Mesothelioma Diesease And Asbestos Induced Scarring

One interesting study is called, Radiological abnormalities and asbestos exposure among custodians of the New York City Board of Education by Levin, S.M. ; Selikoff, I.J. - Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences; (United States); Journal Volume: 643. Here is an excerpt: Six hundred sixty custodians employed by the New York City Board of Education underwent examination from 1985 through 1987 for asbestos-related disease and other general medical conditions by the clinical staff of the Division of Environmental and Occupational Medicine of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York. Two-thirds of the men (no women were examined) were 20 or more years from onset of any custodial work, with 44% having had at least 20 years of employment as custodial workers in New York City Board of Education schools. Twenty-four percent had begun custodial work in buildings 30 or more years earlier. Findings among them were of particular interest since asbestos-related disease might forecast what might be expected among school custodians with less seniority. Since the Board of Education, in selecting custodians for examination, had chosen only custodians currently employed, the study group comprised men still working in the school system. These, then, represented a survivor population'. Although a considerable amount of clinical information was obtained, abnormalities on chest X-ray consistent with asbestos-induced scarring were used as the key index of disease resulting from exposure to asbestos. Since scarring of the lung tissue may be present but undetectable on standard chest radiographs (a relatively insensitive diagnostic technique), the prevalence of abnormality on X-ray film represents a conservative estimate of the actual burden of scarring lung disease in the group. Such changes are indicative of previous asbestos exposure, however, and provide evidence of an increased risk of later asbestos-related malignancy. Overall, abnormalities on chest X-ray consistent with asbestos-related scarring were found in 28% of the men examined.

Another study is called, Magnetic lung measurements in relation to occupational exposure in asbestos miners and millers of Quebec - Environmental Research Volume 26, Issue 2, December 1981, Pages 535-550 by David Cohen, Thomas S. Crowther1Graham W. Gibbs2 and Margaret R. Becklake. Here is an excerpt: Abstract - Fe3O4 particles (ferrimagnetic) are usually attached to asbestos fibers (nonferrimagnetic) in the chrysotile asbestos mining and milling industries; therefore, a magnetic measurement of Fe3O4 in the lungs of workers in these industries could help determine the amount of asbestos which has been inhaled and retained in their lungs. As a first assessment of this method, magnetic measurements were made of Fe3O4 in the lungs of 115 miners and millers in Quebec. These measurements at an industrial site were found to be feasible and practical; however, the amount of Fe3O4 seen in the lungs of those with welding exposure was large enough to mask the Fe3O4 contributed by asbestos, and this subgroup was considered separately. For the remainder (nonwelders), the amount of Fe3O4 was plotted against a total dust exposure index (asbestos and other dust) estimated for each worker. Although the correlation between these quantities was not high, it was statistically significant at the 1% level. Because retained asbestos is likely to increase with increasing exposure to total dust, this correlation suggests that a magnetic lung measurement of a chrysotile miner or a miller does reflect, to some extent, the amount of asbestos in his lung. There was considerable scatter in the data, partly due to individual variations in deposition and clearance, to which this method is sensitive. When the data of only the nonsmokers were plotted, the amount of Fe3O4 was greater than for the total group of nonwelders. This is consistent with previous findings that less dust is deeply deposited in the lungs of smokers, due to constriction of small airways.

Another study is called, The histopathology and ultrastructure of pleural mesotheliomas produced in the rat by injections of crocidolite asbestos. By Davis JM. - Br J Exp Pathol. 1979 Dec;60(6):642-52. Here is an excerpt: Abstract - Primary tumours of the pleural cavity were produced in rats by the intrapleural injection of crocidolite asbestos. Their histological structure as seen with both light and electron microscopy was very variable and tumours frequently contained elements of both connective-tissue and epithelial type. In some instances the connective-tissue elements predominated from the start and the earliest tumour nodules consisted mainly of pleomorphic connective-tissue cells with only a few layers of cells more nearly epithelial in type on the surface. This pattern was largely retained when tumour nodules increased in size and coalesced, but in the deeper layers of advanced tumours the pleomorphic connective-tissue pattern was often replaced by a more uniform spindle-cell form. Other tumours were more predominantly epithelial in type, showing either a papillary pattern with rounded epithelial cells growing in solid columns, or a vesicular form in which large tissue spaces, often intracellular, were lined by very thin layers of extended cell cytoplasm. Whereas early tumours showed only one histological pattern, the more advanced stages often exhibited areas of all 3, so that there seemed to be some degree of histological mutability. The spindle-cell areas of advanced tumours frequently showed evidence of direct invasion of the surrounding tissue but this was never seen with the epithelial forms of rat mesothelioma.

If you found any of these excerpts interesting, please read the studies in their entirety. We all owe a debt of gratitude to these fine researchers.

Understanding California Bankruptcy Laws & Exemptions

Things can happen during a person's lifetime that can result in unplanned financial issues. Sometimes, debts are so onerous and creditors are so unreasonable that people are forced to seek bankruptcy relief. If you are filing for bankruptcy in California, you must follow some specific California bankruptcy laws.

Federally sanctioned supplemental exemptions are permitted to be used according to the bankruptcy laws in California and can be used with the allowed California State exemptions. According to California bankruptcy laws, a person must choose one of two categories of exemption. The two categories are simply known as System One and System Two. A debtor, with suggestions from someone who offers bankruptcy assistance, can choose which one of the two systems is right for them.

According to California law, the System One choice has a homestead exemption of a maximum of $50,000 for one person who isn't handicapped, a maximum of $75,000 for families and a maximum of $125,000 for seniors. In addition, System One allows for personal property exemptions of as much as $2,000 cash in the bank; as much as $2,000 worth of building materials; as much as $5,000 worth of jewelry and heirlooms; motor vehicles valued up to $1,900; burial plots; appliances; home furnishings; personal clothing; health related aids; food; and any money that results from personal injury or wrongful death claims. Also, allowances are provided for the following under System One: any type of insurance claims; pensions; benefits like unemployment compensation; workers' compensation claims; health assistance claims; tools of the trade which includes tools, uniforms, equipment, books and manuals needed to continue in a trade; and wages exempt at a minimum of 75%.

There are many differences between System One and System Two exemptions under California bankruptcy laws. For System Two, $17,425 is the highest exemption for every homestead category. The maximum amount for jewelry and heirlooms is $1,150. The trade tools exemption is limited to $1,750 while the exemption for motor vehicles is as much as $2,775. In addition, System Two caps the total amount of personal benefits that can be exempted at $17,425. However, a wild card exemption of as much as $925 is permitted. System Two doesn't have any wage exemption but there is an exemption for ERISA eligible pensions.

Due to the complexity involved in these two exemption systems under the California bankruptcy laws, people are strongly advised to engage a lawyer who specializes in this field of law for assistance with bankruptcy. Basically, a lawyer will consider all of your financial issues and advise you about which one of the two exemption systems would be right for you when your bankruptcy case is filed.

Saving The American Worker From The Billion Dollar Bully

By Frank N. Darras

There was a time in America when people grew up wanting to be millionaires. Bill Gates, Warren Buffet became icons and dreamers envisioned, becoming a billionaire, with a B. Where does that leave all the regular every day workers of America, when the government is spending trillions, with a T? Appeal Insurance Denial

Here is the problem, WE THE PEOPLE work hard every day to be average Americans. None of us are looking for private jet service, chauffeurs or personal chefs. We want to feed our children and have the freedom to save our hard earned money. We are scrimping and saving and hope one day, to be able to help our children get into a university, while we age gracefully without being an imposition or a burden to the ones we love. We want regular college education for our children and most of us, are not anticipating a full scholarship to the Ivy League. Normal is okay and in this economy, all we working Americans can afford.

Giving our children the fundamentals to be successful is our job, as parents. Most of us dont have the whipped cream and cherries for our childrens lives but we provide the core values and life skills so they can make their way in the world.
In walks our government. With all due respect, most Americans know that Social Security is a tax we all pay, but the politicians have borrowed from it and it is destined to be bankrupt by 2019, if not sooner. Not a good scenario for the average American, the blue collar worker and our teachers. We are still paying, but the money may not be there when we are supposed to get our payback. We are all paying into the system but the system has a fault line that could swallow us all.
Then, unbeknownst to most folks, that sneaky giant acronym, ERISA, rears its ugly head. What is ERISA most people say? ERISA sounds innocuous, and can be found in most working Americans health, life and disability policies we get from work. Take a minute and look at one of your policies or certificates of insurance and you will see it buried in the fine print. Apply For Disability Benefits

Most of us have no idea what has been taken from us. Did you know if you get your insurance at work that most of you have given up your constitutional right to a trial by jury if your insurance company wrongfully delays or denies your legitimate claim? Did you know that if you lose your house, get behind in your bills, your car is repossessed and you have to file bankruptcy because your group insurance company wrongfully delayed or denied your benefits there is NO PUNISHMENT DAMAGES under ERISA. If youre worried about your good name, stellar credit rating, equity lost as a result of your group insurance companys wrongful denial there is NO EMOTIONAL DISTRESS DAMAGES under ERISA. Shocking isnt it? More unbelievable, it doesnt matter whether you are the CEO or the secretary; ERISA applies to everyone with group insurance benefits that doesnt work for the government, a school or a church. Attorney Bad Faith

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was passed in 1974 and has been on the legal books without change. ERISA was supposed to help employees. Now, when employees are wrongfully denied their benefits, ERISA forces the disabled or sick insured to administratively appeal within stringent time guidelines. Sounds simple doesnt it? Gee, the insured thinks there must have been some mistake. All I need to do is write a one-line letter to the group insurer asking them to review on appeal their adverse decision. Unfortunately, what the group insurer fails to tell the insured is that the burden of proof shifts to the insured once the carrier denies their group claim. On administrative appeal it is up to the disable or sick insured to gather all their medical records, supply all their diagnostic testing, provide all of their prescriptions and objective proof the medications have caused side effects, along with detailed and comprehensive doctor reports refuting the insurance companys denial decision. What disabled and sick insured group worker has the stamina, know how or ability to take on a billion dollar group insurance Company? Group insurers know sick people dont fight hard and the disabled cant last very long. They know most of us just ask for the company to review what must have been a mistake.

Unfortunately, once the administrative decision is made the record is closed. Most people say, well my doctor, my friends, my co-workers will be able to come to trial to testify in the lawsuit, right? WRONG, under ERISA there generally is no discovery, so none is getting deposed, no one is coming to court because there is no trial by jury. Under ERISA, the Federal court will look at the closed record and decide whether the group insurance company is wrong based on a reasonable doubt standard. If there is some doubt, a little doubt, any doubt, under ERISA the insured loses. Thats not fair many people say. If I had known there was no discovery and I had to submit everything that proved my case during my appeal I would have done it. Too bad, too late, under ERISA once the record is closed, no new evidence is considered.

So the highly acclaimed ERISA, sold to Congress as a quick, fair, easy process where lawyers would be removed from the system has been turned on its ugly head. ERISA, designed to help the little guy, now is the standard to which all regular folks, your friends and neighbors who get their insurance at work, get cheated.

ERISA is the devastating reality in the life of disabled or sick Americans with group insurance. When wrongfully denied their benefits, group insureds are forced to beat the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt to win their ERISA case. The ERISA restrictions are so skewed on the side of group insurance companies, that it is rare for a regular person to get what they rightfully deserve.

Mesothelioma Cells And Resistance To Propylthiouracil

Another interesting study is called, The Human Type 2 Iodothyronine Deiodinase Is a Selenoprotein Highly Expressed in a Mesothelioma Cell Line by Cyntia Curcio, Munira M. A. Baqui, Domenico Salvatore, Bertrand H. Rihn, Steve Mohr, John W. Harney, P. Reed Larsen and Antonio C. Bianco - August 10, 2001 The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 276, 30183-30187 Here is an excerpt: Abstract - Types 1 and 3 iodothyronine deiodinases are known to be selenocysteine-containing enzymes. Although a putative human type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2) gene (hDio2) encoding a similar selenoprotein has been identified, basal D2 activity is not selenium (Se)-dependent nor has D2 been labeled with75Se. A human mesothelioma cell line (MSTO-211H) has recently been shown to have 40-fold higher levels ofhDio2 mRNA than mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma cell lysates activate thyroxine (T4) to 3,5,3-triiodothyronine with typical characteristics of D2 such as low K m (T4), 1.3 nm, resistance to propylthiouracil, and a short half-life (30 min). D2 activity is 30-fold higher in Se-supplemented than in Se-depleted medium. An antiserum prepared against a peptide deduced from theDio2 mRNA sequence precipitates a 75Se protein of the predicted 31-kDa size from 75Se-labeled mesothelioma cells. Bromoadenosine 35 cyclic monophosphate increases D2 activity and 75Se-p31 2.5-fold whereas substrate (T4) reduces both D2 activity and 75Se-p31 23-fold. MG132 or lactacystin (10 m), inhibitors of the proteasome pathway by which D2 is degraded, increase both D2 activity and 75Se-p31 34-fold and prevent the loss of D2 activity during cycloheximide or substrate (T4) exposure. Immunocytochemical studies with affinity-purified anti-hD2 antibody show a Se-dependent increase in immunofluorescence. Thus, human D2 is encoded by hDio2 and is a member of the selenodeiodinase family accounting for its highly catalytic efficiency in T4 activation.

Another interesting study is called, Concentration of hyaluronic acid in pleural fluid as a diagnostic aid for malignant mesothelioma. By T Pettersson, B Frseth, H Riska, and M Klockars - CHEST November 1988 vol. 94 no. 5 1037-1039. Here is an excerpt: Abstract - Hyaluronic acid (HA) was determined with a radiometric assay in the serum and pleural fluid of 85 patients with pleural effusions, including 15 with malignant mesothelioma, 32 with other cancer, 31 with nonmalignant inflammatory diseases, and seven with congestive heart failure. With a cutoff level at 100 mg/L, the pleural fluid concentration of HA was raised in 73 percent of patients (11 of 15) with malignant mesothelioma and in 23 percent with nonmalignant inflammatory diseases, but in none with other cancer and in none with congestive heart failure. The median concentration of pleural fluid HA was significantly higher in patients with mesothelioma than in those with other cancer (p less than 0.005). Determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in pleural fluid further helped to differentiate between mesothelioma and other types of cancer; concentrations of CEA above 10 micrograms/L were found in four of 15 (27 percent) patients with mesothelioma, but in 38 percent of the patients with other cancer. We concluded that in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions associated with malignant tumors a high concentration of HA in pleural fluid combined with a low concentration of CEA suggests malignant mesothelioma as opposed to other types of cancer.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to these fine researchers for their work. If you found any of these excerpts helpful, please read the studies in their entirety.

Retirement Plans Financial Security Upon Retirement

Most employees, upon reaching retirement age, anticipate such time when they can totally relax while still enjoying financial security. Thats why even at the very beginning of their employment, they are already looking far into the future about the kind of retirement benefits they might possibly get.

There are formal contracts to provide retirement benefits for employees upon reaching retirement age. They are called retirement plans. Some retirement plans can be set up by the employee themselves while some are sponsored by their employer.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act or ERISA Law is the federal law governing employees retirement plans. Qualified retirement plan is the operative term for the specific plan that complies with ERISA law. By complying with this applicable law, the plans taxes are deferred on contributions and earnings of the employee until withdrawn. ERISA has non-discrimination rules and other safety nets to protect employees benefits.

Although there are no existing laws that obligate employers to establish retirement plans for their employees, they may provide such packages in order to attract incoming employees and maintain present employees. Aside from that, setting up qualified plans by employers lets them gain tax benefits.

If there are qualified plans, there can also be non-qualified plans. As opposed to the former, non-qualified plans, as the work itself connotes, do not qualify the plan for tax benefits. Such plans are usually set up by employers for their management executives.

There are several examples of qualified retirement plans. The more popular ones are the individual retirement account or IRA. It is a contract by the employee with himself with the purpose of having the money in a tax-qualified account until their actual retirement.

In having an IRA, the employees taxes are postponed contributions along with the ensuing earnings until they are withdrawn.

The 401(k) plans, is another type of a delayed compensation plan. An employee can contribute ever year while their employers share a corresponding percentage of what they contribute. Not until the employee start receiving distributions does he get taxed for contributions.

However if the employee starts withdrawing before they reached the age of 59 1/2, he may have to pay up stiff penalties. However, contributions can grow and accumulate until withdrawal, and everything is on a pre-tax basis.

Profit sharing plans, in simplest terms let employees share in the profits. This type of plan gives employers a chance to supplement other retirement benefits for the employee. It depends on the employer how much are the contributions. Employers must observe that the contributions must be on a non-discriminatory basis. Usually employers make contributions according to the percentage of total annual pay roll.

Pension plans have two basic qualified types. The defined benefit plans have a specific pension amount according to a certain formula and the defined contribution plans have a specific amount the employees are required to contribute in individual accounts.

It is essential for an employee to be aware of the retirement plan set up by their employers during their employment. Employees need to understand the plan itself, how it works and what benefits to be gained. Then, they must also keep tabs of their money wherever it is deposited. This way, employees and their families can be assured of their future financial security.

Mesothelioma Attorneys-facts To Consider When You Want To Choose

There are certain factors very important factors that you will have to consider when you want to choose a mesothelioma attorney to handle your case.

a-The experience of your attorney .The level of experience of the lawyer you want to choose is very important. Ask your lawyer the number of mesothelioma cases he/she has handled before. You should also ask how many of the cases got settled and how much were the settlements. Directories and websites of attorneys who specialize in mesothelioma lawsuits are available to help you select the right attorney.

b-The method of charging of fees by your attorney. Most mesothelioma attorneys charge contingency fees. In this kind of arrangement you only get to pay a percentage of the money you receive as compensation. If you do not get compensated your lawyers do not get any fees. Most lawyers charge around 40% of compensation received.

c- The kind of impression your lawyer lives on you. When you meet your prospective lawyer to be the impression they leave on you should be considered strongly. If you get the impression that the lawyer is only interested in bargaining instead of listening to your story, it is better to look for another attorney. Your attorney should have a listening ear ready to listen and understand your points very well so that he will be able to present your case in a very good way before the judge.

Your lawyer will need to prove that you were exposed to asbestos particles in your working place and she/he also have to prove that the exposure was as a result of negligence on the part of your former employer. Your attorney may need to use your employment record and tax record as evidence to prove the time and place of exposure to asbestos.

Estate Planning And Insurance Concerns When You Divorce

If you are getting a divorce from your spouse, you have a lot of planning to do. You will need to name your own beneficiaries, organize your divided assets, and set up your individual estate.

It is important that you meet with a qualified attorney to discuss the specifics of planning your estate to ensure that your wishes are carried out as you desire. You need to be well versed in the most strategic methods of dividing your joint estate so that you do not end up paying all of the taxes while he or she enjoys the benefits of your assets.

I have outlined some important information for you to be aware of when planning your estate after your divorce. Please keep in mind that divorces lend themselves to new structures for individuals. You will want to meet with a qualified attorney to discuss how to best protect your new estate.

Assigning Your Beneficiary
During your marriage, chances are your spouse was the sole or major beneficiary of your estate. After your divorce, it is important that you designate a new beneficiary on all of your documents and for all of your accounts.

The federal law called ERISA pre-empts state laws that automatically remove an ex-spouse as the beneficiary of retirement plans. Therefore, its important that you remove the ex-spouse as the beneficiary unless you wish for him or her to remain as your designated beneficiary.

Please note: Once you re-name your beneficiary, it is possible that your ex-spouse will still retain the rights to part of your retirement benefits that you accrued during the time of your marriage. I recommend consulting with a qualified estate planning attorney to determine just how much of your benefits and estate will be designated to your ex-spouse after your divorce.

Dividing Your Assets
During the course of your divorce, you and your ex-spouse determine how your joint estate will be divided. Take a minute to review a few assets that you will need to divide: 1) appreciated assets, such as mutual funds, and stocks; 2) real estate, including investments, repairs, insurances and mortgages; 3) personal property, such as jewelry, artwork and clothes; 4) retirement plans, such as qualified plans and IRAs; and 5) your home, which can be divided in different ways to meet both parties financial needs.

Establishing a Trust
Many people will create a Trust to ensure that a designated Trustee will have control over funds after death. There are three Trusts that you can explore when planning your estate:

1. The Revocable Living Trust helps you avoid probate by allowing your Trustee to distribute your assets according to the instructions that you have outlined.
2. The Childrens Trust allows you to designate funds that your child will use later in his life to pay for his education, home, etc.
3. The Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, otherwise known as ILIT, allows you to distribute the death benefit estate tax-free when and how you want, even long after youre gone.

Divorce is never easy. Its typically a very long and arduous process as both parties work to get their portions of the shared assets. If youre going through a divorce it is important to speak with a qualified attorney who can walk you through all of the tax and asset considerations that you need to be aware of to ensure that you receive the best possible settlement.