MARCO Grand Rounds for December 30, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Dialysis". The different methods. The typical doctor sends the patient to a nephrologist and they just disappear...let's take a look at what happens to them.

Donations to MARCO MediShare International

This message was received from Smitty W6CS, Director of MediShare International:

Friends - -

I have had several inquiries as to how a person can support our Africa projects and be consistent with tax laws, etc.

We - ie, MediShare International - have worked with and thru Direct Relief International (DRI) for some years on a number of projects in Africa. DRI which is one of the premier non-profits supplying medical needs in African countries. You know all this of course if you've followed MARCO/MSI projects.

Direct Relief Int'l set up a special fund to support medical projects in Africa that have been identified and pre-approved by on-site visits by Mike Marks, MD, who has personally visited these African villages and identified and verified their needs. The para. below explains it briefly.

Bottom Line:

1. Checks should be made out to:

Direct Relief International

27 S. La Patera Lane

Goleta, CA, 93117.

If the donor wishes to restrict his or her donation to use in the Africa programs, he/she should write in the Memo line of the check "Africa Designated Fund." All checks received as "Africa Designated" will be put in a restricted fund for use in Africa, and 100% of the donation will go to programs in Africa without any portion being used for DRI administration or fundraising.

DRI will acknowledge the donation that can be used for tax purposes.

Hope this helps!

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 16, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of new diabetic drugs...they are coming fast and furious, new injectables, new pills, new combinations. CW net at 9:30 a.m. 14.307 EST.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 9, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will have a "refresher" on the new Diabetic drugs...there have been so many, doctors have a hard time keeping up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 2, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA

Last Sunday we had 40 check-ins....this Sunday we will discuss an 18 year old revelation--that of the discovery of the interaction of GRAPEFRUIT JUICE with medications. Only this time there is a new angle. It has been found that the price of expensive drugs, especially HIV drugs, can be cut in less than half by the possible addition of grapefruit standardized pills. For example (this is no joke)....Viagra 100 mg tablets cost $10 each. By taking 1/4 the tablet ($2.50) with a glass of grapefruit juice you can get the same effect. DON'T TRY THIS, it is given as an example of how the price of drugs can be reduced by simple means.

"Aether" is at the printers and should be available soon...pdf file pending.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 25, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION."

"THE SKULL IS A GOOD INSULATOR...CONSIDER HOW EASILY A MAGNET UNDER A WOODEN TABLETOP CAN MOVE A PIN ON THE SURFACE--magnetic fields pass almost unaffected through insulators including the skull." What happens when we pass currents into the brain? Tune in and......more Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern 14.307. Should be fun.

Note: We lost a good ham Monday, Bill, W4TAD (Tender and Deliciouis, Tired and Disgusted) went West...he had a perfect 4 year attendance record on Grand Rounds. He will be missed--he is the doc who got me into Marco! Warren KD4gua.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 18, 2007 (?)

Warren, KD4GUA wrote:

Last week we studied "Deep Brain Stimulation" in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease among others.

This Sunday there is a contest and I will be enroute to Branson, MO for four days. I tried to contact Harry WB9EDP but couldn't get through via email. Perhaps Bruce could handle the net control if Harry is unavailable.

I expect to return to the shack on Thanksgiving Day and will discuss TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation" the process of altering brain signals externally. TMS is painless and non-invasive and is currently being used in treating depression, epilepsy and stuttering. One researcher at Canada's Laurentian University is convinced that naturally occurring electromagnetic fluctuations could be responsible for paranormal experiences, like ghosts, UFOs and mystical apparitions.

Some have argued that religion itself could be electromagnetic in origin. Bone up on TMS for a week from Sunday.

Blog-meister's note: Given that we don't have a topic for discussion and are certain to be battling intense contest-related interference, I suggest that we take the week off and return to the airwaves on November 25.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 11, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will delve more deeply into the treatment of Parkinson's Disease, namely, "Deep Brain Stimulation." This is now being used for depression, Tourette's syndrome, Obsessive Compulsives, Phantom Limb Syndrome and Cluster headaches. The Chinese are also using it to wipe out Schizophrenia.

Hogwash? Some of these treatments, including that for Parkinson's have been approved by the FDA (2002).

Geostationary Satellite News

From MARCO member JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM:

Hi Everyone,

I joined MARCO last spring after seeing your booth at Dayton.  I'm an RN in
a cardiac unit for my 'day job'.  Another one of my 'nite job' activities is
as the news editor for AMSAT ... The bunch that builds and launches
satellites.

At the AMSAT Syposium this past weekend we learned that AMSAT has been
offered an opportunity for a ride to geosychronous orbit.  I've attached the
AMSAT News Service Bulletin below.

It will still take a couple of years to get up there.  But think of the
emergency service capability a geosynchronous satellite can add to the
amateur service!

--
73 de JoAnne K9JKM
k9jkm@amsat.org


SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-301.01
The Weekend That Changed Amateur Radio

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 301.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 28, 2007
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-301.01

This past weekend, October 26-28 AMSAT-NA held a very successful Space
Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rick Hambly, W2GPS, AMSAT President along with Bob McGwier, N4HY, AMSAT
Vice-President of Engineering were able to make public the results of
their recent work which will change the face of amateur radio going
forward.  AMSAT has been in consultation with Intelsat regarding an
application of an Intelsat platform carrying our amateur radio satelites
into geosynchronous orbit.

Engineering studies, funding studies, among other negotiations are
continuing at this point.  However Bob, N4HY made the following obser-
vation of the project AMSAT has termed Phase IV Lite, "There is enough
in place at this time that AMSAT needs to begin planning engineering
work and possible construction of a geosychronous payload so we are
ready if Intelsat says they have a ride for us."

The Phase IV Lite Geosynchronous Payload is planned to consist of
similar transponders already under development for the Phase 3 satel-
lites.  Accelerated development on the digital Advanced Communica-
tion Package is anticipated.  In addition to the communication pay-
load flown to space, AMSAT plans to develop an earth station attain-
able by the average ham so that users can immediately take advantage
of the audio, digital messaging, and video services.

The Advanced Communication Package would be a self-contained earth
station which could be sent with amateur radio communication teams
or delivered to disaster areas for 24/7/365 emergency communications.
These teams would be able to point a small dish at a predictable
spot in the sky and immediately begin delivering disaster commun-
ication support without depending on HF propagation.

A Phase IV payload could also be used to provide TDRSS-like relay
of ARISS communications.  The 10 minute school contact could now
be expanded to hours-long contact with the International Space
Station.  This opens possibilities for student involvement with
experiments aboard the space station.

The Intelsat geosynchronous platform would be able to provide the
AMSAT Phase IV Lite payload with approximately 400 watts of DC
power for 15 years.  The primary payload would also perform the
GTO boost phase as well as perform station keeping and antenna
pointing once it has arrived on station. Bob, N4HY summarized,
"The Intelsat team would be doing all the things nearly impossible
for amateurs and that enables AMSAT to do what we do best ... build
a communication system that changes amateur radio for the better!"

More details will be published in upcoming editions of the AMSAT
Journal.

[ANS thanks Rick, W2GPS and Bob, N4HY for the above information]

/EX

We received an interesting reply from Jay Garlitz, AA4FL:

JoAnne, thanks for sharing the AMSAT information with the group.  I am
curious how many of us are AMSAT members?

One note about satellite ops is that we have a satellite station at W4DFU in
the Shands Hospital/Health Center complex at the University of Florida.
Satellite and echolink are the equipment used most often and attracts new
hams.  MARCO is an HF centric group and that is generational/traditional.
These other modes are getting new members in the door and we then excite
them about HF. (see www.gatorradio.org)

Please accept my comments as a possible way to attract younger health
professionals to the hobby, and to our ranks.

73's Jay, AA4FL (AMSAT member)

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 4, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Parkinson Update."

There have been quite a few new drugs and procedures for this condition, mainly "deep brain stimulation." Back in 1943, a neurosurgeon removed a brain tumor in a Parkinson patient and damaged the globus pallidus and noted his tremor subsided. This, the idea of damaging the basal ganglia to improve Parkinson Disease evolved. Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 28, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue our discussion of Sports Medicine for those over 40. We are the first generation to exercise for the duration and the duration seems to be getting longer. What is your treatment for balance control, belly control, and age related decay...can it be slowed, is it being slowed, am I participating correctly?

Should be more fun than last week, tune in 14.307 10 a.m. eastern time. CW at 9:30, check in and listen...good for the neurones.

Good news that all MARCO members in harm's way in California are safe.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 21, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "Bell's Palsey."

This Sunday we will dive into 'SPORTS MEDICINE AND THE SENIOR ATHLETES." The new science that addresses needs of the fit-and-over 50 set.

Did you read about the 59 year old high school football player? He went back to finish High School and participated in the game as a line backer. Where's my calcium pill?

Tune in, should be fun. 14.307 Sunday 10 a.m. eastern time.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 14, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Bell's Palsey." What treatment is suggested when a patient comes in with rapid-onset paralysis of one side of his face?

This condition scares the wits out of patients and it is up to us to install confidence that over 70% will have complete recovery.

How do we rule out tumor, Lymes etc.

Tune in 14.307 10 a.m. Eastern time, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 7, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss an article that appeared in the April 2007 edition of "Family Practice," entitled "SHOULD YOU PUT ALL DIABETIC PATIENTS ON STATINS?" This is a tantalizing subject and with many obese patients who are potential candidates for diabetes walking round--it becomes an important item in the daily drudgery. Tune in should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 23, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Since West Nile virus is out there and many cases have been reported, we will discuss this disease this Sunday 14.308 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Arnold, Our Prez, is off to Africa--again. Lou our treasurer is still holding out somewhere around French Creek Maine. W4TAD, Bill, our perfect record Ham is still in there fighting the big C.

Aether went out today, so you should receive it on Monday or Tuesday.

Will be leaving town Tueday for a week to see new grandchild, so pick a topic and I hope our Prez-elect Harry, WB9EDP will keep the ship afloat--think up a good subject for discussion. In the future if you would like to handle net control TRY it. Not hard. All you need is a good signal and a voice. Bone up on West Nile, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 16, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Will attempt to finish discussion on immunizations and the possible relation with autism. Someone last week asked "Who invented autism?" I can't answer that but I do know that prior to about 1985 the word was almost never used as a diagnosis. Is this a new disease? Is this a syndrome of several diseases...has it got anything to do with the MMR vaccine or with mercury preservatives? Tune in should be fun--IF the sun allows us a good weather propagation forecast. By the way, what happens when the smog lifts in Los Angeles? Answer: UCLA.

Here is a response on autism from Chip, N5RTF:

The first paper on autism was published by Leo Kanner M.D. in 1943. Recent increases in prevalence may be multifactoral.
In the first case, diagnostic criteria are steadily easing, to allow increasing numbers of families to qualify for associated benefits.

Secondly, as more clinicians and parents become aware of the diagnosis, more real cases are identified.

Thirdly (and purely speculative on my part) is the exponential increase in sensory input in recent years. A person living in 1700 might see 200 images in a lifetime. We can be exposed to that number in a minute, maybe every minute. Assume that most human nervous systems can successfully filter that flow to a manageable level, but some are overwhelmed. Also, adults can deliberately insulate themselves when they feel overloaded (eg. radio rather than TV, books rather than radio, meditation rather than books). Children cannot do this except through withdrawal. In extreme cases, withdrawal could become reflexive.

Drawing an analogy from Ham Radio, I conceptualize autism and similar conditions as /disorders of bandwidth./ The developing brain narrows down its filters to an information flow which can be comfortably processed. Eventually this becomes the default setting.

As an aside, I have always wanted to see how a child with autism handles CW.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 2, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Due to poor propagation last week, discussion of immunizations was postponed until this Sunday. We have gone from 6 injections the first year of life in the 1960s to 22 immunizations today. There is concern over the increase in autism (and possibly bipolar disease?) linked to immunizations.

The question of mercury poisoning from thimerosal in the preservative has also been raised.

My youngest daughter had her first baby Monday, a little boy, Kenneth, and she is questioning as are other mothers. What will you and I tell them?

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 26, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, by request, we will talk about chicken pox and shingles. Is it possible to get chicken pox twice? Who needs the shingles vaccine? How can we differentiate between one pox disease from another?

Join in, should be fun.


[MARCO Grand Rounds take place on 14.307 MHz at 10 AM Eastern Time - 1400 UTC in the summer]

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 19, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a blockbuster--THE FDA announced today, Aug. 16, that Warfarin (Coumadin)'s label will carry new information describing the role of genetics in dosing. The label will say that a lower initial warfarin dose "should be considered for patients with certain genetic variations."

This means that to CYA you will need to get a $400 test to determine if that person is a slow absorber or rapid absorber of the drug. Medicare will cover it but private insurance no.
Tune in, should be fun!

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 12, 2007

Warren's announcement of this week's Grand Rounds has brought out the wags in the group:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of gas expansion both at altitude and attitude. No one has come up with the answer as to why coal miners don't have mustaches or beards. Tune in and leave your matches in the kitchen. See you--all, or rather, hear you-all Sunday. Should be fun.
-KD4GUA

A bearded miner cannot establish a reliable seal on a respirator.
-Chip, N5RTF

Chip has a point but it is not the answer.
-Warren kd4gua.

Beards itch under masks…That's why the bomber pilots in WWII were always careful to shave closely before a mission.
-Al KA7LOT

Al has a point, but not the point one is looking for, concerning beards in coal miners. Warren -Warren KD4gua.

Multiple answers to an essay question.

1. Excess amounts of coal dust settles in beards and could
be breathed in causing respiratory problems.

2. Miner's carbide lamps could catch the beard on fire.

3. The company store has an over supply of razor blades.
-Danny W4DAN

I think Chip's answer was correct. The following information is from the
U.S. Department of Labor, MSHA's (Mine Safety and Health Administration):
It is one paragraph from the full page of text on the subject.

MSHA's Occupational Illness and Injury Prevention Program
Health Topic

"Silica Exposure of Surface Coal Miners"

What can miners do to limit their exposure to silica containing dust?

Mine operators are required to provide and assure the use of appropriate controls for dust while drilling in rock. Miners should be sure to use all available engineering controls such as dust collectors, wet drilling, drill platform skirts and enclosed cabs. Miners should adjust their work procedures so that they do not stand in dust clouds. While not accepted as a primary control, miners should make use of respirators made available by the mine operator, to provide the maximum protection possible, especially when necessary to work in dust for short periods. If a respirator is used, the miner and mine operator should assure that it is approved for use in silica-containing dust, that it is maintained as approved, worn as designed (not altered in any way), equipped with new filters at least each shift, and fitted so as to provide a tight seal to the face. Miners wearing a respirator can not have beards/mustaches which interfere with the respirator seal to the face.

Mine Safety and Health Administration
Coal Mine Safety and Health Division
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

Phone:(202) 693-9630
-Danny W4DAN

Tune in on Sunday, August 12, 14.307 MHz at 10 AM Eastern/1400 UTC for the answer!!

The answer:

Danny...you done hit the nail on the head with number 2.

2. Miner's carbide lamps could catch the beard on fire.

-Warren KD4GUA

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 5, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss the #1 problem aboard airliners--GAS! ...review your G.I. physiology so we can have more participation. We do produce more of, burp, it as we get older but WHY?

Do you know why coal miners never wore beards?

Tune in 14.307 Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern for an explosive question and answer session.

MARCO Grand Rounds for Jul7 29, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will need some input as we will be discussing "THE VIRTUAL PATIENT." This refers to the distance placed between patients and those learning to be doctors. With the in-out revolving door and the emphasis on efficiency, patients are being replaced by images (MRI, CT, sonograms etc.) and mannequins.

"When was the last time an autopsy was performed doctor?" "We don't do them anymore, now that we have scanning devices."

Physical diagnosis is being replaced by technology and thus the sky-rocketing cost of medical care. Patients are not in hospitals long enough for students to work them up.

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION--GOOD? BAD? if so, what is your answer if there is one? Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for Jul7 22, 2007

Sorry for the late posting - I was in an Internet eclipse for a couple of weeks...

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Tobacco." A Senate Committed is sponsoring a bill to give the FDA authority to regulate chemical levels in cigarettes in an effort to produce a more "safer" cigarette. We will discuss the new drugs available to help quit the habit. Remember the ad "Doctors prefer Camels?" Doctors now prefer four-legged camels. I had my picture taken on one--cost me $20. When I tried to get off the animal the owner wouldn't let me down until I gave him another $20! Chisler--yep, he was wearing a sheet and had a beard. I'd still be on that camel if I didn't have the extra 20.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 15, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of Lymphoma. Hodgkins Lymphoma is one of the first cancers to be "curable." How far have we come towards "curing" non-Hodgkins? Have we come as far as to have a patient in remission run for President of the U.S.?

We now know that the leukemias and lymphomas are closely related and progress is rather rapid. Tune in, should be interesting--14.307, Sunday 10 a.m. Eastern.

CW net will start at 9:30 a.m Eastern on 14.307.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 8, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "how to stop medicines." We didn't quite finish, so we will conclude that this Sunday. If we have time we will then discuss Lymphoma, latest treatments etc.

Another tentative name has been submitted for the Newsletter....MARCO Polo--world traveler who spreads the news? Comment requested.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 1, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Field Day, last weekend--we will resume the educational portion of MARCO with a discussion of an article in Family Practice Recertificaiton, June 2007, page 45 titled, " DRUGS YOU MIGHT STOP: A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO MEDICATiON DEBRIDEMENT."

My 756 radio took 8 days to travel to ICOM in Seattle and will be out for about three weeks. I will probably be using Bill KC9CS's rig Sunday. He has a great antenna and should get out a handy signal. Hope everyone is having a grand early summer.

No Grand Rounds on June 24!

There will not be a formal net this Sunday since it is FIELD DAY and all of us should be out in the field. However, tune in 14.307 for a VOX POX voice of the people conversation.

Unfortunately, my radio is on the way to the State of Washington. My ICOM 756 froze on 14.307 and unable to reset so they advised my sending it in. Should be back by the following Sunday.

Danny is in Hawaii and brought his radio gear with him so he may be on for the CW and SSB.

Warren KD4gua.

Dioxin and Microwave Ovens

There has been an email making the rounds warning people not to use dishes or plastic wrap in a microwave oven, or to freeze liquids in plastic containers. The purported risk is increased cancer risk due to contamination with dioxin. The email quotes a Dr. Edward Fujimoto from Castle Hospital, and also attributes the warning to experts at "John Hopkins [sic].

The appearance of the message on the MARCO-list motivated Bob, K4RLC to search the literature:

As I mentioned before, I checked the report from an unnamed cancer specialist at Johns Hopkins on Snopes.com, a website which reviews such urban myths. Like most, there may be an element of truth, but placed in mythic proportions.
But, you have to ask, which physician at Hopkins, in which edition of the newsletter, etc made this statement. Then, what is the concentration of dioxin in saran wrap, how does microwaving cause this change, in what concentration and at what level of toxicity (if any) to a human. It smacks of an urban myth.
I did a quick Lit review at NIH Natl Library on Medicine (PUB MED), and below are the first 20 hits out of 1400. The first article (abstract listed) notes that Alcohol is the second most likely "food contamination" for carcogenic potential!
The second article cites dioxin as a possible protectant against breast ca.
However, as I have learned, one study doesn't make science.
Anyway, until someone can cite a specific physician at Hopkins and a specific edition of their consumer newsletter, then this info is a myth. But, something worth watching.
Always the skeptic,
Bob K4RLC
At the beach today (Windy Hill, SC) trying to check in on cw

1: Abnet CC.
Carcinogenic food contaminants.
Cancer Invest. 2007 Apr-May;25(3):189-96.
PMID: 17530489 [PubMed - in process]
Nutritional Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. Rockville, Maryland. USA.
A large number of scientific studies and reviews have addressed the potential for dietary components to influence the risk of developing cancer. One topic of particular interest has been the impact of food contaminants. Two complementary programs, among others, have reviewed and synthesized information on the carcinogenic potential of food contaminants and judged the degree of evidence linking different food contaminants to the risk of cancer in humans. These programs, the International Agency for Research on Cancer's IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans and the US National Toxicology Program's Report of Carcinogens have reviewed hundreds of chemicals, mixtures, and natural products and then graded the cancer risk posed to humans. Contaminants with the highest level of evidence include aflatoxin, alcoholic beverages, 2,3,7,8-tetracholordibenzo-p-dioxin. Agents with a moderate level of evidence include acetaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some nitrosamines, and yerba mate. Agents with a low level of evidence include bracken fern, fumonsin B(1), ochratoxin, and others. This review presents a summary of the evidence for the carcinogenicity of these and other agents and the ranks provided by two important assessment programs.
PMID: 17530489 [PubMed - in process]

2: Hsu EL, Yoon D, Choi HH, Wang F, Taylor RT, Chen N, Zhang R, Hankinson O.
A Proposed Mechanism for the Protective Effect of Dioxin Against Breast Cancer:
MECHANISM FOR CANCER PROTECTION BY DIOXIN.
Toxicol Sci. 2007 May 21; [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 17517823 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Doctoral Program, School of Public Health.
Although it is causative for many types of cancers, experimental and epidemiological evidence suggest that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin) may in fact protect against breast cancer. The mechanism(s) for this protection remain unclear. In an attempt to further elucidate this mechanism, we performed a microarray experiment to identify genes that were modulated upon dioxin treatment. We found that dioxin down-regulated the mRNAs for the G-protein coupled receptor, CXCR4, as well as its unique chemokine ligand, CXCL12, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that the corresponding proteins are also down-regulated by dioxin. The interaction between CXCR4 and CXCL12 plays a central role in the metastasis of breast cancer, as disruption of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis has been shown to limit the metastasis of breast cancer cells to the lung in mice. Utilizing an in vitro chemotaxis assay, we demonstrate that dioxin specifically inhibits the migration of MCF-7 cells towards CXCL12. We also show that dioxin reduces CXCR4 under hypoxia and CXCL12 under estradiol-induced conditions in MCF-7 cells. Finally, as the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis is implicated in the progression of numerous types of cancer, we identified several other cancer cell lines in which dioxin modulates CXCR4 and CXCL12 levels. We therefore propose that one mechanism whereby dioxin may protect against breast cancer is via down-regulation of CXCR4 and CXCL12, thereby inhibiting progression of the disease. Further, other non-toxic ligands for the AHR (Selective Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Modulators) may exert their protective effects by a similar mechanism.
PMID: 17517823 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

3: Hensley AR, Scott A, Rosenfeld PE, Clark JJ.
Attic dust and human blood samples collected near a former wood treatment
facility.
Environ Res. 2007 May 19; [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 17517389 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

4: Brody JG, Moysich KB, Humblet O, Attfield KR, Beehler GP, Rudel RA.
Environmental pollutants and breast cancer: epidemiologic studies.
Cancer. 2007 May 14;109(S12):2667-2711 [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 17503436 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

5: Burchiel SW, Thompson TA, Lauer FT, Oprea TI.
Activation of dioxin response element (DRE)-associated genes by benzo(a)pyrene
3,6-quinone and benzo(a)pyrene 1,6-quinone in MCF-10A human mammary epithelial
cells.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2007 Jun 1;221(2):203-14. Epub 2007 Mar 13.
PMID: 17466351 [PubMed - in process]

6: Eskenazi B, Warner M, Samuels S, Young J, Gerthoux PM, Needham L, Patterson D,
Olive D, Gavoni N, Vercellini P, Mocarelli P.
Serum Dioxin Concentrations and Risk of Uterine Leiomyoma in the Seveso Women's
Health Study.
Am J Epidemiol. 2007 Jul 1;166(1):79-87. Epub 2007 Apr 18.
PMID: 17443023 [PubMed - in process]

7: Warner M, Eskenazi B, Olive DL, Samuels S, Quick-Miles S, Vercellini P,
Gerthoux PM, Needham L, Patterson DG, Mocarelli P.
Serum dioxin concentrations and quality of ovarian function in women of Seveso.
Environ Health Perspect. 2007 Mar;115(3):336-40. Epub 2006 Dec 20.
PMID: 17431480 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8: Cheng Y, Chang LW, Cheng LC, Tsai MH, Lin P.
4-Methoxyestradiol-induced oxidative injuries in human lung epithelial cells.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2007 May 1;220(3):271-7. Epub 2007 Feb 14.
PMID: 17397890 [PubMed - in process]

9: Gavva NR, Bannon AW, Surapaneni S, Hovland DN Jr, Lehto SG, Gore A, Juan T,
Deng H, Han B, Klionsky L, Kuang R, Le A, Tamir R, Wang J, Youngblood B, Zhu D,
Norman MH, Magal E, Treanor JJ, Louis JC.
The vanilloid receptor TRPV1 is tonically activated in vivo and involved in body
temperature regulation.
J Neurosci. 2007 Mar 28;27(13):3366-74.
PMID: 17392452 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10: Angerer J, Ewers U, Wilhelm M.
Human biomonitoring: state of the art.
Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2007 May;210(3-4):201-28. Epub 2007 Mar 21.
PMID: 17376741 [PubMed - in process]

11: Steenland K, Bartell S.
Caution in drawing conclusions from PBPK models based on sparse human data.
Risk Anal. 2007 Feb;27(1):7-8; author reply 9-10. No abstract available.
PMID: 17362395 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

12: National Toxicology Program.
NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of a Binary Mixture of
3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) (CAS No. 57465-28-8) and
2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118) (CAS No. 31508-00-6) in Female Harlan
Sprague-Dawley Rats (Gavage Studies).
Natl Toxicol Program Tech Rep Ser. 2006 Nov;(531):1-218.
PMID: 17342196 [PubMed - in process]

13: National Toxicology Program.
NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of a Mixture of
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD) (CAS No. 1746-01-6),
2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) (CAS No. 57117-31-4), and
3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) (CAS No. 57465-28-8) in Female Harlan
Sprague-Dawley Rats (Gavage Studies).
Natl Toxicol Program Tech Rep Ser. 2006 Sep;(526):1-180.
PMID: 17342195 [PubMed - in process]

14: Read D, Wright C, Weinstein P, Borman B.
Cancer incidence and mortality in a New Zealand community potentially exposed to
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin from 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid
manufacture.
Aust N Z J Public Health. 2007 Feb;31(1):13-8.
PMID: 17333602 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

15: Thundiyil JG, Solomon GM, Miller MD.
Transgenerational exposures: persistent chemical pollutants in the environment
and breast milk.
Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007 Feb;54(1):81-101, ix. Review.
PMID: 17306685 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

16: Ruan Q, Gelhaus SL, Penning TM, Harvey RG, Blair IA.
Aldo-keto reductase- and cytochrome P450-dependent formation of
benzo[a]pyrene-derived DNA adducts in human bronchoalveolar cells.
Chem Res Toxicol. 2007 Mar;20(3):424-31. Epub 2007 Feb 13.
PMID: 17295519 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

17: Schmidt M, Ungvari J, Glode J, Dobner B, Langner A.
New 1,3-dioxolane and 1,3-dioxane derivatives as effective modulators to overcome
multidrug resistance.
Bioorg Med Chem. 2007 Mar 15;15(6):2283-97. Epub 2007 Jan 19.
PMID: 17276076 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

18: Gaudry J, Skiehar K.
Promoting environmentally responsible health care.
Can Nurse. 2007 Jan;103(1):22-6. Review.
PMID: 17269580 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

19: Bonzo JA, Belanger A, Tukey RH.
The role of chrysin and the ah receptor in induction of the human UGT1A1 gene in
vitro and in transgenic UGT1 mice.
Hepatology. 2007 Feb;45(2):349-60.
PMID: 17256720 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

20: Jiang Q, Hanari N, Miyake Y, Okazawa T, Lau RK, Chen K, Wyrzykowska B, So MK,
Yamashita N, Lam PK.
Health risk assessment for polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated
dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and polychlorinated naphthalenes in seafood
from Guangzhou and Zhoushan, China.
Environ Pollut. 2007 Jul;148(1):31-9. Epub 2007 Jan 24.

and:

Here's another  important abstract, just published this month, reviewing this
area. Note their analysis of dioxins below. Also, go to the Silent Spring website and you can get a full text of this article, which has full review of environmental toxins and ca. Vy good review article.

Bob K4RLC

1: Cancer. 2007 Jun 15;109(S12):2667-2711.

Environmental pollutants and breast cancer: epidemiologic studies.

Brody JG, Moysich KB, Humblet O, Attfield KR, Beehler GP, Rudel RA.

Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Massachusetts.

Laboratory research has shown that numerous environmental pollutants cause
mammary gland tumors in animals; are hormonally active, specifically mimicking
estrogen, which is a breast cancer risk factor; or affect susceptibility of the
mammary gland to carcinogenesis. An assessment of epidemiologic research on these
pollutants identified in toxicologic studies can guide future research and
exposure reduction aimed at prevention. The PubMed database was searched for
relevant literature and systematic critical reviews were entered in a database
available at URL: www.silentspring.org/sciencereview and URL:
www.komen.org/environment (accessed April 10, 2007). Based on a relatively small
number of studies, the evidence to date generally supports an association between
breast cancer and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) in conjunction with certain genetic polymorphisms involved in
carcinogen activation and steroid hormone metabolism. Evidence regarding dioxins
and organic solvents is sparse and methodologically limited but suggestive of an
association. Methodologic problems include inadequate exposure assessment, a lack
of access to highly exposed and unexposed populations, and a lack of preclinical
markers to identify associations that may be obscured by disease latency. Among
chemicals identified in toxicologic research as relevant to breast cancer, many
have not been investigated in humans. The development of better exposure
assessment methods is needed to fill this gap. In the interim, weaknesses in the
epidemiologic literature argue for greater reliance on toxicologic studies to
develop national policies to reduce chemical exposures that may be associated
with breast cancer. Substantial research progress in the last 5 years suggests
that the investigation of environmental pollutants will lead to strategies to
reduce breast cancer risk. Cancer 2007. (c) 2007 American Cancer Society.

PMID: 17503436 [Pubmed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Links

  Environmental pollutants, diet, physical activity, body size, and breast cancer:
where do we stand in research to identify opportunities for prevention? [Cancer.
2007] PMID:17503444

  Environmental pollutants and breast cancer. [Environ Health Perspect. 2003]
PMID:12826474

  Chemicals causing mammary gland tumors in animals signal new directions for
epidemiology, chemicals testing, and risk assessment for breast cancer
prevention. [Cancer. 2007] PMID:17503434

  Sources, pathways, and relative risks of contaminants in surface water and
groundwater: a perspective prepared for the Walkerton inquiry. [J Toxicol Environ
Health A. 2002] PMID:11809004

  Hormonal and environmental factors affecting cell proliferation and neoplasia
in the mammary gland. [Prog Clin Biol Res. 1996] PMID:8778798
PMID: 17254684 [PubMed - in process]

Danny, W4DAN then added a bit of levity to the proceedings:

Personally, I think K4RLC's comments and research should be taken more
seriously than the email forwarded and originated from an unknown source.

I suspect that the email is a hoax, for the simple reason that
the original sender requests everyone forward the email. Most emails that
request forwarding are usually hoaxes. The FW FW in the subject line is a
give away of a game that has been played ever since "someone" invented the
Internet. Another thing that makes me suspect that it is a deception is the
spelling of Johns Hopkins. The hoaxologist calls it it John Hopkins. Who is
(Dr.?) Edward Fujimoto? Sounds like a good Japanese family name to me.
Where in the world is Castle Hospital?

I must say 73 now and pop my microwave popcorn. I don't know what the paper
bag is made of, so I will pour the corn into an UNCOVERED corning ware bowl before
I pop it. I have tried metal containers in the past, but that created an electrical
storm in the microwave oven.

Please don't forward this email to 399 people. Someone may suspect that I am
hoping that it will make the circuit and rounds, eventually returning back to my mailbox.

Danny, W4DAN

Iron Lung Remembrances

Warren's talk about post-polio syndrome touched on the old iron-lung respirators.

Bobby, KM5VU asked what the longest survival was in one of these devices. Later, he answered his own question on the Marco-list reflector:

RE Our discussion on grand rounds..( Warren really had a good discussion.)

As of 2003, the longest surviving iron lung patient was a man in England who was 64 in 2003 and got polio at age 17.

Most of the time, he used a more modern negative pressure ventilator at home. This device is actually only a little larger than his chest.

Until a few years ago, I had a patient who in an iron lung about 45 years, having gotten polio as a young child. His mother took care of him at their home for over 40 years. For some reason, he never got into the smaller device but was in one of the old noisy iron lungs that looked exactly like the pictures we see of polio wards in the early 60’s.

I went out to the house to see him every couple of months. His mother did a terrific job keeping him alive all those decades. Several articles mentioned that in recent years it has been hard to find spare parts for the old machines and the mother had similar problems. If he had a serious infection we would transport him and the iron lung to the hospital. I think that in the early 80’s his mom and dad had him come to the hospital so they could take a brief vacation….their only one in like 40 years.

He died of pneumonia.

Bobby, KM5VU

Jeff K6JW added this:

When I was in medical school at NYU in the late 60s, I did a summer fellowship in the NYU Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, now named the Rusk Institute after its founder and leading proponent, Howard Rusk. I remember well that we had several patients there still in Drinker respirators (iron lungs) and at least one large store room packed with old Drinkers. Nearly 40 years later, I have no idea whether those respirators are still in storage somewhere or have been destroyed but, if anyone needs spare parts, the Rusk Institute is the most likely place to have them.

--JW, K6JW

Then Marilyn Currier shared her memories:

I worked as a teacher on the polio ward in Ann Arbor in the early 50s. It was quite an experience - iron lungs, the old chest respirators and swinging beds. I was not a nurse but even I learned to put on the chest respirators when a patient got tired of breathing on his own, and to look for signs of trouble and call a nurse. One of the patients was finally sent to a nursing home and he died soon after he got there - someone there left a vent open. I was on the ward when the news of the Salk vaccine was announced on the radio and there were many breathy cheers on that ward that day.

Marilyn Currier

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 17, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will briefly touch on the new "anti-fat" pill Alli which is the 1999 Orlistat which is now available over the counter.

THEN, we will dive into POST POLIO SYNDROME, something many of you never heard of--but read on--There is an estimated 1.6 million post polio victims still alive in the USA and 60% of them will develop POST POLIO SYNDROME. Many of these had what was called "abortive" or "non-paralytic" polio and some didn't know they even had it! What happens is the polio victim regains strength through exercising the remaining muscles which give them relief. However, with AGING the weakened muscles + time begin to give symptoms. Many of the multiple diseases of agiing are post-polio syndromes.

Example: I have a friend who was in an aircraft accident when he was 35....he suffered multiple lumbar fractures and knee fractures....he got better with exercise. BUT, when he hit 69, the damaged tissues began to go and go fast--his compensation buildup had now disappeared....this is what happens in Post Polio syndrome, the damaged anterior roots lose axons with time and BANG--where are we? Tune in -- should be a good one.


[Tune in to MARCO Grand Rounds on 14.307 KHz at 10AM EDT, Sundays]

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 10, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week Harry WB9EDP discussed the TB situation and the use of the rapid diagnostic molecular method called the Quantiferon TB test which is very sensitive which cuts down the potential diagnostic time for TB to a matter of days rather than weeks.

The timing of medications was the title but because HIV and TB require DOT (direct observed therapy) to be effective, meds must be given routinely or they don't work.

We also learned that MDR (multi-drug resistant)-TB is TB resistant to INH and RMP (rifampin) and that XDR-TB (extensively drug resistant TB) is resistant to any one of the the following: Kanamycin, Careomycin and Amikacin.

Remember, the 100 year old skin tests will tell you if the patient has been exposed to TB not that he has ACTIVE TB. Most people who grew up in the large cities have positive TB skin tests because of the exposure in crowded areas.

This Sunday we will continue the discussion...tune in 14.307, 10 a.m. eastern on Sunday.

PS: Sympathy to Bernie and Linda in El Paso for the loss of their little dog Pixie who was taken away in an auto accident.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 3, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Sunday (May 27) we had 31 check-ins with varying propagation--in and out.

We discussed timing of meds which brought us to the situation in the HIV and TB fields where timing is very important. This week we will discuss timing in these two diseases with the help of Harry WB9EDP and the rest. With massive immigration both these diseases are disseminating, especially drug-fast acid fast TB.

Newsletter should be in the mail Wednesday.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 27, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of "What is the right time to take certain meds." Just like we take highballs before dinner for maximum effect, we should take certain medicines at different times of day for maximum effect. Tune in and discover the latest cutting-edge science of chronobiology.

If you prefer to start early, check into the new NEAT Net, the CW Morse code Marco net that will start taking checkins at 9:30 EDT from Bob Morgan in Hamilton Ontario followed by Arnold Kalan in California at the 45 minute mark. Don't be afraid if you are slow--check in slow..the HF Grand Rounds will commence at the usual 10 a.m. Eastern 14.307 mark.

Dayton update, May 19, 2007

Well, it certainly did not feel like Hamvention today - the weather was actually quite nice! Apart from a bit of late morning cloudiness, we were treated to partial sunshine and very comfortable temperatures.

Attendance continued to appear diminished compared with years past, although I met at least three "first-timers." Despite less traffic, most of the merchants appeared to be happy.

The MARCO booth remained a busy place. We ran out of membership applications and nearly ran out of sample newsletters. Please welcome seven new members:
Gavin Roberts W9EYE
Bill Davidson W9SWW
Jose Vicens NP3JG
Thad Juszczak KD8CGS
Janelle Hideg KD8CTU
Brent Haskell AB8DG
Jerry Hermell N4UEV

We also had notable visits from John WD8MNV, Bill WA9HIR, Rich N1IXF, and Marc K9PET (who might make an interesting speaker at the banquet next year).

The major purchase of the day belonged to Keith, who picked up a new used Yaesu handheld.

I was able to attend a portion of the DX Forum, where a new DXpedition to Ducie Island, to take place in February 2008, was announced. See www.vp6dx.com. I also heard my old friend Ramon, YV5EED, do a presentation on the 2006 Aves Island operation, and stuck around for part of the report on Swains' Island.

I also stopped by Pietro Begali's busy booth to ogle his newest creation, the "Sculpture" paddle. This keyer paddle is fashioned from stainless steel. I'm not sure that it has quite the elegant look of the "Signature," but if anything the action is even smoother. Another winner from this fine gentleman.

After packing up for the day, the three musketeers (N3IM, N5RTF, and KM2L) headed to Outback Steakhouse for a libation and some grub. We then said our farewells. Bruce wull head back to Clarence in the morning, Chip has an afternoon flight to New Orleans, and Keith will pack up the display and head for home.

See you at the 2008 MARCO Annual meeting, in fabulous Dayton, Ohio!

Dayton update - May 18, 2007

Hamvention got into full swing this morning. The MARCO booth was an active place as usual - newsletters and membership applications flew off the table.

We welcome 5 new members who "took the plunge" today:
Paul Lilly K4STE
Mark Pinsky W8MP
Michael Strange WA2BHB
Yoshinobu Suwabe JH1URT
Joanne Maenpaa K9JKM

Members, old and prospective stopped by to chat. they included (a necessarily incomplete list, as I was not there all day and did not take notes when I was) Carl WA3ZZU, Bill WA9HIR, Stuart WA9PZL, Mike NR3C, Paul N5AN, George K2ONP, and my old friend Ramon YV5EED.

The prize for biggest purchase of the day goes to Chip N5RTF, who bagged a Begali Signature paddle. For those not familiar, it is a museum-quality code paddle with a highly-polished palladium base and gold-plated moving parts. It works as well as it looks.

The rest of us survived day one with only minor wallet damage.

A few general notes on Hamvention

It appeared that the gathering was smaller than in years past. Some vendor spaces, both indoors and outdoors were vacant, and the crowd was not as large as it is in some years. Still, they were abundant and enthusiastic. There are some marvelous new toys available - Elecraft showed its beautiful new K3 transceiver, and Ten Tec had the new Omni VII on display. Kenwood has a
VHF/UHF rig with built-in Echolink connectivity. That's cool! There was also a German-built HF transceiver on display that looked absolutely gorgeous. It is not quite yet available commercially, but will soon hit the market in the $10K price class. I only had a short time to spend in the flea market - will probably see it in more detail tomorrow. Carl 'ZZU did score a deal on a carton full of commercial band handheld transceivers. He has plans...

Chip raised the prospect of MARCO obtaining a space in the flea market next year in addition to the indoor booth. This would cost $70. We would have an outdoor presence, a place for members to sit if the weather is good, and we could use the space to permit members to sell their gear.

Once the day's gathering was over, N3IM, N5RTF, WA3ZZU and KM2L dined at Joe's crab house. The dinner discussion ranged from technology to theology to history and of course included clinical medicine.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 20, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday, Harry finished his lecture on cumulative doses of radiation which was VERY intersting. He suggested each radiology lab have a safey officer to check on radiation since most radiologists see a patient one time on an assembly line basis more or less and don't know the patients' past radiation history.

This is especially important because today's younger physicians have a deficit learning experience in physical diagnosis and are relying more and more on radiation machines for diagnosis. He mentioned that doctors are being held in neglect for not taking radiation diagnostic testing and now for taking TOO MUCH radiation testing for diagnostic purposes, putting the poor doctor between a rock and a hard place.

Harry mentioned, even ultra sound and MRI causes motion of molecules which generates energy which may convert to some extent into radiation forms.

I wish Harry would send us that lecture for the newsletter.

Moral of the story: RADIATION ENERGY IS CUMULATIVE stay out of the sunlight and the radiation moonlight.

This week we will go into timing of medications, what is the best time to take high blood pressure meds, calcium pills etc. Absorption of medicines is influended by food intake, time of day, altitude, presence of other drugs, and by the patient's own Circadian Rhythm. In the not too distant future, attorneys will be wanting to know what drug you prescribed and why and when you wanted it given.

Homeostasis, a theory conceived in 1925 which puts the body on the same plane at all hours of the day under all situations, is still being taught in medical schools. It has however, been replaced with what is now termed "Chronobiology."

Tune in Sunday, 14.307, 10 a.m. Eastern--should be fun--also, check into the CW net at 9:30 a.m. eastern, makes no difference how slow you are. More later.

Live from Dayton!!

The faithful are gathering once again at Hamvention.

Keith Adams, N3IM, endured a huge traffic tie-up on the interstate in order to make his way here from Hazleton, PA. He prevailed, and the MARCO display is set up and awaiting tomorrow's crowds.

Chip Keister, N5RTF reported a surprisingly smooth flight up from New Orleans, and arrived on time and in good shape.

Your correspondent, Bruce KM2L, spent an uneventful 7 hours driving down from upstate New York.

We three met in the bar of the Holiday Inn North to loosen up and get reacquainted, and then adjourned to Smokey Bones for a good-enough barbecue dinner.

Tune in tomorrow evening, when I will report on new members, spottings of existing members, and the sights and sounds of Hamvention.

-KM2L
John Bennett WD8NMV was sighted, and there was a rumor of Roger Higley, W8CRK.

Proposal for the CW net from W4DAN

The following is my opinion which has resulted from a discussion at the Santa Monica meeting. It is only my opinion and I am stating it in an effort to open discussion on this subject. Anyone that has any suggestions should not hesitate to reply or comment.

CW interest has increased within the last six months among many of the MARCO members. The number of check-ins before the SSB net on Sunday mornings has increased. There are several more that listen, but are reluctant to check in because their comfortable CW speed is slightly slower than many that are regular and have checked in for years. While interest in CW is on the upswing, and we have the potential of increasing participation in the CW net, maybe it is time to organize net procedure to accommodate all comers equally. If a formal roll call is implemented at the beginning of the net to recognize everyone that wants to check in, an efficient and orderly net will result. After all have checked in, then declare it a free net for comments. To oblige those that prefer slower operation, care should be taken to call the net at a slower than usual speed until everyone eventually gets up to speed. This would encourage more check-ins. After a fashion those new to CW net operation will become confident and comfortable with higher speeds. Of course, late check-ins should be listened for and permitted even after a free net has been declared.

There is a good potential of having a very successful CW net, but maybe we should have a little organized direction. VE3OQM has served as CW net control for many years. WB6OJB has done a great job of picking up the net when Bob was not on frequency or could not be copied. I would suggest that Bob could call CQ MARCO de VE3OQM QNI. As soon as he has taken all stations he can hear, Arnold would call CQ MARCO QNI. Because of their locations, most on frequency should hear one or the other of them.

Each station wishing to check in should reply with their call sign followed with QRU if they have no messages or QTC if they have a message. Net control should recognize the traffic and allow the message to be transmitted to the desired station. After everyone has checked in and been recognized, net control could send the QNF signal which declares the net free or uncontrolled. At that time individual stations could call each other and QSO at will.

Example:
CQ MARCO, CQ MARCO, de VE3OQM VE3OQM QNI QNI K
VE3OQM de N6DMV QNI QRU K
VE3OQM de WB6OJB QNI QTC K
VE3OQM de KD4GUA QNI QRU K
............. until all have checked in that VE3OQM can hear

VE3OQM recognizes each check in by sending QNS and listing all check ins,
he then asks WB6OJB who he has traffic for. When WB6OJB says he has traffic for KD4GUA, then VE3OQM requests that KD4GUA call WB6OJB to receive the traffic. Then Warren sends WB6OJB de KD4GUA QRV K. Then WB6OJB tells KD4GUA what he has to say.

After this takes place, VE3OQM calls WB6OJB to take QNI. WB6OJB then takes check ins in the same manner as described above. After the QNS by WB6OJB, then Arnold can declare the net free by sending QNF.

I am not saying that it is best to use the Q signals. This could be done without using Q signals by the net control station(s) formally taking check ins and recognizing them. I really see no problem with that, as long as there is a quick and orderly fashion of everyone getting checked in. Remember to slow down, so that everyone participating can copy and recognize all the calls.

As stated above, I thought this should be brought up for discussion because I know for a fact that there are members that listen but are reluctant to participate because they are presently not confident to operate at faster code speeds. Lets give everyone a break. Encourage as many to check in as possible and we could very well have one of the most successful CW nets on the air. I see interest growing. To do this, I would suggest the CW net begin at 9:30 EDT and try to have QNI over by 9:45 EDT so the free net can be enjoyed as usual.

If you have a better idea, don’t agree, or if you can think of anything that would enhance this endeavor, please let us know. I may be going in the wrong direction with this. If I am, tell me about it. For those that are on their way to Dayton this weekend, I feel that we should hold up on any decisions until they return home, have a chance to read this and reply, if desired.

Danny – W4DAN

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 13, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Now that everyone is supposed to be home after Santa Monica, we will discuss DRUG TIMING AND THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK. What is the best time to take allergy meds? Asthma drugs? Peptic ulcer drugs? Potassium? Coumadin? Calcium tablets?

A beer in Denver (the mile-high city) will hit you harder than one in Miami at sea level. The same is true with drugs. Tune in, should be interesting.

Minutes of the MARCO Annual Meeting, May 2007

The annual membership meeting of the Medical Amateur Radio Council took place on the morning of May 4, 2007 at the Doubletree Suites in Santa Monica, CA.

Members in Attendance:

WB6OJB, President
WA1HGE, Treasurer
W4DAN, Secretary
KD4GUA, Newsletter Editor
N6DMV
W6CS
KA7LOT
4X1LL
K6JW
KM2L

The meeting was called to order by WB6OJB at 8:15 AM PDT.

1. President WB6OJB welcomed the members to southern California, and extended his thanks to the officers and Newsletter Editor for their hard work and valuable contributions.

2. Minutes of the 2006 meeting were read and approved with the following correction: Item (4) should have stated that dues checks go to W4DAN, not WA1HGE.

3. W4DAN requested that members sending renewals to him should submit a membership information form (printed in each issue of the Newsletter). In this way he will be sure to have current address information.

4. The Secretary also reported that MARCO has 238 dues-paying members. We will have a presence again at Hamvention in Dayton, with N3IM, N5RTF, and KM2L manning the booth. W4DAN has been working with the Holiday Inn North on a contract for next year’s meeting. The Secretary’s report was accepted.

5. The Treasurer reported that in 2006 dues collections were increased over 2005. Our main expenses are the newsletter and the annual meeting.

Category 1/1/05 – 12/31/05 1/1/06 – 12/31/06 Difference

Inflows

Interest 7.69 11.05 3.36
Dues 3047.65 5223.61 2175.96
MediShare 7287.35 5767.87 -1519.48

Total 10342.69 11002.53 659.84

Outflows

Advertising 405.60 405.00 .60
Meeting 1720.52 1360.88 359.64
Contribution 0.00 100.00 -100.00
MediShare
Internet 100.00 0.00 100.00
Newsletter 1400.00 2100.00 -700.00
Office 0.00 31.46 -31.46

MediShare 5830.00 0.00 5830.00

Total 9546.12 3997.34 5458.78

Overall Total 886.57 7005.19 6118.62

The current MediShare balance is $7584.04, and the current total balance is $18802.45.

The membership roster database will be backed up periodically by W4DAN, and a copy forwarded to WA1HGE. The Treasurer’s report was accepted.

6. A written MediShare International report was submitted by N5QF, who was unable to attend the meeting. This report contained an update on the project to equip ambulances in Sri Lanka with two-way radio capability. Also, we have been asked to support a project of the dental school at University of North Carolina. In July, 2007, four dental students will travel to Malawi to assist at a new dental school there. MediShare Chairperson N5QF recommended that we contribute $400 to this effort. There was discussion of the MediShare net. The plan has been to convene on Echolink and, after a few minutes, move to 40 meters. Recently the NIH Echolink node has been down, however. It was noted that member WA3QWA is thinking about setting up Echolink capability. Also mentioned in the report was our brief interaction with Christian Medishare, a provider of health insurance to missionaries. We had placed a link to their organization on the MediShare website, as both entities had received misdirected email messages intended for the other. This actually seemed to make matters worse, however, so the link was removed. The MediShare report was accepted.

7. Smitty, W6CS, retold the story of MediShare’s origins and of the birth of the Bush Hospital Foundation.

8. KD4GUA presented the Newsletter Editor’s report. He continues to look for classified advertising. There was considerable discussion about a new name for the Newsletter. Suggestions included:

MARCO Carrier Signal
Sparkey
Cross Talk
MARCO Waves
MARCO Ether
Æther Or

For the past several months, a *.pdf version of the Newsletter has been published and made available for download on the MARCO Web site. This has been well-received. The report was accepted.

9. WA1HGE moved that the Assistant Treasurer (co-signer on the bank account) be the Secretary, rather than the President. This motion was carried.

10. KD4GUA noted that WB9EDP has acted as back-up net control station for Grand Rounds. Due to his location (Chicago), not everyone can hear him, however. KE5BQK (El Paso) has recently acted as a relay station. She is easily heard in the East, but not on the West Coast.

11. N5RTF submitted a brief report in-absentia. He continues to provide an Internet audio feed of Sunday morning Grand Rounds. He is still looking for someone with a better location to supply him with audio. Chip also asked for follow up on last year’s suggestion that MARCO develop and print its own QSL cards. WF1R had promised to do the art work for this, but he is now a silent key. It was suggested by WB6OJB instead that we make up stickers that each member could place on his/her own cards. The report was accepted.

12. W4DAN reported on the CW net which convenes prior to Grand Rounds. The participants have enjoyed it greatly. He proposed that the CW group convene 30 minutes prior to Grand Rounds, and initially take formal check-ins. After this, the frequency would be opened for general QSOs. He will float this proposal on the email reflector for comment.

13. There was discussion of N5RTF’s proposal at last year’s meeting to assist in placing ham stations in hospitals. KA7LOT stated that many VA hospitals are already so equipped, but the stations are usually not staffed. It was agreed that the operation of these emergency stations must be handled by local amateur radio organizations, and that MARCO’s scope is different.

14. For the past few years we have offered a $10 special introductory membership for new members joining at Dayton. Approximately 50% of these people renew their memberships. It was decided to continue this program.

15. The question of CME credit for those who audit Grand Rounds was raised. Some prospective members have Technician licenses and are unable to transmit on our net frequency. CME credit can be granted if we develop a post-lecture test for these people to take.

16. Other recruitment ideas were discussed. Our ad in QST will be reworded to make it more general and welcoming. KA7LOT suggested placing an ad in a medical newspaper or journal, in order to reach a different audience. There was debate as to whether a short advertisement or an article would be more likely to yield new members.

17. Recently Grand Rounds was moved from 14.308 MHz to 14.307 MHZ, to give us greater separation from the very wide, poor-quality signals on 14.310 MHz. This has been beneficial, and we will continue to convene on 14.307 MHz.

18. On four weekends each year Grand Rounds is nearly obliterated by contest QRM. These are the weekends of the CQWW, SS, ARRL DX, and CQ WPX phone contests. The question was raised as to whether we should continue to hold nets on those weekends. KD4GUA suggested that we try to get on our frequency early at those times to preserve a spot.

19. There was a brief discussion of the MARCO blog. KM2L has been the only contributor – although other officers have been invited to join, none have. The blog does provide a useful archive of interesting posts to MARCO-list. MARCO’s officers will be reinvited to join as contributors.

20. The MARCO-list email listserv continues to be a valuable resource for the organization. At some point in the future we will have to look at relocating the listserv and Web site from the University at Buffalo to another host, but we are OK for now.

21. W4DAN distributed printed membership rosters. This information is currently available in .pdf format through the MARCO website. After some debate it was decided that due to privacy concerns, Web access to this information should be discontinued.

22. 4X1LL indicated that he would attempt to establish a European MARCO net.

23. KA7LOT delivered an informative talk about VA medicine. This generated considerable discussion.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 PM

MARCO Annual Meeting

MARCO's annual Membership Meeting was held from May 3 to May 6 in Santa Monica, California.

Congratulations to hosts Arnold WB6OJB and his wife Joan for putting on an absolutely great show. Attendees included Treasurer Lou WA1HGE, Secretary Danny W4DAN and his wife Caroline, Newsletter Editor Warren KD4GUA and his wife Greetje, Paul N6DMV, Smitty W6CS, Bert KA7LOT and his wife Nancy, Jeff K6JW and his wife Rowie, Lionel 4X1LL, and yours truly, Bruce KM2L.

We had a successful business meeting. Minutes are posted separately and available at the MARCO Website. There was sightseeing and also fine dining, at Il Fornaio, El Cholo, and a wonderful banquet at Back On the Beach. There, Arnie N6HC entertained us with tales of the K7C DXpedition to Kure Atoll. Look for him in the fall from St. Brandon. WA1HGE led a remembrance of former long-time MARCO Secretary Robin, WF1R, who became a silent key during the past year.

Hope to see you all enxt year at the 2008 MARCO annual meeting, to be held in conjunction with the Dayton Hamvention.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 6, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed fMRI, the ability to determine a more accurate "lie detector test" than the polygraph. We talked about the EEG type and now the more elaborate MRI scan both with and without contrast (PET). Two companies are already in the business. Look for more details in the next "SparKey".

This Sunday, many of us will be in Santa Monica. Harry WB9EDP will handle net control duties this week.

If you have any want ads to put in the NL pleast submit--don't let that "junk" accumulate, give your XYL a break--sell it! (at a reasonable price!--one man's junk is another man's pride and joy--is that the way it goes?).

Talk to you'all with full details from Cali-Hogan the following week. Danny, our secretary, was last reported in Gallup, New Mexico on his way to Santa Monica--some Indian tried to sell him a reservation at a restaurant.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 22, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last sunday we finished "Counterfeit Drugs." This sunday we will discuss the Lie Detector Test. Does it work? How can one "beat it?" We will also add an update on Brain Fingerprinting. Should be fun.

Note: For two recent Sundays we have not been able to have discussions, therefore the CME standings may be a little below what you thought you had.

The Annual Meeting is coming soon (May 4-5). All Directors are expected unless they are on call or family problems won't permit.

MARCO Grand Runds for April 8, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed "Counterfeit Drugs." We learned that 50% of the Canadian online direct-to-consumer drugs can be counterfeit or sub-standard--and that comes from the Canadian Pharmacist's Association! Many of these drugs come from Belize, Russia, Vietnam all dolled-up with Canadian addresses.

About 10% of all medicines sold globally are substandard or counterfeit--and that goes up to 25% in the developing countries. In the U.S. the total is 1% but climbing, as ectasy and cocaine peddlers have found they can make more money by selling high-priced phoney Lipitor, Viagra, Procrit and the HIV drugs.

Look for the word "Pedigree Laws" as the Feds are still still still still working on it. We will continue the discussion this Sunday.

Is the pet food mess just the beginning???? Hope not.

MARCO Grand Rounds for April 1, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Bad luck last Sunday--contest QRM and long skip kept the discussion limited so it was postponed till this Sunday--April Fools Day--14.307. I notice the Flyboys also dropped their net down to 14.307 because of the Latin Lovers on 14.310.

We will discuss "Counterfeit Drugs." Counterfeiters seek large profits while limiting their risks of detection, so they favor higher priced drugs for conditions patients may be reluctant to reveal to their doctors, such as Viagra, Cialis and Propecia (embarrassment drugs). Also, Lipitor, Celebrex, Crestor, Nexium....

25% of the drugs coming in from Mexico are counterfeit. The Canadian Pharmacist's Association said that up to 50% of the drugs from online pharmacies can be counterfit or sub-standard. Many of the Canadian email addresses are phoney and coming from Central America.

Not that we don't have enough to worry about, now we have this! Learn how to spot them! (or how to try and spot them.)

Tune in, should be FUN!!!!!

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 25, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will finish the discussion on Malaria and then, time permitting, will delve into "Helping Your Patients Avoid Counterfeit Medicines." They are out there--malaria and counterfeit drugs and unless we look for them we won't find them.

The top drugs being counterfeited are: Combivir, Diflucan, Epivir, Epogen, Lamisil, Lipitor, Norvasc, Procrit, Samatatropin, Viagra and Zyprexa.

Tune in, should be fun. Also, if you have a topic you wish to discuss or have discussed please advise. The more participants the better--don't be bashful.

Hope everyone got the Newsletter by now--and remember to submit your "For Sale" articles for the upcoming classified section.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 18, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Sunday (March 11) we discussed Human Papillomavirus HPV. We discovered it is the most common STD --present in 1/4 of all females at ages 20-24 and that 80% of us who reach age 50 have been infected--both male and female--with one of the 89+ strains that can cause condyloma (venereal warts and cervical cancer etc.)etc. Fortunately, most cases are destroyed by the body defenses within 2 years.

The new vaccine runs around $135 per injection, three required preferably for females under 29 and not men (yet).

From the recent study reported in the Feb. 28 JAMA one in 59 females remains a virgin by age 50--needless to say, they are in great demand.

The bad news, is we got hit with a pizza ad on Grand Rounds this morning along with our Latin cooks up on 310 making it almost impossible to carry on.

ASOFNOW--henceforth, as agreed by all, we will be moving down to 14.307 MHz in the immediate future. This coming week, we hope, Lou Wiederhold WA1HGE will be discussing current treatment of malaria, a disease that just won't go away.

MARCO Grand Rounds for March 11, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

NOW HEAR THIS...Marco Grand Rounds of the Air this Sunday at 10 a.m. Eastern will again attempt to discuss HPV. (We got inundated by a "contest" last Sunday)

It is a timely subject and will be a topic of converation in the office, so tune in, ask questions and with a group of 30+ we may have some answers.

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 25, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of the History of Illegal Drugs. It is a challenging subject and was featured recently on the History Channel from which much of the data has been taken.

Alexander the Great conquered the known world with the help of opium and now, once again, opium is trying to conquer our world. Will it succeed?

Do we have to be "Normally normal" as Sigmoid Freud stated after he got high on cocaine?

WANTED: Send your Buy-Sell items not to E-bay but to the "Spark-Key" Marco Newsletter. Empty your Dagwood closets so we can all enjoy your junk--stop being possessive--perhaps the xyl will then have more room to store her shoes. 73...........Warren

A reply from Al, KA7LOT:

I recall reading an article 15 or so years ago in Smithsonian about a cocaine epidemic in America in about 1914. The article mentioned that the NYC police were upset that people high on cocaine were dangerous and had to put down. The police then carried 32 caliber pistols, and wanted something more powerful to help stop folks high on cocaine, so the 38 caliber came into being with the nickname "Saturday night special". 73's to all, Al KA7LOT

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 18, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "The History of Illegal Drugs." Should be a loser's winner!

The weather in Tampa Bay is 55 degrees and all the Yanks are wearing long underwear. (Union suits are banned in the South.)

Keep those "For Sale" items coming in as we want to get a classified ad section going in the Newsletter. Also, how about a name for the NL? Right now tentatively it is "Spark-Key." Any other suggestions?

MARCO Grand Rounds for February 11, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

MARCO GRAND ROUNDS OF THE AIR for Feb. 11, continuation of INFLAMATORY BOWEL DISEASE.

Have had request for rname of test for determining aspirin resistance--IT IS: "Ultegra Rapid Platelet Function Assay This is a blood test. There is also a urine test called "Aspirinworks" but not as good.

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 21, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a common problem that accounts for 1 in 8 patient visits--IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME. If we have 40 check-ins that means there will be about 5 on board with this problem. These bowel problems are always fun.

Those of you who are receiving this by email can also receive the February edition of the Marco Newsletter via pdf file by clicking on the attachment and then printing it. [Also available for download at http://www.marco-ltd.org]. Those not bothering should receive their hard copy edition in about ten days with your certificate of CME for 2006. All members will receive a hard copy if your dues are paid or nearly paid.

If you want to have some fun, tune in 15 minutes before 10 eastern on Sunday and using your CW key tap out "She is his mississippi sis." I understand this was a fim-trick in training the military during WW II whereas they had to pick up 15 wpm in two weeks or flunk out of radio school!

MARCO Grand Rounds for January 14, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Isabelle" a diagnostic tool that is being used by the VA to come up with a diagnosis in children. The program is available to private doctors and all hospitals. [Blogmaster's note: It appears to me that two ideas are being run together here. The VA doesn't do diagnosis in children. We do not (yet) have child-veterans in this country. Tune into the net to hear the real story!]

If we have time we will discuss the law that took effect in Florida Jan. 1, 2007 and which will be in effect all over the US by October. It is the law concerning PRESENT ON ADMISSION DIAGNOSIS which means you have to list all the diseases a patient has before they go into the hospital so that the insurance and Medicare will not be billed for those pre-existing conditions. It is already implemented in California so maybe Arnold can tell us about the added regulatory work involved.

IF YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH "ISABELLE" or other computer programs dealing with diagnosis or experience with PRESENT ON ADMISSION please help out. This one should be a necessary bore, but the boys pulling the puppet strings are serious.