftwiv%2FTWiV123.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit On episode #123 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan, and Rich talk about XMRV integration sites in prostate tumor DNA, the decline effect and scientific method, and the first virus of Caenorhabditis nematodes. Right click to download TWiV #123 (67 MB .mp3, 93 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Analysis of XMRV integration sites from human prostate cancer (Retrovirology) Integration site preference of XMRV (J Virology) The Decline Effect and the Scientific Method by Jonathan Lehrer (New Yorker) Why most published research findings are false (PLoS Medicine) Cochrane Rev... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4554337 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:12:02 +0100 4554337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544968&cid=t_122898_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fchronic-fatigue-syndrome-can-psychotherapy-and-exercise-help%2F2011.03.03 [Recently] in The New York Times, David Tuller [wrote] about a study published in The Lancet that shows that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. In his article ”Psychotherapy Eases Chronic Fatigue, Study Shows,” Tuller writes: The new study, conducted at clinics in Britain and financed by that country’s government, is expected to lend ammunition to those who think the disease is primarily psychological or related to stress. The authors note that the goal of cognitive behavioral therapy, the type of psychotherapy tested in the study, is to change the psychological factors “assumed to be responsible for perpetuation of the participant’s symptoms and disability.” In the long-awaited study, patients who were randomly assigned to receive c... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544968 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4544968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489171&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FCJ9lbZ_nZ84%2F The first detailed study of infection of nonhuman primates with the retrovirus XMRV reveals that the virus establishes a persistent infection characterized by infection of multiple tissues. Viremia (virus in the blood) is low and transient, with proviral DNA detectable in blood lymphocytes. The results show that the Rhesus macaque can be used to study XMRV infection, transmission, vaccines, and antiviral drugs. The subject of this study, the Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), was selected because of its evolutionary proximity to humans and a comparable immune system. The monkeys used did not have antibodies to the capsid protein p30 of XMRV, indicating that they were not previously infected. Animals were inoculated intravenously with 3.6 million TCID50 of purified XMRV – a good amount... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489171 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:20:24 +0100 4489171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455015&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Ftwiv%2FTWiV119.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and David Tuller On episode #119 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent and journalist David Tuller converse about the state of science reporting by the press. Right click to download TWiV #119 (43 MB .mp3, 60 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: The four XMRV papers in Retrovirology (one, two, three, four) and a commentary David’s recent coverage of ME/CFS in the NY Times (July 2010, August 2010, January 2011) MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): The press’ mea culpa TWiV on Facebook Send your virology questions and comments (email or mp3 file) to twiv@twiv.tv. You can also p... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455015 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 18:38:05 +0100 4455015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433161&cid=t_122898_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F02%2F03%2Fsurprising-new-data-what-really-helps-patients-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome%2F For the live-updated, interactive version of this infographic, click here. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a puzzle. People with CFS live with incapacitating exhaustion, as well as a host of other unpleasant symptoms, and they often don’t know what to do to feel better. But I didn’t realize how much of a puzzle CFS really was until I saw this data (in the infographic above). It is such a poorly understood condition that the treatments reported to help most are predominantly lifestyle changes, while the medical treatments are predominantly reported to produce negative effects. This would suggest that medicine today doesn’t know how to effectively treat CFS. Here at CureTogether, 1,319 people have reported having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and 6,524 data points have been shared... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433161 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:18:19 +0100 4433161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4326823&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Ftwiv%2FTWiV113.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Alan Rein On episode #113 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan, and Rich discuss the retrovirus XMRV with retrovirologist Alan Rein of the National Cancer Institute. Right click to download TWiV #113 (55 MB .mp3, 76 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: XMRV: A new virus is prostate cancer? (Cancer Research) Detection of XMRV in normal and prostate tumor tissue (J Inf Dis) Reach for a scorecard (commentary, J Inf Dis) Retrovirology papers: one, two, three, four, commentary Integration sites of XMRV in prostate tumor DNA (J Virol, PLoS One) TWiV on Facebook Letters read on ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4326823 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 21:56:38 +0100 4326823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277635&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FjPsBI__cFRA%2F Since the first observations that the human retrovirus XMRV is associated with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), new studies have been carried out to determine the role of the virus in these diseases. The results have been conflicting: XMRV (and related retroviruses) have been found in some patients, but not in others. Whether laboratory contamination could explain the origin of XMRV has been considered by four independent research groups. In a study of Japanese patients with prostate cancer or CFS, the investigators found that control samples were positive when examined by PCR for XMRV sequences. They traced the problem to a component of a PCR kit that contained a mouse monoclonal antibody – produced in mouse cells, it likely was contaminated with murine viral nu... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277635 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:17:58 +0100 4277635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025487&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2Fwhy_coffin_doesnt_sleep.flv John Coffin, Professor of Genetics and Molecular Microbiology at Tufts University, studies the molecular biology and evolution of retroviruses. He wrote a commentary (A new virus for old diseases?) that accompanied the publication by Lombardi and colleagues of the finding of the new retrovirus XMRV in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, and has spoken widely about whether this virus has a causative role in the disease. In this video he expresses cautious optimism about the role of XMRV (and related murine retroviruses) in human disease. Note in particular his statement “While the major XMRV studies to date appear to be well controlled for these problems, extreme caution is necessary”. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025487 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:47:48 +0100 4025487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983290&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmwvideo.s3.amazonaws.com%2FICAAC-TWiV%2FTWiV99.wmv Host: Vincent Racaniello Vincent tours the 50th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in Boston, speaking with exhibitors and visitors, including Professors Derek Smith, Michael Schmidt, Frederick Hayden, and Myra McClure. Many thanks to Chris Condayan and Ray Ortega of the American Society for Microbiology for recording and editing this episode. Download TWiV #99 (45 MB .mp3, 62 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: 50th ICAAC ICAAC daily press conference videos (including Prof. Myra McClure) Antigenic cartography Antimicrobial properties of copper Video of this episode – download .mp4 (1.99 GB) or .wmv (935 MB... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983290 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 02:58:30 +0100 3983290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976499&cid=t_122898_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fchronic-fatigue-syndrome-plenty-of-speculation%2F2010.09.16 Humans love to find patterns in the world. Sometimes patterns exist, sometimes they are imaginary. Sometimes you can see a pattern that may be interesting and ignore its significance. As a resident I used to say that anyone who smokes three packs of cigarettes a day has to be schizophrenic. It was meant more as a joke when, in fact, it was later discovered that tobacco helps ameliorate the symptoms of schizophrenia. I need to pay more attention. Part of my job is to look for patterns as a key to the patients diagnosis. Diseases and pathogens tend to (more or less) cause reproducible signs and symptoms and looking for that pattern is often the most helpful clue towards finding the diagnosis. Of course things are never as easy as one would like, as you have to consider whether you are seeing... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976499 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3976499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983291&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV098.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit On episode 98 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan, and Rich review the finding of murine leukemia virus-related sequences in the blood of CFS patients and healthy donors, laboratory inventories for wild poliovirus containment, weaving high-performance viral batteries into fabric for the military, and a case of human rabies in Indiana. Download TWiV #98 (58 MB .mp3, 80 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: MLV-related sequences in blood of CFS patients (commentary) Laboratory inventories for poliovirus containment Viral batteries for the military (abstract) – also see TWiV 28 H... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983291 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:50:15 +0100 3983291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3953615&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FIE10Jjn_JZc%2F The new human retrovirus XMRV, first detected in malignant prostate tissue, was subsequently identified in a high percentage of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The virus was not detected in four independent studies of CFS patients in Europe or the United States. The results of a second American study, whose publication was blocked for two months, provide support for the involvement of murine retroviruses in CFS. The new study, a collaboration among scientists at the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and Harvard Medical School, utilized samples from 37 CFS patients obtained in the mid-1990s. A key difference from earlier studies is that some repeat samples were used: four obtained two years later and frozen, and eight taken in 2010 and processed ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3953615 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 02:31:21 +0100 3953615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3914924&cid=t_122898_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F30%2Fdoes-the-nhifda-paper-confirm-xmrv-in-cfs-well-ditch-the-mr-and-scratch-the-x-and-youve-got-mlv%2F The long awaited paper that would ‘solve’ the controversies about the presence of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-related virus (XMRV) in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was finally published in PNAS last week [1]. The study, a joint effort of the NIH and the FDA, was withheld, on request of the authors [2], because it contradicted [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3914924 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:32:21 +0100 3914924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885285&cid=t_122898_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Ftai-chi-improve-fibromyalgia-symptoms%2F A new study just published suggests that the meditative exercise practice of tai chi reduces the pain and chronic fatigue experienced by fibromyalgia patients. The leader of the study Dr. Chenchen Wang comments. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885285 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:27:10 +0100 3885285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3843755&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV094.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Ila Singh On episode #94 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan, and Rich speak with Ila Singh about the new human retrovirus XMRV, and how her laboratory is studying its association with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Download TWiV #94 (56 MB .mp3, 77 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: CFIDS Association of America Discovery of XMRV (PLoS Pathogens) Detection of XMRV in CFS patients (Science) Presence of XMRV in malignant prostate (PNAS) Inhibition of XMRV by raltegravir (PLoS One) Letters read on TWiV 94 Weekly Science Picks Alan – The new Federal Register ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3843755 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:24:14 +0100 3843755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3805875&cid=t_122898_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F30%2Frecovering-from-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs%2F Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Jody Smith, creator of the website www.ncubator.ca, who spent 15 years losing the battle against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Three years ago, she found treatment that worked for her and is making a comeback. In the process, she’s helping a lot of people. (You can check out her blog, “ncubator” by clicking here.) You tried many treatments and finally you got there. What worked? Jody: My naturopath believed that my liver needed relief from its toxic load, and my immune system needed building up. She put me on a tincture with natural antivirals and adaptogens and vitamins in it, and put me on omega3 oil. I’d gone low carb some years before which had made quite a difference. I did dry skin brushing with a loofah, to help lymph mov... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3805875 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:32:43 +0100 3805875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3724382&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV089.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Alan Dove On episode #89 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent and Alan review recent findings on the association of the retrovirus XMRV with ME/CFS, reassortment of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in swine, and where influenza viruses travel in the off-season. Download TWiV #89 (56 MB .mp3, 78 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: Conflicting XMRV papers on hold Leak of PNAS paper CDC study on XMRV in CFS patients (Retrovirology) and Science update Where influenza viruses travel in the off season (EurekaAlert! and PLoS Pathogens) NPR article on Ebola siRNA treatment (thanks, Andreas!) Priming mechanism for re... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3724382 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:03:57 +0100 3724382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3713806&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FFZh81QtZR4Y%2F The findings by the NIH and FDA that XMRV is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome has been accepted for publication by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Release of the article has been blocked by PNAS due to work carried out by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That study, which was submitted to Retrovirology, failed to find a link between XMRV and CFS. Its publication has also been placed on hold. According to ScienceInsider: The contradiction has caused “nervousness” both at PNAS and among senior officials within the Department of Health and Human Services, of which all three agencies are part, says one scientist with inside knowledge. It is senseless to block publication because the two papers reach different conclusions.... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3713806 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:41:10 +0100 3713806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695703&cid=t_122898_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwhat-does-fatigue-feel-like%2F We all know what it is to be tired, exhausted or sleepy. As part of the human cycle of life we eat, we work, we sleep, and we awake, refreshed. Don’t we? Some of us do but many of us do not. The 24-hour day changes for many of us as night becomes day, sleep brings no relief, and mornings are not refreshing. How could we possibly awake with the same feeling of heaviness we had when we went to bed? For many of us who live with chronic pain, chronic illness or are experiencing some acute health crisis, fatigue can reach a whole new level. For those going through numerous medical treatments such as treatment for cancer, recovery from surgeries of many kinds; they are surprised and discouraged as they discover their “POP” has disappeared. You know, as in “I’m too pooped to POP?” For... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695703 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:38:04 +0100 3695703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3686886&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FgJwQyYUT-RI%2F A press release from the Netherlands indicates that the FDA and NIH have independently confirmed the association of XMRV with chronic fatigue syndrome as published last fall in Science. Apparently two journalists for the Dutch magazine ORTHO obtained a copy of a lecture by Dr. Harvey Alter in Zagreb which confirms these findings. According to Newswire.com: The ORTHO journalists were able to obtain a pdf document of the lecture given by Harvey Alter at the IPFA/PEI 17th Workshop on ‘Surveillance and screening of Blood Borne Pathogens’ in Zagreb. The International Plasma Fractionation Association (IPFA) represents the not-for-profit organizations around the world involved in plasma fractionation. The IPFA is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The highly-experienced Dr. Harvey A... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3686886 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:18:58 +0100 3686886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629242&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FpFYQ0lulg4g%2F Robert H. Silverman, one of the authors on the study implicating the new human retrovirus XMRV as an etiologic agent of chronic fatigue syndrome, has written an excellent review article on the current status of research on the virus. The article is behind a paywall at Nature Reviews Urology, so I’ll provide a summary of the salient points. The article begins with a description of how XMRV DNA was isolated from surgically removed prostate tumor tissue. Sequence analysis of three strains showed that the virus is most closely related to xenotropic and polytropic murine leukemia viruses and hence was named xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus, or XMRV. Five lines of evidence indicate that XMRV is not a laboratory contaminant: XMRV was detected in RNA isolated from human prosta... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629242 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:26:12 +0100 3629242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581396&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FP0IXq90nJzQ%2F An important question about the retrovirus XMRV, which has been implicated in prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome, is where the virus replicates in humans. Such information would provide clues about how infection might be transmitted. To date the virus has been detected in malignant prostate cells and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma of patients with CFS. A new study reveals that XMRV is present in respiratory secretions. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect XMRV in 267 respiratory samples taken from German patients. One group comprised sputum and nasal swab specimens from 75 travelers from Asia who had respiratory tract infections. The second group consisted of 31 bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581396 Wed, 19 May 2010 15:51:27 +0100 3581396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3546799&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV081.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Rich Condit On episode #81 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent and Rich answer listener questions on viruses and gluten allergy, RNA silencing, influenza virus, herpes simplex virus, HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, manicure salons, and the koala tea of Marseilles. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code TWIVPOD to receive $75-$500 off a Drobo. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #81 (68 MB .mp3, 94 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: Virus infections and gluten intolerance on TWiS (thanks Jesper!) Viral small RNAs in PLoS Pathogens (thanks Jason!) Canadian S... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3546799 Sun, 09 May 2010 14:01:03 +0100 3546799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542263&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F8JNHifK_FIM%2F Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a private, non-profit institution located in the eponymous town on Long Island, New York. Over 400 scientists work there on a wide range of biological problems, including cancer, neurobiology, plant genetics, and genomics. CSHL has a storied research history, having hosted nine Nobel Laureates. But it is also well known for its world class scientific conferences. The first of these was the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Symposium on Quantitative Biology, which was held in 1934. Another well known event is the Phage Course, founded by Salvador Luria and Max Delbrück in 1948. There are now over 24 meetings held annually. One of these is the meeting on retroviruses, which will begin on 24 May 2010. Below is a list of the presentations about XMRV, the n... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542263 Fri, 07 May 2010 15:04:27 +0100 3542263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508124&cid=t_122898_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F27%2Fthree-studies-now-refute-the-presence-of-xmrv-in-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs%2F .“Removing the doubt is part of the cure” (RedLabs) Two months ago I wrote about two contradictory studies on the presence of the novel XMRV retrovirus in blood of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The first study, published in autumn last year by investigators of the Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) in the USA [1], [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508124 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:45:46 +0100 3508124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490276&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FmEKbafeJIUM%2F All mammalian genomes contain genes encoding Apobec proteins. Several members of this protein family (the name stands for apolipoprotein B mRNA editing complex) are induced by interferon and are intrinsic antiretroviral proteins. Apobec proteins inhibit the replication of XMRV, a new human retrovirus associated with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. During retroviral replication, Apobec proteins are packaged into newly synthesized retrovirus particles (illustrated). They exert their antiviral effect when Apobec-containing virions infect a new cell. As the viral reverse transcriptase begins to copy viral RNA into DNA, Apobec removes an amine group from cytosines in single stranded DNA, a process called deamination.  The consequence of deamination is that cytosine is changed to ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490276 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:29:46 +0100 3490276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443512&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FHyz-u3g1UBE%2F Xenotropic murine leukemia virus related virus (XMRV) has been implicated in prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Because XMRV is a retrovirus, it might be susceptible to antiviral drugs that are licensed for the treatment of AIDS. AZT (azidothymidine) was previously found to block XMRV replication. A screen of forty-five compounds reveals that XMRV replication is inhibited by raltegravir and three other drugs. The authors studied the effect of 45 compounds on the replication of XMRV in cell lines derived from human breast (MCF-7) and prostate (LNCaP) cancers. Twenty-eight of the drugs have been approved for use in humans, including treatment of HIV-1 infection. The drugs tested include nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, and integrase and proteas... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443512 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:44:48 +0100 3443512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3436204&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV076.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Stephen Goff Vincent speaks with Stephen Goff about the origin of the retrovirus XMRV and its association with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code TWIVPOD to receive $75-$500 off a Drobo. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #76 (40 MB .mp3, 55 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Discovery of XMRV in prostate tumors Association of XMRV with chronic fatigue syndrome Enhanced infection of prostate cells by XMRV XMRV and xenotransplantation Send your virology questions and comments (email or mp3 file) to twiv@twiv.tv or leave voicemail at Skype: twivpodcast. Post articles that ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3436204 Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:58:09 +0100 3436204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3435108&cid=t_122898_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2Fi5vowIaWt8o%2F           If you have ever known anyone that has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it is no joke!  Contrary to what some believe, fibromyalgia is NOT psychological burn out or depression, it is NOT laziness, whining or malingering.  It IS the result of widespread dysfunction in the body and the brain that is hard to understand, difficult to diagnose and treat, and so far, impossible to cure.  In a nutshell, fibromyalgia is widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues above and below the waist and on both sides of the body.  It is actually a syndrome – a set of symptoms that happen together but do not have a known cause.  In this syndrome, the nervous system(nerves, spinal cord, and brain) is not able to control what it feels, so ordinary feelings from your muscles, j... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3435108 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:37:43 +0100 3435108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311288&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FmTG92pSAQiQ%2F The suggestion that the retrovirus XMRV is the etiologic agent of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) arose from a study in which the virus was found in 68 of 101 US patients. The virus was not detected in two independent studies of 186 and 170 CFS patients in the United Kingdom. A new Dutch study has also failed to reveal XMRV sequences in 32 CFS patients. The subjects of the Dutch study were part of a 298 member cohort. All patients fulfilled the Oxford criteria for CFS and reported debilitating fatigue for at least one year. Cryopreserved peripheral blood cells taken from 32 of these individuals between 1991-92 were used for preparation of DNA. This material was then subjected to polymerase chain reaction to amplify proviral XMRV DNA. The primer sets used were the same as those employed in... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311288 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:02:36 +0100 3311288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3301989&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV070.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, and Alan Dove On episode #70 of the podcast ‘This Week in Virology’, Vincent, Dickson, and Alan consider a broad spectrum antiviral against enveloped viruses, how a plant virus induces chemical signals in the host to maximize its spread, a new way to preserve viral vaccines at tropical temperatures, and the continuing story of XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code VINCENT to receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #70 (56 MB .mp3, 77 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Broad spectrum antiviral against enveloped virus... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3301989 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:50:04 +0100 3301989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3275540&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FXVFhebH9lYo%2F A new retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV), first identified in tumor tissue of individuals with prostate cancer, was subsequently found in 68 of 101 US patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). XMRV was not detected in blood samples of 186 confirmed CFS patients in the United Kingdom. A second independent study in the UK (pdf) has also failed to reveal XMRV in CFS patients. The subjects of this study were confirmed CFS patients from St George’s University of London, Barts and the London Hospital Trust, and Glasgow Caledonian University. A total of 170 serum samples from CFS patients and 395 controls were used. A polymerase chain reaction assay was devised that could detect as little as 16 copies of proviral XMRV DNA (viral DNA integrated into human chro... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3275540 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:07:08 +0100 3275540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159560&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV065.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Matthew Frieman Vincent, Alan, and Matt discuss a project to study the RNA virome of Northeastern American bats, failure to detect XMRV in UK chronic fatigue syndrome patients, and DNA of bornavirus, an RNA virus, in mammalian genomes. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. To receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S, visit drobostore.com and use the promotion code VINCENT. Download TWiV #65 (58 MB .mp3, 80 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Mist net Indigo Tunnel, Western Maryland Railway (jpg) Eric Donaldson and Amy Haskew with bat in holding bag (jpg) XMRV not detected in UK chronic fatigue syndrome patients (virology blog) Bornavirus DNA in ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159560 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:53:19 +0100 3159560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156327&cid=t_122898_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fviral-debate-about-chronic-fatigue.html This study did not duplicate the rigorous scientific techniques (used by the U.S. research team),” said a group statement. “Therefore it cannot be considered a replication study… Significant and critical questions remain as to the status of patient samples used in the U.K. study.”Simon Wessely, another co-author of the U.K. study, also cautioned that their results are not conclusive. He said more research is needed to determine the fundamental cause of CFS."It is important to emphasize that today's findings do not invalidate all previous research,” said Wessely. “As ever in science, no single study is conclusive.”CFS occurs four times more often in women than in men. The CDC notes that CFS is neither a form of depression nor a mental illness.“There is now abundant scientifi... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156327 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:55:00 +0100 3156327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153094&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FHaLPVvKYgys%2F A new retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukaemia virus-related virus (XMRV), first identified in tumor tissue of individuals with prostate cancer, was subsequently found in 68 of 101 US patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This observation raised the possibility that XMRV is the etiologic agent of CFS. An important question is whether XMRV is associated with CFS in other parts of the world. For some CFS patients in the UK the answer appears to be no. The subjects of this study were 186 confirmed CFS patients who had been referred to the CFS clinic at King’s College Hospital, London. DNA was prepared from blood samples and subjected to polymerase chain reaction using primers that anneal to an XMRV-specific sequence, and to a sequence conserved among murine leukemia viruses. To d... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153094 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:59:16 +0100 3153094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149135&cid=t_122898_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FSXIkAaXGJQs%2F Being abused as a child has a lifelong impact on people, even if they think they’ve left the abuse behind. In some cases, it may come out in personality issues and in others, physically, such as high stress levels or illness. Migraines, one of those mysterious ailments that affect so many people, is one of the long-lasting physical effects that may result from childhood abuse. Of course, that’s not to say that if you have migraines, you were abused – absolutely not. But, researchers have found that a significant number of people who do live with migraines were somehow abused or neglected when they were children. Child abuse and neglect are, unfortunately, still very much present in today’s society. In the United States, the U.S. Department of Health has said that in... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149135 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:55:36 +0100 3149135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3110955&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F1204-fib50.mp4 I previously posted the audio version of Futures in Biotech episode 50: More biotech stories. In this episode I joined host Marc Pelletier and George Farr, Justin Sanchez, and Dave Brodbeck for a discussion on recent big stories in bioscience. Topics included erasing memory, controlling neurons with light, the role of the new virus XMRV in prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome, and prions as genetic elements in yeast. For those of you who prefer watching the speakers, here is a video version of the same podcast, courtesy of Team ODTV. Get the Flash Player to see this player. // Download video (149 MB .mp4) (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3110955 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:45:22 +0100 3110955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075140&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.podtrac.com%2Fpts%2Fredirect.mp3%2Ftwit.cachefly.net%2Ffib0050.mp3 I joined host Marc Pelletier and George Farr, Justin Sanchez, and Dave Brodbeck for a discussion on recent big stories in bioscience. Topics included erasing memory, controlling neurons with light, the role of the new virus XMRV in prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome, and prions as genetic elements in yeast. Download Futures in Biotech 50 or subscribe to the podcast in iTunes. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075140 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:16:31 +0100 3075140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066735&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FfVPd2Mu0nD4%2F Xenotropic murine leukemia virus related virus (XMRV) has been implicated in prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Because XMRV is a retrovirus, it has been suggested that it might be susceptible to some of the many drugs available for treatment of AIDS. Of ten licensed compounds evaluated for activity against XMRV, just one, AZT (azidothymidine), was found to inhibit viral replication. Compounds used to treat HIV-1 infection fall into distinct classes: protease inhibitors (Ritonavir, Saquinavir, or Indinavir), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI, AZT, 3TC, Tnofovir, D4T), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI, Efavirenz, Nevirapine), integrase inhibitors (118-D-24), and fusion inhibitors (Maraviroc). None of the HIV-1 protease inhibitors, NNRTI... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066735 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:33 +0100 3066735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016917&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FngiTUDQgfpU%2F The finding that a retrovirus, XMRV, is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome has lead to the suggestion that the disease might be treated with some of the antiviral drugs used to treat AIDS. The integrase inhibitor Raltegravir has been found to block the replication of murine leukemia virus, which is highly related to XMRV. But the drug exacerbates autoimmune disease in mice which might rule out its use in treating CFS. Retroviruses such as XMVR and HIV-1 have genomes composed of single-stranded RNA. This nucleic acid is converted to a DNA copy in infected cells by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase. The double-stranded viral DNA is then integrated into the chromosomal DNA of the host cell, a process accomplished by an viral enzyme called integrase (illustrated). Raltegravir (pict... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016917 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:37:00 +0100 3016917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927103&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV055.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, Alan Dove, Jason Rodriguez, and Rich Condit In episode 55 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, the largest TWiV panel ever assembled takes on XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome, 2009 chemistry Nobel prizes for ribosome structure, finding new poxvirus vaccine candidates, a brouhaha over leaked Canadian data on influenza susceptibility, and transmission of H1N1 influenza to a pet ferret. Download TWiV #55 (66 MB .mp3, 91 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome XMRV not found in German prostate cancer 2009 Chemistry Nobel Prize for ribosome structure New poxvirus vaccines (e! Science and Virology articles – thanks Jim!) Seasonal flu shots and ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927103 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:49:07 +0100 2927103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016937&cid=t_122898_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FNkSPP3aIOwQ%2F A retrovirus that has been implicated in prostate cancer has now been found in the blood of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. What is this virus and where did it come from? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease characterized by fatigue and chronic inflammation that can last years and may affect ~1% of the world’s population. The etiology of the disease is unknown, although several viruses have been suggested to be involved, including enteroviruses and herpesviruses. The retrovirus XMRV (xenotropic Moloney murine leukemia virus-related virus) was recently identified in the tumor tissue of individuals with prostate cancer. XMRV nucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction in the blood of 68 out of 101 samples (67%) from CFS patients. The virus was also found in 8 ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016937 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:11:56 +0100 3016937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879324&cid=t_122898_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Falways-tired-chronic-fatigue.html A new study identified DNA from a virus in 67 percent of people with chronic fatigue syndrome.The “XMRV” virus was found in the blood of 68 out of 101 CFS patients; it was found in only eight of 218 healthy controls. The same virus has been linked to prostate cancer, Reuters reports.“I think this establishes what had always been considered a psychiatric disease as an infectious disease,” study co-author Dr. Judy Mikovits told the New York Times.The CDC reports that CFS involves an “all-encompassing” fatigue that is severe and incapacitating. The fatigue fails to improve with bed rest; it persists for six months or more.Another common symptom is unrefreshing sleep. This can make it hard to distinguish CFS from a group of sleep disorders known as “hypersomnias.”These sleep di... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879324 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:55:00 +0100 2879324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741521&cid=t_122898_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fyou-know-you-have-chronic-fatigue-when%2F If you’ve read this blog frequently, that means you have seen certain expressions used to reflect a symptom called “rheumatoid fatigue,” “fibro fatigue,” etc. For those who live with chronic pain from a disease or from an injury, living with chronic pain brings days of chronic fatigue. Sometimes it’s a symptoms or a side effect of the disease or a medication. Other times it’s just life piling on top of the individual and expecting too much of us mere mortals. It can be caused by stress or physically overdoing. Sometimes, and although it pains me to admit it, it is caused by not exercising. It’s that nasty little side effect that can’t be seen but is gravely felt, all too often. I’ve learned over the years that we always feel better when we can bring ourselves to laugh a... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741521 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:20:08 +0100 2741521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2572978&cid=t_122898_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fd4L-0ljAPxA%2F Reaction to illness depends on how severe the illness is, how long it lasts, and a variety of other things. Usually, if a good friend is diagnosed with an illness like cancer or has an unexpected surgery, friends come up with plans like helping with meals, transporting kids, and so on. Even the shorter-term illnesses, like pneumonia, are taken care of by people sending chicken soup or bringing you a book to read. But what happens when someone has a chronic illness, like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome? When they’re not always in-your-face ill, but they have times when they feel desperately ill or just too ill to face the world? Since it’s a chronic illness that can literally last a lifetime, what is a well-meaning friend to do? There’s a great post over at But Yo... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2572978 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:15:57 +0100 2572978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441301&cid=t_122898_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdiagnostic-test-for-myalgic.html Professor Kenny de MeirleirThe Daily Mail announced today that:Today, at a conference in London, Professor Kenny de Meirleir, from the University of Brussels, revealed a team have developed a simple urine test to test for [myalgic encephalomyelitis]. The scientists say the kit identifies high levels of the chemical hydrogen sulphate, which builds up after antibiotic use or exposure to salmonella infection, and can occur when there is too much exposure to mercury. Prof de Meirleir's research has shown that around 90% of patients with ME also have an excess of the bacteria enterococcus and streptococcus, which he believes interact with exposure to metals to produce hydrogen sulphate. The scientist, who treats between 3,000 and 4,000 ME patients a year, said his patients had been shown to exc... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441301 Thu, 28 May 2009 21:42:00 +0100 2441301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416975&cid=t_122898_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_a_twoyear_followup_study_of_chronic_fatigue_synd_1.htm Conclusions: Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have a relatively high prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders, especially major depressive disorders. The outcomes of chronic fatigue syndrome and psychiatric disorders are independent. Therefore treatment of comorbid psychiatric disorders is necessary in addition to the medical treatment given for chronic fatigue syndrome. Source... © 2009 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416975 Tue, 19 May 2009 08:00:00 +0100 2416975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313421&cid=t_122898_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fprobiotic_may_ease_fatigue_syndrome_anxiety.htm CTV.ca News Staff Taking a daily probiotic supplement appears to improve anxiety in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, new Canadian research suggests, a finding that might one day impact how depression and other mental disorders are treated. More...     © 2009 CTVglobemedia All Rights Reserved. Abstract:Gut Pathogens 2009, 1:6 A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of a probiotic in emotional symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome Rao AV, Bested AC, Beaulne TM, Katzman MA, Iorio C, Berardi JM, Logan AC. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, 50 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada; Environmental Health Clinic, Women's College Hospital, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2, Canada; Integrative Care Centre of Tor... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313421 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:55:00 +0100 2313421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2113670&cid=t_122898_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fchildhood_trauma_linked_to_later_chronic_fatigue_syndrome.htm Individuals who experience trauma during childhood appear more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome as adults, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. In addition, neuroendocrine dysfunction - or abnormalities in the interaction between the nervous system and endocrine system - appears to be associated with childhood trauma in those with chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting a biological pathway by which early experiences influence adult vulnerability to illness. Chronic fatigue syndrome affects as many as 2.5 percent of U.S. adults, according to background information in the article. Little is known about the causes and development of the condition. Risk factors include female sex, genetic predisposition, certain personality traits and physical a... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2113670 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 04:35:00 +0100 2113670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2026893&cid=t_122898_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fmyalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic.html Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is once again in the news following the tragic case of 31 year old Lynn Gilderdale who had allegedly suffered from ME for the last sixteen years.“Prior to her illness, which left her paralysed, unable to speak, eat or drink and, until recently, no memory, she was an active healthy teenager full of life's dreams.”The Times Kay Gilderdale, her mother, has now been charged with her murder.* Whatever the truth may be, this is without doubt a tragedy.I have written about ME on many occasions in the past and, following the voluminous correspondence I received, I have somewhat changed my views. I used to think that anyone claiming to have ME was mad. I now believe that there is a group of people who genuinely suffer from a serious and as yet undiagnosed physical... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2026893 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:48:00 +0100 2026893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739450&cid=t_122898_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F376248115%2Fb1_workplace_fatigue_and_memor.html  Sleep apnea can cause serious memory loss a new study suggests. According to the University of California, tissue loss is detected in areas of the brain that store memories, and relate to sleep apnea. Does it happen to you? We're already aware that people who awaken multiple times nightly because of breathing difficulties, tend to suffer more from chronic workplace fatigue. But we had less research to affirm the strong connections between that sleep apnea and memory problems.Interestingly, vitamin B1 or thiamine may be able to help restore memory loss from sleep difficulties.  It’s a commonly held belief that B1 helps dying brain cells to recover, and if that's the case, it's also true that brain cells for memory storage may be ena... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739450 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:38:05 +0100 1739450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543856&cid=t_122898_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fsmoldering_viral_infection_linked_to_chronic_fatigue_syndr.htm A study suggests that a "smoldering" central nervous system (CNS) infection may play a role in conditions that plague millions of Americans. Kazuhiro Kondo, MD, PhD, of the Jikei University Medical School in Tokyo identified a novel human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) protein present in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients but not healthy controls that may contribute to psychological symptoms often associated with that and other disorders. "Causes of many chronic diseases are unknown and chronic viral infection is one of the most suspected candidates," said Dr Kondo, who spent 20 years trying to identify the latent protein responsible for chronic CNS disease and mood disorders. Support for Dr Kondo's claim came from Stanford University's Jose Montoya who announced at the same conference that th... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543856 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:16:00 +0100 1543856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426505&cid=t_122898_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F285248002%2F (Image source:  www.livingwithcfs.wordpress.com)  Researchers from St George’s Hospital, University of London have identified a biological basis for 7 different genetic types of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The St George’s study looked at 55 patients from the US and UK with the condition, and carried out a genetic analysis of them and 75 healthy blood donors. It identified the seven distinct subtypes of CFS/ME identified by a specific genetic pattern.  These were linked to specific symptoms. 1. Type one had the worst anxiety and depression levels, along with poor sleep and high pain levels, 2. Type two was characterised by significant post-exercise fatigue and joint and muscle pains, 3. Type three was the mildest form of the disease, 3. Type four is linked to moderate l... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426505 Wed, 07 May 2008 09:36:10 +0100 1426505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1338041&cid=t_122898_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E5%2F261085727%2Fviewcontent.cgi My adopted home town of Lubbock, Texas was in the news this week—no we haven’t arrested the Chippendale Dancers again... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1338041 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:14:15 +0100 1338041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918019&cid=t_122898_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F163842137%2Fsmall_study_shows_promise_for.html A small study of 10 people by The Hull York Medical School found that patients had less fatigue when eating dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.Researchers were surprised but believe that it is possible that dark chocolate may have an effect on the brain chemical serotonin.Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition with a variety of symptoms but the most common is chronic fatigue.Study leader Professor Steve Atkin, an expert in endocrinology, said "Dark chocolate is high in polyphenols, which have been associated with health benefits such as a reduction in blood pressure. Also high polyphenols appear to improve levels of serotonin in the brain, which has been linked with chronic fatigue syndrome and that may be a mechanism." More research is needed to confirm the res... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918019 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:38:52 +0100 918019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=856850&cid=t_122898_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F154548326%2F Today kicks off National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. It runs September 10th through the 16th. What is an invisible chronic illness? If you have an illness and it can’t be seen from the outside, you have it. That would include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic back pain, eating disorders, multiple sclerosis and mental illness, just to name a few.Actually over 95% of chronic illness is invisible. Laura from CFS Squared sent me a link to a great website that is officially hosting an area to come together and “feel that there is someone else that gets it”. Go check out all that it offers including… articles, things to buy, chat rooms and a very funny “10 things not to say to a chronically ill person”... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=856850 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:35:54 +0100 856850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651199&cid=t_122898_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F121038300%2F My fellow b5media blogger Laura at CFS Squared has a series of posts about brain fog. In Brain Fog Episode 1.6 she describes a brain fog story of Erik Eggerston (who blogs at Common Sense PR). His brain fog is brought on by ADD; something like brain fog could be said (I think) to occur in my son Charlie from the moment when some verbal instruction (”Where’s the word ‘dog’?”) and his responding. Writes Laura: Here is what Eric had to say, when asked if he suffers from brain fog: My ADD kicks in some days, and I do things like head down to the basement, but once I get there I can’t remember what I was supposed to do. So I go back upstairs, remember what it was, and head back downstairs again. Can you spot a recurring theme? As I stand in the basement the seco... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651199 Thu, 31 May 2007 10:17:12 +0100 651199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552126&cid=t_122898_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fthinking-blogger-award-5-more-blogs-to.html Jon, author of the blog, Living With A Purple Dog was kind enough to add me to his 5 choices for Thinking Blogger Award. Thank you.I am continually inspired by bloggers and their stories. The more I read, the more I learn, and the blogosphere just keeps expanding my understanding of real people, out there somewhere, constantly amazing me with personal stories and life happenings. From mental health to disability, brain malformations and feminism--well I could spend hours reading and learning, and most of all really thinking quite a bit as a result. I am happy to be chosen again, not for myself--but so I can highlight a few more blogs I have come across the last month or so and share them here. Thanks for enriching my life with your stories everyone, I am honored to be a part of this world.... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552126 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:07:00 +0100 552126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552138&cid=t_122898_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fgratitude.html I have so many nice comments, and I have been mentally challenged of late to figure out my sidebar thing to add a rolling comment thing. I am actually one of those people who look at copy machines and they break and need toner or something dramatic. Slowly, I am evolving here. The more I think, the more I remember and the more I write, the more friends show up here and remind me I am not alone in this big atmosphere; called the blogosphere. I find it humorous, that I even can type, and just for the record, the little bit of HTML shit I know was taught to me by Lindsay when she was 12! I had saved a cheat sheet she typed me, and seriously, this is why I know how to "live link."! haha. God, Lindsay is so smart.I need to thank everyone and I'm starting with a new blogger who left me kind comm... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552138 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 23:25:00 +0100 552138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552139&cid=t_122898_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fseroquel-withdrawal-update-part-12-no.html I have still not returned to using Seroquel. The most significant things that are now out of my life since removing Seroquel are no more nightmares. I am talking torture nightmares, the kind that keep you from sleeping. Insomnia was worse on the Seroquel, though it was prescribed for a mania run of insomnia. I sleep well, and if I am awake during the night, or awake early, it is because that's just how I always have been. I can wake up now without that train wreck fog, which I still think needs a better description. It slammed me down hard, and my hands always seemed detached from my body, it was hard to focus to see and drive the car in the morning, and I was lucky if I felt awake at all by noon. The weight loss leveled off, so that's a bummer.I am alert, I wake up without an alarm clock ... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552139 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 18:00:00 +0100 552139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552143&cid=t_122898_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fstress-and-health-especially.html I will be adding to this post in the next few days with some links to other blogs that talk about coping, stress and maintaining bipolar stability during stressful times.I am so tired today, that my head is dizzy. I was thinking about how yesterday was stressful. I was really worried about Lindsay, and afraid she wouldn't listen to the doctor advice of drinking liquids, etc. I appeared calm to them, was able to give all of her information, and the only thing noticeable to them was I was all flushed, and asked me if I was alright. Well I'm basically a person who gets rosy cheeked quickly, and in a panic mode, it went straight to red faced freak time.This is the same ER I had my Thanksgiving meltdown at, and the things that went through my mind in 5 seconds flat:1. Oh my God, what if Lindsay... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552143 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 19:21:00 +0100 552143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=552141&cid=t_122898_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fchronic-fatigue-syndrome-and-bipolar-my.html I've been feeling sick. I know what it is; and when it hits, it wipes me out.I can usually feel it coming on with fever, sore throat, joint aches and fatigue that can be described by me as "a can of soup weighs 50 lbs." meaning, it's heavy, when it really isn't. Sleep is the only thing that helps me, and this is why I drink a B complex powdered vitamin drink every day.I was first diagnosed with CFS in May of 1989. I was 29 years old.I was a young mother of 3 kids; Lindsay was just about 1.5 years old. I went to the PCP and he could see nothing physically wrong. My throat hurt like hell, and yet it didn't present to a doctor as a sore throat in appearance. I was beyond tired.Most interesting; I was puffy. I had read an article in the newspaper about Epstein Barr-Virus and "The Yuppie Flu". ... soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=552141 Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:25:00 +0100 552141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486795&cid=t_122898_87_f&fid=35062&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffibroresearch.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Ffibromyalgia-and-concept-of-central.html March's issue of Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2007 Mar 10) includes an article summarizing the results of recent research conducted by Dr. M.B. Yunus, a prominent fibromyalgia expert and professor of medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (Peoria, IL). The format of this research is a critical overview of existing literature combined with the author's own views, aimed at discussing fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome, within the concept of "central sensitivity syndromes" (CSS).According to the researcher, the theory of these conditions belong to a category of central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) is viable, based on associations between the conditions as well as the available ... The Fibromyalgia Research Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486795 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 21:38:00 +0100 486795