Mesothelioma: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Coping

Mesothelioma is a somewhat rare cancer, with only about 2,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each yearbut its incidence is increasing worldwide. Sadly, most cases of this disease are related to on-the-job exposure to asbestosand could be prevented through awareness and protective measures at work. That said, in many cases, mesothelioma does not develop until decades after asbestos exposure occurs, and many people that are diagnosed today were exposed to asbestos years ago.

Mesothelioma is a cancerous (malignant)tumor that begins in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a membrane that lines and protects the lungs, the heart, and the abdominal cavity. There are three main types of mesothelioma.

Most people with pleural mesothelioma note shortness of breath and chest pain (especially under the ribs), but there are several other symptoms including:

In addition, blood clots usually develop with more advanced pleural mesothelioma. On the other hand, with peritoneal mesothelioma, abdominal pain and bloating is a common symptom.

There are several contributing factors that have been linked to the development of mesothelioma. On-the-job exposure to asbestos has often been linked to mesothelioma. In addition, some people are more likely to develop mesothelioma than others due to genetic predisposition. Exposure to a virus called simian virus 40 (SV 40) has been linked with some cases of mesothelioma. Exposure to radiation has also been linked to mesothelioma.

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult since there are many conditions that cause similar symptoms. Your physician will first take a careful history, especially questioning you about your employment history, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging studies are often doneand may include x-rays of your chest and abdomen, CT scans, MRI scans,or PET scans.

If your doctor suspects mesothelioma, she will need to schedule a biopsy. Depending upon the location of your tumor, she may recommend a thoracoscopyor video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT), a procedure where a tissue sample is taken from the pleura, or a peritoneoscopy, a similar procedure to obtain tissue from the abdomen. If the biopsy reveals mesothelioma, further studies are then done to determine the stage of the cancer (how advanced it is).

Mesothelioma is divided into 2 primary stages:

Depending on the size and location of your tumor, and if it has spread, treatment may include one of several options.

On top of the emotional toll that accompanies a cancer diagnosis, many people with mesothelioma lack the emotional and psychosocial support that those with other forms of cancer may find readily available. In addition, medico-legal battles related to on-the-job asbestos exposure can be emotionally draining. Participating in a support group, either through your cancer center, community, or online, can help you wade through the maze of treatment options, and find camaraderie in others who are living with mesothelioma.

The most important thing you can do to prevent mesothelioma is to use appropriate precautions if you are exposed to asbestos at work.

OSHA has asbestos safety standards for individuals who may be exposed on the job. If you work with asbestos, it is important to follow these guidelines to minimize your families exposure as well. Asbestos insulation in homes is usually not a problemunless it is damaged or disturbed by remodeling projects. If you may have asbestos insulation (homes built prior to 1950) make sure to hire a contractor certified in asbestos management before you begin any home improvement projects.

Some people who have been exposed to asbestos may want to consider CT screening for lung cancer. At this time, recommendations for screening include only those people ages 55 to 74 with a 30 pack-per-year history of smoking.

Yet studies show that some people who have been exposed to asbestos may be at an even higher risk of developing lung cancer than heavy smokers. If you've been exposed to asbestos make sure to talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening.

Mesothelioma, though considered a somewhat rare cancer, is becoming increasingly common worldwide. If you are experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma, especially if you have had or suspect that you've had previous exposure to asbestos, speak with your doctor or healthcare professional. If diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is key to form a support group of either family or friends, or to become involved with a supportive cancer community online. This can provide you with a network of people who are going through similar situations and can help you to navigate treatment options.

Excerpt from:

Mesothelioma: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Coping

Mesothelioma Symptoms | Learn the Warning Signs

It can take decades for someone who was exposed to asbestos to develop mesothelioma symptoms. Doctors call this the latency period, or the time between the patients initial exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of mesothelioma. The standard latency period for mesothelioma is 20 to 50 years, but it can range from 10 to 60 years or even longer.

Additionally, mesothelioma is often mistaken for other, less severe illnesses with similar symptoms, like the common cold. It can also be confused forother serious conditions, such as heart disease or ovarian cancer.

Due to its long latency period, the slow onset of symptoms, and the fact that it is easily mistaken for other diseases, mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until it has progressed to stage 3 or stage 4. Unfortunately, a late-stage diagnosis can negatively affect prognosis and treatment options.

The earlier you are diagnosed, the more treatment options are available to you, which can significantly extend your life expectancy and improve your quality of life.

You dont have to go through this alone. We can help. Request our free, complete guide to learn more about mesothelioma.

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The three main most common sites of mesotheliomaare the pleura, the peritoneum, and the pericardium. The site of mesothelioma will influence the type of symptoms patients may experience.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 80 percent of all cases. It affects the lining of the lungs and chest, called the pleura. The chest pain and respiratory symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are associated with the growth and spread of the primary tumor as it develops and hardens into a sheath-like formation across the pleura. Symptoms can also be a result of fluidbuildup around the lungs, known as pleural effusion.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma often mirror those of other respiratory ailments, such as:

Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for approximately 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases and affects the lining of the abdomen. The abdominal symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are associated with the growth and spread of the primary tumor throughout the abdomen. In some later-stage patients the buildup of fluid in the abdomen also known as ascites.

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can be mistaken for other conditions, such as:

Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for less than 5 percent of mesothelioma cases and affects the lining of the heart. The initial symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are associated with the growth and spread of the primary tumor around the heart. Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and dry cough occur in later-stage patients as the cancer spreads throughout the chest cavity and into the pleura.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can be confused for other cardiac issues, such as:

In addition to the type of mesothelioma, the stage can also significantly affect which symptoms are present. Patients with early-stage mesothelioma stages 1 and 2 may exhibit few symptoms, if any. At this point, the disease is still localized and there is minimal spreading to the lymph nodes or nearby organs. If symptoms are present, they will likely be mild and can be easily mistaken for other diseases. Specific symptoms depend on the type of mesothelioma. But in general, stage 1 and 2 mesothelioma symptoms may include a dry cough, chest or stomach pain, shortness of breath (dyspnea), fever, body aches, fatigue, and weight loss.

As the mesothelioma advances to stages 3 and 4, symptoms will become more apparent and more acute as the tumors spread to other organs, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. Stage 3 and 4 mesothelioma symptoms may include persistent dry cough or coughing up blood (hemoptysis), more severe chest or stomach pain, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, body aches, fatigue, weight loss, anemia, blood clots, and fluid buildup around the affected organ(s).

Patients with advanced pleural mesothelioma may have difficulty speaking or swallowing (dysphagia), while those with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience nausea, vomiting, hernia, bowel issues, or seizures. Late-stage pericardial mesothelioma can cause heart complications, such as arrhythmia or heart palpitations. Unfortunately, due to the rarity of pericardial mesothelioma, it is usually diagnosed only after the patient has died.

Diagnosed with mesothelioma and feeling overwhelmed? Theres a lot to learn about the disease. We have information available at your fingertips.

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If the cancer metastasizes, spreading beyond the original tumor site to other parts of the body, the patient may experience additional symptoms in those areas of the body. For instance, peritoneal mesothelioma often spreads to other abdominal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, appendix, and pancreas. This can prompt new symptoms not necessarily associated with peritoneal mesothelioma that hasnt metastasized.

Although mesothelioma symptoms usually appear gradually over months or years, the type of asbestos the patient was exposed to can speed up the onset of symptoms. More hazardous forms of asbestos, such as crocidolite, can cause symptoms to present earlier and more acutely.

Patients who were continuously exposed to asbestos even small amounts in the workplace over a span of years may display symptoms sooner than usual. Similarly, patients who were exposed to a larger-than-average amount of asbestos all at once may experience an earlier onset of mesothelioma even if the exposure was short-lived.

For example, the original World Trade Center in New York was built in the early 1970s. Asbestos was used in the steel support beams, walls, insulation, and other fireproofing materials. After the towers collapsed during the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, hundreds of tons of asbestos fibers were released into the air. First responders, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police officers; search and rescue crews; and those tasked with cleaning up the site, were exposed to extremely large amounts of asbestos both on the day of the attack and in the days, weeks, and months after. In 2004 just three years after asbestos exposure at Ground Zero a 9/11 first responder died of mesothelioma. Another died in 2006, demonstrating a significantly shortened latency period compared to the average mesothelioma patient.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can range from uncomfortable, to painful, to life-threatening. However, there are things you and your doctors can do to relieve pain and mitigate these symptoms.

After you have been diagnosed with the type and stage of your mesothelioma, you and your doctor will determine a customized course of treatment, often involving a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments, such as immunotherapy.

Your treatment will likely address many of your mesothelioma symptoms by attacking the root cause: the cancer itself. But there are also steps and procedures that can help alleviate many of the symptoms apart from or in addition to potentially curative treatment.

Your doctor may recommend steroids for you during the course of the disease to treat symptoms or prevent complications. Many mesothelioma patients experience fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss, both as symptoms of the disease itself and as side effects of treatment. Steroids can help increase energy and appetite, helping patients maintain active lives before, during, and after treatment. Steroids can also be effective to reduce inflammation, especially after surgery or reduce the risk of side effects of chemotherapy treatment.

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for mild symptom relief. They may prescribe stronger pain relievers, such as morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, or fentanyl to address worsening symptoms if necessary. Nerve blocks may also be used to target pain in specific areas of the body. Certain antidepressant medications can also be used for certain types of pain related to mesothelioma. Some patients may get referred to pain specialists to manage their pain.

Although lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, weight management, and adequate sleep cannot cure mesothelioma, they can help you stay healthy during treatment and positively influence your prognosis. On the other hand, smoking can worsen symptoms (especially respiratory problems) and has been shown to decrease life expectancy for mesothelioma patients. The American Cancer Society also recommends that cancer patients get an annual flu shot, as mesothelioma and the methods used to treat it can weaken the immune system. This can put mesothelioma patients at a higher risk of contracting and developing complications from the flu virus. However, its important to talk with your mesothelioma specialist before getting a flu shot to ensure that it will not interfere with your current course of treatment.

Patients also have to deal with the mental and emotional ramifications of their diagnosis, in addition to the physical symptoms. Talk to your doctor about methods for reducing stress (meditation, yoga, counseling, etc.), or consider speaking with a mental health care provider or spiritual counselor. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants for stress or depression. Certain antidepressant medications may also be used for certain types of pain related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma isnt your fault, hold the asbestos companies responsible. Talk with an experienced mesothelioma attorney about your case.

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Muaiad Kittaneh, MD, FACP, MBA, is a hematology and oncology professor at Loyola University Medical Center on the Palos Health South Campus in Illinois. He specializes in treating patients with mesothelioma, as well as lung, breast, kidney, and gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Kittaneh plays the role of both clinician and researcher, focusing on cancer genomics and immunotherapy. He is currently studying the BAP1 gene mutation, which is found in nearly 70% of patients who develop mesothelioma, and could play a role in the prevention and treatment of this rare cancer.

Sources

American Cancer Society. (2018). Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma. Retrieved on July 25th, 2019, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

American Lung Association. (2019). Mesothelioma Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors. Retrieved on September 18th, 2019 from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-symptoms-causes-risks.html

ASCO Journals. (2019). Mesothelioma: Symptoms and Signs. September 18th, 2019 from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/symptoms-and-signs

Mayo Clinic. (2019) Mesothelioma. Retrieved on September 18th, 2019 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022

Shavelle, Robert. (2017). Life Expectancy in Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Retrieved on July 25th, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5292397/#B2

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Mesothelioma Symptoms | Learn the Warning Signs

Mesothelioma – TechMirror

Overview

Malignant mesothelioma (me-zoe-thee-lee-O-muh) is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium).

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Mesothelioma treatments are available, but for many people with mesothelioma, a cure is not possible.

Doctors divide mesothelioma into different types based on what part of the mesothelium is affected. Mesothelioma most often affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs (pleura). This type is called pleural mesothelioma. Other, rarer types of mesothelioma affect tissue in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), around the heart and around the testicles.

Mesothelioma doesnt include a form of noncancerous (benign) tumor that occurs in the chest and is sometimes called benign mesothelioma or solitary fibrous tumor.

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer occurs.

Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs, causes signs and symptoms that may include:

Peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in tissue in the abdomen, causes signs and symptoms that may include:

Signs and symptoms of other types of mesothelioma are unclear, since these forms of the disease are very rare.

Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects tissue that surrounds the heart, can cause signs and symptoms such as breathing difficulty and chest pains.

Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis, which affects tissue surrounding the testicles, may be first detected as swelling or a mass on a testicle.

See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma arent specific to this disease and, due to the rarity of mesothelioma, are more likely to be related to other conditions. If any persistent signs and symptoms seem unusual or bothersome, ask your doctor to evaluate them. Tell your doctor if youve been exposed to asbestos.

In general, cancer begins when a series of genetic mutations occur within a cell, causing the cell to grow and multiply out of control. It isnt clear what causes the initial genetic mutations that lead to mesothelioma, though researchers have identified factors that may increase the risk. Its likely that cancers form because of an interaction between many factors, such as inherited conditions, your environment, your health conditions and your lifestyle choices.

Asbestos is a mineral thats found naturally in the environment. Asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat, making them useful in a wide variety of applications, such as in insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and many other products.

When asbestos is broken up, such as during the mining process or when removing asbestos insulation, dust may be created. If the dust is inhaled or swallowed, the asbestos fibers will settle in the lungs or in the stomach, where they can cause irritation that may lead to mesothelioma. Exactly how this happens isnt understood. It can take 20 to 40 years or more for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure.

Most people with years of asbestos exposure never develop mesothelioma. And yet, others with very brief exposure develop the disease. This indicates that other factors may be involved in determining whether someone gets mesothelioma or doesnt. For instance, you could inherit a predisposition to cancer or some other condition could increase your risk.

Factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include:

As pleural mesothelioma spreads in the chest, it puts pressure on the structures in that area. This can cause complications, such as:

Reducing your exposure to asbestos may lower your risk of mesothelioma.

Most people with mesothelioma were exposed to the asbestos fibers at work. Workers who may encounter asbestos fibers include:

Ask your employer whether you have a risk of asbestos exposure on the job.

Follow all safety precautions in your workplace, such as wearing protective equipment. You may also be required to shower and change out of your work clothes before taking a lunch break or going home. Talk to your doctor about other precautions you can take to protect yourself from asbestos exposure.

Older homes and buildings may contain asbestos. In many cases, its more dangerous to remove the asbestos than it is to leave it intact. Breaking up asbestos may cause fibers to become airborne, where they can be inhaled. Consult experts trained to detect asbestos in your home. These experts may test the air in your home to determine whether the asbestos is a risk to your health. Dont attempt to remove asbestos from your home hire a qualified expert. The Environmental Protection Agency offers advice on its website for dealing with asbestos in the home.

Source:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022?p=1

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Mesothelioma - TechMirror

Editorial Guidelines and Standards – Mesothelioma.net Blog

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Due to its uniqueness and its numerous subtypes, its important to understand the complexities of the disease and what can be done both medically and legally to help victims.

Our mission at Mesothelioma.net is to provide asbestos victims and their families with top quality free information and resources via our website, as well as the best medical and financial assistance to those who request our help. We encourage readers to explore our library of legal and financial articles, in order to understand what options and assistance programs are available.

Due to the significance of rare diseases such as mesothelioma, the editorial process at Mesothelioma.net takes several steps throughout a rigorous process. This ensures that all of our material is not only up-to-date and factual, but easy to understand and informative.

Health and medical content make up a large portion of our articles on Mesothelioma.net. Since mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are considered uncommon in the medical field, we work consistently to ensure we have the most accurate materials and information. We also provide in-depth coverage on numerous asbestos illness health topics, including treatment options, treatment centers, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and causes.

Mesothelioma.net has dedicated a special section of our site on tips on how to survive mesothelioma. Our ultimate goal is to help anyone living with an asbestos-related illness live their lives to the fullest extent.

Mesothelioma.net also covers each step after a mesothelioma diagnosis, including stages of the disease, types and subtypes.

Prior to publishing any health and medical-related articles, our teams cross-checks to ensure all medical information is factual, all treatment options are to up-to-date, all health statistics are current, and all sources are properly credited.

Our health and medical writers only rely on sources backed by reputable findingssuch as medical journals, peer-reviewed journals, medical databases, government organizations, and board-certified physicians who specialize in malignant mesothelioma.

Our legal team is committed to providing free resources to readers regarding legal options and financial assistance. All of our legal writers are attorneys with decades of experience dealing with mesothelioma and asbestos cases. They stay abreast of the latest happenings by attending both national and international mesothelioma meetings.

Our legal team curates articles on claims, lawsuits, trials and settlements, asbestos trust funds, government assistance, and financial options.

Special coverage is dedicated to asbestos trust funds, which have become an increasingly popular way for asbestos victims to obtain compensation for their injuries. Our legal writers stay up-to-date on companies who have trust funds set up, as well as the requirements for eligibility and the average payouts.

Mesothelioma.met has also dedicated special coverage to our nations military veterans. We have in-depth resources for veterans in all branches of the military, and provide detailed information on veterans claims, government assistance, medical help and financial assistance.

Information for veterans is properly vetted by our Veteran Support and legal team and is sourced by the U.S. government.

Articles at Mesothelioma.net are written or reviewed by a dedicated team comprised of:

Our full team of board-certified doctors and nurses are experienced in dealing with rare diseases, specifically diseases caused by asbestos exposure. They work together to curate our health and medical-related articles.

Our physicians and nurses also meticulously review each article to ensure the highest degree of accuracy.

We double-check for accuracy and only rely on trustworthy scientific data and reliable health organizations. Some of our medical writers are published and cited extensively in peer-reviewed journals.

We cite every article with sources used and add in appropriate links when necessary.

Once the articles are completed, our team of copy editors double-check every article for grammar, readability, transparency, and comprehension.

In order to uphold integrity and our readers trust, Mesothelioma.net holds full accountability on any discovered inaccuracies in our content. We strive to correct any errors in a timely manner.

If you have any questions, comments, or corrections, please email us as [emailprotected]

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Editorial Guidelines and Standards - Mesothelioma.net Blog

Are Mesothelioma Patients Leaving An Effective Treatment on the Table? – Mesothelioma.net Blog

Published on February 21, 2020

Many patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma are skipping or abandoning a treatment protocol that could extend their lives by several months, and researchers from MD Anderson are trying to determine why. The protocol is Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), a type of targeted radiation that sends powerful radiotherapy beams directly into malignant tumors, leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. Delivered as part of a multi-modality treatment it has proven effective, yet a surprising number of patients never complete the treatment.

Research has proven that the mesothelioma patients with the longest survival times are those who undergo trimodal treatments including surgical removal of tumors and diseased tissue, chemotherapy and radiation. An earlier study conducted at MD Anderson specifically looked at the impact of trimodal therapy using IMRT and found that it extended survival by several months, delivering a median survival time for those with epithelioid mesothelioma of 23.4 months.

But despite this consistent rate of success, a retrospective study found that many patients walked away from IMRT, never completing it and succumbing to their disease in a shorter period of time. The researchers set out to determine why, and found that the answers varied.

Though there are several forms of radiation therapy that can be used in treating mesothelioma, the MD Anderson study specifically looked at 160 pleural mesothelioma patients reated between 2004 and 2017. Six in ten had undergone an aggressive surgery called extrapleural pneumonectomy, while the other 4 in ten had less aggressive lung sparing surgery. All were candidates for IMRT, yet only two out of three finished their scheduled treatment.

The researchers found that more than ten percent of patients didnt finish radiotherapy because they had died, while another 15% couldnt continue because the therapy made them ill. Others were impacted by slow healing or complications from surgery, while there was no clear reason for why others stopped the therapy. Age and surgery type seemed to have little to no impact on the outcomes.

Mesothelioma patients are urged to take advantage of all of the protocols available to them. If you need information on the benefits of any of them, or on how to access them, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Call us today at1-800-692-8608.

Learn more about and contact Terri

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Are Mesothelioma Patients Leaving An Effective Treatment on the Table? - Mesothelioma.net Blog

Study Examines Efficacy of Peritonectomy and Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma.com

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form of mesothelioma that develops in the abdomen. The only known cause of the disease is exposure to asbestos. In order to improve patient survival, one of the most common methods of treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma includes using a form of heated chemotherapy during surgery.

A recent study in India examined the efficacy of two different methods of peritonectomy combined with chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma. Previous clinical trials noted success in combining this type of surgery with heated chemotherapy, extending patient survival. In this latest study, researchers sought to compare the two methods of peritonectomy. In doing so, they observed patients life expectancy and quality of life.

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma and other abdominal cancers may undergo a peritonectomy as part of treatment. This is a surgery that removes the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).

The surgery may be performed as a complete peritonectomy, which consists of removing the entire parietal peritoneum, including cancerous and non-cancerous portions. It can also be performed as a partial peritonectomy, which removes only the cancerous portion of the peritoneum.

Both methods of peritonectomy are often used in combination with a type of chemotherapy called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This is a standard treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma that involves applying heated chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity.

A study conducted at the Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Center in India tested the efficacy of both methods of peritonectomy combined with HIPEC. The combination treatment was administered to patients with peritoneal malignancies, including peritoneal mesothelioma. Researchers aimed to assess the remission and survival rates of both sets of patients to determine which surgery was more effective over the course of four years.

One group of 70 patients underwent a complete peritonectomy. A group of 93 patients underwent a partial peritonectomy. Both groups of patients were administered HIPEC after surgery.

When comparing patient groups, doctors identified higher risks in undergoing a complete peritonectomy. Data showed surgeons spent an average of two hours longer completing a complete peritonectomy than a partial peritonectomy. Further, patients who underwent complete removal lost 1.2 liters of blood, which was twice as much as partial removal surgeries.

Results also showed risks in undergoing a complete peritonectomy, including a longer hospital stay. However, despite these risks, researchers concluded a complete peritonectomy is more effective due to its associated long-term benefits.

Research indicated patients experienced more favorable outcomes in life expectancy by undergoing a complete peritonectomy. Researchers also noted complete peritonectomy led to a lower risk of cancer recurrence, or detection of cancer after a period of time.

Researchers found:

While the complete peritonectomy poses an increased risk of complications, data showed its long-term efficacy was more favorable than the partial peritonectomy.

Not all patients are eligible for this surgery, as patients with stage 3 or stage 4 cancer may be in poor health and unable to withstand the potential side effects. However, a complete peritonectomy may be a viable option for patients with stage 1 or stage 2 peritoneal mesothelioma, as the tumors are typically localized to the peritoneum.

Although the study shows a promising multimodal treatment, patients should discuss viable treatment options for their individual case with their healthcare team. This can help them better understand the benefits and risks of each procedure.

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Study Examines Efficacy of Peritonectomy and Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma.com

The US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate Now Offers a Navy Veteran with Mesothelioma Nationwide Direct Access to Attorney Erik Karst of the Amazing…

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate is offering a Navy Veteran with mesothelioma anywhere in the nation direct access to attorney Erik Karst of the law firm of Karst von Oiste so the person can learn what is involved in the mesothelioma compensation process and how much their potential claim could be worth. As the Advocate would like to explain anytime at 800-714-0303, "If you call an Internet ad about a 'free' kit, book, calculator or guide it's like opening Pandora's box. The Navy Veteran will start getting hounded by lawyers he has never hear of-night and day----and after a while the Veteran or their family no longer pick up their phone.

"We have endorsed attorney Erik Karst and his colleagues at the law firm of Karst von Oiste because they have been assisting Navy Veterans with mesothelioma for decades, they are responsible for over a billion dollars in financial compensation for people like this and they work overtime for their clients. Erik Karst and his team at the law firm of Karst von Oiste also make house calls for a face to face meeting about how, where and when a Navy Veteran with mesothelioma was exposed to asbestos. It is this information that becomes the basis for a mesothelioma compensation claim. For direct access to attorney Erik Karst of the law firm of Karst von Oiste please call 800-714-0303-anytime."www.karstvonoiste.com/

US Navy Veterans make up approximately one-third of people who will be diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States each year. The types of US Navy Veterans who frequently get diagnosed with mesothelioma had the following type of rating related to their job duties on a ship.

According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma includeMaine,Massachusetts,Connecticut,Maryland,New Jersey,Pennsylvania,Ohio,West Virginia,Virginia,Michigan,Illinois,Minnesota,Louisiana,Washington, andOregon.

However, based on the calls the US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate receives a US Navy Veteran who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma could live in any state includingNew York,Florida,California,Texas,Ohio,Iowa,Indiana,Missouri,North Carolina,Kentucky,Tennessee,Georgia,Alabama,Oklahoma,Arkansas,Kansas,Nebraska,North Dakota,Wyoming,Nevada,Colorado,New Mexico,Utah,Arizona,Idaho, orAlaska.www.karstvonoiste.com/

For more information about mesothelioma, please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer:https://www.cancer.gov/types/mesothelioma

Contact:Michael Thomas800-714-0303 232053@email4pr.com

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The US Navy Veterans Mesothelioma Advocate Now Offers a Navy Veteran with Mesothelioma Nationwide Direct Access to Attorney Erik Karst of the Amazing...

Sheldon Silvers Attempt to Have More Conviction Appeals Heard by Court Rejected – NBC New York

Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver lost his bid Friday to get afederal appeals court to reconsider its decisionto uphold part of his corruption conviction.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a brief order closed the door on arequest to have a three-judge panel that decided his appealor the full 2nd Circuit reconsider the case.

A 2nd Circuit panel in Manhattan recently upheld his conviction but ordereda resentencing after reversing his conviction on some charges.

Top news stories in the tri-state area, in America and around the world

A lawyer for the 76-year-old Silver declined comment, though it is likelythat attorneys will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case.

The Manhattan resident was first convicted in 2015 on bribery and extortioncharges. After that verdict was overturned on appeal, Silver was convictedagain in 2018. He was sentenced to seven years in prison.

He has remained free pending appeal.

His 2018 sentencing came after he was convicted the second time of tradingfavors to collect nearly $4 million in fees to help a cancer researcher andreal estate developers.

In a recent ruling, the 2nd Circuit tossed out charges related to legal feesSilver collected to refer mesothelioma cases to a law firm. Mesothelioma is arare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

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Sheldon Silvers Attempt to Have More Conviction Appeals Heard by Court Rejected - NBC New York

NSA whistleblower petitions Trump for clemency | TheHill – The Hill

Reality Winner, theNational Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower jailed for leaking classified information on Russias interference in the 2016 election, petitioned President TrumpDonald John TrumpSchiff blasts Trump for making 'false claims' about Russia intel: 'You've betrayed America. Again.' Poll: Sanders leads 2020 Democratic field with 28 percent, followed by Warren and Biden More than 6 in 10 expect Trump to be reelected: poll MORE for clemency Monday.

Winner's attorney Alison Grinter said in a press conference in Dallas that she will submit the petition to the federal office of the pardon attorney, who advises the president on pardons.

She also plans to send 4,500 letters of support, including ones from privacy and free press advocates,according to The Intercept.

Winner was sentenced to five years and three months starting in August 2018 after admitting to giving classified information about Russias attempts to hack local elections before the 2016 election to an investigative news website, The Guardian reported.

Our national healing process cannot begin until we forgive our truth-tellers and begin the job of rebuilding what was taken from us: election security, accountability for those who endeavor to undermine our democracy; and safeguarding the American right to government by and for the people, Grinter said at the conference. None of this can begin in earnest while we are still punishing those who tell us the truth.

The petition alleges that Winner's imprisonment is costly, unnecessary to protect the public, burdensome to her health and wellbeing, and not commensurate with the severity of her offense.

The president previously commented on Winners sentencing in an August 2018 tweet, in which he specifically criticized then-Attorney General Jeff SessionsJefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsOn the Trail: Senate GOP hopefuls tie themselves to Trump Trump looms as flashpoint in Alabama Senate battle Trump tweets test Attorney General Barr MORE and called Winners crimes small potatoes compared to what Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonSchiff blasts Trump for making 'false claims' about Russia intel: 'You've betrayed America. Again.' The problem with Trump's Middle East peace plan Trump's Intel moves spark Democratic fury MORE did," in an apparent reference to the private email server Clinton kept as secretary of State.

Ex-NSA contractor to spend 63 months in jail over classified information. Gee, this is small potatoes compared to what Hillary Clinton did! So unfair Jeff, Double Standard.

Winner has said in a 2018 interview with CBS News that she cant thank him enough for the tweet.

"I don't like to assume anything as to what's going on in his head, but the 'small potatoes' was a breath of fresh air. It really made me laugh. It reminded me of me and my own family. We try to make a joke out of everything. We laugh every single day no matter how bad things get, and he really gave a whole sense of humor to the thing 'cause it is quite bizarre," she said.

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NSA whistleblower petitions Trump for clemency | TheHill - The Hill

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NSA Offers Suggestions on Restructuring the IRS – CPAPracticeAdvisor.com

The National Society of Accountants (NSA) has responded to anIRS request for comments on the proposed IRS restructuring contained in the Taxpayer First Act (TFA). The suggestions come as a response to the solicitation for industry commentary presented at the Taxpayer First Act discovery meeting held on January 15, 2020 which was attended by NSA and other national organizations.

While given the opportunity to be signatory on a letter drafted by various other industry organizations, the NSA opted to deliver an independent response. NSAs suggestions draw from decades of advocacy and a strong relationship with the IRS, the Office of the National Taxpayer Liaison, IRS Tax Forums, the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee, and the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council.

NSAs suggestions included:

NSAs membership of tax and accounting professionals appreciates the opportunity to provide input in the process and we welcome the open dialogue environment the IRS has established. We are committed to assisting the agency in any way possibleto achieve the requirements of the TFA, wrote NSA CEO John Rice. We stand ready to help.

Download a copy of NSAs response to the IRS here: https://www.nsacct.org/viewdocument/irs-suggestions-for-irs-restructuri

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NSA Offers Suggestions on Restructuring the IRS - CPAPracticeAdvisor.com

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Advice crucial, but not the only source of truth: NSA – Professional Planner

Retirees primarily use financial advisers as their source of information but look at a wide range of sources for their financial management needs, according to the 130,000-strong National Seniors Australia group.

In a 2017 study involving over 5,000 NSA members, Seniors more savvy about retirement income, 59 per cent reported getting information on retirement from their financial adviser but only 12 per cent used it as a single source, with the complexity of the retirement system forcing people to use their super fund, Centrelink, their bank or family and friends for guidance.

Advisers need to be far more aware of how their advice is part of an ecosystem, says NSA chief advocate Ian Henschke.

In its recent submission to the Retirement Income Review, the NSA referred to their earlier report to highlight the complexity of the retirement system and the value of financial advice to retirees.

National Seniors believes most people would not have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the retirement income system without some form of help, the submissions stated, before noting that retirees would be unlikely to achieve desired outcomes without formal financial advice.

Yet advisers are rarely seen as the single source of truth by retirees.

Sites like ours, government information sites such as Centrelink, their super funds, as well as family and friends all were cited as sources used to inform their decisions, Henschke says.

The NSA argue in its submission that third party expertise is particularly important in Australia because our retirement system privatises responsibility. As the superannuation system matures, this reliance will only grow, hence the importance of advisers working together with other information providers cater to these needs.

Nine per cent of respondents in the 2017 report said they didnt need financial information for retirement, and 25 per cent said they only used a single source of information. The majority of those that only used a single source used a financial adviser.

The average age among member participants was 68. Most were retirees, Henschke explains, but retirement is not a pre-requisite for NSA membership, which costs $45 annually.

Only a handful of respondents relied on any one of the other sources as their sole source of financial information about retirement, indicating that older Australians are weighing their options and doing research before making major decisions, the report stated.

It went on to compare financial advisers to medical professionals, saying NSA members chose these types of authoritative intermediaries as sources of health and lifestyle information.

The use of financial advisers remains high and their ability to deal with changing retirement benefits and rules is critical, not just in finance matters but in care choices which are also complex and dependent on good financial advice, it states.

A separate January 2020 NSA report, Retirement income worry: Who worries and why, took a deeper look into the mindset of retirees in terms of their retirement income. Comments on financial advice were mixed, the report states, but indicated broad satisfaction.

Looking closer at the impact of the sources and sufficiency of advice, we can see that respondents thought that financial advisers made a positive impact.

*To register for the 2020 Retirement Conference in Sydney on March 31, presented by Investment Magazine, Professional Planner and the Financial Planning Association of Australia, visit here.

Tahn Sharpe is a Sydney-based financial services journalist with a background in financial planning. He writes on advice, superannuation, investment, banking and insurance issues, is a certified SMSF Adviser and holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning.

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Advice crucial, but not the only source of truth: NSA - Professional Planner

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Dont distract COAS, Buratai over Buharis NSA/Chief of Staff face-off, former CP cautions – Vanguard

Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai

Following a much-celebrated report, online newspaper, Premium Times, has been warned against dragging Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, into the middle of an alleged feud between National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari.

Former Commissioner Public Complaints Commission, CP Abubakar Tsav (rtd), gave this warning in an open letter to Premium Times Editor on Sunday.

After initially claiming that Monguno accused Abba Kyari of undue interference on matters bordering on national security, the online portal went further to allege that the COAS took sides with the latter.

Tsav said this is only well-crafted mischief with highly inciting contents, provocative to the sensibilities of Nigerians, and bears elements of compromising national security.

According to the ex-CP, issues of redeployment and postings of Army personnel are routine administrative procedures exclusively at the discretion of the Army leadership guided by the service needs of personnel in specific areas.

Unlike claimed, Tsav added that the Army Chief does not take directives from the office of NSA but the President.

Even though the COAS may not be aware of this artificial war of attrition, Tsav cautioned Premium Times and other mischief makers to allow him fully concentrate on his giant strides in the counter-insurgency campaign.

Read full letter below:

Please, do not drag the Chief of Army Staff into your campaign of attrition:

An open letter.

I send you affectionate greetings together with members of your editorial team. May God continue to bless and guide all of you on the path of truth and accuracy as watchdogs and the true conscience of society.

May you kindly refer to your online publication dated February 21, 2020; which had the screaming caption: Exclusive: Abba Kyari-Monguno War: Army Chief Buratai Moves Against NSA.

In the said publication, your medium perniciously dragged the office, duties and personality of the COAS and leader of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria, Lt.Gen. TY Buratai into the imaginary feud, between the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, which is widely celebrated on social media platforms.

I was fascinated by its mendacity and carefully crafted mischief. Its contents are also highly inciting, provocative to the sensibilities of Nigerians, and bears elements of compromising national security.

I elect upon myself to dispel or denounce explicitly the baseless, disjointed, malicious and provocative gerrymandering as reflected by the medium targeted at the top echelon of Nigerias security leadership solely based on conjecture. But it is more significant to draw your attention to its resistant link to the COAS in a presumed altercation, which he is not aware and has no nexus to it whatsoever.

In the desperation to smoothen the campaigns of this agenda, the publication delved into puerile arguments and recanted itself at several points. Let me clear your doubts that the issues of redeployment and postings of Army personnel are routine administrative procedures exclusively at the discretion of the Army leadership guided by the service needs of personnel in specific areas.

And your report cannot admit that all the agencies attached to the NSA have the powers to make changes to their respective personnel serving there, and simultaneously, scrub extraneous reasons to deny the Nigerian Army such lawful institutional powers. This is after it is also submitted to the cumbersome process of selecting and posting Army personnel to the office of the NSA as deemed fit by the Army leadership.

For the sake of records, the Army Chief does not take directives from the office of NSA, as the report carelessly insinuated. The COAS strictly takes directives from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces who wields the final authority on all national security Heads.

I have absolute trust in Lt. Gen TY Buratai as a professional soldier, loyal and patriotic leader to his country. And by his antecedents known to me over the years, the Gen. Buratai I know; and Nigerians can vouch for his integrity and sterling leadership qualities, he is very busy in the trenches, coordinating troops in the war against insurgency, angling and itching for results.

Let the campaigners of the fabricated and incipient animosity in the ranks of top government appointees spare him of the orchestrated campaigns of widening the imaginary lines of attrition between the NSA and CoS to the President.

The COAS is neither involved in this artificial war of attrition nor has any knowledge of it. The COAS is more concerned and devotes attention to deliver excellent results on the duties assigned to him and his office by Mr President. He will not compromise his official responsibilities for any personal interest and should not be distracted now.

Nigerians who are celebrating the imaginary animosity and perhaps, fervently praying for a crack in Mr Presidents national security leadership, should redirect their idle selves elsewhere, but certainly not in the direction of Lt. Gen. Buratai. He is a soldier with impeccable credentials and a leader per excellence.

Vanguard

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Dont distract COAS, Buratai over Buharis NSA/Chief of Staff face-off, former CP cautions - Vanguard

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Congress set for clash over surveillance reforms | TheHill – The Hill

Congress is gearing up for a high-profile fight over reauthorizing a handful of controversial surveillance programs months before the 2020 election.

After punting late last year to give themselves more time to negotiate, lawmakers now have 15 working days to figure out whether and how to reauthorize expiring provisions of the USA Freedom Act by the March 15 deadline.

The policy battle comes as tensions are already running high in Washington after a weeks-long firefight emanating from the Justice Department which will also be at the center of the surveillance discussion and with the November election injecting a higher dose of politics into any discussion involving Congress and President TrumpDonald John TrumpSchiff blasts Trump for making 'false claims' about Russia intel: 'You've betrayed America. Again.' Poll: Sanders leads 2020 Democratic field with 28 percent, followed by Warren and Biden More than 6 in 10 expect Trump to be reelected: poll MORE.

Attorney GeneralWilliam BarrWilliam Pelham BarrBill Barr is trying his best to be Trump's Roy Cohn Hillicon Valley: Facebook, Twitter split on Bloomberg video | Sanders briefed on Russian efforts to help campaign | Barr to meet with Republicans ahead of surveillance fight Sanders says he was briefed on Russian effort to help campaign MORE will meet with Senate Republicans during a closed-door policy lunch on Tuesday, his first face-to-face with most senators since the controversy over the departments handling of the case involving Trump associate Roger StoneRoger Jason StoneBill Barr is trying his best to be Trump's Roy Cohn Roger Stone moves to disqualify judge Roger Stone deserves a new trial MORE.

But two sources confirmed to The Hill that the lunch was planned weeks before the current flare-up between the Justice Department and the White House. The topic, according to the two sources, is expected to be expiring surveillance provisions.

Reauthorization of these certain programs is a priority for both Leader [Mitch] McConnell and AG Barr, a source said.

Among the expiring provisions that Congress needs to make decisions on is a controversial records program, known as Section 215, that gathered metadata on domestic text messages and phone calls.

They'll also need to make decisions on two other provisions one authorizing roving wiretaps and the other on lone wolf surveillance authority.

The biggest sticking point will be the metadata program that will put a spotlight on divisions between privacy hawks and leadership, the House and Senate and even GOP lawmakers and the White House.

Though the National Security Agency (NSA) shuttered the program, and advised the White House to officially end it, then-director of National Intelligence Dan CoatsDaniel (Dan) Ray CoatsTrump's Intel moves spark Democratic fury Russian interference reports rock Capitol Hill Hillicon Valley: Facebook, Twitter split on Bloomberg video | Sanders briefed on Russian efforts to help campaign | Barr to meet with Republicans ahead of surveillance fight MORE urged Congress to reauthorize it.Barr is expected to stick with that position when he speaks with senators.

Coats noted that the NSA had suspended the program and deleted call records, saying the decision was made after balancing the programs relative intelligence value, associated costs, and compliance and data integrity concerns."

"However, as technology changes, our adversaries tradecraft and communications habits will continue to evolve and adapt," he added. "In light of this dynamic environment, the Administration supports reauthorization of this provision."

But Sens. Richard BurrRichard Mauze BurrTrump's new intel chief makes immediate changes, ousts top official Intel officials warned House lawmakers Russia is interfering to get Trump reelected: NYT Pelosi joins pressure campaign on Huawei MORE (R-N.C.) and Mark WarnerMark Robert WarnerTrump's Intel moves spark Democratic fury Where do we go from here? Conservation can show the way Hillicon Valley: Facebook, Twitter split on Bloomberg video | Sanders briefed on Russian efforts to help campaign | Barr to meet with Republicans ahead of surveillance fight MORE (D-Va.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, quietly introduced legislation that would end the phone metadata program going against the administrations request.

In addition to terminating that program as soon as the bill is enacted it would provide an eight-year reauthorization of the other two programs.

The bill was sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Chairman Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamSunday shows preview: 2020 candidates look to South Carolina Where do we go from here? Conservation can show the way Barr to attend Senate GOP lunch on Tuesday MORE (R-S.C.) has described himself as torn on whether or not to reauthorize Section 215.

A Democratic aide, asked if they had gotten guidance on if Judiciary or leadership would move the Burr-Warner bill in committee or on the floor by March 15, told The Hill: Not really.

The panel includes privacy hawks like Sen. Mike LeeMichael (Mike) Shumway LeeThe Hill's Morning Report AG Barr, GOP senators try to rein Trump in Overnight Defense: Senate votes to rein in Trump war powers on Iran | Pentagon shifting .8B to border wall | US, Taliban negotiate seven-day 'reduction in violence' The 8 Republicans who voted to curb Trump's Iran war powers MORE (R-Utah). Lee and Leahy are working on reforms related to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). A spokesman for Lee said that ideally their forthcoming ideas could be included as part of the debate over reauthorizing the USA Freedom provisions.

Surveillance debates have spotlighted fierce clashes among Senate Republicans in recent years.

When the Senate debated the USA Freedom Act, and the Patriot Act measures that pre-dated it, in 2015, Sen. Rand PaulRandal (Rand) Howard PaulSenate braces for fight over impeachment whistleblower testimony Pelosi names first-ever House whistleblower ombudsman director The Hill's Morning Report AG Barr, GOP senators try to rein Trump in MORE (R-Ky.) used the chambers procedural levers to force a brief lapse of the surveillance programs.

He also successfully blocked multiple efforts by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSanders is a risk, not a winner Buttigieg sounds alarm after Sanders wins Nevada Where do we go from here? Conservation can show the way MORE (R-Ky.) to clear a short-term extension of the Patriot Act, a tactic Paulquickly used to rack in fundraising cashfor his 2016 presidential bid. McConnell has not yet taken a public position on the upcoming USA Freedom debate, something hes likely to be quizzed on after Tuesdays lunch.

As Republicans are set to meet with Barr, the House Judiciary Committee has put reauthorization of the USA Freedom provisions on its business meeting agenda for Wednesday.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold NadlerJerrold (Jerry) Lewis NadlerTrump adviser presses House investigators to make Bezos testify Nadler demands answers from Barr on 'new channel' for receiving Ukraine info from Giuliani Trump predicts Ocasio-Cortez will launch primary bid against Schumer MORE (D-N.Y.) hasnt yet unveiled what the committee will be voting on, and spokesmen didn't respond to multiple requests for comment. But a House Intelligence Committee aide noted that staff on the two panels are continuing to work on potential legislation.

The aide declined to say if the forthcoming legislation would end the metadata program, even as leadership is under pressure from progressives to take a hard line.

Twenty House progressives sent a letter to Nadler last year warning that they would oppose a reauthorization measure that does not completely repeal the call records program and also called for additional civil liberties protections to be built into the law.

"Any meaningful reform must repeal the [call detail records] program, which is an unnecessary violation of the rights of people in the United States and a threat to our democracy," the lawmakers wrote.

Further complicating calculations for passing a bill in roughly two weeks, some Republicans are saying they want to use the reauthorization debate to work in changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) courts.

The FISA court, authorized under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, is made up of 11 judges who serve seven-year terms and are selected by the chief justice of the Supreme Court. The judges are responsible for signing off on or rejecting warrant applications submitted as part of intelligence gathering and national security operations.

The courts jumped into the spotlight late last year when Justice Department inspector general Michael Horowitz found a total of 17 "significant inaccuracies and omissions" in the applications to monitor Trump campaign aide Carter Page, taking particular issue with applications to renew the FISA warrant and chastising the FBI for a lack of satisfactory explanations for those mistakes.

Reps. Doug CollinsDouglas (Doug) Allen CollinsSunday shows preview: 2020 candidates look to South Carolina Overnight Defense: Seven day 'reduction in violence' starts in Afghanistan | US, Taliban plan to sign peace deal Feb. 29 | Trump says top intel job has four candidates Trump says he is considering four candidates for intelligence chief MORE (R-Ga.) and Devin NunesDevin Gerald NunesJudge dismisses Nunes' lawsuit against Fusion GPS Trump's new intel chief makes immediate changes, ousts top official Overnight Energy: EPA moves to limit financial pressure on 'forever chemical' manufacturers | California sues Trump over water order| Buttigieg expands on climate plan MORE (R-Calif.) the top Republicans on the Judiciary and Intelligence Committees, respectively sent a letter to Nadler over the recess pitching the USA Freedom debate as a vehicle for making FISA changes.

Any legislation devoid of necessary reforms to address the abuse of the intelligence community against a presidential campaign and even our sitting president, including lies and fraud engaged in by top-level FBI officials, misses that mark, they wrote.

There have been bipartisan calls for FISA reformsafter the Horowitz report, but inserting it into the middle of the surveillance debate could inject another political angle into what will already be a contentious debate.

But Collins and Nunes argued that FISA reforms should be a bipartisan line in the sand, and urged Nadler to not ignore historic abuses directed against the campaign of a president you don't support.

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PSA to honor ABAP as NSA of the Year – ABS-CBN Sports

The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines will be honored as the National Sports Association of the Year during the annual PSA Awards.

The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) punched its way to the honor roll list of the SMC-PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Annual Awards Night, claiming the title National Sports Association of the Year.

Led by Nesthy Petecio, the Filipino pugs stamped their class everywhere in 2019 which saw them winning golds from the Asian to the world levels.

The feat earned for ABAP yet another NSA of the Year award from the countrys oldest media organization, which will honor and recognize the top sports personalities and entities from last year during its annual gala night on March 6 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

Team Philippines is going to be accorded with the coveted Athlete of the Year honor in the event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, the Philippine Basketball Association, AirAsia, and Rain or Shine.

Petecio, 27, was at the forefront of ABAPs successful campaign, finally scoring a breakthrough gold medal in the AIBA Womens World Boxing Championships in Ulan-Ude, Russia after beating hometown bet Liudmila Vorontsova by split decision in ruling the featherweight division.

Eumir Felix Marcial just fell short of matching Petecios gold medal feat as he settled for the silver in the same world tournament for men held in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Nonetheless, the 24-year-old native of Lunzuran, Zamboanga City became just the third Filipino who finished runner-up in the prestigious award after light-flyweight Roel Velasco (1997) and Harry Taamor (2007).

Not to be left out was former world champion Josie Gabuco.

The 32-year-old veteran fighter went home with the gold in the ASBC (Asian Boxing Confederation) Elite Boxing Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand, defeating North Koreas Kim Hyang Mi in the finals of the womens light-flyweight category.

Before Petecio, Gabuco was an AIBA world womens champion back in 2012.

The three would later banner the Filipinos productive stint in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in which the Philippine boxing team emerged overall champion.

Petecio, Gabuco, and Marcial made up part of the seven gold medals the national team won to beat perennial rival Thailand for the sports overall title.

Incidentally, the Philippine team failed to win a medal in just one of the 13 boxing events competed in the SEA Games.

Like in the world meet, the gold Petecio won was his first ever in the biennial meet after previously ending up with just a silver medal from 2011 to 2015.

For Marcial, it was his third SEA Games gold medal, while Gabuco now has a record five gold medals.

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PSA to honor ABAP as NSA of the Year - ABS-CBN Sports

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Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and NSA among Trump`s high-level delegation to India – WION

US President Donald Trump will head to India for a two-day visit with a high-level delegation that will include his senior advisors - daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Sources say US National Security Advisor Robert O' Brien, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin will also be part of the delegation. However, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer who skipped his meeting with the Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goel last week will not be visiting.

Also read: Trump in India - Hiding the poor and shantytown of Ahmedabad for US president's visit

Although neither side expects a trade deal to be signed, 5 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) will be signed during the US president's visit. Nuclear cooperation, homeland security, intellectual property, trade facilitation, space and science technology are likely to be on the agenda.

The government yesterday said that the relationship had to be seen not just in the context of immediate deliverables from this visit. Adding, ''Over the years, the canvas of our relationship has expanded to include several new areas. We enjoy a broad level of support from the executive branch as well as bipartisan support by the Congress.''

Also read: From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule

The two sides have expanded their defence ties signing agreements like Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement or COMCASA as well as initiating a joint tri-services HADR exercise named Tiger Triumph as an Annual exercise. The US is Indias largest trading partner in goods and service. We have bought 18 billion dollars worth of defence equipment from the US.

Also read: Focus on reviewing bilateral ties, strengthening global partnership - MEA on Trump's visit

Reports say, ahead of the visit, the cabinet committee on security(CCS) has approved a deal to procure a batch of 24 Lockheed Martin MH60 Romeo helicopters - this will boost India's naval capacity.

This is the eighth meeting between the two leaders since 2017 and the fifth this year alone. Donald Trump, like President Obama, is making a standalone visit to India, skipping neighbour Pakistan.

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Statement on the Firing of Oakland Police Chief Kirkpatrick – SF Bay Area Indymedia

Oakland Police Commission Fires the Chief

Passage of Measure LL in 2016 with an 83% support of Oakland residents, resulted in creation of one of the most powerful police oversight bodies in the US. Since its inception, Oaklands Police Commission has had a profound positive impact on increasing transparency and accountability within the Oakland Police Department (OPD).

Among its notable accomplishments is a revision of the stop and search policy that requires evidence of criminal activity-not just the probation/parole status of the driver-which had often resulted in harassment of law abiding residents. And remarkably, the Commission disagreed with the Police Chiefs findings and fired four officers involved in the police officer involved shooting of Mr. Joshua Pawlik who was found asleep in an alley and aroused, only to be killed by OPDs use of lethal force.

However, it is the Police Commissions most recent action of terminating Chief Kirkpatrick that has focused a bright light on the commissions crucial role in holding the City of Oakland accountable for its failure to bring OPD into compliance with the terms of the Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA) that went into effect over 17 years ago. In fact, when questioned by Judge Orrick about the set-backs in compliance, and asked about her greatest challenge, she responded that is was, the narrative!

Those who question the reason for the firing should know that, had the Commission taken this action, the cause would have had to be publicly disclosed. But because the Mayor joined (she has the ability to fire at will) and declared the firing as not for cause it allows her to conceal the failures of the Chiefs leadership. From Fox on 2

During her tenure, it became abundantly clear that Chief Kirkpatrick was unable to correct OPDs deficiencies which have prolonged federal oversight for so long. In fact, OPDs own Inspector Generals report cited numerous problems-and the plaintiffs attorneys-Burris and Chanin have issued repeated citations of the failures of Kirkpatricks leadership.

Unfortunately, the Oakland Police Officers Association (OPOA) President, Sgt. Barry Donelans claim that OPD is lauded for professionalism and innovation outside of Oakland, ignores the fact that OPD is the only police department in the country that has remained under federal oversight for 17 years.

But, instead of embracing the need to complete the NSA tasks, he continues to deflect responsibility for problems to the elected City leaders, in effect disputing voters awareness, judgment, and intelligence. Mr. Donelan should consider attending Police Commission meetings to gain a firsthand knowledge of the concerns expressed by the people of Oakland and work closely with City Council to formulate viable, enduring, and measurable steps to end OPDs racially biased practices and bring NSA to a rapid end.

The Coalition for Police Accountability (CPA), working with City Council members, will offer a ballot measure in November to ensure that the Police Commission has independent legal counsel as well as staff that reports to them, not the city administrator.

This body needs the resources it has been denied thus far to carry out its duties and ensure that OPD, whose expenses represent nearly half of the Citys general fund, begins to practice equitable and constitutional policing that utilizes current best practices and earns the trust of all of Oaklands residents.

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Satoshi Nakamoto Net Worth: Bitcoin Founder Worth Around $10 Billion With 1 Million BTC – International Business Times

KEY POINTS

Satoshi Nakamotos net worth is around $10 billion. However, the real person behind the name is still cloaked in mystery.

Nakamoto is widely considered as the father of bitcoin. Up to now, the identity or even gender of the personbehind Satoshi Nakamoto remains unknown. Although there are several suspects as to who he or she is, everything remains speculation at this point. It could even be a group of people behind the name.

Bitcoin was created as a leverage against the super wealthy. The division between the worlds richest and poorest continues to widen as time goes by. As reported by Oxfam, Satoshi and the other billionaires control almost half of the worlds riches. This has far-reaching consequences politically and economically.

The bitcoin founderallegedly owns1 million BTC, which is equivalent to around $10 billion. As the value of bitcoin fluctuates, the net worth could be more than or lower than $10 billion at times.

People have begun suspecting who the person is behind the mystery. Some have tagged Hal Finney as the real Satoshi Nakamoto. Finney has transacted with Satoshi and even received the first ever bitcoin transaction. However, Finney died in 2014.

On the other hand, others thought Nick Szabo fits the bill. Per Coindiligent, Szabo was credited for launching an e-currency called Bit Gold before bitcoin was created. It never really took off and netizens picture him re-launching the e-currency as Bitcoin.

Investopedia believes otherwise after tagging Dorian Nakamoto as Satoshi Nakamoto. The link between the two is logical as both of them share the same name: Nakamoto. Dorian Nakamoto also has a background in engineering. However, he has vehemently denied the accusations. Many people bought this story and even set-up a fund which reached 67 bitcoins. Dorian Nakamoto made $273,000 in 2018 from this bitcoin fund.

Satoshi Nakamoto is not the only one who struck gold with cryptocurrencies. Telegraph reports that Chris Larsen made about $8 billion investing in cryptocurrencies for banks. He is credited for founding Ripple which utilizes blockchain technology. Changpeng Zhao or CZ also cashed in on the crypto hype train after founding Binance, also known as the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange. The estimated net worth of CZ is around $1.4 billion.

Blockchain technology, invented to power cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, has more impactful use in other segments including bankings, experts say. Photo: GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GEORGE FREY

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Satoshi Nakamoto Net Worth: Bitcoin Founder Worth Around $10 Billion With 1 Million BTC - International Business Times

Spend BTC, Ethereum and Ripple (XRP) with the Satoshi Nakamoto card – Crypto News Flash

Coinbase has achieved one of the most important use cases recently in cooperation with Visa. The crypto exchange announced that its users will be able to spend Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP and other cryptocurrencies using debit cards supported by the Visa network.

The crypto exchange introduced a new product, called the Satoshi Nakamoto debit card, yesterday, February 19. The card will not only be supported by the Visa network, but will allow Coinbase users to spend all funds they have on the exchange.

According to Coinbase, it is the fastest and safest way to spend cryptocurrencies globally. Users will be able to use their cards at over one million locations worldwide and will be able to pay without the need for a contact, PIN or fiat money. The exchange secured the cards with double verification, instantaneous freezing and other mechanisms to make this use case meet global security standards.

In addition, Coinbase will allow its users to choose which cryptocurrency they wish to pay with. Users only need to enter in the Coinbase Card app and will be able to switch between cryptocurrencies in a matter of seconds. The application will also allow users to access their latest transactions, receipts and receive instant notification of each payment.

The card is available for the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom. The exchange said they are preparing to launch the card in other countries and are expected to make announcements in the coming months.

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Last Updated on 20 February, 2020

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Spend BTC, Ethereum and Ripple (XRP) with the Satoshi Nakamoto card - Crypto News Flash

Bitcoin brutally rejected from $10,000 to form lower high – Coin Rivet

Bitcoin has formed a second consecutive lower high on the daily chart following a gruelling rejection from the $10,000 level of resistance.

After surging to $10,500 on February 13, Bitcoin has suffered two tweezer top highs at $10,200 and $10,000 as it fails to gain momentum for a move to the upside.

At the time of writing Bitcoin was trading at around $9,700 following a four percent slump since the weekly candle close.

It needs to continue closing daily candles above the $9,630 level of support to avoid a dreaded breakdown in price that would bring targets of $9,320 and $8,830 into play.

If it can begin to cycle back to the upside, a close above $10,000 would indicate a clear shift in market sentiment from a short-term perspective which could lead towards a test of $10,900.

Much of it also depends on market sentiment leading up to Mays halving event, which has historically been bullish for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

The block reward halving will see miners earn just 6.25BTC per block as opposed to 12.5BTC, with a bullish theory suggesting that as supply dries up Bitcoin will begin to surge as demand begins to mount.

However, Bitcoin is an incredibly volatile asset which means that a cascade of sell orders or liquidations on derivatives exchanges could well be the trigger of a downtrend that could last for at least six months.

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Current live BTC pricing information and interactive charts are available on our site 24 hours a day. The ticker bar at the bottom of every page on our site has the latest Bitcoin price. Pricing is also available in a range of different currency equivalents:

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In August 2008, the domain name bitcoin.orgwas registered. On 31st October 2008, a paper was published called Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System. This was authored by Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of Bitcoin. To date, no one knows who this person, or people, are.

The paper outlined a method of using a P2P network for electronic transactions without relying on trust. On January 3 2009, the Bitcoin network came into existence. Nakamoto mined block number 0 (or the genesis block), which had a reward of 50 Bitcoins.

If you want to find out more information about Bitcoin orcryptocurrenciesin general, then use the search box at the top of this page.Heres an article to get you started.

As with any investment, it pays to do some homework before you part with your money. The prices of cryptocurrencies are volatile and go up and down quickly. This page is not recommending a particular currency or whether you should invest or not.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author should not be considered as financial advice.

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Bitcoin brutally rejected from $10,000 to form lower high - Coin Rivet

Is Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Still Used in Terror Financing? – Coin Idol

Feb 24, 2020 at 10:40 // News

Since the birth of Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies have been criticized for supporting illegal activities including terror operations, drug trading, human trafficking, money laundering, sex, frauds, monetizing ransomware, purchasing illicit products, and many others. People know how that accusation can damage the reputation and legal status of cryptocurrencies.

The road that connects a user of Bitcoin, a blockchain-based digital asset born from the internet, with a certain drug trader or a certain terrorist group in the Middle East is just one, and that is Internet. As a matter of fact, nonetheless, the two parties (the person holding Bitcoin and the terrorist group) are far away from each other, but separated by a stratum of transparency.

For around a decade now, different financial regulators have been crying out loud claiming that cryptocurrencies are being used to facilitate demonstrators or conflicts in some countries so people can overthrow the government or destabilize the political and economic position of the nation.

Others have painted the image of cryptocurrency as a currency that was developed by a terrorist since the real inventor called Satoshi Nakamoto is not known - to enable him to carry out his missions without being caught or realized. Albeit, thanks to Yaya Fanusie, an ex CIA analyst and Chief Digital Currency AML Strategies, for clearing the air by informing the public that terror groups dont actually use Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency.

Yes, in the beginning when Bitcoin had been invented, terrorists thought that they would keep on using Bitcoin and other type of cryptocurrency since it is not tracked by any central authority (anonymous nature), and this increased their association.

But, because of the waving monetary and technological infrastructure on which terrorists use and the large amount of money that terror outfits need to keep them moving, it is very difficult to liquidate the cryptocurrency they hold in their wallets. So, they found the process not straightforward and decided to seek haven in other means or sticking on the traditional way of using the hard cash.

Furthermore, a good number of digital currency exchanges have either obeyed to a nations obligatory AML/CTF rules or have assumed the case, collaborating with private companies to guarantee maximum compliance. In any respect, terror funding via centralized sources is a no-go zone. The RAND Corporation also came up with a report saying that the way how cryptocurrencies are being suspected to be used in fundraising for terror groups is overblown.

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Is Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Still Used in Terror Financing? - Coin Idol