Why All These Abstract Abstracts?

As many readers have noted, abstracts of scientific and medical journal articles tend to be abstract. Often they offer a tantalizing lack of detail. Also, the language that researchers 'speak' can be hard for lay readers to interpret.

Still, most of the doctors we met at the I.A.C.F.S. conference last week assured us our archive is their "go-to" site for the latest FM research. So we feel the job of seeking out these abstracts is worth the effort.

This week, for example, a number of new abstracts report on non-drug research. In line with that, the studies we've included in Clinical Trial News are focused on recruiting for investigations involving natural or 'alternative' health support strategies. The term 'alternative' is often used to refer to approaches that may complement or avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Keep checking our site for the latest research news.

Your patient advocate,

Rich Carson
ProHealth Founder and CFS Patient

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Thinking of Going 'Organic' or 'Green'? New Research Provides Excellent Reasons to Do So

Some individuals are as much as 50 times more susceptible to pesticides heavily used on food crops and common in homes, according to new research at Berkeley and the University of Washington.   more

'Pacing' to Stay Within a Beneficial Activity Envelope - the Facts

What's pacing? It is an evidence-based strategy for physical activity "that will limit the number and severity of relapses and avoid at least some of the complications of inactivity," says Dutch expert Ellen Goudsmit. "Thousands of patients have found it useful for many years. And above all, it is unlikely to cause harm!"*   more

The Role of Infection in Initiating ME/CFS

"Studies have found that 10 percent to 15 percent of parvovirus B19 patients developed ME/CFS, and up to 60 percent developed Fibromyalgia. On standard testing, these patients appeared as if they had cleared the initiating infection effectively despite having persistent symptoms," writes Dr. David Bell, MD, an internationally recognized FM and CFS specialist. Do such infections go away after initiating a process?*   more

Meet FM Patient, Author, and American Expat Doug Bower

Fibromyalgia patient Doug Bower is a much-published writer from Kansas now living in the center of Mexico, where he says two factors work to his benefit...   more

Phase III Trial of Fish Oil-based Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Major Depression

Following a trial of EPA now being written up, the next step, now recruiting, is "Safety and Effectiveness of Omega 3-Fatty Acids, EPA Versus DHA, for the Treatment of Major Depression."*   more

Trial of SAM-e to Enhance Antidepressant Drug Benefit

The Mass General Depression Clinical Research Program in Boston is recruiting patients taking antidepressant drugs yet still experiencing symptoms of depression - for a study of the food supplement SAMe's ability to enhance benefits.   more

St. John's Wort vs. Standard Antidepressant for Minor Depression

Feeling down or tired all day no matter how much sleep you get? Or more irritable than your usual self? You may be suited for a new NIH-funded study of the natural herb St. John's Wort vs. Celexa®.   more

Mechanisms of Acupuncture Effect on FM Pain

U. of Michigan Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center hopes to 'pin down' an acupuncture pain-relief mechanism via high-tech scans.   more

Non-Drug Studies

• Milk thistle may support improved glycemic profile in diabetes II
  
  
• Omega-3s "decrease anxiety feelings" in substance abuse-prone
  
  
• Evidence mounts omega-3s support improved mood
  
  
• Study of dietary oat beta-glucan and carb metabolism
  
  

Research Focused on FM, Pain, Sleep, Mood, RLS

• Biofeedback for heart rate control useful FM treatment
  
  
• No FM-cancer association found in major study
  
  
• 'Steel' hospital gown alleviates FM pain
  
  
• Skin biopsy may be strong diagnostic for FM
  
  
• Heat (hyperthermia) therapy advised for FM rehab
  
  
• 'Nonpainful' RLS sensations subclinical form of pain
  
  
• How Neurontin® & Lyrica® may work for FM pain, anxiety
  
  
• Germany recognizes FM via dedicated medical coding
  
  
• "Novel anticonvulsants" combine sleep & mood benefit
  
  
• Revised measure for cognitive reaction to pain suggested
  
  
• Conflicting patient-MD expectations hinder outcomes
  
  

2006 Bill for FM Research Support – Cleared from the Books

H.R. 6214 – The Prevention, Awareness, and Research of Autoimmune Disease Act of 2006 – requested appropriations for research to increase understanding and awareness of FM & other autoimmune diseases. Introduced last fall, it was cleared from the books with the new session of Congress. What will it take to get a similar bill introduced?   more

A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother. - Anon

Using Personal Power

We have all been given special gifts...and they are to be used to help those around us.

Our personal power is our experience, strength, and hope. It is our attitude that we project on others. It is our willingness to reach out to others. It is our ability to recognize that we are not gods. We are those who want to make a difference by using our personal powers...to help others.

From Living With Chronic Pain One Day At A Time, by Mark Allan Zabawa

Published by ProHealth, Inc., ImmuneSupport.com is the Web's largest resource for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Since 1988, ProHealth has raised and donated over 2.5 million dollars to CFS and FM research and advocacy groups seeking a cure. We believe in "commerce with compassion."

Every purchase made at ImmuneSupport.com funds research - as does every purchase made from ProHealth's Health Resource catalog.

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