Anti-vaccine contortions: They never end

They wrote a book on it?

Rats, the comments dropped out my

***jaw drop***

They have officially lost their flippin’ minds. Do they have ANY CLUE how many things latex is in? How unbelievably tiny a fraction of such exposure vaccination could possibly represent?

My mom happens to have a significant (real) latex allergy and the lifestyle changes latex avoidance requires are profound. It’s MAJOR news when she manages to find a clothing brand which doesn’t use latex – and then she has to stock up because they may not last and she won’t be able to buy more clothes for multiple years.

Well, it’s gotta be the latex in vaccine packaging that causes autism.

Further proof: Latex gloves used to be in wide use in hospitals (including newborn nurseries and pediatric wards), but in recent years have started to be phased out because of latex allergies (mostly a problem for staff). And of course reported cases of autism/autism spectrum disorders have declined paralleling the drop in use of latex gloves, and…wait a minute…

Nevermind.

Here’s his paper

“Dochniak MJ, Autism spectrum disorders – Exogenous protein insult, Med Hypotheses (2007), Volume 69, Issue 3, Pages 545-549. (Note: The costs of publication of the Med. Hypotheses article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. This article must therefore be hereby marked advertisement in accordance with 18 U.S.C.Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.)”

http://replay.web.archive.org/20090402065704/http://www.autismdoc.org/

These people are nuts. They are absolutely not interacting with this plane of reality. Madder than a hatter, madder than a March hare, completely batshit insane. (My apologies to all the people with real mental diseases and disorders, you do not deserve to be lumped in with these persons, but my language is lacking.)

@6, @7 – It’s homeopathic – the ubiquitous latex isn’t the problem, because there’s so much of it! The infinitesimal quantity that the vaccine gets exposed to makes it more potent! And if they removed all the latex, everyone would be autistic!

Shame there’s no an Olympic event for goalpost-shifting.

I am not often at a loss…but….ummmm. Are they purposely trying to get laughed at and further marginalized?

I have a funny coincidental anecdote: my only biological child that doesn’t have an ASD gets hives when she is in contact with latex (band-aids, gloves, balloons etc…). Why isn’t she autistic?

Was this the big news?

So that’s why all those guys I screwed in college never called, they became autistic. Phew.

umm,
what?

@ Kristen: Cleveland Childrens.org (Cleveland Children’s Hospital) has some great articles on children’s allergies including allergy to latex. Latex can be found in baby bottle nipples, disposable diapers, children’s toys including bath “float” toys and many other items that kids are exposed to in their environment. In addition, there may be a cross reactivity to certain fruits (bananas) when a child has a latex allergy.

On Dochniak’s website (describing his two-year-old’s ER visit)…..”Before leaving the hospital a doctor recommended that a nebulizer be used at home to relieve any recurrent asthmatic symptoms”. Huh? Didn’t Dochniak just describe an anaphylaxis episode? The ER doctor would have prescribed an EpiPen with instructions to fill the prescription immediately.

Too dumb even, to frame the anecdotal episode in a cogent manner…so that we might believe that his child has a latex allergy.

“And I have NEVER seen scare mongering about the “epidemic” of schizophrenia”

No, they use ‘pot causes schizophrenia’ scare mongering instead. Do we have the 2009 Keele study handy? Have we had pot? Have we had schizophrenia? Are we qualified. I use the term ‘we’ dissociatively, of course.

Hopefully Clear UK and ReThink will be addressing this abuse of science, pot, and schizophrenics sooner rather than later.

@ herr doktor bimler: The information about latex packaging (syringe plungers, vaccine vials) can be found at:

Pink Book General Recommendations On Immunization (Chapter 2)

On top of pg, 11 (of 22 pages) “Only one report of an allergic reaction after administration of hepatitis B vaccine in a known severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to latex has ever been published”.

BTW, Where I worked at a county health department, where nurses and doctors administered tens of thousands vaccines to children and adults, none of the vaccine administrators ever had to break into the epinephrine ampules and administer a shot for a severe allergic reaction…from a vaccine or from latex contained in vaccine vial ports or in syringe plungers; we simply tossed the ampules and replaced them with new (unexpired date) epinephrine ampules.

Here’s the truly funny part about this.

About a decade (or more) ago, the pharmaceutical companies, recognising the rise in latex allergies, started using latex-free stoppers in their vaccines (and other medications using stoppered vials). Not all vaccines come in latex-free vials, but the number of latex-free vials has gone from zero 20 years ago (before the start of the “autism epidemic”) to the present where almost every chldhood vaccine is available in a latex-free container (note: the single-use syringes are almost all latex-free, the vials less so).

Of course, during the time that latex-free vial stoppers and single-use syringes (not to mention examination gloves, party balloons, toys etc.) have gone from zero to commonplace, the prevalence of autism (as reported by educational and other administrative sources) has….well, it’s actually gone up, hasn’t it?

That doesn’t make sense…if latex exposure in vaccines is the cause of autism, then why would the prevalence be going up as the exposure to latex is going down?

One possible explanation would be that autism isn’t caused by latex and that Dochniak and Dunn are barking mad. In fact, that’s just about the only reasonable explanation.

Interesting point: Mr. Dochniak’s LinkdIn profile (which I assume he wrote) lists his qualifications as a BS in “psychology/chemistry” (1985) and his work experience as “technical consultant” at Jasmine Elastomerics and Menelaus Technologies (which supplies baled natural rubber)and owner/co-founder (an article he wrote lists him as CTO) of Mallard Adhesives, which is apparently a consulting/design firm (the website hs been “under construction” since 2008).

I see nothing (apart from a BS in psychology) that indicates he has the slightest qualification to discuss the etiology of autism. As I mention above, his hypothesis doesn’t even make superficial sense.

What next? Will someone be claiming that the ink on the vaccine vials causes autism?

It seems that the loons will not rest until they find something in/on/around vaccines that causes autism. Despite their monomania on the subject, data supporting their dogma has remained elusive (like El Dorado, often described but never seen).

Prometheus

Hevea brasiliensis dry natural rubber (HDNR), derived from the liquid latex found in natural rubber trees

But wait, wait, that cannot be. It’s NATURAL rubber. And natural is safe!!!

[/parody]

There was a comment on the thread covering the association with recommended vaccine number and infant death that pointed out that in the case of very premature infants they don’t give the HepB dose right away, but wait until the infant is bigger, so very premature infants would die before getting the vaccine. That just shows how deadly those vaccines are, they kill premature infants even before they get them!

But wait, even pharma shill ghouls don’t inject vaccines into dead infants. It must be quantum spill-over from parallel universes where those infants survived and then were vaccinated that is killing those infants!

But if vaccines in parallel universes are enough to cause infant deaths via quantum spill-over, then surely vaccines in parallel universes are enough to cause autism too.

That is why the mercury that is causing autism can’t be found and why chelation does absolutely nothing to cure autism. It is the mercury that is still being used in a parallel universe that is causing autism in this universe. It is children in the parallel universe that need to be chelated!

Using non-latex rubber in the seals of vaccine vials will do nothing to stop latex from causing autism. It is latex in parallel universes that is causing autism in this universe.

That is why science can’t prove these things! Science is useless for proving what is happening in parallel universes and how those parallel universes are affecting us.

On the other hand, according to The Secret, if you think very strongly that something will happen, then the thing you are thinking about does happen. It is all the anti-vax people that are responsible for the autism epidemic. They are very strongly thinking that autism is going up, that vaccines cause autism, and so, autism is going up and vaccines cause autism, whether they actually use vaccines or not!

Prometheus @28

Dochniak and Dunn are barking mad

Isn’t that a requirement for being published in Medical Hypothesis?

Interesting point: Mr. Dochniak’s LinkdIn profile (which I assume he wrote) lists his qualifications as a BS in “psychology/chemistry” (1985)

I assume “psychology/chemistry” involves the copious consumption of psychoactive chemicals. The BS is an inevitable side effect.

Orac – please go easy with the insolence when Medical Hypothesis publishes my paper linking fracing* (especially multi fracing horizontal wells) with autism.

*”fracing” not “fracking” is the correct spelling since the the verb frac is an abbreviation for hydraulic fracturing.

I suppose some nut has suggested that this enormous increase in allergies has been caused by vaccines—what haven’t they suggested is caused by vaccines?

I remember at least one anti-vaxxer saying that allergies didn’t exist before vaccines.

Nah, allergies and autism are caused by the same thing, not latex but being too clean.

http://books.google.com/books?id=a3mwmXzpsjkC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA103#v=onepage&q&f=false

more autism causation woo

The vaccines the parents received

Too much prenatal ultrasound

Vitamin something underdose

etc.

Is there nothing they won’t blame?

Do you mean the transgenerational effect of vaccines? Yah, that’s common as dirt. I haven’t quite figured out the “religious” objections to PKU testing, though.

I know it’s not April 1, but Orac must be joking about this *clicks on Amazon link*

…

He’s not. Oh, sweet lord, this is happening. Someone is actually blaming latex for… so, out of idle interest, does this mean that nearly every person who has used contraception is now at risk, or am I taking the lunatic idiocy a little too far there? I only ask because morbid curiosity is compelling me to find out exactly how far this goes.

They may have a point. There is latex in condoms; when the parents conceive, the ejaculant is caught in the latex barrier which then would indeed affect the sperm travelling to the… oh no, wait. Not that. Carry on.

Thank you for the information Lilady. I’ll go read the article you suggested.

amy +10 internets, but unfortunately wrong: External latex application (or does that count as internal) doesn’t cause autism, it’s the injection directly into the bloodstream that makes it so devastating (which also explains why the removal of latex from gloves didn’t change anything).

@Prometheus

What next? Will someone be claiming that the ink on the vaccine vials causes autism?

No, silly, it’s the vial itself! In my soon-to-be-published paper, I describe how the slightly alkaline pH of the vaccine solution etches the vial over time, causing a buildup of microscopic silica particles which cause irreparable CNS damage upon vaccine administration.

We need to make the public more aware of the dangers of the use of glass medication vials for storage of solutions of non-neutral pH! The health and well-being of our children may be at stake!

I just purchased a chemistry degree from a non-accredited online university (it was on sale for 50% off this week only!) and am already at work submitting my hypothesis for publication by the highly-respected National Vaccine Information Center.

Big Silica has victimized our children for far too long!

Wow, Prometheus, you really hooked a big one! Congrats.

Maybe Michael J. Dochniak can tell us why he publishes in Medical Hypothesis rather than a respectable journal, or why he publishes books instead of having peer-reviewed journals publish his hypothesis about allergies?

As well, it looks like Nova Science Publishing will pretty much put out anything that looks plausible and charge exorbitant prices for it. Tell me, Mr. Dochniak, do you think you deserved “#5,625,032 in Books” from Amazon?

Actually the Pink Book is scheduled to be revised and available shortly. I located the updated packaging for vials of vaccines at:

Entire Contents of Pink Book Appendix B

On Pages 19-20 in Appendix B (February 2011) you will find the presence of latex in certain vaccine vial ports or stoppers and syringes. Also, there is a Pink Book Errata that states some additional vaccines’ packaging contains latex (May, 2011)

@ Michael J. Dochniak: I still don’t believe your child is “vaccine injured” and your theory has absolutely no scientific basis.

triskelethecat, they are both me, it depends which account I log in under.

lilady –

latex certainly isn’t used anywhere else besides medicine, and subcutaneous injuries involving latex are completely unheard of outside of vaccines.

Whew. Glad we’ve got that cleared up. 🙂

@60 lilady

The powder is to prevent latex from sticking to itself and is usually corn starch or talcum powder. While most very cheap balloons are made in China and Mexico, it’s a highly automated manufacturing process, with manufacturers in US, Canada, France, etc.

I’ve heard of some claims that many allergies to latex may actually be allergies to the powder used to keep it from sticking together. I think this is why most latex/nitride gloves are now powderless gloves.

Mr. Dochniak remarks:

“Hey Prometheus,
Your sarcasm is funny! I remember you attacked the allergy-induced regressive-autism etiology many years ago. Hope you read the book!”

I would hope that Mr. Dochniak will read the comments above (including my own) and provide some explanation for why his hypothesis fails to account for the simultaneous rise in autism prevalence (at least, administrative autism prevalence) and decline in the medical use of latex. That would be far more welcome than a “pat on the back” for my humour.

Also, I don’t see how pointing up obvious flaws in the hypothesis constitutes an “attack”.

As for reading his book, I’d rather not have to spend $43 and lose irretrievable hours out of my life to get one simple question answered. I see no reason why I should pay money to see him defend his hypothesis.

BTW, Mr. Dochniak, in your Amazon.com biographical sketch, you describe yourself thus:

“Michael J. Dochniak is a leading researcher in allergy-induce [sic] regressive autism.”

Two questions:

[1] You describe yourself as a researcher; your published works include your two books and one paper in Medical Hypotheses (2007). Apart from formulating a hypothesis, what research have you done?

[2] Since you seem to be the only “researcher” looking at “allergy-induced regressive autism”, shouldn’t you be “The leading researcher…”?

I don’t doubt Mr. Dochniak’s credentials as the parent of an autistic child (credentials I hold, as well), but I see no reason to think that he has made an insightful breakthrough into the nature of autism. If he would like to present his arguments, I would be eager to hear them.

Prometheus

Before forming an opinion, I would like to see if the theory is explained in the book and the explanation is reasonable. If latex is somehow being injected with the vaccine it might be much more likely to cause an immune system problem, than latex in clothing or in gloves.
And what evidence is there for problems from latex in vaccines? People who are very allergic to latex aren’t supposed to get vaccines with latex packaging, but beyond that? I found something on Medline but it’s extremely preliminary.
The theory shouldn’t be derided without knowing this.

The “epidemic” that I’ve noticed since I was growing up 50 years ago, is the enormous increase in allergies—life-threatening toxic-shock-type allergies

Also autoimmune diseases are on the rise, and I get the impression it’s a real increase, not just an increase in diagnosis. I think there is some evidence that regressive autism has an autoimmune aspect.

There are 7 houses on the street I live on, and 3 women here – that I know of – have autoimmune diseases. Including me, unfortunately.

@ArtK
The link I gave was to a Chinese paper exploring a possible latex/autism connection.
The reality of the situation is too complicated to summarily dismiss it.
The immune system is capable of extravagant sensitivity.

I don’t think anything at all allergenic should be anywhere near a vaccine. They probably shouldn’t use natural latex since it contains a major allergen.
If you are going to give an injection to the general public it should be very, very clean of allergens. Perhaps especially important when giving injections to children.

Laura, that is your opinion…based on non-science. Please provide us with any citations regarding immunizations given to the general public or given to children where “very allergic” is a contraindication to immunization. Again I ask what does “very allergic” mean?

“I don’t think anything at all allergenic should be anywhere near a vaccine.”

Allergenic to whom? Practically everything is (or at least has been claimed to be) allergenic to *somebody*.

Slightly OT, but talk about taking advantage of parents’ fears! I stumbled upon this site today:
VacciShield

WTH

@Laura: You’re attempting to play the Jenny McCarthy gambit, one where you claim you aren’t anti-vaccine, but you want green vaccines, or clean vaccines, or perfect vaccines. You don’t necessarily understand the science, which is clearly evident by the fact you accept that the authors of your cited piece claim to understand a cause of autism, but you sure know what you want. You think it is possible, because you got a steroid once that was hypoallergenic?

You also show absolutely no acknowledgement of the rate of allergic reactions to vaccine, you don’t seem to understand that herd immunity protects those that can’t/shouldn’t be vaccinated (or the vaccination isn’t effective), and you think VAERS is a scientific citation. It isn’t. It is a legal tool where lawyers and laypeople make claims against vaccines in order to increase their chances of winning settlements, or in order to cloud the data. VAERS is barely useful at this point.

So I have to wonder, what game are you trying to play? Which website are you using to appear “reasonable”? In fact, the link you provide indicates a high probability of woo. You should watch Storm to get a feeling of what I think about your “explanations”.

@ Laura: You have no citations about your statement “People who are very allergic to latex aren’t supposed to get vaccines with latex packaging”…

The majority of people who have reactions to latex have a “topical” reaction, not an anaphylactic reaction. There are no contraindications to administering any vaccine to adults or children who have this topical reaction. In the rare case of a known prior anaphylactic latex event, then an immunization would be contraindicated…except if the risk to not getting immunized exceeds the risk of exposure to latex.

As I stated in a prior post there has been only once case ever reported/documented of an anaphylactic reaction to an immunization (hepatitis B vaccine) occurring in a person with a prior history of an anaphylactic reaction to latex.

Laura…take some science courses please, before you post again with your sweeping generalities/unscientific opinions.

@ Michael Dochniak

Refuse vaccines that have latex warnings. Read the book and you’ll understand why.

How ’bout some peer-reviewed science backing this up, not a self-published book? I have no desire to enrich you. If you’ve got scientific evidence that latex is a cause of autism, you owe it to the world to publish so that scientists can try to replicate your investigations. Provide proof and I can guarantee that the folks at AoA and the “safe vaccines” militia will enrich you beyond anything your book can do (cf. Andrew Wakefield.)

Without that you’re just another crank with a latex fetish.

@ Dochniak: Why would we ever read your book? When I read a book I want to know if it’s fiction or non-fiction…your book is neither. Just another celebrity expert wannabe…too bad Jenny got there ahead of you.

Good job JayK!

I have a post in moderation (probably due to a link), but I found that Mr. Dochniak petitioned the EPA to ban natural latex in tires. The EPA said “no.”

Cool. We’ve got a Fake-Rubber Shill!

And when this one turns into a non-starter, it’ll be the plastic the syringes are made of, and then the metal the needles are made from, and then the ceramic on the toilet bowl this idea should have been flushed down.

The paper that Laura cites:

Shen C, et al. A proteomic investigation of B lymphocytes in an autistic family: a pilot study of exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) may lead to autism. J Mol Neurosci. 2011 Mar;43(3):443-52.

In this study, the authors used an antibody “chip” to probe the production of 500 B-lymphocyte-associated proteins in a single family with multiple autistic members (i.e. an apparent genetic cause for their autism). They found that the autistic members showed different levels of four (out of 500) of the proteins in the autistic members of the family.

At this point, the authors segue into a discussion of how the family is exposed to natural rubber latex and how this might be the cause of the autism, presumably because the autistic members were – as the result of the four B-lymphocyte-associated proteins having different levels – predisposed to have an adverse immune reaction to latex.

I found the differences in the proteomic profiles of the autistic and non-autistic members of the family questionable enough, but the jump from what appeared to be a straightforward “genetic mutation leading to immune dysfunction” result to a “it might be the latex” conclusion left me dizzy and disoriented. I think they should re-examine their conclusion, since their data don’t appear to support it (nor, in fact, do their data appear to be even vaguely relevant to their conclusion).

It has been illuminating to see that there are environmental niches of autism crankery that I had not previously even heard of. I thank you for this, Orac, and also Mr. Dochniak.

Mr. Dochniak seems to have learnt his debating style from Andrew “Read My Book” Wakefield. Here’s a tip, Mr. Dochniak: I’m not going to buy your book to find out the gist of your argument if you aren’t confident enough of it to give us at least a capsule summary. Maybe if my local library wastes public funds to buy a copy, I’ll check it out for my next long trip. Maybe not.

Again, I don’t doubt Mr. Dochniak’s sincerity (although, given his position to financially benefit from his “hypothesis”, I probably should); what I doubt are his data (which appear to be nil).

Of course, I am always open to being surprised. Surprise me, Mr. Dochniak – show us your data.

Prometheus

@Prometheus

Thanks for the analysis of the article. That confirms the promise of the abstract — a lot of hand-waving resulting in a weak case of guilt-by-association. It’s nothing but an anecdote wrapped up in “sciency” language.

It makes me wonder about the quality of the journal where it was published.

@79 Enkidu – Continuing the OT, I checked out the VacciShield site. Almost nothing on the page loaded properly for me. Naturally, the one thing that does load is the store.

“Dammit Jim! I’m a salesman, not a doctor!”

@Yojimbo: Oops, just delete the words “Home Page” from the end of the URL and you’ll get to the site.

[2] The parents run a “natural rubber production business”.

So according to Laura, environmental exposure to latex is not an issue because “If latex is somehow being injected with the vaccine it might be much more likely to cause an immune system problem, than latex in clothing or in gloves.”

But then the citation she and Dochniak present to support this possibility is about… environmental exposure to latex.

** Double headpalm **

People do apparently have adverse reactions to the latex in vaccines, at least such adverse reactions were reported in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Since all VAERS can record is what someone claims is an adverse event that happened to them in what they consider to be significant temporal proximity to a vaccine, jumping to the conclusion that such adverse events are not just caused by the vaccine, but thereby proved to be caused specifically by latex in the vaccines, is a little like saying “There are people who have reported that after they ate fast food, their tummies got upset. This proves that the meat served by the KFC chain is actually the artificial species Animal 57, and that some people are allergic to Animal 57 meat.”

This may be old news, or posted in a different thread, but Maryland has upheld the suspension of Mark Geier:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-nw-autism-doctor-hearing-20110511,0,1449963.story

So according to Laura, environmental exposure to latex is not an issue because “If latex is somehow being injected with the vaccine it might be much more likely to cause an immune system problem, than latex in clothing or in gloves.” But then the citation she and Dochniak present to support this possibility is about… environmental exposure to latex.

I NEVER said environmental exposure to latex is not an issue. Obviously it is. There are many people who are sensitive to latex. If latex is actually injected, it gets past immune system barriers, like skin, and it has more of a chance to cause immune reactions.
What I said was that Dochniak’s hypothesis isn’t ridiculous. It can be investigated. He came up with all sorts of ideas about how latex might cause problems in his paper.
You are welcome to call homeopathy or other sorts of wackery ridiculous. Things that really do not have a possible mechanism other than suggestion.
But, the idea that latex might be some kind of central allergen, causing immune system problems in certain people, is not in the same category.
Actually, to me it makes more sense to hypothesize that an immune system reaction might cause problems with vaccines, than the idea that mercury in the vaccines might be causing subtle toxicity. Because the immune system is quite capable of reacting to tiny quantities. That’s what it’s designed for. It seems more likely than tiny quantities of “toxins” affecting people.
I don’t have a preconceived idea one way or the other about whether latex might cause problems in vaccines.
I have NO problem with the idea that if you’ve have an anaphylactic reaction to latex, you should avoid vaccines with latex. That’s what the CDC says, and it seems like a very standard sort of warning that comes with a lot of drugs: If you’re allergic to some ingredient, don’t use the drug. I also wouldn’t be in the slightest surprised that some people who have severe latex reactions have had reactions to vaccines.
People seem to be arguing about the CDC’s warning about latex as if it were significant. It is totally beside the point. Dochniak is NOT hypothesizing that a few people who have anaphylactic reactions to latex in vaccines, are harmed by them (obviously, they are). The hypothesis is that a much larger proportion of children, say 1% or perhaps 1/1000, have a much more subtle reaction to tiny amounts of latex in vaccines, and that it can prime the immune system to start having reactions to foods, push it towards allergy, etc.
I think a “well, maybe” attitude is a LOT more rational than everybody jumping into a Two-Minute Hate, throwing a lot of scorn at Dochniak, when Orac gives the go-ahead. You know, in the novel “1984”, the state allowed people to release emotional pressure by getting together in a room and screaming at the Nominated Enemy, for two minutes. The comments on this blog sometimes remind me of that.
I have some sympathy with the latex idea because I know how badly gluten can mess up people’s immune systems. So it seems possible that other substances could do so also. I know that the immune system is extremely complex and not well understood. It doesn’t at all mean I’m a “true believer” in latex being the root cause of a lot of immune system problems, or in tiny amounts of injected latex in vaccines causing problems. I just don’t think it’s a stupid idea.
Dochniak was apparently involved in coming up with a process to make hypoallergenic latex, with almost all of the allergenic proteins taken out. Of course if latex in vaccines *were* a major cause of autism, that would be very good news, since we could very simply prevent a lot of autism.

And why are you supporting Dochniak? Co-conspirator?

Very good mathematician and beautiful woman.

Contact allergy to latex gloves is more prevalent amongst health care workers and those who work in laboratories. Consequently, most non-sterile gloves are now made with other materials as are sterile gloves.

Anaphylaxis due to latex contact has been reported in people undergoing certain invasive diagnostic tests (endoscopy, colonoscopy, heart catheterization) as well as those having intermittent catheterization or those with indwelling catheters. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported by using latex condoms, as well. The overwhelming majority of allergic reactions are topical following exposures to objects in the home environment or clothing that is woven with latex.

Kids who have had frequent exposure to latex due to frequent hospitalizations in their early years may be more prone to developing of a latex allergy

That is why latex gloves…sterile and non-sterile and catheters are now manufactured using different materials such as neoprene.

As I stated before, when I worked in public health where physicians and nurses administered tens of thousands of vaccines during special immunization clinics and hundreds of thousands of vaccines administered by staff in seven busy public health clinics, we never had a case of anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine (they were dispensed from glass vials with latex ports). Kids and adults who are scheduled for an immunization, must fill out a screening paper so that staff does not put the patient at risk.

The CDC reports only one anaphylactic episode in a patient with a known prior anaphylatic reaction to latex, after receiving a hepatitis B vaccine.

Latex allergy causing autism…I don’t think so.

Wow – another “BUY MY BOOK – it explains everything that I can’t obviously explain here.”

“Moreover, I assume other injections also carry along minute quantities of latex; we should therefore expect to see higher rates of autism in children who receive injections for any other reasons”

Like, say, childhood diabetes. We should see a huge cohort of autistic diabetic children, due to the latex contamination when they inject.

Do we ?

Not just a hypothesis – a hypothesis that’s inconsistent with the data. You know, which is already indicated to be false.

Mr. Dochniak (#112) has “rung the bell”:

“In the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection” co-author Ms. Dunn and I describe how genetic material (i.e., mRNA) from HDNR can leach into the vaccine solution,…”

So it’s the “genetic material” is it? And specifically “mRNA“?

Pardon me, I had to walk away for a moment to get my laughter under control.

We’ve already dealt with the “injected DNA” argument on this ‘blog (short answer: it’s randon, highly unlikely and would only affect cells at the site of injection).

But implicating mRNA pretty much proves that Mr. Dochniak hasn’t a clue.

RNA of any type is extremely unstable, especially outside of a cell. Cells and body fluids are loaded with enzymes that break down RNA – some of these enzymes are so hardy that they can be autoclaved and still retain activity.

Any mRNA that “leaches” out of the latex stopper (assuming that any would survive the vulcanising process – you remember that one, don’t you, Mr. Dochniak?) would degrade in a matter of days in the vaccine solution, even if it were stored in a refrigerator (note: I store my RNA samples in formamide – not water – and keep them at -80 degrees C and they still only last a few months).

Finally – and this is what sent me down the hall to the WC laughing – any mRNA that got into a human cell would, at most, make a few hundred copies of the protein it codes for and then be destroyed. That’s all – no alteration of the genetic code, no triggering of catastrophic immune reactions.

Mr. Dochniak, I suggest that you read some research articles on siRNA, with particular attention to the “methods” section and then ask yourself if a vaccination is in any way equivalent. Then ask yourself how – even if a miracle occurred and the rubber plant’s DNA got into a subcutaneous fibroblast or dendritic cell – how that could trigger autism.

No, I don’t think that I will be reading Mr. Dochniak’s book unless I’m in the need of a good laugh. He needs to read a few more books, himself. I’d suggest starting with a basic molecular biology text.

Prometheus

Aluminum hydroxide has played a major role in the efficacy of vaccines. It is also understood that vaccines that use HDNR may contaminate the vaccine solution with the Hevea-allergens and form a dangerous aluminum-hydroxide/hevea-allergen complex. It is this complex that may be a catalyst for the development of atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism. (Allergies and Autism – The Latex Connection)

“If a drug is sold and stored in vials with a natural latex stopper, no matter what precautions you take, latex allergens can contaminate that drug” -Robert Hamilton (Ph.D. professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University

Regards,

Michael J. Dochniak

Mr. Dochniak, be advised that everything you post will be considered to have been pulled from thin air unless you properly support your statements with real peer reviewed cites. And here is a hint: your book is not one.

Man, all these moving goal posts are making me dizzy. Obviously, pseudo-scientific theories cause some sort of inner ear damage.

Wow, Prometheus, you were so right! “Buy my book, pretty please!” was absolutely on the dot.

Who will pay the light bill when the rabid bunnies eat all of the yellow rotations of the moon? The truth!

Mr. Dochniak, what part of “real peer reviewed cites” and “your book is not one” did you fail to understand?

In short: DUDE! Stop pushing your book! We don’t fracking care about your book! Post real peer reviewed evidence or we will think you made it all up.

Or perhaps I could ask Mr. Dochniak for a review copy. 🙂

Of course, then I would actually have to read the book. 🙁

Orac,

You can get an inside look at the book from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Vaccine-Delivery-Autism-Latex-Connection/dp/1456570056/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1

Or ask your local library to stock the book.

Dry natural rubber, part of vaccines
Cut, slash, gather, and collect what bleeds
Milky-white colloid from Para Rubber Tree
Latex allergy, mankind beware
Harmful allergens, Doctors take care
Nurses and Parents make sure it’s not there
~
Government involvement
It’s only fair
FDA, CDC, NVPO standards…
Let’s make aware
~
Dry natural rubber
Take out of vaccines
It’s not safe, and it’s not clean

Prometheus,

Science and data…..

The intellectual progression of mankind rests on the shoulders of immunity.

Here’s a brief mechanism:

Hyper-adaptive immunity (IgE) – neurotrophin over-expression (NGF) – neural growth and pruning (atypical neural-connectivity)- behaviors (regressive autism). See my books for hypothesis, references, and supporting scientific data.

Regards,

Michael J. Dochniak

Mr. Dochniak:

See my books for hypothesis, references, and supporting scientific data.

Do you have some kind of reading comprehension problem? Did you miss people teasing and laughing at your endless flogging of that book? Did you also miss that you were asked to support your claims with actual evidence, but not the book?

Dochniak?

Isn’t that Russian for ‘fuck-wit’?

Prometheus,

Read my books! Yes, you are truly amazing at predicting what I’m going to say. You read me like a book but refuse to read my books. Best of luck Prometheus and I do enjoy your passion for science and open discussion.

Best Regards,

Michael J. Dochniak

So, Prometheus, you’ve now been patted on the head for both your sense of humor and your passion for science. Isn’t that enough to make you stop asking all these hard questions and just read (actually, buy) the book?

I also see a trend here. Dochniak will be “gifting” the book to everyone on his Christmas gift list and also “gifting” the book at bridal showers, christenings and handing them out when kids come “trick or treating” on Halloween…bummer.

The book may be used instead of newspaper pages for pet training and to line the bottom of bird cages.

hey,ORAC
Try writing a book
before you slam someone
who’s much more capable
than you

Insecurities run rampant here….

Prometheus, don’t read the book -because if you did this blubbering blogging of science wanna-be’s would cease

We have already deconstructed the author’s “theory” about latex caused autism. I suspect that the Helen of Troy troll is “projecting” her science wannabeism on posters who really have a science background.

I’m waiting for the troll’s citations.

Promethus,

The first rule of medicine is do no harm. Why insult an innocent child with a vaccine that has a latex-warning?

In my opinion, it’s criminal.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Dochniak

Prometheus,

It’s latex proteins, from the rubber syringe tips, leaching into a vaccine solution which affects the incidence of allergy-induced regressive autism in atopic children.

In the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”, there are questions and answers that will stimulate future discussions about medical ethics and the evolution of adaptive immunity.

An example from page #74,

In the future…

Medical professionals will do blood tests before and after vaccinations, monitoring adaptive immunity.

The expression of cytokines, IgE, and NGF will be measured in children to help physicians and parents determine if a vaccine should be administered.

A child with an “atypical” adaptive immunity profile will be exempt from vaccinations.

Blood tests will be used to show a biological connection to vaccine injury (i.e., VICP).

Best Regards,

Michael J. Dochniak

LinkedIn Patent Pending?

Method to affect the development of autism spectrum disorders, Patent application filed August 12, 2005…(patent never issued)

OSHA defines Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex as a hazardous material in the workplace.

Several years ago I sent a citizen petition into the FDA suggesting a regulation on defining the antigenic protein content for baby nipples and pacifiers made from Hevea brasiliensis natural latex. After 4+ years, I haven’t gotten one response other than an acceptance letter that the petition was received.

Hospitals now ban Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex in their facilities. Big Pharma’s continue to reduce natural-latex in vaccines. I think it’s time for the FDA to wakeup and reduce the incidence of latex allergy and allergy-induced regressive autism with meaningful natural-latex regulations.

MjD

Mr. Dochniak returns, after several months spent gathering his thoughts:

“The first rule of medicine is do no harm. Why insult an innocent child with a vaccine that has a latex-warning?”

The warning is for people who are allergic to latex. If a child has a known latex allergy, it would be wrong to give them a vaccine from a container with a latex-containing stopper. Other than that, Mr. Dochniak’s comment makes no sense.

“It’s latex proteins, from the rubber syringe tips, leaching into a vaccine solution which affects the incidence of allergy-induced regressive autism in atopic children.”

Ah, so now it’s the proteins that are the problem. And Mr. Dochniak’s data supporting this hypothesis is…..? (crickets chirping) Is there a higher incidence of autism among latex-allergic children? Or are we to simply accept Mr. Dochniak’s armchair reasoning unquestioningly?

If so, then I hypothesise (from my overstuffed armchair) that soy proteins are the cause of the “autism epidemic”. It’s even more likely than latex, since while latex use in medical products such as vaccines has been declining (unlike the autism prevalence), the use of soy proteing has been increasing. What say you to that, Mr. Dochniak?

“OSHA defines Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex as a hazardous material in the workplace.”

OSHA doesn’t define latex as hazardous, although it has issued warnings about the potential for sensitisation and allergic reactions. This is only common sense and – by the way – has nothing to do with autism. Mr. Dochniak needs to stick to one topic at a time.

Good effort, Mr. Dochniak, but not worth a passing grade. Come back when you have some data.

Prometheus

I am sensing an energy imbalance in you and your blog, Orac. You need to go see an Energy Chelation master right away so he can close the comments in your old posts for you. 🙂

Prometheus,

From your comments it appears you have eliminated atypical immunity as an etiology in regressive autism. If this is correct, your reference to soy proteins is a shameful display of sarcasm.

MjD

Chris,

Many single dose vaccines still contain latex. As an example, see the site below:

http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/pharmacy/rxupdate/2010/October2010RXU.pdf

A search using the key words “Latex” and “single dose vaccine” will show that infants are in danger of natural-latex exposure from said vaccines.

MjD

Chris,

The FDA has issued a guidance document entitled, “User Labeling for Devices That Contain Natural latex (21 CFR801.437). The FDA requires natural-latex warning labels on vaccines. The evidence of harm is well documented.

Vaccination
Atopic child so fragile, parents so brave, doctors so giving
Science to study, science to learn
Autism spectrum disorder discern

MjD

Necromancer tries to keep the argument going by a re-hashing of the “latex allergy” reactions due to latex plungers in syringes and/or latex ports…see my posting at #27 above:

“Pink Book General Recommendations On Immunization (Chapter 2)

On top of pg, 11 (of 22 pages) “Only one report of an allergic reaction after administration of hepatitis B vaccine in a known severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to latex has ever been published”.

And of course, the sentence after the underlined link that Mr. Dochniak provided states that Fluzone influenza vaccines in single dose vials are totally latex free.

Prometheus,

Answers to all of these questions can be found in the books “Allergies and Autism” and “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”.

“Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection” is now at $9.95 through Amazon.

Nova Science increased the price of “Allergies and Autism” so I can’t help you there.

After reading the books, maybe you’ll ask a question which wasn’t contemplated and requires attention?

MjD

“Answers to all of these questions can be found in the books”

Fantastic! You’ll have no problem referring us to the original sources then.

Sorry, Mr. Dochniak, but you’re essentially trying to say “Buy the chicken!  You know the chicken is good, because the eggs are so good!”  When someone points out that no one knows whether the eggs are good, you reply “Of course they’re good!  How could they not be good, coming from such a great chicken?”

An argument from authority, “you should believe Premise X because it is what Authority Y believes,” is a difficult form of argument to begin with; it only makes for a strong argument when Authority Y really is a widely recognized authority in the field, and even then it is limited by whether the answer is actually known to authorities in the field.  In other words, even coming from the most recognized authority in the field, we would not believe a claim of “I know what causes autism!” because the authorities don’t know yet what causes autism.  And are you the most widely recognized authority in the field, Mr. Dochniak?  Are you a recognized authority in the field?  No, you are not.  No one has any reason to order your books to find out what your speculations are on the causes of autism because there is no reason to think your speculations are of any value.

Your only way out of this dilemma would be to actually answer the questions put to you here; if you were able to give intelligent answers to objections such as “if latex causes autism, how come the autism rate hasn’t decreased as the usage of latex has?” then we might think it was worth studying your ideas at greater length.  But when you answer every objection with “buy my books and then you’ll know what I think; in the meantime you should accept my book as substantion of my theories!” it doesn’t work; you are trying to trade on an authority you don’t have.

Mr. Dochniak is stuck trying to explain how vaccines cause autism, when the evidence indicates that vaccines have no casual link to autism. It is a no-win situation, so he is just stuck trying to sell his book.

From Mr. Dochniak’s Amazon page it says:

Michael J. Dochniak is a leading researcher in allergy-induce regressive autism.

Oh, really? By whose standards? Does Irva Hertz-Picciotto know about this? (at least she is an epidemiologist and looking at environmental factors, exposure to latex would be environmental… but I missed it in her last “let’s look at everything!” studies)

Michael is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin RiverFalls (Psychology/Chemistry).

I checked, and the only graduate degree program in either of those disciplines is a Masters in Education or Educational Specialist. I do not see where Mr. Dochniak has any special expertise on allergies, immunology, neurology or even autism. UW- River Falls does have classes in autism, but mostly in the realm of special education.

I’d like all my friends, and Prometheus, at the science blog “Respectful Insolence” to know that it’s atypical adaptive immunity which causes allergy-induced regressive autism.

It is clear that over-exposure to the allergenic proteins in Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex has been a major contributing factor in the increased incidence of atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism.

MjD

A poem! Well, now I’m convinced!

Mr. Feldspar,

Science at its ambiguous core is the discovery of truth. In the realm of adaptive immunity, there are no absolute truths. The word “adaptive” in front of adaptive immunity exemplifies change. Thus, presenting a latex/autism hypothesis based on atypical adaptive-immunity can be unsettling.

“I have a terrible latex allergy; it actually blisters and burns my skin off. If it got into my bloodstream, it would probably kill me” – Andiarose, WrongPlanet.Net, Women’s Discussion

MjD

“Michael J. Dochniak is a leading researcher in allergy-induce regressive autism.”

Mr. Dochniak – like so many in the “alternative” science and medicine fields – has confused his ability to read and (mis)interpret medical and scientific articles and texts with “research”.

Likewise, Mr. Dochniak believes that his ability to form a hypothesis makes that hypothesis true.

I’m in the process of writing a longer ‘blog-post about this sort of self-deception, but here is the short version:

A hypothesis – a good hypothesis – must not only explain give a model for how some natural (as opposed to supernatural) phenomenon (in this case, “regressive autism”) happens, it must also explain all of the observations relevant to that phenomenon. In Mr. Dohniak’s case, his hypothesis explains quite a bit, but fails to explain why “regressive autism” continues to rise in prevalence while latex use in medicine and other realms of commerce has declined.

Secondly, Mr. Dochniak has omitted an important part of his research: the actual research part. Mr. Dochniak may not have learnt this at school, but forming a coherent hypothesis (in which category Mr. Dochniak’s latex hypothesis is not included – see above) is only the first – albeit important – part of doing research. Hypothesis testing – doing some sort of experiment to test the predictions of the hypothesis – is the major part of research.

Going to the library and poring over published articles about latex, autism and “adaptive immunity” (which I don’t think Mr. Dochniak understands quite as well as he thinks he does, given his statements), is part of refining the hypothesis, not hypothesis testing.

In the interest of time, I’ll give Mr. Dochniak a couple of suggestions how he might (relatively) easily test his hypothesis:

[1] Select a group of people with “regressive autism” (however he chooses to define the term) and a similar-sized group of age-, sex- and region-matched controls. Determine the prevalence of latex allergy in both groups. If the “regressive autism” group has a higher prevalence of latex allergy (by history or skin testing)- as would be predicted by his hypothesis – his hypothesis will have survived one test.

[2] Select a group of people with “regressive autism” and an age-, sex- and region-matched control group, preferably from a large HMO or similar health care situation. Going over their entire vaccine record from birth to the onset of autism (and the same age in the matched control), check lot numbers and manufacturers’ records for the presence/absence of latex. Compare the two groups.

I’m certain that there are many other ways that Mr. Dochniak’s hypothesis can be tested, but so far Mr. Dochniak has apparently (and please don’t say “Read my book!” again, Mr. Dochniak) not bothered to test his hypothesis at all.

I think a more accurate description of Mr. Dochniak would be:

“Michael J. Dochniak is a leading armchair muser in allergy-induce regressive autism.”

I know researchers, Mr. Dochniak, and you are no researcher.

Prometheus

Another straw grasped:

“Automobile tires are made from Hevea brasiliensis natural rubber (i.e., natural latex). Studies show that breathable tire-dust contains leachable allergenic proteins from natural latex. A recent study indicates that children living near highways are twice as likely to have ASD.”

And, since the only substance that children living closer to highways are exposed to in excess of those living farther away is latex from tyre-dust, this finding (which has its own problems, I have to note – poorer people also live closer to highways; urban centers are usually the nexus for multiple highways; etc.) somehow supports the latex-causes-autism hypothesis?!?

Here’s a hint: there is a vast difference between “supports the hypothesis” and “does not refute the hypothesis”. This straw was in the latter category.

BTW, I’ll take that response as confirmation that Mr. Dochniak has not done any hypothesis testing.

Prometheus

Prometheus and Other Skeptics,

The half life of IgE antibodies is significantly shorter than IgG antibodies allowing a specific adaptive immune response to more readily go into remission from descreased exposure.

As an example, an atopic child gets insulted with an Hev-b protein contaminated vaccine (today the vaccine has a latex warning – thank you FDA). Latex exposure can cause latex allergy or latex sensitivity inducing food allergies based on stucture homology (i.e., cross reactivity).

Thereafter, with descreased natural-latex exposure a child can lose the latex allergy but often maintains the food allergies based on continued exposure to the food proteins.

Thus, the after effects of latex allergy (e.g., atopy) may continue to stress adaptive immunity long after the latex allergy has gone into remission.

Solution, protect atopic children from Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex exposure in an effort to reduce atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism.

MjD

Prometheus and Other Skeptics,

The half life of IgE antibodies is significantly shorter than IgG antibodies allowing a specific adaptive immune response to more readily go into remission from descreased exposure.

As an example, an atopic child gets insulted with an Hev-b protein contaminated vaccine (today the vaccine has a latex warning – thank you FDA). Latex exposure can cause latex allergy or latex sensitivity inducing food allergies based on stucture homology (i.e., cross reactivity).

Thereafter, with descreased natural-latex exposure a child can lose the latex allergy but often maintains the food allergies based on continued exposure to the food proteins.

Thus, the after effects of latex allergy (e.g., atopy) may continue to stress adaptive immunity long after the latex allergy has gone into remission.

Solution, protect atopic children from Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex exposure in an effort to reduce atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism.

MjD

The half-life of this discussion is three years from next Tuesday.

So the answer would be “nothing.”  Doing something which will provide you evidence in the future if your hypothesis is wrong does not give you a basis to declare it correct now - especially since there is no reason to think you would actually pay attention to that evidence when it came.  After all, people have called your attention to the fact that latex use has dropped and autism rates have not, and you’ve had no reasonable explanation for that.

Let’s go back to Dochniak’s original press release:
“If vaccination manufacturers and providers start to reduce their use of HDNR, we will see a dramatic reduction of allergy-induced cases.”
The manufacturers and providers have done exactly that. Everything subsequently is bullshit.

Childhood vaccinations are affecting neurological development, creativity, intelligence, and forcing evolutionary change. The allergenic proteins in natural-latex, a component found in many vaccine packaging and delivery systems, are triggering atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Dochniak

Merely repeating assertions over and over again does not give them substance, Mr. Dochniak. We’re all quite aware of what you think is a link between latex in vaccine packaging and autism but what you haven’t provided is any reason why any reasonable person would come to that conclusion. If a lawyer tried arguing cases in court the way you argue your case, he’d be tossed out of the courtroom, because he wouldn’t be arguing his case at all, merely stating his theory of the case over and over.

Hey, Michael J. Dochniak,
can you tell me how many individuals in the United States have an actual latex allergy? And how prevalent it is in our current population?

Supposing you can answer the first question, then we might be able to move on to your hypothesized autism correlation.

Your turn.

An even better question is why you placed that curse on Sugarland, causing that platform to fall and kill fifteen people?

Evidence first, then accusations. Understand?

Michael,

Why do the antigenic latex-proteins causes cross-reactivity in some children increasing atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism?

I would think you should first determine whether or not it actually does cause cross-reactivity in some children, increasing atropy, etc. Also, whether or not allergy-induced regressive autism actually exists. It seems to me you have the cart ahead of the horse; convinced that a condition exists, you are now seeking causes for it, but you have not first determined whether your conviction is reasonable.

What part of “please provide evidence and stop plugging your book” do you fail to understand?

Prove it.

If the vaccine has a latex warning refuse the vaccine.

If the child has no latex sensitivity, why should they refuse the vaccine? I am not allergic to shellfish, so I do not refuse shrimp. But I am allergic to raw citrus fruit, so when I order iced tea, I always make sure to request no lemon. What’s the sense in refusing something you’re not allergic to?

Also,

Furthermore, it is clear that vaccines contaminated with latex proteins (e.g., Hev-b allergens) can induce cross reactivity affecting atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism, especially in atopic children

Again you repeat this claim, but I don’t see you providing any evidence that it’s true. Have you determined that allergy-induced regressive autism is even a thing? In all my life, I’ve only heard one person talk about it — you. That makes it very hard for me to take you seriously.

Just wondering … why latex, specifically? Why does not every allergy cause this? Or why does does not *any* other allergy cause this? I find it odd that, out of the million and one things that one *might* be allergic to, this and only this causes this dramatic effect.

Prometheus and Responders,

It is also very important that pregnant women avoid exposure to natural-latex. If your interested in how antigenic latex-proteins affect fetal development read the book “Allergies and Autism” from Nova Science.

If your interested in why the antigenic latex-proteins are particularly dangerous when associated with immunologic adjuvants, compared to other antigens, read the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”

In one aspect, allergy-induced regressive autism is an etiology wherein the incidence and prevalence of adaptive-immune responses affects the expression of neurotrophin, altering cognition through atypical neural growth and nerural pruning.

MjD

You still have failed to provide evidence that “allergy-induced regressive autism” occurs, Mr Dochniak. You have gone so far now as to provide advice to pregnant women regarding natural latex exposure, but still do nothing more than point us at some books (inadequately cited; you didn’t even provide an author).

I did a few quick searches on Google and Amazon using those titles as keywords. I did not find the books, but I did find plenty of dubious references discussing non-latex allergies and a purported connection to autism. Most commonly, casein and gluten, of course. (Those two friends of the fad autism treatment, the GFCF diet.)

So you are still the only source I can find claiming a link between latex, specifically, and autism. (Which makes me think who the author of those books most likely is.) And you have a vested interest in such a link, so as Gray Falcon said, why should we believe you? You offer nothing but assertions, you avoid answering questions, and you seem mostly interested in hawking books. What exactly are you trying to achieve here?

“It’s the book I co-authored and that which Prometheus refuses to read.”

I think we all refuse to read it as you could easily provide the pertinent information by the simple act of telling us what it is and where you got it from. This action would have nil cost to you as you should already have a least one – if not several – copy of your book to hand which should contain the information assuming you conducted your research and wrote up your references properly.

Your ideas are seperate from the medium they are presented in. There is no logical or functional reason to read the book in order to discuss your ideas. Continued pimping of your book can considered commercial spam and may well see you reported for breach of terms and conditions of posting.

If your posts here are representative of the content of your book then it would be a clear waste of time and money even trying.

Put some damn effort in you lazy-assed pillock and start showing us that you have done the work you claim to have done. We are not here to do your work for you and it is positively shameful for you to continue in the way you are doing.

Dedj,

Thank you for your response. Upon request, I’d gladly send you a free copy, postage paid, of the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”. My e-mail address is listed in the press release above. One request, please do not send your free copy of the book to Prometheus.

MjD

If you’re willing to send out free books, then I’m sure you’re willing to post your information here.

Dedj,

Orac has given me no indication that I’m in breach of the terms and conditions of posting here. If I’ve offended you or others (excluding Prometheus)in any way please accept my apology.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Dochniak

#219

“If your [sic] interested in why the antigenic latex-proteins are particularly dangerous when associated with immunologic adjuvants, compared to other antigens, read the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection””

Why am I not surprised?

I’ve been so intrigued by Mr. Dochniak’s dance of the seven veils around his hypothesis that I’ve even tried to find the book in regional libraries. So far, I can’t find any library – not even the Library of Congress – that has a copy. I can’t see spending even $9.95 (plus shipping) based on what Mr. Dochniak has (inadvertently) revealed so far about his “research”.

I’m touched that Mr. Dochniak excluded me from this apology – it means that I’ve managed to make him uncomfortable. If he can leverage that discomfort into a thoughtful re-examination of his hypothesis, my goal will be accomplished.

Prometheus

Michael:
My sincere responses and best efforts to answer blogger questions, in the most efficient and logical way, continues to be a goal of mine.

That is a very good goal, but you seem to be having trouble achieving it. You aren’t conveying a lot of information; you’re pretty much just reiterating the same thing (the basic claim of your book, and “please read my book”) over and over again. If you aren’t interested in actually answering questions, then what really is your point in participating? You’ve said “read my book” enough times. What’s seriously the point in saying it again?

As far as the terms of service, I’m not aware of you violating them, and if the plugging of your book is a violation, then it is up to ScienceBlogs to pursue it. However, you are doing a fine job of making a fool of yourself. As far as I’m concerned if you wish to be an ineffective communicator giving people every reason to believe there is no substance to your claims, then that is certainly permissible. Besides, if ScienceBlogs does accuse you of plugging your book, you can easily defend yourself by showing them this thread. They’ll see what your efforts have achieved in terms of your book’s reputation.

I remember in college the professor would ask us to read a chapter(s) or book and it would be discussed during class. This continues to be an efficient means of discussion enhancement and learning.

Therefore, I kindly ask interested “Respectful Insolence” bloggers to read the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”. Then, on November 1st 2011 I’ll be here to participate in a lively and informative discussion on said connection.

Please respond if you are able to participate.

MjD

The fact that this thread is going on & on some three months after the OP is probably proof positive of the post’s title about never-ending contortions.

All the more so since the reason for the ongoing thread activity is… well… anti-vaccine contortions.

Mr. Dochniak,

If this is a seminar, you are not the instructor and don’t get to assign the reading. Feel free to set up your own blog somewhere and do so.

I remember in college the professor would present some material ahead of time, and deposit copies of the book at the library for us to read. The equivalent here would be to make it available online, for free. That would increase the chances of getting people to actually discuss it, on your soon-to-be-created blog, come November.

I also recall that professors who assigned their own books, and only their own books, were often laughed at. And there was one professor who pressured his colleagues into using his book; the year he was on sabbatical everyone suddenly assigned a different calculus book. This did not help his reputation.

Chris wrote:

“Because, to the anti-vaccine, first and foremost, it’s always about the vaccines. Always. No matter what the evidence shows. Never forget that”

The evidence shows that latex-contaminated vaccines are unsafe. As proof, the FDA requires natural-latex warnings on vaccines.

Exposure to natural-latex in vaccines can cause sensitization, adverse allergic reactions, and even death through anaphylactic shock.

Atopic children are particularly sensitive to such insult.

MjD

Do you have any evidence this is true for pediatric vaccines? Don’t ask us to read your book, you’re nowhere near as important as you think you are.

Madder (#240):

“Mr. Dochniak makes assertions, and when pressed for evidence, points to his book. Repeat ad infinitum. Could it be that the book itself consists of nothing but assertions too?”

I can’t speak to his most recent (self-published) book, but his first (self-published) book was nothing but unrelated and (based on the assertions made) poorly-understood medical and biological “factoids” strung together into an implausible hypothesis.

I could find no data, but I can’t claim to have read the whole book – I would put it down whenever I reached a congested stretch of unsupported assertions and had to return it to the library before I could finish it (kudos to the librarian who found a copy in an obscure library in Minnesota and got it for me on a two-week interlibrary loan).

I can’t decide if it is chutzpah or narcissism that makes Mr. Dochniak think that he can schedule a “seminar” on Orac’s ‘blog. I suggest he do what so many professors are doing today in seminar classes – send a pdf copy of the “assigned reading” to every “student”. I’d be happy to read the assigned chapter and return on the appointed day to discuss it with him.

In fact, I believe that’s what we’ve all been asking for – some evidence that Mr. Dochniak knows something about the subject and has a coherent argument supported by data. So far…well, the evidence hasn’t supported his claim to know anything about autism, allergy, immunity or, for that matter, biology.

“Read my book!” How predictable.

Prometheus

Thanks, Prometheus. It seems to ring a bell– I think maybe you mentioned that you’d managed to obtain a copy of self-publication #1. Your characterization is exactly how I’d imagined it– a handful of factoids mixed with liberal doses of misunderstood-oids, incorrect-oids, and WTF-oids. Would it be groundless speculation to suggest that it’s unlikely you found any effort to disprove the hypothesis?

Prometheus,

Let me clarify:

The first book entitled “Allergies and Autism” was published through Nova Science Publishers and the target audience is Scholars.

The second book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection” was self-published through Createspace and the target audience is anyone interested in reducing the incidence of allergy-induced regressive autism.

Since I own the copyright on the second book, I could would gladly post requested parts of the book. (See insidelook).

Would this be acceptable Mr. Orac?

MjD

ScienceMom wrote:

“So Mr. Dochniak, perhaps you would grace us with a copy of your “book” unless, of course, you aren’t comfortable with a critical assessment of it by the various academics and medicos that comment here”

Yes, send me the shipping address.

MjD

Yes, send me the shipping address.

Excellent! I eagerly await my copy.

Sorry for the confusion, Prometheus. I remembered something in a comment about interlibrary loan having a difficult time finding a Dochniak book, and leapt to a conclusion.

Here’s a segment from the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection” Chapter 9

Can Hevea brasiliensis genetic material leach into vaccines?

In speculation, genetic material in dry natural rubber,
including plasmids and transposons, could leach into the
vaccine’s aqueous-solution. For example, according to the
cellular origin hypothesis or vagrancy hypothesis, viruses
can evolve from bits of DNA or RNA that “escape” from
the genes. The escaped DNA or RNA could come from
plasmids that are pieces of naked DNA or RNA that can
move between cells or transposons, which are molecules of
DNA that replicate and move around to different positions
within the genes of the cell. Once called “jumping genes,”
transposons are examples of mobile genetic elements and
could be the evolution of some viruses.

It is known that both DNA and RNA can be extracted
from HDNR. For example, research has shown that expression
of Hevein genes in natural latex has been detected. (Reference 5)

A study that evaluated particulate ribonucleoprotein
components of HDNR showed that a significant proportion
of the particulate RNA is found in the rubber layer. (Reference 6)

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a molecule of RNA
encoding a chemical “blueprint” for a protein product.
mRNA is transcribed from a DNA template, and carries
coding information to the sites of protein synthesis.

In continuation, a study has shown that the latex
allergen Hev-b 5 transcript is widely distributed after
subcutaneous injection in BALB/c mice of their DNA vaccine.
The researchers concluded that the rapid and widespread
appearance of the Hev-b 5 transcript in the injected mice
confirms that DNA is translocated from the injection site,
transcribed, and expressed in immune and non-immune
tissues after injection. (Reference 7)

It is further speculated that persistent infection from
surviving viruses, inclusive with Hevea genetic material, could maintain Hevea-allergen (i.e., Hev-b protein) transcription and its associated memory B-cell population.

In summary,viruses that produce Hevea-allergens will not allow the latex allergy to go into remission. In an effort to better understand vaccine induced atopy and multiple chemical sensitivity, research efforts need to explore the viability of the vagrancy hypothesis wherein genetic material from HDNR leaches into a vaccine comprising live or attenuated viruses. Scientists have shown that a viral vector can be used to make the Hevea-allergens. For example, the Hev-b 1 and Hev-b 3 allergens have been successfully produced using a chimeric tobacco mosaic virus.(Reference 8)

References:

5. Deng Xiao-Dong et al., “Isolation and Analysis of
Hevein Gene and Its Promoter Sequence,” Acta
Botanica Sinica, 44, 8 (2002): 936-940.

6. A.I. McMullen, “Particulate Ribonucleoprotein
Components of Hevea-brasiliensis Latex,” Biochem. J.
85 (1962):491-495.

7. Jay E. Slater et al., “The Latex Allergen Hev b 5
Transcript Is Widely Distributed after Subcutaneous
Injection in BALB/c Mice of Its DNA Vaccine,”
J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 102 (1998):469-75.

8. H. Breiteneder et al., “Rapid Production of
Recombinant Allergens in Nicotiana Benthamiana
and Their Impact on Diagnosis and Therapy,” Int.
Arch. Allergy Immunol., 124, 1-3 (2001):48-50.

MjD

Dearest Prometheus,

Here’s an exerpt from the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection” (Chapter 12, page 77)

High-functioning autism, a gift from Mother Nature
Differences in thought, expression, behavior
Mankind will know
Mankind will savor
Science~writing~music~art
Special honor, attention, and favor
Evolutionary distinction
Do not waiver
__________

Low-functioning autism, a mishap of medical science
Regression of thought, expression, behavior
Mankind will inject
Mankind will suspect
Atopy~neural over-connectivity~mental disability
Special care
Forced detention
Reaffirms
Vaccine-safety evolution

Furthermore, described below is a proposed mechanism of how vaccination and natural-latex exposure, i.e., sublingual absorption of the Hevea-allergens, may affect the inidence of allergy-induced regressive autism. (Chapter 8, page 49)

1. An atopic infant is subjected to vaccination, triggering two immunological branches; a cell-mediated immune response (TH1) and a humoral immune response (TH2).

2. The atopic infant has, or acquires, Hevea-allergen sensitivity increasing TH2 immunity (e.g., increased vaccinations contaminated with natural-latex , mouthing natural-latex products including baby bottle nipples, pacifiers, teething rings etc…)

3. In atopy, the under-expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 further increases TH2 immunity.

4. Increased TH2 immunity alters NGF expression affecting neural growth and prunning triggering allergy-induced regressive autism.

References are available in the book.

MjD

Prometheus,

A child’s immune system determines what is an antigen or non-antigen, not medical science.

With certainty, immunological evidence shows that the multiple proteins (i.e., suspected antigens) in Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex can induce cross-reactivity affecting atopy which in simple terms means multiple allergies.

In children, the incidence and prevalence of allergies affects the expression of neuron growth factor (NGF), causing atypical neuological development. Please review NGF and autism studies.

If one recognizes that “adaptive immunity” is part of evolution, antigen recognition is the key to understanding the aetiology of allergy-induced regressive autism.

MjD

A child’s immune system determines what is an antigen or non-antigen, not medical science.

And gravity is what makes an apple fall, not Newton’s laws, but Newton’s laws are a very useful tool for understanding why the apple fell.

Given that you are attempting to contribute to medical science as it pertains to immunology, and that you then go on to discuss what immunology tells you about latex allergies. I’m therefore surprised you’d suggest medical science is of no use in this context. Or perhaps what you said was just a bit of snark and not really a well thought out argument.

If one recognizes that “adaptive immunity” is part of evolution, antigen recognition is the key to understanding the aetiology of allergy-induced regressive autism.

You do a good job of spelling big words, but I’m not convinced you understand what they mean, because what you’ve just said is about as meaningful as saying that if one recognizes that pennies are currency, then that’s crucial to understanding the Illuminati’s plan to dominate the world through international currency regulation. The first part is not only irrelevant to the conclusion (and certainly not “key”), your arguing a link to something that is not satisfactorily demonstrated to exist.

Which, of course, remains the key problem with your position. Like testing to see what currency the tooth fairy prefers, you fail to first determine whether the tooth fairy even exists. The only references you will give are to ask us to do your homework for you, or to read your book. I have no doubt whatsoever that your book is more of the same.

Mr. Dochniak, not realising that he’s been beaten, retorts:

“A child’s immune system determines what is an antigen or non-antigen, not medical science.”

True but, like most of what Mr. Dochniak asserts, not relevant to the issue at hand.

“With certainty, immunological evidence shows that the multiple proteins (i.e., suspected antigens) in Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex can induce cross-reactivity affecting atopy which in simple terms means multiple allergies.”

Again true, but also true about most allergens, such as bee venom, milk, nuts, pollen, etc. It is exceedingly rare that a complex mixture of proteins and other substances (e.g. latex) will not have multiple proteins (and also multiple epitopes) that stimulate an immune response. Not unique to latex and not relevant to autism.

“In children, the incidence and prevalence of allergies affects the expression of neuron growth factor (NGF), causing atypical neuological development.”

While the influence of “allergies” (immune reactions, more precisely) on NGF is fairly well supported, it still begs the question of how latex manages to cause autism and milk, nuts, bee venom, eggs, etc. don’t.

Also, the link between “immune responses affect NGF expression” and “atypical neurological development” is less well-supported (or, at least, the clinical relevance of the effect is in question). And conflating “atypical neurological development” and “autism” is a “bridge too far” (i.e. not supported by data).

“If one recognizes that “adaptive immunity” is part of evolution, antigen recognition is the key to understanding the aetiology of allergy-induced regressive autism.”

Again, IF this were true, it would still fail to explain why latex, but not milk, nuts, pollen, etc. would cause autism. As it is, this hypothesis is not supported by the available data and the statement is reduced to a massive non seqitur.

There are a number of tantalising bits of data suggesting that autism – in at least some people – has an immune component. Two massive issues remain unclear at this point:

[1] Is the immune “dysfunction” seen real or an artifact of the testing process?

[2] Is the immune dysfunction the cause of autism or merely an effect of autism (i.e. does whatever caused autism in the individual also result in immune dysfunction?)?

I know I said I was done with Mr. Dochniak’s flawed hypotheses, but here I am, sucked back into the madness once again. I hope my resolve will be stronger the next time.

Prometheus

Sciencemom,

I reviewed your blog titled “Just the Vax” at http://justthevax.blogspot.com/

Latex warnings that are present on some vaccines are not discussed. Please consider such a discussion…

MjD

Science Mom, I don’t think it was much of a mock. I do believe that in the story that is this thread, Prometheus is the protagonist! The “hero” version of the protagonist. And Mr. Dochniak is definitely the very inept antagonist.

I wouldn’t have believed that anyone would have been so inept in trying to make an argument, but dochniak certainly as proved me wrong in that regard, from his constant shilling of his book, his persistent refusal to provide evidence when asked, his childish name calling, and his utter dearth of knowledge of basic biology.

Mr. Dochniak, you have received far more respect than you have earned or shown to others here. Is it in your definition of respect that, when Prometheus has pointed out several glaring errors in what is merely an excerpt from your book, and you are able to come up with no better response than to merely repeat your accusations and repeat “Read my book, read my book” without even offering an assurance “that point you make about RNA and DNA never even once having been observed to transform into viruses? I address that in my book in Chapter X”, Prometheus is obligated to accept that?? If so then your grasp of the word needs serious work.

@Michael J. Dochniak

You’re aware, I’m sure, that ScienceBlogs uses context-based advertising and that Orac has little to no control over what ads appear? Key words in the article are used to determine ad content, as are your browsing habits.

Now, what’s your point?

@Michael J. Dochniak

So you had no point with bringing up the fact that a random ad over which Orac has no control happened to appear here. Got it.

Reduce the incidence of allergy-induced regressive autism, don’t point that latex-contaminated vaccine at our children.

You have yet to establish that such a thing exists. Show us the peer reviewed scientific literature that shows latex (or any other allergy) induced regressive autism. And do not say, “It’s in my book,” because your book, sad to say, is not peer reviewed scientific literature.

So, if you please, present the independent evidence to support your case. I doubt you will, as you have not done so thus far, but one can hope that you’ll actually develop some manner of intellectual integrity.

Michael:

The “Respectfull Insolence” ScienceBlog advertises vaccines on its top page. One such advertisement promotes a Meningococcal vaccine.

Others have pointed out already that it’s out of Orac’s control; it’s like ads almost everywhere on the Internet — it’s fed by a script that looks for keywords and then makes a fairly boneheaded attempt to serve up ads that suit the audience. Sometimes it’s vaccines. Sometimes it’s homeopathy, which is a bit hilarious. Right now, for me, it’s Shutterfly, which is probably not related to anything in the thread and is just one of the “random ad not likely to be offensive anywhere, but they’ve paid to be viewed X number of times, so we’ll randomly stick it in all the sites in our ad network at some point”.

I like watching for humorously inept ad pairings, like when somebody’s railing against Republicans and the ad server helpfully presents an ad for Michele Bachmann. 😀

So much for resolve.

Mr. Dochniak takes up the shovel once again:

Pro(tagonist)metheus,

From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

Definition of PROTAGONIST:

1a : the principal character in a literary work (as a drama or story) b : a leading actor, character, or participant in a literary work or real event
2: a leader, proponent, or supporter of a cause : champion

If I were susceptible to flattery (I’m not – I see it as a species of manipulation), I’d be flattered.

“It is widely recognized that many of the Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex proteins are defense proteins. These proteins, in combination with the sticky-coagulative effect of latex, are thought to inhibit insult from preditory [sic – “predatory”] organisms.

So far, so good. The latex – like substances in the sap of may vascular plants – has substances in it to physically entrap and harm insects that are munching on the plant. A large number of plants have “defense proteins” and non-protein defence compounds – many of them are currently in use as medicines (see: digitalis, taxol).

“In some humans, exposure to such proteins confuse adaptive immunity to form IgE antibodies that recognize benefical exogenous and endogenous proteins.”

This sentence is also fairly correct, although I object to the use of the term “confuse”, since the cells of the adaptive immune system lack the cognitive ability to be confused. It grossly oversimplifies the process, of course.

“In short, the natural-latex proteins can act as a catalyst for the development of multiple chemical sensitivity.”

If this is the “short” version, perhaps Mr. Dochniak should stick to the “long form”. Nothing in the first two sentences leads logically to the third. In fact, the transition between the idea that allergy to latex can result in allergy to other “beneficial exogenous … proteins” (which can occur with some proteins, although I’ve not heard of it with latex) and “multiple chemical sensitivity” (a poorly-defined and not generally recognised disorder) is a leap worthy of a spot on the Olypic long-jump team.

“Multiple chemical sensitivity”, whether one believes it is real or not, is not characterised by either signs of delayed hypersensitivity (e.g. urticaria, bronchospasm, etc.) or signs and symptoms similar to autism, so I fail to see how Mr. Dochniak “connects the dots” in that fashion.

“A developing nervous system is affected by atypical immunity based on the up-regulation/down-regulation of endogenous proteins (e.g., NGF, cytokines, Nuclear factor Kappa B) [sic]”

While expression of these proteins have been observed to be altered during immune responses, the clinical relevance to childhood neurodevelopment remains unclear. In addition, Mr. Dochniak has still not shown that [a] latex “allergy” is related to autism or [b] that latex is somehow unique in its ability to do this. Again, if this were true about latex, it would be equally true for other allergens.

“Increased exposure to natural-latex proteins, over the last half century, has generated a growing population of children and adults with enhanced ADAPTIVE-IMMUNITY CAPABILITIES.”

Has natural latex use actually increased – on a per-capita basis – in the US, UK or Europe over the past “half century”? This would be since 1960, mind you. I don’t have the answer on the tip of my keyboard, but I recall that Mr. Dochniak has – in the past – used the worldwide increase in latex use as a surrogate for increased per-capita use in the “developed” world (you know, the places where the “autism epidemic” is happening).

The reason I bring this up is that – to my recollection – rubber has been more and more supplanted by synthetic polymers in the past helf century. When I look around me, I see less rubber use, especially in the past two decades and especially in medical uses. I think that Mr. Dochniak is grasping at straws.

I can’t quite understand why Mr. Dochniak is fixated on the fact that I won’t read his book. He has presented what I can only assume are his most persuasive and best-reasoned arguments and seen them sytematically dismanted. He has also seen his rudimentary understanding of biology and immunology exposed. Does he really think that his writing is going to mesmerise me into ignoring the glaring errors in his reasoning?

Does he really want me to give a scientifically rigorous evaluation of his entire book? Based on the excerpts we have seen so far, that evaluation would not be flattering. If anything, Mr. Dochnial should be begging me to not read his book, because if I did waste the hour or two it would take to read it (and if it is as bad as the “choice bits” we’ve been shown), I’d feel obligated to apply my own brand of “respectful insolence” to it.

Be careful what you ask for, Mr. Dochniak.

Prometheus

@ squirrelelite: “FWIW, I noticed the current ad is for a 100% latex mattress! 🙂

Do those also cause autism?!?!!”

Now you are using scare tactics…at this late stage in my life…do I have to worry about “senior adult onset autism”?

*Latex core mattresses* have a real market. I purchased one for me and my husband two years ago and we both absolutely love the resulting restful sleep.

Hint to prospective buyers: Think about the depth (15 “) of the mattress and “consider” a companion low profile (4 “) box spring. My petite daughter never thought about the combined depth and now has to take a running “flying” leap from outside her bedroom to get into the bed.

*Disclaimer: No conflicts of interest and no stock ownership in the manufacturers of latex core mattresses.

@Michael J. Dochniak

“Big Pharma’s” continued use of NRL in the stoppers and syringes increases allergies and autism.

Citation needed.

Prometheus writes (# 281), “Mr. Dochnial should be begging me to not read his book”

Let me respond with a quote:

I know that most men—not only those considered
clever, but even those who are very clever, and capable
of understanding most difficult scientific, mathematical, or
philosophic problems—can very seldom discern even the
simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as to oblige
them to admit the falsity of conclusions they have formed,
perhaps with much difficulty—conclusions of which they
are proud, which they have taught to others, and on which
they have built their lives. – Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)

Dochniak:

Apart from the clever characterization, I dare say the Tolstoy quote you have brought in, as if it is the equal of peer-reviewed evidence instead of a distraction, applies more to yourself than it does to Prometheus.

Thanks Michael

There’s certanly some very interesting evidenced based research surrounding immune system responses in infants and young children.

That the physiology of autistic patients show quite clearly an aberrant immune system response may indicate an early life insult that triggers this.

Latex protein – Immune response certainly requires further investigation.

Would not want to be one of those people who exhibit some ‘extereme’ dogma on this issue.

@lilady:

Precisely my thought– there’s no way he’d get past a Daubert challenge. But it might be fun to watch.

I herd autizm was korzed bai pashmina?

I was happy just to post under one name. Remember I got banned for link morphing and metastizing across threads? If I promise not to do it again, may I be allowed some human status please?

@Michael J. Dochniak

it still begs the question of how latex manages to cause autism

Um, no. You are begging the question here, in that you have asserted that latex causes autism, yet have thus far provided zero scientific evidence that this is the case.

Would not want to be one of those people who exhibit some ‘extereme’ dogma on this issue.

Oh no of course not, just be one of those mindless dunderheads who will unquestioningly follow any harebrained contortion of “it must be the vaccines”.

Science Mom writes (#295), “Besides, you have never elucidated how a child would go from simple atopy straight to autism via latex allergy and skipping all of the clinical presentations of allergies in between”

Let me say that atopy is not “simple” as you state above. In the contrary, atopy is a very complicated immunological response wherein antibodies are produced which may also bind to beneficial proteins.

The hevea-allergens from natural-latex can act as a catalyst for the development of atopy.

Furthermore, it is generally recognized that atypical immunity can affect the expression of neurotrophins which affect neurological development.

In continuation, atypical neurological development from said immunity may affect behaviors possibly resulting in an autism spectrum disorder (i.e., allergy-induced regressive autism).

Unfortunately, some vaccines are contaminated with the hevea-allergens.

In summary, “regressive” autism may be a function of “aggressive” antibodies induced by hevea-allergen exposure. See the book “Allergies and Autism” from Nova Science for details.

MjD

“My theory is correct because I say so,” is not Science.

Gray Falcon asked, MjD, what’s more important to you, science or profit?

Response:

The more medical science explores how hevea-allergen exposure may affect the aetiology of allergy-induced regressive autism, the more mankind profits.

MjD

Gray Falcon asked, MjD, what’s more important to you, science or profit?

Response:

The more medical science explores how hevea-allergen exposure may affect the aetiology of allergy-induced regressive autism, the more mankind profits.

MjD

Gray Falcon (#305) asked, Do you feel it’s right to withhold valuable information from humanity so you can sell your book?

Mr. Falcon, let’s get back on track and discuss why big Pharma continues to use Hevea brasiliensis natural-latex in vaccines. Simply, the hevea-allergens are a catalyst for the sales of allergy medication. You should ask Big Pharma what’s more important, science or profit.

Months ago, I knew that Dochniak was “full of it”, by just reading his description of his child’s “anaphylactic” reaction to a vaccine packaged with a latex port…or to the latex plunger in the syringe:

“On Dochniak’s website (describing his two-year-old’s ER visit)…..”Before leaving the hospital a doctor recommended that a nebulizer be used at home to relieve any recurrent asthmatic symptoms”. Huh? Didn’t Dochniak just describe an anaphylaxis episode? The ER doctor would have prescribed an EpiPen with instructions to fill the prescription immediately.

Too dumb even, to frame the anecdotal episode in a cogent manner…so that we might believe that his child has a latex allergy.

Posted by: lilady | May 10, 2011 5:56 PM”

I call Bullshit X 3 on:

Dochniak’s child’s latex allergy

His “research” about latex

His books

Time to give it up, Dochniak.

The fact that people can become allergic to latex is well known. What you have not proven is that it leads to autism.

I’m allergic to nickel. Does this means that if I touch enough nickel coated safety pins, hair pins, snaps and all the other stuff that is covered with nickel that I’ll develop some kind of neurological dysfunction?

There’s a book?

Wait….what? You state a “FACT” without offering any evidence to back it up, oh right – that’s what you do.

Put down the shovel Mr. Dochniak. I’m almost embarrassed for you.

Fact is children can become allergic to latex from vaccines, many are asking the question does such exposure cause allergy-induced regressive autism in immune senstive infants

FYI: “one” is not “many”.

Gray Falcon asks:

“Do you feel it’s right to withhold valuable information from humanity so you can sell your book?”

I realise that this is a rhetorical question, since I’m sure Gray Falcon knows that Mr. Dochniak has no information that is of any value to humanity.

What Mr. Dochinak has is a hypothesis that is grounded on a superficial and largely incorrect understanding of immunobiology, molecular genetics, virology and neurodevelopment.

He persists in asserting that H. brasiliensis is somehow unique in having numerous allergenic proteins in its sap (AKA raw latex) and that nuts, bee venom, milk, cereals, etc. cannot possibly be as complex a mixture of proteins as latex is.

He also persists in asserting that latex is unique among the allergens in its ability to cause autism via the immune system without any overt manifestations of latex allergy. If this were true, it would be unique, but Mr. Dochniak gives no data supporting his assertion.

I have wasted a great deal of time searching the world’s medical and biological literature for studies that might support Mr. Dochniak’s assertions. I have done this because Mr. Dochniak is terribly coy about his sources. He has admitted that he has done no novel research and so all of his information must have come from published studies. Here is what I have found:

[1] Latex – more specifically, some of the H. brasiliensis proteins found in latex and natural rubber products – can cause severe delayed hypersensitivity reactions (“allergies”) in some people; this should not come as a surprise to most people.

[2] Latex allergies are mediated by exactly the same immune processs that mediate delay-hypersensitivity reactions to most other protein and non-protein allergens.

[3] There are a few studies showing possible abnormalities in the immune systems of persons with autism; there are also studies showing a possible association between autism and auto-immune disorders. None of these studies have been able to show a causal link between autism and immune dysfunction (i.e. there is nothing that shows the immune dysfunctions aren’t caused by autism).

In the category of “dogs that didn’t bark” are the following:

[1] Medical use of latex has fallen dramatically in the past two decades, while the reported autism prevalence has increased.

[2] While the world-wide “consumption” of latex has increased, the amount used in the U.S., U.K. and E.U. has decreased over the past two decades, as synthetic polymers have been substituted for rubber.

[3] No studies (published in indexed journals) have reported an association between autism and latex allergies (or nut allergies, I note).

Apparently, all we have that supports Mr. Dochniak’s “latex-caused-autism” hypothesis is his assertion. I and others have outlined above how Mr. Dochniak’s hypotheses about how latex causes autism are based on faulty understanding of biology, but he persists in his error.

And yes, Krebiozen, there is a book – one that Mr. Dochniak has been flogging mercilessly in the comments section of this ‘blog post. Based on the little snippets Mr. Dochniak has offered up for our review, it’s not a very good book, unless your tastes run to rather technical unintentional comedy.

Prometheus

Prometheus,

And yes, Krebiozen, there is a book – one that Mr. Dochniak has been flogging mercilessly in the comments section of this ‘blog post.

Yes I know, I should have added a sarcasm tag.

Therefore, refuse vaccines that have latex warnings.

Given that latex exposure is far more ubiquitous in non-vaccine items, where is your call for avoidance of any latex product? Oh and Mr. Dochniak, tenacity =/= correct.

Mr. Dochniak:

You’ve skipped the first 999,999 out of 1,000,000 parts of your argument. In order to demonstrate that the latex in vaccine vial diaphragms can cause “allergy-induced regressive autism”, you first have to demonstrate that there is any such thing as “regressive autism”. Since IMO the chances are at least 999 out of 1000 that “regressive autism” is simply “Parent assumes child is developing normally until suddenly noticing that he’s not—ZOMG! Regression!”

Secondly if there is any such thing as “regressive autism” you have to demonstrate that it can be “allergy-induced”. My bet is that all you will come up with is “allergy-correlated”, if that. Then you have to explain why none of the other million-and-one things some kids are allergic to cause “regressive autism”.

Finally, after you’ve built a case for these “Impossible things you believe before breakfast”. you can start on explaining how the homeopathic quantities of latex that would enter the child’s body from this declining incidence of latex-containing vials are triggering the (supposedly) increasing incidence of autism. Please don’t skip the hard part—I know damn well it’s not in your book, so I don’t need to buy it.

The Very Reverend Battleaxe of Knowledge writes (#328), “I know damn well it’s not in your book, so I don’t need to buy it”.

There is no teaching or suggestion of homeopathic quantities of latex in the book “Vaccine Deliver and Autism – The Latex Connection”. In the contrary, medical science has shown that some individual are sentitive to the hevea-allergens at ppb (ppb is part per billion Prometheus).

Furthermore, studies show that latex sensitivity is increasing not decreasing.

Science Mom is correct when she says latex products are far more ubiquitous in non-vaccines. But, injecting the hevea-allergens directly into an infant is a very intrusive route of exposure that should not be accepted and is becoming less tolerated.

MjD

@Michael J. Dochniak:

If you’ve put your book into the public domain, then put it up on the Internet for free download rather than asking us to buy it.

Mr Dochniak:

I will take your #329 as an admission that your book does not demonstrate the existence of any such a phenomenon as “regressive autism” or, in the incredibly unlikely event that it exists, that allergies can cause it. I’m shocked. Shocked I tell you!

Gray Falcon writes (#332), “So, why hasn’t anyone ever become autistic from getting a cut or scrape?”

Response:

It is well known that bandages (e.g., Bandaids), used to cover cuts and scrapes, have been manufactured with natural-latex. This is another route of exposure to the hevea-allergens. Fortunately, manufacturers are begining to provide latex-free bandages in that hospitals ban hevea brasiliensis natural-latex products in their facilities.

Avoid using bandages on children that have a latex warning on the packaging.

Thanks for your input Gray Falcon!

MjD

So, why hasn’t anyone ever become autistic from getting a cut or scrape?

MjD has got to be some kind of robot – I mean the canned answers it spews out to every single question (regardless of its complexity or issue) couldn’t come from a human…..

Oops, I meant to ask: “I am still confused why nickel allergies don’t cause autism.” Why just latex?

How come wool and cats don’t cause autism? Kids get allergic to those. Is it because they are not used in vaccine packaging?

Prometheus:

Perhaps he’s nothing but a ‘bot programmed to stir up interest in Mr. Dochniak’s new book.

A quick Google on his last name brings up his Amazon page, though in reality this page has probably had much more activity. It must be some kind of ‘bot to deal with the Google searches.

I would not be surprised, considering the level (or lack of) veracity from the anti-vaccine crowd.

So it is a ‘bot!

He has some program to put up nonsense on some kind of time cycle. He completely missed the bit about wool and cats.

He has some program to put up nonsense on some kind of time cycle. He completely missed the bit about wool and cats.

No, he didn’t miss that; he can’t torture it into his little paradigm so he ignores it, just as he hasn’t bothered to address any of Prometheus’ questions and mine at #303.

It’s all rather typical.

Science Mom writes (#348), “No, he didn’t miss that; he can’t torture it into his little paradigm so he ignores it, just as he hasn’t bothered to address any of Prometheus’ questions and mine at #303.

Dear Science Mom,

You asked for and then refused a free copy of the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”.

Therefore my feeling are hurt, but time heals. I’ll answer your #303 questions when I’ve recovered…

Please no one else ask for a free copy of the book and then refuse it. I’m human, not a robot as some have suggested.

MjD

You asked for and then refused a free copy of the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”.

A liar too; and here I thought you were just another delusional vaccinesdidit bandwagon-clinger. I asked for a pdf of your book, which you have.

You refused and I have the email exchange to demonstrate your retraction of your “offer”, which will show up on my blog this week.

The first rule of medicine is do no harm. How do feel about exposing your patients to the hevea-allergens prior to getting latex allergy from “gloving”?

How do I feel about exposing my patients to hevea-allergens? Oh terrible, terrible! They kept dropping dead from anaphylaxis and I didn’t know why!

Actually, they didn’t complain. I am a pathologist, and they were either dead (autopsies) or in pieces (surgical specimens). I am still wracked with guilt, of course. Allergic reaction in a segment of colon is a terrible thing.

Anyway, nice attempt to divert my attention from your error (or lie) about latex being banned from hospitals. It didn’t work.

TBruce writes (#354), “How do I feel about exposing my patients to hevea-allergens? Oh terrible, terrible! They kept dropping dead from anaphylaxis and I didn’t know why!”

“Actually, they didn’t complain. I am a pathologist, and they were either dead (autopsies) or in pieces (surgical specimens)”.

MjD’s response:

Thanks for your contribution to medical science and sorry to hear you acquired a latex allergy.

TBruce, what do you think about natural-latex gloves still being used in surgery, exposing live patients to the hevea-allergens?

Furthermore, do you think natural-latex should be used in vaccines, e.g., syringe tips, knowing that the hevea-allergens can contaminate the vaccine solution?

MjD

MjD, do you really think people will be convinced by your evasive answers?

TBruce writes (#359), “I think that your argument about latex contamination of vaccines is about as credible as other blanket criticisms of vaccines”.

MjD’s response:

The FDA mandates the use of latex warnings on vaccines when natural latex is present. My arguement about latex contamination of vaccines is therefore a specific criticism.

TBruce writes (#359), “This is most likely related to repeated and prolonged exposure, something that is not an issue with almost all patients”.

Are you refering to your patients (#356) when you make this statement?

MjD

Chris: I am still confused why nickel allergies don’t cause allergies. Is it just the FDA warning? I mean nickel is everywhere.

Nickel allergy isn’t the same kind of allergy, exactly. My mom has it pretty bad — anything under 18 carat gold or sterling silver will trigger a reaction. (And actually, she’s stopped wearing even 18 carat now.) Her glasses have titanium frames. When she had surgery for a bad break last winter, the surgical staples drove her absolutely mad until they could come out — she had told them about her allergy, but apparently they didn’t think about the staples. A lot of medical professionals think surgical steel is hypoallergenic, and, well, it kind of is. It’s better than, say, the steel used to build a bridge. But it’s still got plenty of nickel in it.

But the question is still a good one, and still unanswered by Mr Donchiak. Why just latex? He says it’s special somehow, but I haven’t seen any convincing argument that it really is. Latex allergy isn’t like nickel allergy — but it IS like egg allergy, and eggs are used as a growth medium for a number of vaccines. What’s more, I believe there are documented cases of anaphylaxis due to egg allergy after vaccination with an egg-containing vaccine. Why would this not cause autism?

Medical science has known for a century that exposure to the proteins in hevea brasiliensis natural-latex can causes adverse immune responses in some patients. Yet some doctors and hospitals still allow its use.

And pet therapy is allowed in hospitals, despite severe dog and cat allergies. And I was served buns when I was in the hospital, even though celiac disease has been known for even longer. (Heck, they even served PB&J.) And steel fittings are still used for implants, causing a great deal of pain for the nickel-sensitive. It is not possible to protect against all possible allergens, and the effort would in fact be absurd.

Exposing any children in your care to H. brasiliensis natural-latex is your responsibility.

And that also is not an answer to Vicki’s request for a reason why that should be a particular concern, absent information about a particular child’s allergy.

Justin writes (#361), “Also, just because there is becoming a credible link between aberrant immune responses and autism, it does not automatically indict vaccines in the etiology of autism. But, it may offer different angles to study the safety of vaccines and their potential implication in altering neurodevelopment”.

MjD’s response:

Justin, here’s a bit of information from the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection” Chapter 12, page 80.

Has vaccine-insult increased the incidence of mental retardation in allergy-induced regressive autism?

As discussed in previous Chapters, medical research has shown that vaccinations can increase allergy sensitivity. In atopic children, vaccinations could be the tipping point that further induces the prevalence of allergic reactions; adversely affecting cognitive development. It is the opinion of the authors (i.e., Michael J. Dochniak and Denise H. Dunn) that atypical adaptive immunity, and Hevea-allergen tainted vaccines, continues to affect the incidence of mental retardation in allergy-induced regressive autism.

The Hevea-allergens can activate the immune system and adversely change the autistic mind.

MjD

TBruce,

We now know that latex is banned from Johns Hopkins Hospital. The question that begs to be asked is as follows:

Why is natural-latex still in some of their vaccines?

Medical science and the general public understands that there is health risk associated with vaccinations. An open and honest discussion about the safety of some vaccines must continue.

MjD

Chris writes (#367), “Yes, the discussion must be open and honest”.

MjD’s response:

Medical science understands that vaccines can cause a disease characterized by a tendency to be “hyper-allergic” (i.e., atopy). Also, environmental factors such as exposure to the proteins in natural-latex is suspected to play a major role in atopy.

Therefore, the combination of vaccinations and natural-latex exposure places children at great risk for atopic disease.

One solution to this problem is to take natural-latex out of vaccine delivery systems.

Thanks for your input Chris.

MjD

Chris writes (#368), “Prove it. And with real studies showing that allergies have any connection to autism”.

MjD’s response:

Thank you. I will continue to prove that the allergens in natural-latex can affect allergy-induced regressive autism.

MjD

Here is a hint, Mr. Dochniak: not your book.

So what do those allergies have to do with autism? That is the question you have failed to answer.

Thus, pregnant if they are thinking about having a litter, women BALB/c mice should avoid being exposed to the allergens in H. brasiliensis natural rubber aerosolized ovalbumin, especially from vaccines if they expect their offspring to develop a taste for nonmurine milk.

Good excuse, but you still haven’t shown why any other form of latex hasn’t caused autism, or why only latex is what causes autism and not the 100,000 other possible allergens out there.

M.O’Brien writes (#379), “Or indeed that allergic reactions DO cause autism, not merely they MIGHT be a cause”

MjD’s response:

Medical science is teaching us that the immune system is, and will continue to be, the architect that helps design our intellectual abilities. With a deeper knowledge of adaptive immunity, medical science has the ability to affect protein insult (i.e., from natural-latex) and affect the evolution of neuro-cognitive development in mankind.

MjD

Meaning-to-Word ratio of post #380: Near, quite possibly at, zero. As usual for MjD.

It has been written: I should repeat, one cannot look for how vaccines cause autism until after a connection between vaccines and autism is found.

MjD’s response:

The connection is in adaptive immunity.

As previously discussed, vaccines shift immunity towards Th2. Adaptive immunity associated with atypical expression of biomarkers including cytokines, nuclear factor kappa B, and neuron growth factor induce hyper-sensitivity to environmental antigens (i.e., atopy).

Atopy can induce the over expression of endogenous proteins including neurotrophins adversely affecting neural growth and neural prunning.

Atypical neural growth and neural prunning can affect cognition and behaviors resulting in an autism spectrum disorder.

Of course, the details and references are described in the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”.

MjD

Stupid typo. To clarify: you have not shown that autism has any connection to vaccines.

If one accepts that the comorbidity of infectious agents (e.g., viruses, bacteria) and non-infectious proteins (e.g., allergens) can affect the expresion of endogenous proteins, one can then accept that increased insult can adversely affect immune sensitive children (i.e.,allergy-induced regressive autism).

By that logic, one can also accept that vaccines can turn people into cats.

Is this argument still going on?!?

MjD: “Assertion, distortion of fact, assertion, association confused with causation, assertion, dismissal of contradicting data without cause, assertion, Buy My Book.”

There – now you know how all of MjD’s responses will read. He’s just trying to drum up some interest in his book and isn’t the slightest bit interested in how badly he has misunderstood biology. He is “often in error but never in doubt”, as the old song goes.

Put a fork in him – he’s overdone.

Prometheus

Mr. Dochniak, in no way does that contortion of the English language prove that vaccines cause autism, nor that allergies cause autism.

You really are clueless. You are also ignoring all of the large epidemiological data that shows no association between vaccines and autism done in several countries. Plus the severe lack of child mortality that has increased the average lifespan.

You are not only clueless, but delusional.

@Dochniak, who said, “Of course, the details and references are described in the book “Vaccine Delivery and Autism – The Latex Connection”.”

Out of amusement, I read your book (I found a copy remaindered in a used book store for 25 cents.) It does not contain either the details or the references to establish a connection between vaccines and autism.

It’s bad enough that you push your (apparently) worthless and obviously self-published book.

But to push something that has no viable content? Shame, sir.

Well, it is obvious, Science Mom, it all goes back to the covers his mother had him wear over his shoes on rainy days.

Don’t you all get it? It has a tertiary structure— that’s the worst kind. And with randoteric factors! It induces antibody recognition, for god’s sake!

I’m gonna hide under my bed tonight.

“A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it. – Thomas Samuel Kuhn”

As I learned from Herr Doktor Bimler on this blog some time ago, that quote is not from Kuhn but is actually Max Planck. Kuhn repeated the quote in ‘The Structure of Scientific Revolutions’, and disagreed with it.

Prometheus writes (#390), “Put a fork in him – he’s overdone”.

Another quote for Professor Moriarty (aka Prometheus):

Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? – T.S. Eliot

Why is H. brasiliensis still in some vaccines? It has been shown that natural-latex in the medical-glove industry has done great harm to practitioners and patients.

MjD

Actually, Dochniak, it has NOT been shown that natural latex in the medical glove industry has done “great harm” to practitioners and patients. Citations, please? Or just admit you lied.

Well, it is obvious, Science Mom, it all goes back to the covers his mother had him wear over his shoes on rainy days.

Oh I’m afraid you don’t know me well Chris as my imagination is far more perverse. As in envisioning a fetish which involves liquid latex, extraction from and a topical allergic reaction which involves painful, unsightly and rather embarrassing “owies”.

Given his continued extraordinary claims with zero evidence, and now with MORE notable quotes and fabricated scientific nomenclature, I think my speculation is probably more statistically likely.

Dear Science Mom:

😮

There’s another possibility. You could be wrong about “allergy-induced regressive autism.”

Prometheus writes (#411), “Finally, in an amazing leap of “logic”, Mr. Dochniak takes limited findings of immune abnormalities in some autistic children and spins it into a tale of how latex – which is well-known to cause immune reactions – in vaccines (but, apparently, not party balloons, toys and crib mattress covers) causes autism”.

MjD’s response:

Repeated exposure to the Hevea-allergens, from sources other than vaccines, is discussed in both books. Thank you for at least admitting that natural-latex can cause immune reactions!

Prometheus, today I visited a hospital in Iowa City, IA that promotes itself as “One of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals”. I asked the ‘Patient Relations Specialist’ what was their natural-latex policy and she was unaware of their policy but said she would search for an answer.

MjD

Prometheus, today I visited a hospital in Iowa City, IA that promotes itself as “One of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals”. I asked the ‘Patient Relations Specialist’ what was their natural-latex policy and she was unaware of their policy but said she would search for an answer.

Okay, so somebody doesn’t share your obsession. Not exactly news, or evidence.

Mr. Dochniak:

Here’s a 20011 list, from the CDC, of vaccines that contain natural latex.

Last I looked the anthrax vaccine is not required for children. In fact, each and every vaccine on the pediatric schedule has a version without latex. I pulled them out of the list for you to see:

DTaP
Daptacel,NO
Infanrix, Syringe NO – Vial

Hib
ActHIB, NO – Lyophilized vaccine vial

Hepatitis A
Havrix, NO – Vial

Hepatitis B
Engerix-B, NO – Vial

HPV
Gardasil, NO
Cerverix, NO – Vial

Influenza
Fluzone Intradermal, NO
FluLava, NO
Afluria, NO
FluMist, NO

MMR (M-M-R II), NO
MMRV (ProQuad), NO

Now, where is that evidence that “allergy-induced regressive autism” actually exists? Please post the journal, title, and dates of the multiple papers that show it is not something made up by you.

Remember, you are not to be an author of any of those papers, and not published in Medical Hypothesis. And please stop pushing your tiny little 116 page book (that includes the index).

MjD:

“Thank you for at least admitting that natural-latex can cause immune reactions!”

That latex can cause immune reactions was never in question, nor does it necessarily support Mr. Dochniak’s assertions. I hope that he’s not scoring this as a “win” for his hypothesis. Of the three things I listed – party balloons, toys and crib mattress covers – all three have had latex largely replaced with synthetic polymers in the past twenty years. I bet he missed that point.

“Prometheus, today I visited a hospital in Iowa City, IA that promotes itself as “One of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals”. I asked the ‘Patient Relations Specialist’ what was their natural-latex policy and she was unaware of their policy but said she would search for an answer.”

To begin with, the “Patient Relations Specialist” is a sort of combination PR person and patient-staff interaction ombudsman for the hospital – they aren’t the best source (or even a good source) for medical policy.

Second, I called up three local hospitals and the University of Iowa hospital this afternoon during lunch (I eat lunch late) and spoke to someone in their medical risk management offices. Each hospital representative stated that their “natural-latex policy” is roughly as follows:

[1] Latex allergies are noted on the cover of the chart (for the one hospital still using paper charts) and are displayed at the top of every screen on the electronic record – along with all other allergies.

[2] Patients with latex, nut and other life-threatening allergies have warnings posted on the door of their room and at the head of their bed alerting staff and visitors of the allergy and giving a lst of prohibited items (e.g. latex balloons).

[3] All four hospitals replaced latex examination gloves with nitrile, neoprene or chloroprene gloves over a decade ago.

[4] All four hospitals have had latex-free sterile surgical gloves available in all operating and treatment rooms for over a decade and have a policy that no latex-containing gloves may be used in the same room with patients who have latex allergies.

All that this tells me is that hospitals and medical personnel are very aware of latex allergy and that the medical (and non-medical) use of latex has dropped dramatically in the past twenty years.

And, just to be repetitive, the prevalence of autism has been steadily rising for the past twenty years.

Mr. Dochniak is beginning to sound more than a bit like another infamous troll, “Th1Th2”, with his endless repetition of “facts” that are either in question or are patently false.

Prometheus

Helen of Troy:

Dunn /Dochniak are PRESENTING a viable hypothesis; cutting edge, futuristic, and in its infancy.

Except one crucial piece is missing: actual evidence.

I have a hypothesis that the sun revolves around the Earth. How is that any different than “allergy-induced regressive autism”?

“[1] Latex allergies are noted on the cover of the chart (for the one hospital still using paper charts) and are displayed at the top of every screen on the electronic record – along with all other allergies.

[2] Patients with latex, nut and other life-threatening allergies have warnings posted on the door of their room and at the head of their bed alerting staff and visitors of the allergy and giving a lst of prohibited items (e.g. latex balloons).

[3] All four hospitals replaced latex examination gloves with nitrile, neoprene or chloroprene gloves over a decade ago.

[4] All four hospitals have had latex-free sterile surgical gloves available in all operating and treatment rooms for over a decade and have a policy that no latex-containing gloves may be used in the same room with patients who have latex allergies. ”

Sounds about the same as all the inpatient units I’ve worked on or visited. All of the outpatient and community services I’ve been with have a similar policy of allergy awareness. Allergies are usually expressed on the front cover under the CPA system, or are flagged up at the top of the screen if using a front-end like SystmOne.

I’m struggling to think of any place that does not have a latex-reduction policy. Hell, even my current non-clinical place of work (handling warehousing for a major catalogue chain) will quarantine latex containing goods.

over- stimulated egos (i.e., Pseudo Greek Gods )

Someone using the pseudonym “Helen of Troy” does not want commenters like Prometheus naming themselves after figures from Greek mythology.

@Prometheus:

It needs to explain why all, most or many children with regressive autism don’t have latex allergies.

I can’t find the comment where he said this, but I’m pretty sure he claimed that they lose the latex allergy as they grow older, so you’d only find the expected correlation if you looked at children who had just recently regressed. I have no idea if it’s possible for a baby/toddler to have an allergy and then lose it a few years later, nor how common it is if it is possible.

Another thing he needs to explain is why the allergy doesn’t manifest with any of the classical signs of allergy, but only with the development of autism.

Why don’t you answer our questions with actual evidence?

It needs to explain why all, most or many children with regressive autism don’t have latex allergies.

Prometheus, why don’t all, most or many people with latex allergy die from anaphylactic shock?

This isn’t a very effective counter-argument. Prometheus’s question (taking the context of MJD’s claims into account) is in the form “If A has caused epidemic numbers of B, then why are very few B to be found that have the characteristics necessary for A?”

MJD’s response is “Why don’t more A have outcome C?” The logic of MJD’s response has no relevance to Prometheus’s argument.

I could actually put together a logical counter from MJD’s perspective but unless someone besides MJD shows interest, I’ll spare everyone. I suspect no one except MJD is truly interested in keeping this conversation going, and I know MJD is interested only to promote his crank views, not to actually run the risk of re-examining them.

I’m very interested… Can someone else please push Mr. Feldspar’s “go” button?

Funny you should ask this considering that several of us have been asking this of you since you joined this conversation. Perhaps you could start with the answer to a very rudimentary question that has been proposed to you e.g. “It needs to explain why all, most or many children with regressive autism don’t have latex allergies.”

This is critical to your hypothesis, surely you can provide data that are at the very foundation of your assertion.

Science Mom writes (#432), “Perhaps you could start with the answer to a very rudimentary question that has been proposed to you e.g. “It needs to explain why all, most or many children with regressive autism don’t have latex allergies.”

MjD’s response:

Let me repeat with clarity that the antigenic proteins in H. brasiliensis natural-latex can act as a catalyst in the development of atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism.

Vaccines that are contaminated with such antigenic proteins can intensify their catalytic effect, thereafter, increasing atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism in immune sensitive children.

Thus, fixating on the expression “latex allergy” diverts attention from data that shows the Hev-b proteins can adversely affect atypical adaptive-immunity through cross reactivity.

MjD

Does repeating a statement make it true?

Seriously??? Once again, asserting something is true without providing firm evidence (and saying “buy my book” isn’t an answer) is total BS.

Put up or shut up MjD.

Oh, I know I’ll regret this…

MjD:

“Let me repeat with clarity that the antigenic proteins in H. brasiliensis natural-latex can act as a catalyst in the development of atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism.” [emphasis added]

“With clarity”? Who knew that Mr. Dochniak had such a wry sense of humour? The phrase, “…act as a catalyst…” is curious, as well. Does Mr. Dochniak claim that the latex proteins are not the cause of the “atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism” but only facilitate their development? That is what using the term “catalyst” would seem to imply. In that case, what is it that he proposes is causing the “atopy”?

Also, by linking “atopy” and “allergy-induced regressive autism”, he has made a falsifiable claim, namely that atopy will be found more frequently in cases of regressive autism than it is in the general population. Does he have data to support this claim? If he did, I cannot imagine why he hasn’t shown it.

Since Mr. Dochniak has admitted that he has done no actual “research”, I made a search of the literature to see if there was anything there that might support his claim. I refer Mr. Dochniak to my findings:

[1] Bakkaloglu et al. Atopic features in early childhood autism. Eur. J. Paediatr. Neurol. 2008 Nov;12(6):476-9.

“RESULTS: Nine/30 autistic children (30%) and 1/39 (2.5%) age-matched neurological controls from the same hospital had a family history suggestive of atopy (p [greater than] 0.005). No patient in the autism and 28% in control group had symptoms of respiratory allergy (wheezing or asthma) (p [greater than] 0.005), and 6/30 (20%) autistic vs. 7/39 (17%) control children had history suggesting other allergic disorders (p=ns). Eleven/23 (47.8%) autistic children had at least one positive skin test, similar to age-matched population controls. Serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were within age-appropriate limits. Serum IgE was elevated in four patients (13.3%). Specific IgE levels were negative in four cases with multiple SPT positivity.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests allergic features based on history, skin tests, and serum IgE levels are not frequent in young autistic children despite family history. This discrepancy between predisposition and manifestation might imply immunological factors or environmental conditions.”

In other words, they found less atopy and other allergic features in autistic children than in the “normal” controls, despite the fact that the autistic children were more likely to have a family history of atopy. Now, the authors speculate that “immunological factors or environmental conditions” might be implied by this, but the data say nothing of the sort.

That’s all I could find on “atopy” and autism and it doesn’t support Mr. Dochniak’s claim.

MjD:

“Vaccines that are contaminated with such antigenic proteins can intensify their catalytic effect, thereafter, increasing atopy and allergy-induced regressive autism in immune sensitive children.”

So now it’s the vaccines that have “catalytic effect” and the “antigenic proteins” – presumably any antigenic proteins (including the intended components of the vaccine, which makes this a circular anti-vax argument) – are simply…what? Catalysing the catalyst?

And then there is Mr. Dochniak’s rather touching attempt to claim that the “allergy”, “atopy” or whatever type of immune hypersensitivity he claims caused all of this somehow magically diasppears after the autism manifests. I’d like to see the study supporting that claim.

But, of course, we won’t be seeing any of the data supporting Mr. Dochniak’s startling claims…not unless we buy his book (and, I suspect, not even then). Mr Dochniak has been performing a fan dance with his data for the past few months, but my “research” (using PubMed, Web of Science, etc.) suggests that there’s nothing behind the fans. And the little bit of his “reasoning” that Mr. Dochniak has inadvertently revealed supports that conclusion.

I’ll stand by for the inevitable reiteration of claims and obligatory scathing quotation.

Prometheus

Prometheus writes (#441), “But, of course, we won’t be seeing any of the data supporting Mr. Dochniak’s startling claims”.

MjD’s response:

Shen C, et al. A proteomic investigation of B lymphocytes in an autistic family: a pilot study of exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) may lead to autism. J Mol Neurosci. 2011 Mar;43(3):443-52.

The pilot study references:

http://www.laboratoriosilesia.com/upfiles/sibi/P0807700.pdf

MjD

Shen C, et al. A proteomic investigation of B lymphocytes in an autistic family: a pilot study of exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) may lead to autism. J Mol Neurosci. 2011 Mar;43(3):443-52.

I read this report, did you? Let me break this down for you:
A.) The authors cite you which leads to a rather circular argument.
B.) The authors examined a single family with some autistic and some neurotypical children.
C.) The family worked in a latex factory; they were found to have elevated IgEs to latex. Shocking!
D.) The authors made the leaping conclusion that the mere presence of anti-latex IgE in a single family constituted a basis for claiming that latex could cause autism. All based upon absolutely nothing. The results do not support the authors’ conclusions, nor do they support yours.

It was not a pilot study, it was a case report; stop inflating it’s importance and it doesn’t make your claim any more viable.

You are very repetitive, aren’t you?

You have yet to prove that “allergy-induced regressive autism” even exists. Just provide the journal, title, and date of the papers that shows that it exists. And none of them can be from “Medical Hypothesis”, nor reference that journal nor reference anything you write. It has to be an independent finding.

The repetitive arguments put forward by Mr. Dochniak are indication of the poverty of his ideas.

In microbial ecology, we make use of a tool known as the rarefaction curve to determine the species “richness” of an environment. In brief, when you sample environments that have a lot of different species, you won’t see “duplicates” as frequently. In species-poor environments, duplicates pop up more often.

Mr. Dochniak keeps coming back with the same arguments – and not many of them – which suggests that he doesn’t have a very “idea-rich” environment in his head. This isn’t necessarily a problem, since more ideas doesn’t always (often?) translate into better ideas. However, the rising number of “duplicates” indicates that we have seen the majority of Mr. Dochniak’s ideas vis a vis latex and autism.

And since all of the ideas Mr. Dochniak has brought to this forum have been flawed or demonstrably wrong, the rarefaction curve suggests that we can be reasonably certain there isn’t an undetected reserve of good ideas we haven’t seen.

Clearly, Mr. Dochniak is convinced that he is right – despite the data – to the point that he says (#443) that:

“…I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t voice my ideas and opinions on the aetiology of allergy-induced regressive autism.”

I wouldn’t think of telling Mr. Dochniak to go against his nature and listen to the data instead of his heart. That doesn’t mean that I’m going to give him a “bye” when he tries to pass off his imagination as fact, however.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions – no matter how ridiculous – but we can’t each have our own reality.

Prometheus

Mr. Dochniak:

When can we start writing said petition? Please advise…

Right after you come up with the evidence you have been asked for repeatedly. Just post the journal, title, and date of the papers that support your contention that there is “allergy-induced regressive autism” and it has been increasing. Remember nothing written by you, nor that cites you and definitely not anything by Medical Hypothesis.

By the way, what happened to it?

Gray Falcon writes (#451), “MjD, shouldn’t you try to find out whether natural latex causes problems first, then start making petitions”.

MjD’s response:

Promethesus and I know that repeated exposure to the natural-latex proteins increases the possibility of acquiring latex allergy (e.g., health care industry). We’ll submit that natural-latex in vaccine packaging is an unessesary route of exposure for children that must be eliminated.

MjD

Chris writes (#450), ” Remember nothing written by you, nor that cites you and definitely not anything by Medical Hypothesis”.

MjD’s response:

Everytime you write this another restriction is applied. Will you have a font size and ink quality restriction? Your making me nervous…

MjD

The reason for not allowing anything written by you, nor anything that cites any of your papers is because you have no medical research training. You work in an industrial setting, and have not conducted any actual medical research.

The evidence has to be independent. In other words, not related to you in any way. Why is that difficult for you to understand?

If you want to know why “Medical Hypothesis” is not allowed, find a dictionary and look up the word “hypothesis.”

Now, where is that independent evidence that “allergy-induced regressive autism” exists?

In continuation Chris writes (#456), “The reason for not allowing anything written by you, nor anything that cites any of your papers is because you have no medical research training. You work in an industrial setting, and have not conducted any actual medical research”.

MjD’s response:

I know there’s a compliment in there somewhere.

MjD

Orac writes after the press release above, “Because, to the anti-vaccine, first and foremost, it’s always about the vaccines. Always. No matter what the evidence shows. Never forget that”.

MjD’s response:

There’s evidence Orac, refuse vaccines that have latex warnings.

MjD

Thanks, Science Mom, I can only see the abstract. I also noticed that it is not indexed at PubMed.

Now, Mr. Dochniak has missed a crucial fact: since there is no evidence there is a correlation between vaccines and autism, trying to show it is from something in the vaccines is going to very difficult.

MjD, it has already been pointed latex exposure has already been reduced, and rates of autism have not gone down.

I have a comment in moderation, but essentially it says:

Prove it.

Show that allergies cause mental retardation.

And show that the risk of neurological damage is greater with latex allergies than with Hib, measles, mumps, and other vaccine preventable diseases. And remember there is a criteria for acceptable evidence: done by those who know what they are doing, and actually know enough not to cite you!

Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock. Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock. Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock. Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock. Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock. Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock. Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock. Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock. Michael J. Dochniak is a warlock.

Did I just prove you are a warlock?

MjD, why should I trust an accused warlock?

Mr. Dochniak, repeating himself again:

Medical science has discovered there is a correlation between natural-latex exposure and allergy.

So what? What real evidence do you have that allergies cause autism? I’ve only asked for this evidence half a dozen times, and you have failed to provide any independent medical evidence. What you have done is push your book and cite second rate papers that cite you!

I come from a family with lots of allergies, it happens to be genetic. I have allergies, some severe (pollen, and nickel), and two of my kids have allergies (one is lactose intolerant). My father has allergies (even to nickel). Both of my siblings have allergies, and one is also very severely lactose intolerant (she also has a severe allergy to wool). None of us are autistic.

The one kid I have with no allergies is also developmentally disabled. He has had seizures, and one of the most severe one was as toddler due to a now vaccine preventable disease.

Now, prove your contortions with real evidence.

YES ALL OF YOU SHUT UP AUTISM IS CAUSE BY LATEX HOW DO I KNOW THIS CAUSE IM GOD NOW STOP BEING DUMBASSES

Some vaccines contain natural latex, to which some individuals are allergic. Some people with natural latex allergies have graduated summa cum laude from undergraduate programs and gone on to get PhDs. Therefore, natural latex causes PhDs. QED.

FUCKYOUALL is gonna kill you all with my awe autism powers and god go suck a dick u cause autism cause i fuck you all especially your wives and daughters.

Mr. Dochniak:

There is still very much to learn about immunity and human development.

Which is not helped by non-scientists making stuff up.

So, again, where is that real evidence that allergies cause autism? Something by qualified medical researchers that know enough not to cite you?

I love being a smart-ass its the whole reason I stay on this waiting for someone to mess up it helps me feel better about myself
Prometheus

Damn couldn’t find the troll repellent but i found my 12 gauge shotgun guess that will do im ready Dan whenever you want a fight I’ve been looking hard for someone to finally want one.

Well, Mr. Dochniak, that is an interesting way to shill your book!

Dan, I think you need to sharpen your critical thinking skills. I am not stuck on the idea he is wrong, I simply want him to show us the evidence he has for his contentions that autism can be caused by allergies.

As you can see by my experience being from a family that is genetically prone to allergies, and having one child who was injured from an actual disease, that I expect a certain level of evidence. Mr. Dochniak is making an incredible claim, but has produced nothing that is even remotely convincing.

It is not our duty to show he is wrong, it is his duty to present the actual evidence. All he has done is repeat the same statement, but has failed to show any scientific data to support that statement.

Where did he show evidence? I’m not just taking a rude person’s word on it.

I’m getting the impression “Dan” only came here to start a fight. Time to get the troll repellent…

Dan (#482) would like us to see another side of Mr. Dochnak:

“I have actually had the privilege to know mike and i have been in a lot of scientific discussions with him and what he says makes a lot of sense to me.”

Well, Dan, we’ve been in a lot of “sort of” scientific discussion with “mike” and we don’t find that he’s making much sense at all.

Here’s the problem, Dan – if you don’t know much about science (and I’m assuming that description fits you), then “mike” sounds pretty reasonable and even scientific because he’s got the jargon of science down pretty well. Well enough, at least, to fool those who don’t know more science than the average person.

To those who know something about science,what “mike” has to say makes about as much sense as talking about “home runs” in a football game or saying “The square root of blue is koala.” It may sound like sports talk or mathematics to someone who doesn’t know anything about sports or math, but it’s clearly nonsense to anyone who knows the topic.

But Dan’s not done yet – he has something to say about “arrogant scientists”:

“Now a lot of you talk like your [sic] high up [?] scientists and your [sic] all stuck on the idea he is wrong so prove he is wrong because he is getting ahead because his theory is getting very recognized [sic].”

Dan, some of us are “high up scientists” (I assume this means scientists who are educated, experienced and recognised in our fields), which is why we’re giving “mike” such a hard time. He’s spouting nonsense and he isn’t giving any evidence (we “high up scientists” call that “data”) to support what he says.

The fact that some people who don’t know much about biology or medicine are nodding in agreement with “mike” doesn’t mean that he’s right. In fact, it’s his job to prove that he’s right – we don’t have to prove that he’s wrong. That’s how real science works, Dan.

Just saying that latex can cause autism because some people are allergic to latex and some autistic people show signs of immune dysfunction isn’t very convincing to real scientists, Dan. That’s why we haven’t found “mike’s” evidence very convincing.

To use your words, Dan, “…none of you noticed it was evidence” because it wasn’t evidence, it was just unsupported claims and a not-too-convincing “Just So Story”.

Stick around, Dan – you might learn something, even if you don’t want to.

Prometheus

Or ban your IP address.

Prometheus writes (#490), “In fact, it’s his job to prove that he’s right – we don’t have to prove that he’s wrong. That’s how real science works, Dan.”

MjD’s response:

In fact, medical science continues to cause pain, suffering, and death with H. brasiliensis natural-latex based medical products (e.g., vaccine packaging).

Where’s the humanity in “we don’t have to prove that he’s wrong. That’s how real science works.”

MjD

Out of curiosity, Mr. Dochniak, when you went for your Master’s didn’t you have to stand for an oral exam? Did you have a thesis to defend? Or in your employment, don’t you have to defend your work in front of a group of customers and by providing actual evidence?

How can you function in science or engineering if you cannot defend your own work with the required evidence?

By the way, I have had to defend my engineering structural dynamics analyses in front of hostile customers, plus I had to stand for an oral exam in thermal solid mechanics with a hostile professor when I was in an engineering master’s program… the treatment you have received here is positively docile.

Mr Dochniak’s latest – and possibly most feeble – attempt to promote his book:

“In fact my opinion, medical science continues to cause pain, suffering, and death with H. brasiliensis natural-latex based medical products (e.g., vaccine packaging).”

Fixed that for you. Continuing…

“Where’s the humanity in ‘we don’t have to prove that he’s wrong. That’s how real science works.'”

I have a few simple questions for Mr. Dochniak:

Are you actually arguing that we shouldn’t expect you to provide data to support your extraordinary claim that latex from vaccine vial stoppers is causing autism?

Are you actually arguing that we should immediately react to any wild idea someone cooks up while sitting in their wing-chair without asking for some indication that it is correct? Or even more likely than not to be correct?

Are you really that self-absorbed that you can’t see how stupid that is?

By the way, nasty little group of sock puppets – are they yours?

You disgust me, Mr. Dochniak.

Prometheus

Where’s the humanity in “we don’t have to prove that he’s wrong. That’s how real science works.”

I dunno, where’s the humanity in “1 + 1 = 2”? It seems to me there isn’t any “humanity” in that, or any need for it. It’s not a decision, after all, it’s a statement of fact. 1 plus 1 doesn’t equal 2 because someone decided to be humane, or cruel, or whimsical, or vindictive, or patriotic – and certainly not because someone repeated it eighteen thousand times. 1 + 1 = 2 because that’s mathematics.

In a similar fashion, where the burden of proof falls is neither based on nor influenced by “humanity”; it is a matter of amassed evidence. You have devised a speculation, but it remains that, a speculation; it would be stretching the truth grossly to even call it a “hypothesis.” There are glaring holes in the speculation which you show no interest in resolving and rather than amassing the sort of evidence that would actually convince someone (someone not desperate to be convinced, that is) you simply repeat your assertions and cite circular logic and try to play the pity card. It’s not inhumane to observe that you haven’t done the work that would be necessary to give anyone else the obligation to disprove your speculations; it’s simply an observation of fact.