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Description, Goals, Aims and Scope, Key Aspects |
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Message from the Editor-in-Chief concerning Medical Veritas: The Journal of Medical Truth |
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Editorial Introductions |
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00115 |
Commentary—Doctored to death or Shaken Baby Syndrome? by Alan Rees
Abstract: This introductory letter concerns a premature baby that was clearly unwell, who was given three intravenous antibiotics in the days following her birth. Medical records were evaluated by three different experts and these provided more plausible explanations than shaken baby syndrome. The father of the baby girl was accused of shaking her death—without leaving a mark on her or injuring her neck in any way. A total of four reports have been published in Medical Veritas®, including the forensic medical report of the autopsy and analyses by Olaf Flodmark, Dr. Al-Bayati, and Dr. Scheibner. The report by Dr. Al-Bayati includes several autopsy photographs of the infant's brain, Courtesy of the Gothenburg office of the National Board of Forensic Medicine, Rrattsmedicinalverket, http://www.rmv.se/. The father has engaged the services of a lawyer, Peter Althin, who has sent the reports to the Swedish Supreme Court and has asked for leave to appeal to be granted. The court has asked the State Prosecutor to respond by November 17, 2006 after which it will make its decision whether to hear the case. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):990] |
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Forensic medical report: autopsy report for Baby Nadine by Mario Verdicchio
Abstract: This forensic medical report was prepared by Mario Verdicchio, MD based on the autopsy of Baby Nadine. The autopsy report includes an external examination, including the eye's retinas and body openings, internal examination, including the head, circulatory organs, respiratory organs, digestive organs, urinary and internal sex organs, endocrine and lymphatic organs, skeletal structure, length and weights, collected tests and items, microscopic examination and remarks. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):991–993] |
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Expert testimony regarding case B 1402-05 R 12 given by Olof Flodmark on July 6, 2005 by Olof Flodmark
Abstract: I, the undersigned have been appointed by the Court of Appeal for Western Sweden as an expert witness in the above case.
Qualifications: I am an authorized Swedish medical practitioner. I received my basic training as a physician at the University of Lund, where I received my licentiate and qualified in 1972. I did my specialist training at Linkoping Regional Hospital and became a specialist in diagnostic radiology in 1977. After that I studied for an additional three years in Toronto, Canada, after which the National Swedish Board of Health and Welfare [Socialstyrelsen] granted me a specialist degree in both neuro-radiology and in paediatric and juvenile radiology. I received my doctorate in medicine in 1981 from the Karolinska Institute. I served as a paediatric neuro-radiologist at a level corresponding to that of a consultant during the years 1981-89 at British Columbia Children's Hospital. This post was combined with that of a professorship in radiology at the University of British Colombia. I returned to Sweden and Stockholm in 1989 accepting the post of consultant paediatric neuro-radiologist at Karolinska Hospital.
Since 1991 I have been head of the Neuro-radiological clinic, Karolinska University Hospital in Solna. I am an associate professor in paediatric neuro-radiology at Karolinska Institute. I have published more than 110 scientific articles and book chapters, and have given about 300 scientific lectures at various international meetings.
Background material: My expert testimony is based on the written information as well as autopsy pictures that have been supplied to me. The documentation consists of the following: The District Court verdict including the description of the criminal act; the appeal to the Court of Appeal; the autopsy report dated 2004-12-08; copies of the medical records from Queen Silvia's Children's hospital; photographs of the brain taken during the autopsy; the task of an expert witness.
In a ruling dated 2005-03-15, the Court of Appeal for West Sweden asked me to give my expert opinion on the following points: the chronology of the violent event and the death that occurred; the cause of the symptoms displayed by the baby on the 1st and 2nd September 2004; possible causal relationship between the older and newer injuries. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):994–996] |
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Analysis of causes that led to bleeding, cardiac arrest, and death in the case of Baby Nadine by Mohammed Ali Al-Bayati
Abstract: Ezbjorn Hahne was accused and convicted of killing his 40 day old daughter, Nadine, by shaking force (Shaking Baby Syndrome). Nadine suffered from cardiac arrest and died on September 16, 2004. The examination of her body and organs at autopsy and bone x-ray revealed no evidence of injuries caused by trauma. Ezbjorn was accused and convicted of killing Nadine based on the finding of old and new intracranial bleeding during autopsy.
My investigation of this case clearly indicates that Nadine died as a result of health problems and vitamin K deficiency that led to intracranial bleeding, edema of the brain, neurological problems, and cardiac arrest. Nadine was treated with three courses of antibiotics during her short life and had other predisposing factors for vitamin K deficiency. The evidence indicates that the intracranial bleeding occurred probably during the four weeks prior to Nadine's death.
Nadine was born at 33 weeks of gestation by caesarian section. Her mother suffered from pregnancy complications that led to the premature rupture of the fetal membranes. She also had a urinary tract infection that was treated with antibiotics for 10 days following delivery. Nadine suffered from infection, hemolytic jaundice, neurological problems, and retardation of growth. She gained only 625 g during her 40 days of life (15.6 g/day), which is about 58% below of the weight gain expected for an infant her age. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):997–1012] |
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Report on the death of Baby Nadine caused by the adminstration of intravenous antibiotics by Viera Scheibner
Abstract: This report reviews medical literature dealing directly with the effects of intravenous (and/or oral) administration of a variety of antibiotics, including the so-called third generation of wide-spectrum antibiotics. It demonstrates that the accusations of shaken baby syndrome as the cause of death of Baby Nadine lack factuality and are, indeed, bizarre. The reality is: gaping ignorance of the basic medical knowledge and common sense, lacking knowledge available in medical literature and research, coupled with misuse of power, resorting to argumentum ad hominem rather than argumentum ad rem, and political motivation on the part of medical doctors, result in victimization of both the parents and babies, reflecting medieval attitudes, e.g., Holy Inquisition. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1013–1018] |
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Analysis of causes that led to subdural bleeding and rib fractures in the case of Baby Patrick Gorman by Mohammed Ali Al-Bayati
Abstract: Patrick and his twin sister, Peyton, were born 5 weeks premature. He suffered from acute abdominal and nonspecific symptoms at the age of 2½ months. CT scans, X-ray, and eye exams revealed that he had subdural and subretinal bleeding and seven rib fractures in various stages of healing. He also had severe anemia, thrombocytosis, low blood creatinine levels, hyperglycemia, and elevated neutrophills and monocyte counts. The treating physicians alleged that Patrick's health problems resulted from shaking [shaken baby syndrome (SBS)] and child abuse. Patrick's parents were accused of causing Patrick's injuries.
My investigation revealed that Patrick's acute symptoms resulted from acetaminophen intoxication. Patrick was treated with Tylenol/cold and he received about 200 mg of acetaminophen per day (64 mg/kg) and 3200 mg per 16 days. He was also treated with Zantac® (ranitidine) and Zantac potentiates the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen. The subdural and subretinal bleeding was caused by vitamin K deficiency, intoxication with acetaminophen, and severe anemia. The healed rib fractures occurred due to vitamin K and protein deficiencies and chronic coughing. It seems that the treating physicians alleged that Patrick's health problems resulted from abuse, without considering the clinical data that lead to different causes, or performing differential diagnosis in this case. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1019–1040] |
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Histopathological features of Eliza Jane Scovill's and Destiny Jacobo's lungs with analysis of the causes of death in both cases by Mohammed Ali Al-Bayati
Abstract: James K. Ribe is a supervising pathologist for the LA County Coroner who oversaw the investigations in Eliza Jane Scovill's and Destiny Jacobo's cases. Eliza Jane suffered from cardiac arrest and died following the administration of four doses of amoxicillin (400 mg twice a day). She died in Los Angeles, California on May 16, 2005 at the age of 3.5 years. Destiny Jacobo, a 21-month-old female toddler died suddenly in December of 1995 in Los Angeles. Ribe concluded that Eliza Jane suffered from Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and died of AIDS. He listed the cause of death in Destiny's case as shaken baby syndrome with associated head trauma. Ribe also alleged that there was forcible rectal insertion causing a retrorectal contusion.
My review of the medical evidence in Eliza Jane's case clearly indicates that Eliza Jane died as a result of allergic reaction to amoxicillin and she did not die of AIDS. The histological features of her lungs show no evidence of inflammation and fibrosis. Ribe's allegation that Eliza Jane suffered from Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is not supported by the clinical data and medical facts. Furthermore, my review of the medical evidence in Destiny's case revealed that she suffered from severe acute hemorrhagic pneumonia and septicemia. The bleeding in her case was caused by septicemia and vitamin K deficiency. It also shows that James Ribe's allegations of shaken baby syndrome and sexual abuse made in Destiny's case are not supported by medical facts. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1041–1048] |
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Mercury in Medicine—Taking Unnecessary Risks by Dan Burton, Chairman of the Subcommittee of Human Rights and Wellness
Abstract: A report prepared by the Staff of the Subcommittee of Human Rights and Wellness Committee on Government Reform, US House of Representatives, as a result of a 3-year investigation [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1049–1127] |
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Electrophysiological variants correlated with neurodevelopmental delays: A systems biology approach by Valerie L. Scaramella-Nowinski and Drina Madden
Abstract: The impact of electrophysiological variants affecting the systemic organization of brain functions, especially perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral functions, has been largely undocumented. Health and education concerns, advanced technology, and current neuroscience research, including neuropsychological/brain-behavior studies, have afforded us an increased understanding of the cerebral organization and psychological structure of human mental processes. This article takes a Systems Biology approach to the brain as a functional system. The cerebral organization/psychological structure of intelligence and learning is discussed, encompassing a working brain relationship among attention, perception, executive function, memory, speech/language, sensory/motor, and mood/thought functions. A summary of 50 case studies revealing the clinical correlation of the functional brain-behavior impact with electrophysiological variants is examined. Patient histories reveal a variety of conditions associated with neurodevelopmental delay, including attention deficit disorders, autism, dyslexia and related learning disorders, sensory/motor disorders, mood disorders, and language disorders. This impact emphasizes the need for more specific identification and treatment of this subgroup of individuals experiencing electrophysiological disturbances affecting their development and learning. Health and education implications are discussed underscoring the importance of collaboration among neuroscience, education, and health policy professions, aiding the quality of life of those affected. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1128–1134] |
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Observations from a Specific Carbohydrate Dietary Intervention in two children with autism by Jeffrey Allen Trelka and Melvin L. Morse
Abstract: Background: Recent literature has shown that some autistic symptoms may be ameliorated with a gluten free/casein free diet. A Specific Carbohydrate Dietary intervention has become increasingly popular among parents of autistic children, while medical physicians have become increasingly concerned for these children's nutritional health. There is a lack of studies regarding Specific Carbohydrate Dietary interventions. Objective: Based on claims that the Specific Carbohydrate Diet improves autistic behaviors and heals chronic gut issues, the purpose of this project is to understand the Specific Carbohydrate Diet's effectiveness in ameliorating autistic symptoms in two students with autism. Design: Physiological and behavioral signs were observed in two children with autism. Based on the abnormal physiological and behavioral profiles, dietary intervention trials using a Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet followed with a Specific Carbohydrate Diet were initiated in both autistic children. Results: These autistic children showed less behavioral and physiological problems during the Specific Carbohydrate Diet than during the Gluten Free/Casein Free intervention, though marked improvements were observed throughout both diets. These results are consistent with the claims related to a Specific Carbohydrate Dietary intervention. Conclusions: Based on the results of observed behavioral and physiological changes during the adherence of a Specific Carbohydrate Dietary intervention, it is hypothesized that the Specific Carbohydrate Diet does ameliorate autistic expressions in some autistic populations. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1135–1146] |
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An initial inquiry into cost-effectiveness of surfactant in India: a pilot randomized control trial by Lokesh Tiwaril, Noopur Baijal, Nirmal Kumar, Jacob M. Puliyel
Abstract: Background: Exogenous surfactant is used for surfactant deficient lung disease in premature neonates. The cost-effectiveness in terms of cost per life saved by the intervention has not been studied in India. Aim: The present study was done to evaluate the cost of surfactant therapy per life saved. Setting: Neonatal unit in a tertiary referral hospital. Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Material & Methods: 20 neonates with gestational age between 27 and 30 weeks with respiratory distress were recruited for the study and randomized for treatment with surfactant or to act as controls. All costs of hospitalization were totaled in both groups and differences in mortality, duration of hospitalization and costs were investigated. Statistical Analysis: Differences between groups and the standard error of the difference were studied with the 95% confidence intervals. Results: Odds of death were marginally higher in the surfactant group (OR 1.02 CI 0.39 – 2.7). The duration of hospitalization was significantly lower in the surfactant group. The costs were 20% higher in the surfactant survivors but it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: The study did not show benefit in terms of reduced mortality. This is similar to the conclusion of the Cochrane meta-analysis. The cost per life saved could not therefore be calculated. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1147–1149] |
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Review—Medical aspects of learning disorders: role of nootropic drugs by Ali Saber Mohamed
Abstract: Learning disabilities are a spectrum of disorders affecting people who have no sensory or mental deficiency by definition. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability among those diagnosed with the disorder. Three theories have been advanced to explain dyslexia—phonological, cerebellar, and magnocellular theories. Genetic studies identified loci on chromosomes 6 and 15, and linkage studies found sites on 1, 2, 3, 7, and 18. Remediation of learning disabled (LD) children has been and still is the only available method to intervene and help such children. Nootropic drugs, the prototype of which is Piracetam, have been in clinical practice in France since 1970. They have proven efficacy in animal and human studies concerning learning. A review of the available documentation of those studies is provided, leading to the conclusion that nootropic drugs may benefit those children as part of a multimodal approach to manage learning disabilities. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1150–1153] |
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A review of various abilities improved after the basic Tomatis Method Program for autistic, Williams syndrome, and ADHD children by Dorinne S. Davis
Abstract: Utilizing an 'Abilities to Be Improved' and an 'Abilities Improved' Form pre and post the basic Tomatis Program of 60 hours of listening, parents of 100 autistic children, 5 Williams syndrome children, and 11 ADHD children noted changes in their children. The areas of change were as follows: (1) academic achievement, thinking, learning, (2) attention, (3) behavior, (4) creativity, (5) interpersonal growth, (6) intrapersonal growth to know and express self, (7) well-being, (8) listening and speech, (9) reading, writing, and spelling, (10) movement, sports, and rhythm, (11) musical and vocal skills, and (12) relaxation. The results demonstrate the most significant changes occur in the areas of Interpersonal skills for autistic children, Academic Achievement, Thinking, and Learning, and Attention for Williams syndrome children, and Attention for ADHD children. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1154–1157] |
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00128 |
Sound bodies through sound therapy by Dorinne S. Davis
Abstract: Sound therapy supports more than one's hearing skills. Davis has created The Tree of Sound Enhancement Therapy as a model for understanding the many different existing sound-based therapies as they relate to how the body hears, processes, understands, and modifies our response to sound. The Diagnostic Evaluation for Therapy Protocol, a test battery, was developed to identify the most appropriate sound-based therapies for each individual. The Tree and diagnostic battery support the five laws connecting the voice, ear, brain connection as established in the Tomatis Effect and the Davis Addendum to the Tomatis Effect. This overview shares the foundations for understanding why maximum learning is supported by maximum wellness with the use of sound-based therapies. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1158–1162] |
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A look at the 2006 FDA hearing on the safety of dental amalgams and possible toxicological conerns by Boyd E. Haley
Abstract: In early September 2006 the FDA staff of the Dental Devices Branch released a 'white paper' on their evaluation of the research in the past 10 years that provided data that could be used to evaluate the safety of dental amalgams. This white paper was to be used to convince the FDA appointed 20 member external advisory committee of the safety of amalgams. It failed badly as the advisory committee voted 13 to 7 to not accept the conclusions of the white paper. The advisory committee asked for further research into the issue and expressed the opinion that the white paper did not present all of the relevant research. It is my opinion that the bulk of the research showing toxic effects from mercury were dismissed by the FDA staff using an invalid assumption that mercury toxicity can be determined by simply measuring urine or blood mercury levels. The FDA staff also took the position of questionable expertise in dismissing research done at major research universities and published in highly regarded journals. They also overlooked many important research papers by only using one search engine to identify the literature they would address, and only considered research done in the last ten years. This paper presents a few of the relevant articles overlooked by the FDA and gives a different evaluation of the research articles that were somewhat dismissed by the FDA staff using the outdated concept that urinary mercury levels can be used to determine if a toxic exposure has occurred. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1163–1169] |
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Interview with Dr. Dan A. Rossignol: Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Therapy improves symptoms in autistic children by Dan A. Rossignol and Teri Arranga
Abstract: Multiple studies have found that autism is characterized by cerebral hypoperfusion which correlates with many core features including repetitive, self-stimulatory, and stereotypical behaviors, and impairments in communication, sensory perception, and social interaction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help overcome cerebral hypoperfusion by providing more oxygen to the brain. Recent studies have shown that children with autism have neuroinflammation and gastrointestinal inflammation, and HBOT is strongly anti-inflammatory. Autistic children also have increased oxidative stress and HBOT can decrease oxidative stress through up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes and increased antioxidant production. Children with autism have a relative mitochondrial dysfunction and HBOT can increase the production of mitochondria. Autistic children appear to have impaired production of porphyrins, which are involved in heme synthesis. Impaired production of porphyrins reduces the ability to deliver oxygen and HBOT may help overcome this. Autism is a considered to be a neurodegenerative disease. HBOT has been shown to increase the production of stem cells, which may aid in reversing "irreversible" brain disorders, including autism. In our recent prospective, open label study, we found that HBOT ameliorates some symptoms in autistic children. Significant improvements were noted by parents in lethargy, communication, motivation, mannerisms, speech, sensory and cognitive awareness, and overall health. Markers of inflammation decreased, and there was no statistically significant change in oxidized glutathione levels. Further evaluation with a double-blind placebo-controlled study to verify these findings is indicated. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1170–1173]
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Interview with Dr. Jaquelyn McCandless: Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), past study, prospective study by Jaquelyn McCandless and Teri Arranga
Abstract: Naltrexone is a generic, FDA approved opioid antagonist that when used in ultra-tiny doses (less than 1/10th the ordinary dose) acts as an immune modulator/enhancer to optimize the immune functioning of those who are immune-compromised, as autistic persons are known to be. It also operates as a neurohumoral agent that has effects on cognition, socialization, and language. Naltrexone must be compounded to obtain ultra tiny doses, called low dose naltrexone (LDN) and can be made into a cream for children or small capsules for adults, to be used one time daily at bedtime. It is non-toxic, non-invasive, effective, and inexpensive. A recent study at Penn State on Crohn's Disease has shown it to be effective and safe; a second study on Crohn's at Penn has just been approved; a study at UCSC on LDN is starting on multiple sclerosis and one at Stanford on fibromyalgia. A study on autistic children has been approved in Israel; a study on HIV+ persons in Africa to show the effectiveness of LDN to prevent progression to full-blown AIDS is being proposed. In this interview Dr. McCandless discusses LDN and the results of the use of this agent in her autism practice and in her informal study of autistic children and their parents. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1174–1181] |
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Interview with Dr. Martha Herbert—Autism: a brain disorder or a disorder that affects the brain? by Martha Herbert and Teri Arranga
Abstract: Autism research priorities have been shaped by underlying models. The model of autism as a genetically determined hard-wired brain disorder, dominant in recent years, has led to a search for "brain genes" and brain alterations. But this model has produced limited results, has rested on an over-interpretation of evidence for heritability, and has also failed to encompass multiple features of autism outside the behavioral definition, including systemic physiological changes (especially, but not restricted to, gastrointestinal and immune) and the increasing numbers of cases. A more inclusive model would construe autism as a disorder that affects the brain, and that is the outcome of complex interactions among factors related to genetic vulnerability, environmental triggers or causes, and epigenetic changes. This model can incorporate many recent findings, and it opens the field on several levels: to broader genetic investigations (including, for example, systemically expressed genes that could impact the brain secondarily), and to study of vulnerabilities beyond genetics at multiple physiological levels. Since the behaviors that define autism appear to be produced by brains affected by a variety of biological alterations, this more inclusive model is also better oriented to encompassing autism's heterogeneity. It allows us to investigate what systems and network-level commonalities there might be among brain and body changes whose specific biological details may differ. Of paramount practical importance is that some features of systemic involvement may be modifiable. Thus, we may therefore more aggressively search for such features as potential treatment targets that may reduce suffering and improve options for affected individuals. By improving metabolic status, parameters modulating brain function (e.g., synaptic thresholds, connectivity, energy metabolism) may be affected in a favorable way. This may account for some of the growing number of anecdotal reports of recovery from autism after integrative biomedical and behavioral treatment. Moving from a "genes-brain-behavior" to a "pathogenesis (genes, environment, epigenetics)-mechanism (molecular, cellular, tissue, processing)-phenotype (behavior, sensory-perceptual, cognition, medical)" model, which not only spells out the levels of the biological hierarchy, but also looks at all these levels developmentally, is a challenge to compartmentalized science, but this is what we need if we are to translationally connect research and successful treatment. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1182–1194] |
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Be informed to prevent horrific births—your baby's life is counting on it! by Kelly Moscarello
Abstract: I am one mother speaking for 10 mothers, 100 mothers, and 1000 mothers—ll mothers. Especially those who cannot speak up about the horrors of their birth, or maybe don't know how to. I am sharing my birthing experience for each of my five children: Juliana Maria—age 22, born 1984; Matthew Stephen—age 20, born 1986; Kaitlyn Ann-Marie—age 10, born 1996; Dominic Joseph—age 6, born 2000; and Isabella Angela—almost 4, born 2003. It is my hope that readers of this article will be enlightened and stop the horrors that I relate from happening in other families. Disabled babies and children should not just be "accepted" in our culture. We need to ask questions. Where did this come from? How did this happen? Why did this happen? What can we do to help this child? Who is responsible for these horrors? Who can help us? When did this happen—what hospital, what clinic, etc.
It is totally unacceptable to have a disabled baby when the disability could have been prevented. Modern medical "procedures" are maiming and killing our babies. This needs to stop! While mandatory informed consent is already the law, it seems to be used selectively and without proper full disclosure. Thus, parents need to be more assertive in asking questions and demanding answers! Cerebral Palsy, autism, ADD, ADHD, and other neurological problems should all be disorders of the past. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1195–1201] |
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Trusting parent learns too late: the tragic consequences of instant cord clamping by Jessica Torgerson
Abstract: The false safety of a hospital or health care setting
Life, as I had known it, changed for me on November 27, 2002. That day my daughter Kaitlyn entered this world. Before that day, I label myself naive. I thought as many women do—that when you are in a hospital or health care setting cared for by nurses and doctors, that you and your baby are safe. I will tell my story, my daughter's story, my family's and friend's story. I want the world to know that you are never safe leaving the well-being of your child in my friend Kelly's words, "in strangers hands." I wish to educate everyone I can. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1202–1205] |
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Editorial—Why is the Hepatitis B vaccine still mandated? by Andrew Maniotis, Rita Maniotis, N. Joseph Espat, Xue Chen, Peter Lycos
Abstract: Evidence from many sources show the hepatitis B vaccine is not safe or effective, and is linked to many autoimmune syndromes. Hepatitis B syndrome is rare (0.00024%-hovering near zero percent for both adults and children), while over 10.4% of hepatitis B vaccine recipients experience adverse vaccine reactions. According to package inserts, 1% of these are serious enough for emergency room admission. France discontinued its vaccination of school-aged children because of the types and high rate of catastrophic illnesses linked to the vaccine. Molecular markers (HBsAg, anti-HBsAg, HbeAg, anti-HbeAg, or HBV-DNA) are not diagnostic or predictive of liver disease, and Down sydrome, leukemia, and genetic polymorphisms related to differences in disease susceptibility were central to the discovery of HBV. Cell culture, animal models, and human studies have failed to show cytopathic effects in liver consistent with the hypothesized pathogenicity of HBV infection. In regions where the HBV markers are endemic, long-term study has shown that the vaccine increased the rate of hepatitis B syndrome in teens. The claim that seropositivity for HBV markers is linked to liver cancer decades later may be a form of molecular mimicry, and it is unsupported by evidence: it is like claiming that a freckle on an infant signals that melanoma will develop decades later. To date, and despite congressional investigations and numerous studies questioning the safety of the hepatitis B vaccine, informed consent and the original trial safety data has not been provided by the public health service. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1206–1210] |
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Editorial—CDC recommendation for universal HIV screening of all Americans: Choose religion, not science by Andrew Maniotis
Abstract: There are many problems with universal "HIV" testing. As opposed to what famous doctors are saying regarding cost efficiency and similarities between screening for cancer and universal screening for "HIV/AIDS," unlike cancer, early screening doesn't matter with "HIV" since it is supposed to be 100% fatal or in the process of mutating every 60 seconds in those that fail "the life saving therapies," and "HIV/AIDS" can't simply be removed with a surgeon's knife once it is detected, like a non-invasive melanoma. As stated by the Dr. Kent Sepkowitz in the NEMJ [1]:
"In the United States, approximately 1 million persons are living with HIV infection or AIDS, and 164,000 to 312,000 of them remain unaware of their infection. Experts hypothesize that most of the 40,000 new infections that occur annually in this country arise from contact with these undiagnosed persons. Given this likelihood, investigators have examined the potential benefit of routine screening, rather than testing of only those perceived to be at increased risk. This strategy appears to be as cost-effective as screening for colon, breast, or prostate cancer, and the availability of a rapid oral test has simplified broad scale testing." [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1211–1213] |
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Editorial—Being or not being an "activist", that is the question by Marc Girard
Abstract: Challenging the dominant discourse of physicians is as old as academic medicine. But some health issues seem particularly prone to focus the attention of lay people. This is clearly the case with vaccination where an impressive variety of non-medical contributions have been published. This situation is a godsend for manufacturers and their traditional supporters (governmental agencies, opinion leaders...) as it opens the opportunity for discrediting—under the classical headings of "myth," "misconception," "ignorance," "activism"—any criticism of vaccines quality or vaccination policies, even if it comes from specialists whose skill or expertise is above any suspicion. However, this strategy of "amateurization" (i.e., this strategy by the pharmaceutical industry of undermining the credibility of any criticism as simply reflecting misconceptions of amateurs) regarding vaccine criticism may be easily reversed. In effect, if this is so easy for amateurs to get involved in vaccine controversies, this is because as a whole, the development, assessment and administration of these agents is a shame for the medical world: the weaknesses, contradictions, dissimulations and even lies of most vaccine leaders or governmental "experts" are so gross that they cannot escape the attention even of non medically-trained persons. For health professionals who want to re-direct medicine towards science in the respect of Hippocratic tradition, vaccination appears therefore as a counter-model, a repoussoir (i.e., a perspective attained by the use of illusionary devices) of what happens in practice when academic teaching is driven by financial activism, vested interests, lack of scruples as well as scientific incompetence. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1214–1215] |
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Statement—Vaccine safety research requires the creation of a separate and wholly independent office by Dave Weldon
Abstract: Most vaccine safety resources are dedicated to considering short-term, or acute adverse reactions, while very few resources are dedicated to considering potential longer-term or chronic adverse reactions.
Legitimate questions persist regarding the possible association between the mercury-based preservative, Thimerosal, and the childhood epidemic of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism. There are unresolved questions about the MMR vaccine that arose in 1998 that should be fully investigated. Gardasil, the HPV vaccine was just recommended by the CDC. Vaccine manufactures have dozens of new vaccines in the pipeline. The failure of public health officials to make this a priority and to free this research from conflicts of interest will only serve to further erode public confidence at a time when we should be working to build public confidence. It is incumbent upon us to fully investigate these issues in an independent manner.
The question that we face at present is: Will we create this office now in a proactive manner before public confidence further erodes, or will we do it later in reaction to growing loss of public confidence in the hope of restoring lost trust. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1216–1219] |
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Daubert hearing on Shaken Baby Syndrome by Lewis D. Nicholls
Abstract: Circuit Judge, Lewis D. Nicholls, renders a response to Commonwealth of Kentuky Greenup Circuit Court Case No. 04-CR-205, Commonwealth of Kentucky Plaintiff vs. Order and Opinion re: Daubert Hearing (Christopher A. Davis, Defendant) concerning the issue of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). Dr. Ronald H. Uscinski testified and opined that based upon the research conducted and reported so far, impact is necessary to generate adequate force to cause the injuries previously mentioned. Dr. Uscinski also pointed out that the impact curve created by Ommaya was only a projection of at what threshold the scientists believed humans would sustain injuries—it failed to take into account the different structure of human babies as compared to adult monkeys, and what impact this difference would make. Betty S. Spivack, M.D. also testified as a forensic pediatrician with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner located in Louisville, Kentucky. She indicated that physicians will diagnosis SBS when they observe a subdural hematoma bilateral (both sides of the brain) coupled with a retinal hemorrhage observed in both eyes. However, this diagnosis is based on inconclusive research conducted in the scientific research community. [©Medical Veritas, 2006 Nov; 3(2):1220–1226] |
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Book Reviews: |
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INJECTION! by Carol Givner, Editor: Gary S. Goldman, Ph.D. |
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The Chickenpox Vaccine: A new epidemic of disease and corruption by Mark Orrin; Editor: Gary S. Goldman, Ph.D. |
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Guide for Authors |
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Editorial Board |
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