Database

Evidence from: F Greenaway. Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Comp. Physiol. (2006) Vol.290 p R188 – R189 “Virus-induced obesity” Human adenovirus 36 (Ad 36) was first described in 1980. Since then obesity rates have more than doubled. Symptoms of respiratory illness caused by adenovirus infection range from the common cold syndrome to pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis. Ad 36 is transmitted by direct contact, faecal-oral transmission, and occasionally, waterborne transmission (e.g. swimming pools). Over the years, evidence from animal experiments show consistently that animals and humans infected with Ad 36 have higher numbers of fat cells. Humans with antibodies to Ad 36 also tend to be of heavier weight, even in discordant twins. Other adenoviruses have been tested but none of these have this effect on humans. Comment Increased numbers of fat cells is not sufficient in itself to create obesity, but it helps. Obesity does not always follow infection. Ad 36 is now in general circulatio

The study finds weak evidence of a moderate link between exposure to loud noise and risk of acoustic neuroma. Evidence from: CG Edwards et al. Am J Epidemiol (2006) Vol.163 p 327–333 “Exposure to Loud Noise and Risk of Acoustic Neuroma” Acoustic neuroma (AN) is a slow growing benign tumour of the sheath of the eighth cranial nerve (hearing and balance), in close proximity to the brain. Exposure to loud noise at work is still commonplace. AN is indivisible, but rare. Insurers could estimate the number of cases attributable to loud noise at work and could judge for themselves how good any claim is likely to be. Potentially problematic for claimants is that hearing surveillance could be the main reason that AN is associated with noise exposure: accelerated diagnosis. Further detail: 6#1 15

The EFSA Journal (2006) Vol.357 p 1 – 46 “Migratory Birds and their Possible Role in the Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza” This European Food Safety Authority paper concludes that not enough is known/certain about avian influenza in wild birds to ensure that the right public health and commercial protection measures are put in place. Poultry keepers should increase bio-security measures, there should be more proactive monitoring of wild birds and vaccination programmes should be considered. Trade may need to be restricted but wild birds could be more effective at spreading disease than trade mechanisms and so reduce the benefits of such measures. Migration and movement patterns were too uncertain to be sure of this. The clearest recommendations were that poultry holdings should not be built in the vicinity of wetland areas and that new vaccines and how to use them, should be researched. Comment The definition of ‘wetland’ and ‘vicinity’ would be of interest to an

The report discusses the powers of detention in cases of contagious disease. People with an unusually virulent from of influenza could be detained in hospital as a health protection measure. Evidence from: R Martyn. Medical Law Review (2006) Vol.14 p 132 – 143 “The Exercise Of Public Health Powers In Cases Of Infectious Disease: Human Rights Implications” Considerable judgement is required to initiate the detention order procedure. Those who advise on such matters had better have suitable financial protection even though control actions are the responsibility of public authorities. Further detail: 6#1 13

The report emphasises the vulnerability of those who live in care homes. It also points out that animal vaccines may become ineffective if not updated (approximately) annually. Evidence from: I Stephenson et al. British Med Bull. (2006) Vol.75+76 p 63 – 80 “Influenza: current threat from avian influenza” The report details the state of knowledge at that time. Vaccination of farm animals could reduce the risk to humans. But it could also go wrong if not done properly. Further details: 6#1 12

Potassium Octatitanate whiskers are bio persistent and cause significant lung inflammation. Evidence from: T Oyabu et al. J Occup Health (2006) Vol.48 p 44-48 “The Effect of Lung Burden on Biopersistence and Pulmonary Effects in Rats Exposed to Potassium Octatitanate Whiskers (POW) by Intratracheal Instillation.” Potassium Octatitanate whiskers (K2Ti8O17) (POW) are typically of 5 μm in length and are classified as refractory ceramic fibres (aka Fybex). They are used as an asbestos substitute. Further detail: 6#1 11