Mesothelioma Daily

Recent study results show great promise for treating mesothelioma cancer - EIN News (press release)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><em>A new type of chemotherapy has had excellent results in the lab.</em><br /><p>January 03, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Today, it is common knowledge that exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other serious illnesses; in the relatively rare instances when asbestos is used as a building or industrial material these days, extreme care is taken in the handling of the substance. This was not always the case. In fact, the fire resistance and low electrical conductivity of asbestos made it one of the most commonly used commercial materials for much of the 20th century.</p><br /><p>Unsurprisingly, asbestos is still turning up in numerous structures and products. For example, asbestos contamination was discovered in December, 2013 in two schools located in Birmingham, Alabama.</p><br /><p>Because asbestos was so pervasive that it is still present in many locations, and because asbestos-related illnesses can take years to manifest after asbestos exposure -- in some cases between 20 and 50 years -- many people are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma. For some of these mesothelioma patients, there may be good news on the horizon, however, as there has just been a breakthrough in what could become a more effective new treatment.</p><br /><p>New type of chemotherapy better at inhibiting cancer cells, preventing side effects</p><br /><p>Mesothelioma is actually a rare type of cancer affecting the membrane that surrounds and protects many of the body's internal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, primarily attacks the sac surrounding the lungs, known as the pleura. Like with other types of cancer, chemotherapy has been an often utilized treatment.</p><br /><p>Cisplatin and pemetrexed are currently the standard chemotherapy drugs used to combat pleural mesothelioma. However, they are not incredibly effective. In a new study published in the medical journal Genetics and Molecular Research, researchers revealed the potential to achieve far better results by combining cisplatin with the experimental drug panobinostat.</p><br /><p>Panobinostat functions by blocking the production of certain enzymes at the molecular lever. These enzymes, uninhibited, allow cancer cells to grow. By introducing panobinostat, researchers were able to stop the spread of mesothelioma cancer cells in laboratory experiments. In addition to killing cancer cells more effectively than current treatments, the new treatment was found by researchers to have less of a potential for causing side effects and harming healthy cells.</p><br /><p>Harmed by mesothelioma that may be related to asbestos exposure? Contact an attorney</p><br /><p>The research surrounding panobinostat is only at its early stages, and many more tests will be required before it could be made widely available to mesothelioma patients. Nonetheless, it offers a ray of hope for those affected by mesothelioma.</p><br /><p>If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or if you have lost a family member to the disease, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for medical treatment and other expenses related to asbestos exposure. In fact, there are even a number of asbestos trust funds in place to ensure there are resources available for asbestos victims who were harmed by asbestos in an item that was produced by a company that is no longer in existence. Contact a mesothelioma lawsuit attorney today to learn more about recovering compensation for the harm done to you through asbestos exposure.</p><br /><p>Article provided by Gori Julian & Associates, P.C.</p><br /><p>Visit us at www.gorijulianlaw.com</p><br /><p>---</p><br /><p>Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com</p><br /><img class="prtr" src="http://world.einnews.com/images/blank.gif?pr_id=183618820&section=247pr"/></div>

Recent study results show great promise for treating mesothelioma cancer - EIN News (press release)

A new type of chemotherapy has had excellent results in the lab.January 03, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Today, it is common knowledge that exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other seriou…

09 Jan 2014

Novel Engineering of Immune Cells Holds Promise for Mesothelioma Patients - Asbestos.com

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img alt="Lab technicians in coats and gloves working in a laboratory " class="article-main-img" itemprop="image" src="http://image.asbestos.com/thumb.php?src=/uploads/blog-images/2013/12/science-5.jpg&h=240&w=274" title="This is the post's featured image title attribute."/><br /><p>Patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma and metastatic pancreatic cancer received surprisingly positive results during a small, recent Phase I clinical trial involving a novel engineering of immune cells.</p><br /><p>The trial was done at the Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia, and the results were published in Cancer Immunology Research.</p><br /><p>It accentuated the growing belief that the next big step in combating mesothelioma will come from immunotherapy, which uses a patient's own immune system to fight deadly diseases.</p><br /><p>"These results, albeit preliminary, are very promising," said Carl H. June, M.D., professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and director of translational research at Abramson.</p><br /><p>The trial involved elderly patients with advanced cancers that had not responded to prior treatments.</p><br /><h2>Using a Patient's Own Immune System</h2><br /><p>Researchers harvested a patient's own immune cells, then clinically engineering them with a molecule that attaches to a mesothelin protein that is common in cancer cells. It helps the immune cells to recognize and destroy the cancer cells more effectively.</p><br /><p>The engineered cells are known as chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CARTmeso cells) and considered a form of personalized therapy currently conducted at leading research laboratories.</p><br /><p>These types of CART cells previously have shown promising results in some types of leukemia and lymphoma, but have not been successful with solid tumors in the past because of off-target toxicity that causes serious problems for surrounding healthy cells.</p><br /><p>The latest trial involved a different modification that allows the T cells to express the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) for just three days, instead of the permanent transformation that causes much of the off-target problem.</p><br /><h2>Strategy Eliminates the Toxicity</h2><br /><p>The new method allows the T cells to revert to what they were before the modification. The new strategy involves multiple infusions of the CARTmeso cells, which would allow doctors to quickly change course with therapy, and eliminates much of the toxicity.</p><br /><p>The mesothelioma patient in the study, whose condition had been worsening, received three infusions of the CARTmeso cells, and his disease stabilized. The patient with pancreatic cancer received eight infusions of CARTmeso cells, and he showed a 40 percent decrease in tumor cells.</p><br /><p>"We found that the temporary CARs we engineered were safe, with no significant off-target, off-tumor toxicity," June told Science Codex. "We have evidence of antitumor effects in two patients whose advanced tumors failed previous therapies."</p><br /><p>The trial originally was designed to evaluate the safety of the CARTmeso cells, the novel engineering process, and the manufacturing feasibility. The researchers, after harvesting the immune cells, reproduced them in large numbers, which allowed the multiple infusions. The engineered cells were reintroduced to the patient's body.</p><br /><p>"We found that these CARTmeso cells not only have antitumor activity, but they also act like a vaccine, and trigger a response against the patient's own tumor," June said. "This new form of CAR therapy provides a new tool to evaluate therapies for solid cancers."</p><br /><div readability='6.46896551724' id='author-blurb-wrapper' class='author-blurb'><img alt="" src="http://image.asbestos.com/images/staff/tim-povtak.jpg"/><br /><div readability='31.4206896552' class='author-blurb-text'><br /><h4>Author: Tim Povtak</h4><br /><p>Tim Povtak is an award-winning writer with more than 30 years of reporting national and international news. His most recent experience is in researching and writing about asbestos litigation issues and asbestos-related conditions like mesothelioma.</p><br /></div><br /></div><br /><h2>Related News Posts</h2><br /></div>

Novel Engineering of Immune Cells Holds Promise for Mesothelioma Patients - Asbestos.com

Patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma and metastatic pancreatic cancer received surprisingly positive results during a small, recent Phase I clinical trial involving a novel engineerin…

09 Jan 2014

Asbestos victims robbed by red tape - Shields Gazette

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>ASBESTOS victims in South Tyneside will be “robbed” of compensation under new legislation, campaigners warned today.</p><br /><p>Under the new Mesothelioma Bill, victims of asbestos unable to trace employers who exposed them to the deadly dust will only be able to claim 75 per cent of the total compensation available through a successful civil court claim.</p><br /><p>But Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn and fellow asbestos campaigners believe victims should receive 100 per cent compensation payments for the incurable disease, mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.</p><br /><p>Ex-shipyard worker Bob Cusworth, 76, of Ribble Walk, Jarrow, who received £5,000 compensation for the asbestos-linked lung condition pleural plaques, has attacked the terms of the new Mesothelioma Bill, which went through the report stage in Parliament this week and is set to become law, following Royal Assent.</p><br /><p>Mr Cusworth, who has long campaigned for full compensation for asbestos sufferers, said: “Personally, I think it’s a disgrace that victims will only receive 75 per cent compensation.</p><br /><p>“People are being robbed of their full compensation and I think it’s totally wrong that people aren’t receiving it in full.”</p><br /><p>Speaking during a recent parliamentary debate on the Mesothelioma Bill, Mr Hepburn said: “The Bill falls short of what we intended when we issued our consultation document.</p><br /><p>“It falls short in regard to the cut-off time – in its present form, it will deny compensation to thousands of mesothelioma victims and save the insurance companies millions – and it falls short in regard to the payments, which will be 75 per cent of the average payment made following a civil claim. I think the proportion should be 100 per cent, and that insurance companies should be fined a further 25 per cent for ignoring their responsibilities over the years.”</p><br /><p>Mr Hepburn also highlighted the case of the late Terry Smith, former secretary of the Iona Club, Hebburn, who died late last year after a two-year battle with mesothelioma.</p><br /><p>“Terry has now become part of a statistic. Every week, three people in the North East die of mesothelioma. What most of those people have in common is that they are working-class people and were employed by a negligent employer.”</p><br /><p>Matthew Stockwell, president of the not-for-profit campaign group, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), also blasted the terms of the Mesothelioma Bill.</p><br /><p>He said: “Under the scheme, mesothelioma victims will receive only 75 per cent of the amount they would receive if they had been able to have their day in court.</p><br /><p>“It is bad enough that victims are exposed to deadly asbestos just by turning up for work, then forced to use this scheme because insurance records are no longer around.</p><br /><p>“Now they are penalised by losing a quarter of what the courts determine is fair redress.”</p><br /><p>Ian McFall, head of national asbestos litigation at Newcastle-based Thompsons Solicitors, said: “The Bill will benefit a number of mesothelioma sufferers, but it could have been so much better, if the Government had supported a small number of modest, cross-party amendments, including one to make payments of 80 per cent.</p><br /><p>“These changes would have made very little difference to the insurance industry, but would have made a big difference to individuals and their families.”</p><br /><p>Twitter: @terrykelly16</p><br /></div>

Asbestos victims robbed by red tape - Shields Gazette

ASBESTOS victims in South Tyneside will be “robbed” of compensation under new legislation, campaigners warned today.Under the new Mesothelioma Bill, victims of asbestos unable to trace employers who e…

09 Jan 2014

Hidden killer claimed life of Leeds Arctic Convoy veteran - Yorkshire Evening Post

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>AN ARCTIC Convoy survivor from Leeds died from a hidden killer cancer the day after the Government confirmed it would award service medals to veterans of the World War II campaign.</p><br /><p>Great-grandfather Ernest Schofield, 91, of Morley was among the survivors who waited almost 70 years for official  recognition of the role they played in what Winston Churchill dubbed “the worst journey in the world”.</p><br /><p>But Mr Schofield never heard the news that he and his colleagues were about to be honoured for the heroic service which they had given.</p><br /><p>An inquest at Wakefield heard that Mr Schofield was diagnosed with mesothelioma on February 6 last year and died on February 27.</p><br /><p>Mr Schofield left the Royal Navy in the 1950s after 15 years of service and went on to work as an industrial heating engineer in Leeds.</p><br /><p>The inquest was told that he will have come in to contact with asbestos during this period, but the killer dust can lay dormant for many decades before causing illness.</p><br /><p>The inquest heard Mr Schofield had a high level of asbestos in his lungs.</p><br /><p>West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.</p><br /><p>Mr Hinchliff added: “It was not until February 6 2013 that his condition was described as mesothelioma – cancer of the lining of the lining of the lung – mainly caused by contact with asbestos, which reinforces my belief that during his working life, albeit many years ago, he has come into contact with asbestos.”</p><br /><p>Mr Schofield, who served as a stoker in the Royal Navy, was involved in the Arctic Convoys when warships escorted merchant ships transporting vital supplies to the Soviet Union.</p><br /><p>The convoys cost the lives of about 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen, and more than 100 civilian and military ships. Campaigners fought for four years for Arctic Convoy veterans to be honoured with an Arctic Star medal for their role in the operation.</p><br /><p>Mr Schofield’s daughter Sandra Vowles, 65, from East Ardsley, Leeds, has applied for an Arctic Convoy medal for her late father.</p><br /><p>She told of his family’s sadness that her father had missed out on the recognition he had waited so long for.</p><br /><p>Mrs Vowles said: “After his family the Navy was his life.</p><br /><p>“He was very proud of what the people in the convoys did.”</p><br /><p>She said her father led an active and independent life before he fell ill, adding: “He was very on the ball and sharp right up to the day he died.”</p><br /></div>

Hidden killer claimed life of Leeds Arctic Convoy veteran - Yorkshire Evening Post

AN ARCTIC Convoy survivor from Leeds died from a hidden killer cancer the day after the Government confirmed it would award service medals to veterans of the World War II campaign.Great-grandfather Er…

09 Jan 2014

Hidden killer claimed life of Leeds Arctic Convoy veteran - Yorkshire Evening Post

Hidden killer claimed life of Leeds Arctic Convoy veteran - Yorkshire Evening Post

09 Jan 2014

Scott Disick's Father Dies Less Than Three Months After His Mother Died - Huffington Post

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='float_left'><br /><div class='ad_share_box hidden'><br /><div class='ad_wrapper' id='ad_sharebox_260x60'> </div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div itemprop='articleBody' class='articleBody'><br /><p>Scott Disick's father, Jeffrey Disick, died last week, reports RadarOnline.</p><br /><p>The tragic news, which was confirmed to The Huffington Post by a source close to the reality star, comes less than three months after Scott's mother, Bonnie, died at the age of 63.</p><br /><p>The cause of Jeffrey's death has yet to be reported, but a source told E! News that the real estate developer from Long Island, New York was in Los Angeles at the time of his death.</p><br /><p>Neither the 30-year-old reality star nor girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian, with whom he shares a home and two young children, have commented on his father's death.</p><br /><p><br/> </p><br /><div class='clear'> </div><br /><p class='video_box_title'>Also on HuffPost:</p><br /><div class='promo_holder clearfix'><br /><div style='' class='hp-slideshow-wrapper-loading' id='hp-slideshow-wrapper-276453'><br /><div class='hp-slideshow-wrapper-loading-div'><em>Loading Slideshow</em><img alt="..." src="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/images/ajax-loader.gif"/> </div><br /><ul id='hp-slideshow-276453' class='hp-slideshow'><br /><li><br /><h4>James Avery</h4><br /><p>Avery died at the age of 68 from complications following open heart surgery in a Los Angeles suburb hospital on Dec. 31, 2013</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Ray Price</h4><br /><p>Price died on Dec. 16, 2013 at his Texas home after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 87.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Peter O'Toole</h4><br /><p>The legendary actor of the stage and screen died on Dec. 14, 2013 following a long illness. He was 81.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Nelson Mandela</h4><br /><p>After suffering from a prolonged respiratory infection, Mandela died on Dec. 5, 2013 at the age of 95.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Paul Walker</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/30/paul-walker-dead_n_4366214.html?utm_hp_ref=celebrity" target="_blank">Walker died in a car crash on Nov. 30, 2013</a>, his rep confirmed. He was 40.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Lou Reed</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/27/lou-reed-dead_n_4167976.html" target="_blank">Reed died of a "liver-related ailment"</a> on Oct. 27, 2013 at the age of 71.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Marcia Wallace</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/26/maria-wallace-dead-simpsons_n_4166343.html" target="_blank">Wallace died of complications due to pneumonia</a> on Oct. 25, 2013 at the age of 70.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Ed Lauter</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/ed-lauter-dead-dies_n_4111710.html" target="_blank">Veteran character actor Lauter died of mesothelioma</a>, a rare form of cancer most commonly caused by asbestos exposure, on Oct. 16, 2013. He was 74.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Patsy Swayze</h4><br /><p>Choreographer and dance instructor Patsy Swayze, the mother of late actor Patrick Swayze, died Sept. 16, 2013. She was 86. No cause of death was given.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Jackie Lomax</h4><br /><p>Jackie Lomax, a singer-songwriter who worked with The Beatles and enjoyed a long solo career, died Sept. 15, 2013 following a brief illness. He was 69.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Lee Thompson Young</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/19/lee-thompson-young-dead_n_3780781.html?ref=topbar" target="_blank">"The Famous Jett Jackson" star was found dead</a> in his apartment by his landlord in Los Angeles on Aug. 19, 2013. Young's rep confirmed that he took his own life. He was 29.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Lisa Robin Kelly</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/15/lisa-robin-kelly-dead_n_3763163.html" target="_blank">The former "That '70s Show" actress died</a> at the age of 43 on Aug. 14, 2013. According to TMZ, Kelly died in her sleep at a rehab facility in California.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Gia Allemand</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/14/gia-allemand-dead_n_3756940.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular" target="_blank">"The Bachelor" star died from an apparent suicide</a> on Aug. 14, 2013. She was 29.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Michael Ansara</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/02/michael-ansara-dead-dies_n_3697009.html" target="_blank">The "Star Trek" actor died</a> on July 31, 2013 at the age of 91.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Kidd Kraddick</h4><br /><p>Radio personality <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/28/kidd-kraddick-dead_n_3665417.html" target="_blank">David "Kidd" Kraddick died July 27, 2013</a> at age 53.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>JJ Cale</h4><br /><p>Cale, the singer-songwriter and producer known as the main architect of the Tulsa Sound, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/27/jj-cale-dead-dies_n_3664256.html" target="_blank">died on July 26, 2013</a>. His manager, Mike Kappus, said he died of a heart attack. He was 74.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Dennis Farina</h4><br /><p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/22/dennis-farina-dead_n_3635587.html" target="_blank">The "Law & Order" star died on July 22, 2013 at the age of 69</a> after suffering a blood clot in his lung.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Cory Monteith</h4><br /><p>Cory Allan Michael Monteith, a Canadian actor best known for playing Finn Hudson on the hit Fox TV show "Glee," was found dead on July 13, 2013 in a Vancouver hotel room. He was 31.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>James Gandolfini</h4><br /><p>James Gandolfini, best known for his role on "The Sopranos," died in Italy on June 19, 2013 after suffering from a heart attack.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Slim Whitman</h4><br /><p>The high-pitched country singer who sold millions of records through ever-present TV ads in the 1980s and 1990s and whose song saved the world in the film comedy "Mars Attacks!," died June 19, 2013 at a Florida hospital. He was 90.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Jeanne Cooper</h4><br /><p>Jeanne Cooper, who played Katherine Chancellor on the daytime soap opera "The Young and the Restless," <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/08/jeanne-cooper-dead-dies_n_3239218.html" target="_blank">died on May 8, 2013</a>. She was 84.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Jeff Hanneman</h4><br /><p>Hanneman, a founding member of Slayer, died May 1, 2013 of liver failure. He was 49.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Chris Kelly</h4><br /><p>Chris Kelly, one-half of the 1990s rap duo Kris Kross, died May 1, 2013 of an apparent drug overdose. He was 34.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>George Jones</h4><br /><p>The country music legend died at 81 on April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Richie Havens</h4><br /><p>The folk singer and guitarist, who was the first performer at Woodstock, died on April 22, 2013 at age 72. He died of a heart attack in New Jersey, his family said in a statement.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Chrissy Amphlett</h4><br /><p>The raunchy lead singer of the Australian rock band Divinyls whose hit "I Touch Myself" brought her international fame in the early 1990s, died at her home in New York City on April 21, 2013. She was 53 years old. "Christine Joy Amphlett succumbed to the effects of breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, diseases she vigorously fought with exceptional bravery and dignity," her musician husband Charley Drayton said in a statement.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Richard LeParmentier</h4><br /><p>Character actor Richard LeParmentier, who as a young Death Star commander learned the hard way that Darth Vader brooks no disrespect, died April 16, 2013. He was 66.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Jonathan Winters</h4><br /><p>The comedic film and TV actor died on April 11, 2013 at the age of 87. He passed away of natural causes, surrounded by friends and family.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Annette Funicello</h4><br /><p>Former child star Annette Funicello died on April 8, 2013 at the age of 70. The actress, who is best remembered for her time as a Mouseketeer on "The Mickey Mouse Club" from 1955 to 1957, died from complications related to multiple sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with more than 20 years ago.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Roger Ebert</h4><br /><p>Legendary film critic Roger Ebert died April 4, 2013, at the age of 70. Two days prior, Ebert revealed on his blog that his cancer had returned and that he would be reducing his reviewing duties at the Chicago Sun-Times.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Shain Gandee</h4><br /><p>The 21-year-old "Buckwild" star was found dead in a truck in Sissonville, W. Va., along with two other bodies, on April 1, 2013. It was later said Gandee had died of carbon monoxide poisoning while “mudding," or off-roading through mud, in his 1984 Ford Bronco.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Phil Ramone</h4><br /><p>A masterful Grammy Award-winning engineer, arranger and producer whose platinum touch included recordings with Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Paul Simon, Ramone died March 30, 2013 of complications stemming from heart surgery. He was 79.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Richard Griffiths</h4><br /><p>One of the great British stage actors of his generation, also known for playing grumpy Uncle Vernon in the fantastical "Harry Potter" movies. Griffiths died March 28, 2013, from complications following heart surgery. He was 65.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Clive Burr</h4><br /><p>Former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr has died March 12, 2013. He was 56. Burr passed away in his sleep and had suffered poor heath for years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Claude King</h4><br /><p>A country singer-songwriter and original member of the Louisiana Hayride, King was best known for the 1962 hit "Wolverton Mountain." He died on March 7, 2013, at 90 years of age.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Peter Banks</h4><br /><p>Peter Banks, the original guitarist for the British band Yes, died on March 7, 2013, at the age of 65. A post on his official website stated that Banks died from heart failure and was found in his London home after he didn't show up to a recording session. <br> L-R: Peter Banks, Tony Kaye, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, Jon Anderson - posed, group shot (Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns)</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Alvin Lee</h4><br /><p>The British rock guitarist and founder of the band "Ten Years After," who burst to stardom with a memorable Woodstock performance, died March 6, 2013. He was 68. A statement posted on Lee's official website said he died unexpectedly from complications following a routine surgical procedure. Lee's manager, Ron Rainey, said the guitarist died in Spain.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Bonnie Franklin</h4><br /><p>Bonnie Franklin, the pert, redheaded actress who won fame as a divorced mom on the long-running sitcom "One Day at a Time," has died March 1, 2013 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. She was 69.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>DJ Ajax (Adrian Thomas)</h4><br /><p>Australian producer Adrian Thomas, better known as DJ Ajax, died on the day of his 42nd birthday, Feb. 28, 2013. The Sydney Morning Herald reported DJ Ajax died after he ran out onto a Melbourne road and was hit by an oncoming truck.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Richard Street</h4><br /><p>Former Motown vocalist Richard Street (top R), a member of the Temptations for 25 years, died on Feb. 27, 2013 at a hospital in Las Vegas after a short illness. He was 70.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Dale Robertson</h4><br /><p>Dale Robertson, an Oklahoma native who became a star of television and movie Westerns during the genre's heyday, died Feb. 26, 2013 Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., following a brief illness. He was 89.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Dan Toler</h4><br /><p>Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dan Toler has died on Feb. 25, 2013, at the age of 65. He passed away in his sleep after a two-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Lou Myers</h4><br /><p>Myers, the actor most known for playing Mr. Vernon Gaines on the NBC sitcom "A Different World," died on Feb. 19, 2013 at Charleston Medical Center in West Virginia after undergoing a heart-related emergency and falling into a coma. He was 76.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Damon Harris</h4><br /><p>Harris (far right), a one-time member of legendary Motown group The Temptations, died on Feb. 18, 2013. According to the Baltimore Sun, Harris (born Otis Robert Harris, Jr.) lost his 14-year-long battle to prostate cancer after spending the last three months in the hospital. He was 62. Also in the photo: Richard Street, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams and Dennis Edwards in 1972.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Mindy McCready</h4><br /><p>The country singer was found dead in her Heber Springs, Ark., home on Feb. 17, 2013. The Cleburne County sheriff said in a statement that preliminary autopsy results from Arkansas' state crime lab show McCready's death was a suicide from a single gunshot wound to the head.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Rick Huxley</h4><br /><p>Bass player Rick Huxley, one of the founding members of the Dave Clark Five, died on Feb. 11, 2013, at the age of 72. Though the band broke up in 1970, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>John Kerr</h4><br /><p>John Kerr, the stage and film actor whose credits include the movie "South Pacific," the thriller "The Pit and the Pendulum" and a Tony Award-winning turn in "Tea and Sympathy," died on Feb. 9, 2013, at the age of 81. He passed away due to heart failure at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Calif.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Mark Balelo</h4><br /><p>Mark Balelo, an auction house owner featured on the A&E reality TV show "Storage Wars," was found dead on Feb. 11, 2013. He was 40. His death has been declared a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/13/mark-balelo-suicide_n_2674485.html">suicide</a>.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Donald Byrd</h4><br /><p>Jazz musician Donald Byrd, a leading hard-bop trumpeter of the 1950s who collaborated on dozens of albums with top artists of his time and later enjoyed commercial success with hit jazz-funk fusion records such as "Black Byrd," died on Feb. 4, 2013. He was 80. No details have been released regarding his death.</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Robin Sachs</h4><br /><p>The British actor died on Feb. 1, 2013, just four days shy of his 62nd birthday. He is best known for playing villainous character Ethan Rayne on the hit series "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," but boasts a full resume and will also be remembered for his roles on "Babylon 5" and "Star Trek: Voyager."</p><br /></li><br /><li><br /><h4>Mary O'Connor</h4><br /><p>O'Connor, Hugh Hefner's longtime secretary who appeared on the reality series "Girls Next Door," died on Jan. 27, 2013.</p><br /></li><br /></ul><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class='clear'> </div><br /><div><br /><div class='clear'> </div><br /><div class='contribute-story clearfix' id='submissions_shortcuts'><br /><ul><br /><li class='title bold'>Contribute to this Story:</li><br /><li class='no_border'>Send us a tip</li><br /><li>Send us a photo or video</li><br /><li>Suggest a correction</li><br /></ul><br /></div><br /><div class='clear'> </div><br /></div><br /></div>

Scott Disick's Father Dies Less Than Three Months After His Mother Died - Huffington Post

Scott Disick's father, Jeffrey Disick, died last week, reports RadarOnline.The tragic news, which was confirmed to The Huffington Post by a source close to the reality star, comes less than three mon…

09 Jan 2014

Seventh Circuit addresses coverage under workers' comp policy - Lexology (registration)

Seventh Circuit addresses coverage under workers' comp policy - Lexology (registration)

Search by keyword Jurisdiction Work area Firm name …

08 Jan 2014

The Mesothelioma Victims Center Is the most quoted source in the United States ... - PR Web (press release)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='releaseDateline'>(PRWEB) December 18, 2013</p><br /><p>The Mesothelioma Victims Center says,"As part of our ever expanding resources for mesothelioma victims we are adding more helpful information, by way of a story, in the hopes of helping as many people as we can avoid the trap of falling prey to disingenuous websites. For more information please call the Victims Center at 866-714-6466 so that we can explain how “quick money” shouldn't be associated with a mesothelioma compensation claim and how websites that have eye-catching words like this are most likely marketing law firms fishing for your information." <a rel='nofollow' onclick='linkClick(this.href)' href='http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com'>http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com</a> </p><br /><p>“This last week, the Mesothelioma Victims Center was contacted by a grieving widow of a diagnosed victim of mesothelioma. According to her, she and her 75 year old husband did some research on Internet. She told us that they were enticed by a website offering an instant-claim form and decided to fill it out. The law firm then sent them a contract, and they signed it. The two were extremely frustrated when a completely new law firm began to contact them and settled the case for $300, all without ever having gone out to visit the victim to obtain more information about his exposure to asbestos." <a rel='nofollow' onclick='linkClick(this.href)' href='http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com'>http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com</a> </p><br /><p>The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "In this particular instance, the diagnosed victim worked at a shipyard in Long Beach, California. After that, the gentleman moved to Pennsylvania and worked at two separate steel plants. After reviewing some of the details to his compensation claim, the Victims Center determined that he had possibly forty years of exposure to asbestos. Legal experts tell us his compensation claim should have been in the millions, and not three hundred dollars."</p><br /><p>“If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we want you to know that we are the only group in the nation offering instant access to the nation's most skilled mesothelioma attorneys; with one call to 866-714-6466, you'll get to pick from the best. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or if this has happened to a loved one, please don't allow yourself, or your family to get financially shortchanged," says the Mesothelioma Victims Center." <a rel='nofollow' onclick='linkClick(this.href)' href='http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com'>http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com</a> </p><br /><p>“If the average diagnosed victim of mesothelioma, or their family, could see instance after instance of victims being financial shortchanged like we do one a daily basis, if not multiple times per week, they might begin to understand why are so passionate about making certain all diagnosed victims receive the best possible compensation by providing them with instant access to the nation's most skilled, and experienced mesothelioma attorneys." <a rel='nofollow' onclick='linkClick(this.href)' href='http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com'>http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com</a> </p><br /><p>Mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer. According to the US CDC, approximately 2,500 US citizens are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma cancer is a result of exposure to asbestos. One-third of all US mesothelioma victims served in the US Navy. Other high-risk groups for mesothelioma include: shipyard, power plant, chemical plant, or oil refinery workers, plumbers, county, or city municipal water district workers, miners, electricians, construction workers, railroad repair yard workers, or auto brake technicians.</p><br /><p>According to the US Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maine, Washington, and Wyoming have the largest percentage of newly diagnosed mesothelioma victims each year. However, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives, all states should be on the list including: Florida, New York, California, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, and Alaska. <a rel='nofollow' onclick='linkClick(this.href)' href='http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com'>http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com</a> </p><br /><p>For more information about a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos called mesothelioma, please visit the US Centers For Disease Control's website:<a rel='nofollow' onclick='linkClick(this.href)' href='http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5815a3.htm'>http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5815a3.htm</a> </p><br /><br clear='all'/></div>

The Mesothelioma Victims Center Is the most quoted source in the United States ... - PR Web (press release)

(PRWEB) December 18, 2013The Mesothelioma Victims Center says,"As part of our ever expanding resources for mesothelioma victims we are adding more helpful information, by way of a story, in the hopes …

08 Jan 2014

9 Unique Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients This Christmas - Mesothelioma.com (blog)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div readability='7' class='bio staff-writer staff'><img alt="MCA Staff Writers" src="http://www.mesothelioma.com/images/blog/generic-bio-photo.png"/><br /><h2>MCA Staff Writers</h2><br /><p>Presenting Up-to-Date Mesothelioma Topics</p><br /></div><br /><div class='title'><br /><p><span class='year'>2 0 1 3</span><span class='monthday'><span class='month'>Dec</span><span class='day'>10</span> </span> </p><br /><p class='byline'>Posted by <span class='strong'>Staff</span> </p><br /></div><br /><div readability='50.6159851301' itemprop='articleBody'><img alt="9 Gift Ideas" class="floatleft" src="http://www.mesothelioma.com/images/blog/posts/9-Gift-Ideas.jpg" width="180"/><br /><p>It’s that time of year again-- the holiday season, where gift giving is on the minds of many. While the holiday season is supposed to represent a time of joy and giving, some people may not being feeling holly and jolly this year. If a family member or loved one has been recently diagnosed with cancer, they may not be feeling the holiday spirit. Finding a nice gift to give to your loved one may seem a little more daunting than it has in the past. But there are many gift options for cancer patients, even some that can’t be found in stores!</p><br /><h2>Time Together</h2><br /><p>Whether you set a weekly coffee date or go to their home just to chat, spending time with your loved one and just listening to them is worth more than you may know. But don’t think that you only have to talk about their cancer the entire time! Many patients love to hear about your life and worries too; it’s a nice break from their worries and their disease.</p><br /><img alt="Kool Tool" class="floatright" src="http://www.mesothelioma.com/images/blog/posts/KoolTool.png" width="160"/><br /><h2>Cozy Clothing</h2><br /><p>While recovering, a patient may spend a lot of time resting. Buying some soft cotton pajamas is a practical gift that will be helpful in keeping your loved one feeling comfortable. A common side effect of cancer treatments are night sweats so consider buying clothes with sweat wicking technology or consider something unique like the Kool Tool, a reusable cooling towel that is perfect for relieving a patient from their sweats.</p><br /><h2>Gift Certificates</h2><br /><p>Whether it's gift certificates for movie tickets or a favorite restaurant, giving cancer patients a night out and a chance to think about anything but cancer is a great gift. Gift certificates for a night out is something that a patient can look forward to if they’re still recovering. Think about making some homemade certificates as well-- offering to clean the house, do laundry, pick up groceries, or give rides to appointments are examples of helpful and meaningful gifts.</p><br /><img alt="Head Scarves by Wallaroo" class="floatleft" src="http://www.mesothelioma.com/images/blog/posts/Wallaroo.jpg" width="120"/><br /><h2>Beauty Products</h2><br /><p>For a loved one who has lost their hair due to treatment, a gift of a head scarf from Christine by Wallaroo is a great alternative to a wig. If you’d like to give an indulgent gift like lotions, be sure that they are free of chemicals, dyes and scents as treatments can make patients sensitive to chemicals.</p><br /><br/><br /><img alt="PsiBands" class="floatright" src="http://www.mesothelioma.com/images/blog/posts/PsiBands.jpg" width="120"/><br /><p>Still need some ideas? Consider a Shadow Buddies doll for a child battling cancer. These dolls can be ordered to look just like their child and can be used for a teaching tool with their doctor to better understand their disease. For the patient struggling with nausea from treatment, try the PsiBands, an acupressure wristband designed to help ease nauseous side effects. Lastly, if there are any other gift ideas that could benefit cancer patients, please share them with our online community!</p><br /></div><br /><p class='tags' itemprop='keywords'><strong>Tags:</strong> Christine by Wallaroo, diagnosed with cancer, gifts for cancer patients, Kool Tool, mesothelioma, PsiBands, Shadow Buddies</p><br />< OlderNewer ><br /><h4>Share your thoughts with us on Facebook</h4><br /></div>

9 Unique Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients This Christmas - Mesothelioma.com (blog)

MCA Staff WritersPresenting Up-to-Date Mesothelioma Topics2 0 1 3Dec10 Posted by Staff It’s that time of year again-- the holiday season, where gift giving is on the minds of many. While the holiday …

08 Jan 2014

Literature Review Finds Lung-Sparing Surgery Best for Mesothelioma ... - PR Web (press release)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='releaseDateline'>Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) December 26, 2013</p><br /><p>While debate continues among mesothelioma doctors worldwide over which kind of surgery is best, a new review of the medical literature published in Lung Cancer and detailed by Surviving Mesothelioma says the statistics are clearly on the side of the lung-sparing procedure called extended P/D.</p><br /><p>The report reviewed six electronic databases of medical studies and found seven relevant studies comparing lung-sparing extended P/D with lung-removing extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) for malignant pleural mesothelioma. According to the study, the mortality rate with EPP is 6.9% while only 2.9% of studied patients die from extended P/D.</p><br /><p>The rate of complications with P/D is also lower, according to the study. Only 27.9% of P/D patients experienced serious complications, compared to more than 60% with EPP. Proponents of EPP, including some of the world’s top mesothelioma doctors, often point to studies showing a survival benefit with EPP. But the new analysis refutes that idea, as well, finding a median overall survival among all the studies of 13-29 months with P/D versus 12-22 months with EPP.</p><br /><p>Extended P/D, the most radical form of P/D, removes the pleural lining and other diseased tissue, but leaves the lung in place. In contrast, EPP involves removal of the entire pleural lining as well as the diseased lung, the lymph nodes, portions of the pericardium around the heart and all or part of the diaphragm. It is typically followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to kill any residual mesothelioma cells.</p><br /><p>The results of the literature review are likely to reheat the surgery debate among mesothelioma doctors and the authors say they may well change the way the disease is treated. “This may represent an important paradigm shift in the surgical management of malignant pleural mesothelioma,” they write. Their article appears in Lung Cancer. (Cao, C, et al, “A systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma”, December 6, 2013, Lung Cancer, Epub ahead of print, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24360321)</p><br /><p>For nearly ten years, Surviving Mesothelioma has brought readers the most important and ground-breaking news on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. All Surviving Mesothelioma news is gathered and reported directly from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Written for patients and their loved ones, Surviving Mesothelioma news helps families make more informed decisions.</p><br /><br clear='all'/></div>

Literature Review Finds Lung-Sparing Surgery Best for Mesothelioma ... - PR Web (press release)

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) December 26, 2013While debate continues among mesothelioma doctors worldwide over which kind of surgery is best, a new review of the medical literature published in Lung Cancer and…

08 Jan 2014

ATRA: Asbestos litigation 'more incredible every year' - Legal News Line

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img alt="hellholescover1314" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-246098" height="300" src="http://legalnewsline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/hellholescover1314-231x300.jpg" width="231"/> </p><br /><p>WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – In light of the recent Judicial Hellhole Report released in December, it is clear that asbestos played a key role in the rankings, given what the report’s authors feel is a vast negative impact on the court system nationally.</p><br /><p>American Tort Reform Association Director of Communications Darren McKinney said it is no coincidence that asbestos litigation has influenced the Judicial Hellhole investigations, as it is “the dominant mass tort” in America.</p><br /><p>McKinney argues that no other tort has bankrupted hundreds of companies nor is generating billions of dollars in litigations, settlements and verdicts in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions.</p><br /><p>“If anyone wants to know why asbestos seems to get significant attention in the Hellhole report every year,” McKinney said, “it’s because it gets more incredible every year!”</p><br /><p>In fact, asbestos can be attributed to the primary reason behind three of ATRA’s top six Judicial Hellholes of 2013: California, New York City and Madison/St. Clair counties in Illinois.</p><br /><p>Asbestos is a somewhat new reason to drag New York City down this year – previously awarded a Judicial Hellhole ranking thanks to its roughly 2,000 lawsuits against the police department.</p><br /><p>The New York Asbestos Litigation Docket, also known as NYCAL, contributed to its No. 3 ranking in the report due to its aggressive consolidation practices and heavy corruption, ATRA says.</p><br /><p>According to the report, since early 2011, the average NYCAL plaintiffs’ verdict in a consolidated case was $29.8 million, more than nine times greater than the $3.2 million average verdict for individual cases.</p><br /><p>“Individual cases more fairly allow defendants to prove that plaintiffs were not exposed to asbestos from their products,” the report states.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile, Arthur Luxenberg, a partner of the Weitz & Luxenberg law firm – which regularly litigates NYCAL cases – was appointed by New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to the Judicial Screening Committee. This means judges with hopes of earning seats in the high courts must be reviewed by Luxenberg for a recommendation.</p><br /><p>“If you’re an asbestos trial judge in New York City, and you aspire to a Supreme Court or Appellate Court seat, you don’t want to upset this Weitz & Luxenberg law firm, especially Arthur Luxenberg, who sits on this influential judicial nominee committee,” McKinney said.</p><br /><p>McKinney said he intends to follow the issues in New York closely, saying ATRA will “stay on them like a cheap suit.”</p><br /><p>As asbestos exposure declines due to new government health and safety standards, mesothelioma cases fall, which leaves asbestos lawyers looking for new ways to bring lawsuits to the docket, McKinney said.</p><br /><p>“Lawyers don’t want to see their golden goose die,” McKinney said, “so they’ve got to come up with new ideas.”</p><br /><p>As a result, lung cancer and third-party exposure cases are on the rise, and often times are completely unrelated to asbestos, McKinney claimed.</p><br /><p>A popular, and recent, example of this new development is New York Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy’s lawsuit, filed by Weitz & Luxenberg.</p><br /><p>According to the Hellhole report, McCarthy is a “lifelong pack-a-day smoker” and was diagnosed with cancer in 2013.</p><br /><p>Because she could “not realistically hope to win a lawsuit against tobacco companies,” she and her lawyers filed a lawsuit against approximately 70 defendant companies for third-person asbestos exposure. She claims her lung cancer can be attributed to the asbestos dust her father and brother brought home on their clothing after work.</p><br /><p>However, McKinney pointed out that if she was a “pack-a-day” smoker as she claims, and there are roughly 20 cigarettes in each pack, it is reasonable to assume she smokes more than a cigarette per hour.</p><br /><p>“More than a cigarette an hour is a load on anyone’s lungs,” McKinney pointed out.</p><br /><p>While McKinney expressed deep concern and sadness for those facing life-threatening cancer, he said there is no excuse for a member of Congress, as well as a lawyer, to file such a lawsuit.</p><br /><p>“Her lawsuit is patently bogus,” he added.</p><br /><p>Baltimore and Newport News, Va., were also included on the watch list due to their asbestos dockets.</p><br /><p>“The continuing manipulation of asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits demonstrate how plaintiffs’ attorneys take advantage of a playing field that remains tilted in their favor,” the report states about Baltimore.</p><br /><p>As for Newport News, the report states, “The court has set a low bar for scientific reliability of expert testimony, relaxed causation standards, hidden from juries what the plaintiff’s employer knew about the health hazards of asbestos, and prevented product makers from asserting widely-accepted defenses.”</p><br /><p>It’s not all gloom and doom for ATRA where asbestos is concerned. McKinney did offer some positive trends throughout the nation.</p><br /><p>“Generally speaking,” McKinney said, “during the course of the last several years, there has been any number of little spots of good news.”</p><br /><p>He speaks specifically about the nation’s “epicenter for asbestos litigation”: Madison and St. Clair counties.</p><br /><p>Madison County entered a defendant verdict in November for Georgia Pacific, a construction manufacturing company accused of contributing to a man’s mesothelioma through its asbestos-containing joint compound used in dry wall work.</p><br /><p>McKinney attributes the surprise verdict to the jury, which can be “trusted to make pretty level-headed decisions in Madison County.”</p><br /><p>“If a judge runs an even-handed courtroom, most juries will come back and offer an even-handed verdict,” he said.</p><br /><p>The Illinois Supreme Court was even listed in the “Points of Light” section of the Hellhole report for “striking a blow against the filing of asbestos cases with no connection to the state in its Judicial Hellhole.”</p><br /><p>According to the report, the St. Clair County Circuit Court refused to dismiss a Mississippi plaintiff’s asbestos case with no connection to Illinois. The Illinois Supreme Court reversed that decision in its efforts to eliminate forum shopping.</p><br /><p>“The high court’s action sends an important message that it will not allow plaintiffs’ lawyers to file lawsuits on behalf of people from around the country in St. Clair or other Illinois counties simply because those Illinois jurisdictions are more likely to produce favorable outcomes than are jurisdictions in plaintiffs’ home states,” the report states.</p><br /><p>Despite occasional good news coming out of America’s courtrooms, McKinney said ATRA and its numerous contributors look at systematic issues and consistent problems.</p><br /><p>“A single case, good or bad, isn’t likely to influence us,” McKinney said.</p><br /><p>“When small, rural Madison County is no longer the home of 25 percent of the nation’s asbestos cases, then we can talk about a clean bill of health for Madison County,” McKinney continued. “Unless there are more Georgia Pacifics willing to fight this and say, ‘No, we’re going to trial. We’re going to fight this,’ then I don’t know how one improves the predicament in Madison County.”</p><br /><p>A common problem attributing to systematic issues is a knee-jerk settlement, he said. McKinney said companies typically settle a case rather than endure a risky and costly trial. But such a passive mindset can ultimately lead to clogged dockets and more problems in the future, he said.</p><br /><p>If settling cases is the go-to strategy, “you don’t have to be a genius to figure out that these lawsuits are going to come a-mile-a-minute,” McKinney said.</p><br /><p>McKinney said to prepare for a long ride, as asbestos won’t soon be leaving the spotlight.</p><br /><p>“It has been in America for some 30 years, and some analysts and experts believe it will continue to be a huge factor for another 40 years,” he said.</p><br /><p><em>From Legal Newsline: Reach Heather Isringhausen Gvillo at asbestos@legalnewsline.com</em> </p><br /></div>

ATRA: Asbestos litigation 'more incredible every year' - Legal News Line

WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – In light of the recent Judicial Hellhole Report released in December, it is clear that asbestos played a key role in the rankings, given what the report’s authors feel i…

08 Jan 2014

Commons Third Reading - Mesothelioma Bill - DeHavilland (press release) (subscription)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div readability='41.1923076923' id='contentBlock' class='innerTube10px'><br /><p>Third Reading 5.48 pm Mike Penning: I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. It is an honour and a privilege to be the Minister who has taken the Bill through the House so speedily, with the help of Her Majesty’s Opposition and ma...</p><br /><br/><br /><h2 class='c14'><img alt="Content Locked" class="c13" height="26" src="http://www.dehavilland.co.uk/VERTICALS/Images/Login/Lock.png" width="25"/>This content is available to DeHavilland subscribers only</h2><br /><p>For more <a href='http://www1.dehavilland.co.uk/our-services'>information on our services</a> or to request a limited <a href='http://www1.dehavilland.co.uk/contact-us3'>FREE TRIAL</a>, please visit <a href='http://www1.dehavilland.co.uk'>our website</a> </p><br /><p><strong>Please note: This is not an instant access service;</strong> DeHavilland services are tailored to the specific needs of each client. For any other queries please <a href='mailto:info@dehavilland.co.uk'>send us an email</a> </p><br /><p><strong><a href='http://www1.dehavilland.co.uk'>DeHavilland</a> - the leading UK parliamentary monitoring and political research service.</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://www1.dehavilland.co.uk'>DeHavilland</a> provides a wide range of political news and information centred on the UK and European agenda.</p><br /><p>Our information keeps leading organisations informed of the latest parliamentary developments which have a direct impact on their public affairs, government relations and communications objectives.</p><br /><a href='http://www1.dehavilland.co.uk'>Visit our website for more information</a> </div><br /></div>

Commons Third Reading - Mesothelioma Bill - DeHavilland (press release) (subscription)

Third Reading 5.48 pm Mike Penning: I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. It is an honour and a privilege to be the Minister who has taken the Bill through the House so speedily, wi…

08 Jan 2014

NIOSH Study: Can't link IBM chemical exposure to cancer - WBNG-TV

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><span class='date'>January 6, 2014</span> <span class='moddate'>Updated Jan 8, 2014 at 7:30 AM EST</span><br /><p>(WBNG Binghamton) A recent study on IBM said it's not possible to definitively say exposure to chemicals at the plant put workers at a higher risk for cancer.</p><br /><p>The study was independently conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.</p><br /><p>They looked at the records of 34,494 employees from 1961 to 2001.</p><br /><p>The study reports the total number of deaths caused from all causes and cancers combined were lower for IBM workers than would be expected in the general public.</p><br /><p>However, the study says deaths from certain types of cancer were more frequent in some groups of workers than would be expected in the general public.</p><br /><p>The cancers listed are rectal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, mesothelioma, pleural cancer and cases of testicular cancer.</p><br /><p>Wanda Hudak is the chairwoman of the Western Broome Environmental Stakeholders Coalition.</p><br /><p>They're one of the groups that led the effort to make this study happen.</p><br /><p>"If this study has done anything, it's going to give a document to anybody else that's thinking about starting a micro-electronic plant a guideline on what they have to be careful for," said Hudak.</p><br /><p>NIOSH admits there were limitations on the report.</p><br /><p>That's because of what they're calling a relatively young study population.</p><br /><p>They say it may be too soon to see some work-related health effects.</p><br /><p>"They wanted answers, we got some answers," said Hudak. "We're going to go for more as far as my board is concerned."</p><br /><p>She said the stakeholders will push until all of their questions have been answered.</p><br /><p>In a statement, IBM said the health, safety and wellness of their employees is and always has been their top priority and is integrated in every aspect of their operations.</p><br /><p>In terms of the certain types of cancers that were more frequent, IBM said NIOSH did not look at family history, smoking tendencies and obesity.</p><br /><p>A public meeting to discuss the results will be held at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 23 at the First United Methodist Church in Endicott.</p><br /><p>The study was done at the request of the New York State Department of Health, Congressional representatives and community stakeholders.</p><br /></div>

NIOSH Study: Can't link IBM chemical exposure to cancer - WBNG-TV

January 6, 2014 Updated Jan 8, 2014 at 7:30 AM EST(WBNG Binghamton) A recent study on IBM said it's not possible to definitively say exposure to chemicals at the plant put workers at a higher risk for…

08 Jan 2014

NIOSH Study: Can't link IBM chemical exposure to cancer - WBNG-TV

NIOSH Study: Can't link IBM chemical exposure to cancer - WBNG-TV

08 Jan 2014

IBM Endicott study: Pollution health effects possible - Poughkeepsie Journal

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IBM Endicott study: Pollution health effects possible - Poughkeepsie Journal

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08 Jan 2014

IBM Endicott study: Pollution health effects possible - Poughkeepsie Journal

IBM Endicott study: Pollution health effects possible - Poughkeepsie Journal

08 Jan 2014

Mesothelioma Advocate Participates in DoD Cancer Research Peer-Review - PR Web (press release)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='releaseDateline'>Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) December 31, 2013</p><br /><p>Mesothelioma cancer advocate and activist, Rich Mosca, recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) sponsored by the Department of Defense. Mr. Mosca was nominated for participation in the program by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. As a consumer reviewer, he was a full voting member, along with prominent scientists, at meetings to help determine how the $15 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) will be spent on future research for eight specific cancers: blood, colorectal, kidney, and pancreatic cancer; melanoma and other skin cancers; mesothelioma, neuroblastoma, and pediatric brain tumors.</p><br /><p>Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of individuals living with these cancers, family members, and those who may be affected in the future, when they prepare comments on the impact of the research on issues such as prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life after diagnosis.</p><br /><p>The Meso Foundation was instrumental in making mesothelioma an eligible topic within the DoD’s research programs. The first ever DoD research grant for mesothelioma was awarded in 2008 and amounted to $1.3 million. A total of $8.8 million has been awarded to mesothelioma research through the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program and the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program, both divisions of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, which is administered by the Department of Defense.</p><br /><p>To date, the Meso Foundation has nominated four consumer reviewers who have served as voting members on the DoD panels.</p><br /><p>Colonel Wanda L. Salzer, M.D., Director of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, expressed her appreciation for the perspectives of the consumer advocates in the scientific review sessions. “The Consumer Reviewers on each panel are instrumental in helping the scientists understand the patient’s perspective and provide valuable insight into the potential impact of the proposed project. They bring with them a sense of urgency and remind all of the human element involved in medical research.”</p><br /><p>Scientists applying propose to conduct innovative cancer research aimed at improving the lives of all individuals living with these cancers and their families. The PRCRP fills important gaps not addressed by other funding agencies by supporting groundbreaking, high-risk, high-gain research while encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.</p><br /><p>More information about the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program is available on the website: http://cdmrp.army.mil.</p><br /><p>Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. Medical experts consider it one of the most aggressive and deadly of all cancers. Approximately 3,500 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year and an estimated one-third were exposed while serving in the Navy or working in Navy shipyards.</p><br /><p>ABOUT THE MESOTHELIOMA APPLIED RESEARCH FOUNDATION<br/><br />The Meso Foundation is the only 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by it. The Meso Foundation actively seeks philanthropic support to fund peer-reviewed mesothelioma research; provide patient support services and education; and advocate Congress for increased federal funding for mesothelioma research. The Meso Foundation is the only non-government funder of peer reviewed scientific research to establish more effective treatments for mesothelioma and, ultimately, a cure for this extremely aggressive cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $8.2 million to research. More information is available at http://www.curemeso.org.</p><br /><p>###</p><br /><br clear='all'/></div>

Mesothelioma Advocate Participates in DoD Cancer Research Peer-Review - PR Web (press release)

Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) December 31, 2013Mesothelioma cancer advocate and activist, Rich Mosca, recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the Peer Reviewed Cancer Re…

08 Jan 2014

Streamlining Environmental Disaster in Wisconsin - Mesothelioma.com (blog)

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img alt="Environmental turmoil in Wisconsin" class="floatleft" src="http://www.mesothelioma.com/images/blog/posts/mining-wisconsin.jpg" width="210"/><br /><p><em>"It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." — Upton Sinclair</em> </p><br /><p>A Florida-based company called Gogebic Taconite (GTAC) wants to dig the world’s biggest open-pit iron mine in the Penokee Hills of northern Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s governor and the Republican majority in the Wisconsin legislature want the mine to be dug. Environmentalists, and the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe, do not.</p><br /><p>To fast-track the digging the state legislature produced a bill, crafted with input from GTAC, that cut the required time to grant a permit and relaxed environmental protections. The bill was hotly contested, but in a show of popular support Americans for Prosperity — an “astroturf” organization funded by billionaire businessman and political activist David Koch — bused 30 or so supporters of the bill from southeast Wisconsin to the capital grounds in Madison to stage a rally. Participants received orange hats saying “Vote Yes for Mining,” plus a free lunch.</p><br /><p>In March 2013, Gov. Scott Walker signed a mining reform bill into law.</p><br /><p>Among other things, the new law “streamlines” the approval process for the mine so that the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will not have time to do a proper study of the mine’s potential impact on the region’s wetlands and rivers, many of which flow into Lake Superior.</p><br /><p>And then there’s asbestos. At least three geologists have confirmed that a type of asbestos called grunerite is present at the site of the proposed mine, in large quantities. GTAC simply says that’s not true.</p><br /><p>GTAC’s critics accuse the company of playing games with sampling. GTAC is declining to sample areas known to have grunerite, they say. The company is alleged to be sampling in areas where the rocks have been exposed to the elements for a long time. And the company is denying that what geologists say is grunerite is actually grunerite. More tests are always required to confirm the geologists’ findings.</p><br /><p>Grunerite, also called amosite or “brown asbestos,” is one of the six types of asbestos. It is not asbestos-related or asbestos-resembling or any other qualifier that has shown up in news stories; it is asbestos. And there is no question that exposure to it causes mesothelioma and other deadly asbestos-related diseases.</p><br /><p>The mining operation could scatter asbestos widely over the area, endangering the lives of whoever lives there. This is similar to what happened in Libby, Montana, which was once the site of an asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mine. Now many of Libby’s residents are dead or dying, and the U.S. taxpayer is on the hook for the cleanup and medical care.</p><br /><p>Proponents of the law say that the iron mine will create jobs. And it might, but why the rush? The hurry-up may have something to do with Wisconsin’s anemic job growth rate, which lags behind those of the nation and neighboring states. Gov. Walker, who is considered a contender for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, sold himself to the voters as a pro-business fiscal conservative who would create jobs. If he doesn’t start creating some, he may be out of a job himself.</p><br /><p>Opponents of the bill say it will kill jobs that already exist. For example, the Bad River Chippewa band, downstream from the site, markets wild rice grown in the still-clear river. By law the band has a say in any enterprise that might affect its land, but it appears the Wisconsin state legislature did not ask for the band’s input on the “reform” law. The Chippewa community expresses its concerns in this YouTube video.</p><br /><p>Further, many long-established local businesses cater to tourists and sell supplies for hunting and sports fishing. Millions of tons of waste rock will likely put an end to those enterprises.</p><br /><p>Yes, millions of tons, easily. GTAC plans a 4 ½-mile long open pit iron ore mine. But this would be only the first phase of an eventual 22-mile strip of open-pit mining in what is now many acres of forest and streams. What GTAC wants to mine is taconite, an iron-bearing sedimentary rock. The iron that taconite contains is of low quality, and extracting the usable iron from the rock is a big, messy process that leaves a lot of waste. Still, there is enough demand for the iron pellets yielded from taconite that a profit can be made.</p><br /><p>Note that taconite has been mined in Minnesota for many years. As of 2005, the mesothelioma rate in the taconite mining areas was more than 125 percent higher than the rest of the state.</p><br /><p>However, most environmentalists and the Bad River Chippewa are primarily concerned about what the mine could do to the wetlands and waters. The Nature Conservancy has said that the new law exacerbates risks to the environment —</p><br /><blockquote readability='12'><br /><p>“…by allowing alterations of lake beds, streams and rivers, as well as the outright destruction of any wetland. It allows waste piles to be steeper, located in or adjacent to hydric soils. It removes shore land zoning requirements and protections for wetlands. When taken in totality, these changes pose a heightened risk to surrounding waters and eliminate nature’s ability to mitigate those damages.”</p><br /></blockquote><br /><p>It appears, though, that just before Christmas the Army Corps of Engineers put an end to this fast-tracking of a potential environmental disaster. The Army Corps, which must also approve the project, informed GTAC that it will not be issuing a joint environmental impact statement with the state of Wisconsin, as the company had hoped. The Army Corps will do its own environmental impact evaluation, thank you, and it will take its sweet time doing it.</p><br /><p>Because the permitting process is now split between state and federal agencies, it will likely take longer — as much as five years — before the mining company can get its permit. Assuming, of course, that it gets a permit.</p><br /></div>

Streamlining Environmental Disaster in Wisconsin - Mesothelioma.com (blog)

"It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." — Upton Sinclair A Florida-based company called Gogebic Taconite (GTAC) wants to dig the …

08 Jan 2014

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