FDA Announces Homeopathic Firm’s Denial to Recollect Potentially Hazardous Nasal Spray

### FDA Issues Warning Over Contaminated Homeopathic Nasal Spray: A Concerning Blend of Pseudoscience and Microbial Hazards

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has delivered a serious alert to consumers about the use of *SnoreStop* nasal spray, a homeopathic item created by Green Pharmaceuticals. Marketed as a solution for snoring and even suggested for children aged five and up, the spray has been discovered to harbor hazardous microbial contamination. In spite of the FDA’s persistent requests for a recall, Green Pharmaceuticals has declined to withdraw the product from shelves, prompting significant worries regarding public safety.

#### Ongoing Microbial Contamination Concerns

During an April 2024 FDA inspection, it was determined that a batch of *SnoreStop* nasal spray was heavily tainted with harmful microbes. When inhaled through the nasal passages, these contaminants can result in severe, potentially life-threatening infections, especially for those with weakened immune systems and young children. Despite these alarming findings, Green Pharmaceuticals repackaged some of the contaminated products and continued to distribute them, both as individual bottles and within starter kits.

Although the company eventually disposed of the rest of the compromised batch and ceased online sales of the nasal spray, it has not opted to recall the possibly hazardous items already in circulation. The FDA has reiterated its recall recommendation on several occasions, yet as of September 2024, Green Pharmaceuticals remains unresponsive. The FDA’s message is clear: consumers should cease using *SnoreStop* nasal spray immediately due to the risk of serious infections.

#### A Worrying Track Record of Contamination

This situation is not Green Pharmaceuticals’ first encounter with microbial contamination. In 2022, the firm had to recall *SnoreStop* nasal spray after the FDA identified elevated levels of bacteria and fungi in the product. The contamination was severe, with certain samples displaying up to 6,200 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter for total aerobic microbial count and as much as 3,800 CFU/mL for yeast and mold. These figures greatly surpass permissible safety thresholds, particularly for a product meant for direct nasal application.

Among the detected contaminants was *Providencia rettgeri*, a bacterial pathogen frequently linked to healthcare environments. This opportunistic bacteria can trigger various infections, such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and even central nervous system infections in at-risk populations. The FDA’s warning letter from 2022 emphasized the heightened dangers posed by the contaminated product, especially for children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

#### The Pseudoscience of Homeopathy

While the microbial issue is critical, it is essential to recognize that *SnoreStop* is a homeopathic product, resting on pseudoscientific foundations. Homeopathy adheres to two primary principles: “like cures like” and the “law of infinitesimals.” The first principle posits that substances inducing symptoms similar to a disease can remedy that disease. The second asserts that diluting these substances enhances their efficacy, even to the extent where no remnants of the original substance exist.

In the case of *SnoreStop*, the formulation features extreme dilutions of components like:

– **Nux vomica** (a natural strychnine source)
– **Belladonna** (deadly nightshade)
– **Ephedra vulgaris** (source of ephedrine)
– **Hydrastis canadensis** (a toxic herb)
– **Kali Bichromicum** (potassium dichromate, a known carcinogen)
– **Teucrium marum** (catnip-like)
– **Histaminum hydrochloricum** (histamine dihydrochloride)

Though these ingredients are diluted to the point where they are unlikely to cause immediate harm, the belief that such dilutions can effectively treat ailments lacks scientific support. Many homeopathic products are so diluted that they contain no active ingredients, making them ineffective at best.

#### The Hazards of Inadequate Homeopathy Manufacturing

While most homeopathic products pose no threat due to their extreme dilutions, they can become perilous when manufacturers do not follow proper dilution guidelines. In 2016, improperly diluted belladonna in homeopathic teething remedies resulted in the deaths of 10 infants and the poisoning of over 400 others. This tragic event highlights the inherent risks associated with homeopathic products when they are not produced accurately.

For *SnoreStop*, the microbial issue compounds the danger. The significant presence of bacteria and fungi in the product, along with its direct usage in the nasal passages, renders it a possible conduit for severe infections. The FDA has made it clear that *SnoreStop* is not only ineffective but also risky, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and those with compromised immune systems.

#### The Regulatory Hurdle

One of the significant challenges

GTA Online’s Newest Anti-Cheat Patch Makes Game Unplayable for Steam Deck Players

# BattlEye and GTA V: The Steam Deck Dilemma

Recently, Rockstar Games launched **BattlEye** anti-cheat functionality for *Grand Theft Auto V* (GTA V), designed to enhance the security of the game’s immensely popular multiplayer feature, *GTA Online*. While this update was embraced by many players fed up with cheating issues, it has unintentionally created complications for a particular segment of gamers: **Steam Deck** users. These individuals, who had been playing *GTA Online* on their portable Linux-based gaming console, now face restrictions accessing the online mode because of BattlEye incompatibility.

## The Steam Deck and BattlEye: A Quick Overview

The Steam Deck, designed by Valve, operates on a Linux-based OS known as **SteamOS**, utilizing a compatibility layer called **Proton** to run games intended for Windows. Since its release in early 2022, the Steam Deck has attracted a large user community due to its capability to run a wide selection of PC games while on the move. Various popular titles, including *GTA V*, have worked flawlessly on the Steam Deck, allowing gamers to enjoy both the single-player campaign and the online multiplayer experience.

Nevertheless, the addition of BattlEye anti-cheat software has disrupted this harmony. BattlEye is a commonly utilized anti-cheat solution within numerous multiplayer games, such as *ARK: Survival Evolved*, *DayZ*, and *Arma 3*. Though it effectively curbs cheating, its implementation on the Steam Deck has become a controversial subject for several developers.

### Why BattlEye Is Nonfunctional on Steam Deck (For Now)

In both a [Steam Community announcement](https://steamcommunity.com/games/271590/announcements/detail/6356356787200715685?snr=2___) and a [Rockstar Support FAQ](https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/33490543992467/Grand-Theft-Auto-Online-BattlEye-FAQ), Rockstar acknowledged that *GTA Online* is currently **unsupported** on the Steam Deck. The underlying issue? The game’s anti-cheat framework, BattlEye, isn’t set up to function with the Linux-based architecture of the Steam Deck.

This technical challenge isn’t new. Back in late 2021, Valve announced that BattlEye’s integration with Proton (and, consequently, the Steam Deck) had progressed to a point where developers could implement support with ease. Valve stated that all developers need to do is send a straightforward email to BattlEye to enable compatibility. Numerous games, like *ARK: Survival Evolved* and *DayZ*, have already leveraged this and now support both BattlEye and Steam Deck integration.

However, despite this relatively simple solution, numerous other BattlEye-secured games, such as *Destiny 2*, *The Crew 2*, and *Riders Republic*, have yet to activate Steam Deck support. Regrettably for Steam Deck enthusiasts, *GTA V* has now been added to that list.

## The Repercussions for Steam Deck Users

The abrupt loss of access to *GTA Online* on the Steam Deck has left many players significantly disappointed. *GTA V* has repeatedly been one of the most favored titles on the Steam Deck, boasting a vibrant online community. For years, users could smoothly transition between the single-player story and the online multiplayer modes on their handheld devices.

Currently, with BattlEye in place, Steam Deck players can still engage in the single-player *GTA V* narrative, but encounter an error message when trying to log into *GTA Online*. This effectively renders the multiplayer aspect of the game unplayable for a considerable portion of the player base, many of whom may lack a conventional gaming PC or console.

## A Potential Solution Ahead?

On a positive note, there may be prospects for Steam Deck players. In a

A Comprehensive Resource for Grasping Fundamental Mathematical Ideas for Novices

**Mathematics for Literature Lovers: A Person-Centric Perspective on the Global Language**

Galileo famously referred to the cosmos as a grand tome “composed in the language of mathematics, with characters like triangles, circles, and other geometric shapes.” Sadly, for many who dwell outside the spheres of mathematics and science, this language remains enigmatic, often due to the daunting aspect of mathematical notation and symbols. Enter Ben Orlin, a mathematics educator and author recognized for his witty and laid-back approach to the subject. His newest work, *Mathematics for Literature Lovers: A Person-Centric Perspective on the Global Language*, seeks to connect mathematics and the humanities by unraveling the mysterious language of math for those who might feel disconnected from it.

### A Fun-Loving Method to Mathematics

Orlin is well-versed in making math enjoyable and accessible. His previous works, such as *Mathematics with Poor Illustrations* and *Change Is the Only Constant: The Wisdom of Calculus in a Whimsical World*, have garnered acclaim for their ability to link mathematical ideas to everyday situations, often sprinkled with humor. Whether he’s exploring the correlation coefficient through the lens of Harry Potter or interrogating the Galactic Empire’s choice to construct a spherical Death Star, Orlin possesses a talent for rendering math relatable and engaging.

In *Mathematics for Literature Lovers*, Orlin adopts a slightly altered strategy. While his prior publications largely steered clear of mathematical symbols, concentrating instead on the concepts behind the math, this book is crafted to assist readers in grasping and decoding the very symbols and diagrams that frequently intimidate people away from the subject. His aim is to align the expert’s perception of math—where notation becomes instinctive—with the novice’s experience, where the symbols can appear as an unyielding barrier.

### Numbers as Nouns, Functions as Actions, and Algebra as Syntax

Orlin’s initial concept for *Mathematics for Literature Lovers* was to craft a math counterpart to Lynne Truss’ acclaimed book on punctuation, *Eats, Shoots & Leaves*. While that precise model didn’t wholly materialize, some facets of it persist. The book employs linguistic analogies to elucidate mathematical ideas: numbers are viewed as nouns, operations as actions, and algebra as syntax. This tactic enables readers to draw comparisons between the frameworks of language and mathematics, rendering the subject more familiar.

For instance, Orlin clarifies that numbers, akin to nouns, serve as the fundamental elements of mathematics. Just as nouns identify entities in the world, numbers specify quantities. This straightforward analogy aids in demystifying the abstract essence of numbers, making them feel more concrete. Likewise, operations such as addition and subtraction are first introduced as actions—verbs you execute on numbers. However, as Orlin notes, this analogy begins to falter when delving into advanced mathematics, where operations resemble prepositions or conjunctions, forming connections between numbers rather than simply acting upon them.

### The Significance of Mathematical Symbols

A central theme of *Mathematics for Literature Lovers* is the significance of mathematical notation. While many popular math texts shy away from symbols in favor of straightforward explanations, Orlin contends that mastering the reading and interpretation of these symbols is crucial for genuinely comprehending mathematics. “Math is both a collection of exquisite ideas and a language for articulating those ideas,” Orlin explains. His book strives to enable readers to become fluent in this language, granting them access to the deeper concepts that the notation signifies.

Orlin acknowledges that mathematical symbols can be intimidating, particularly for newcomers. He reflects on his early experiences as an educator, when he would feel vexed by students who could manipulate symbols without grasping the core concepts. With time, he developed an appreciation for the utility of these procedures. “Mathematical notation was specifically designed for manipulating it effortlessly,” he states. “If you’ve had the appropriate experiences, that’s incredibly convenient.” However, Orlin emphasizes that mere manipulation of symbols is insufficient; students must also comprehend the concepts represented by the symbols.

### Epiphanies in Mathematics Education

Orlin’s educational philosophy rests on the belief that genuine understanding arises from moments of clarity, rather than through mechanical memorization. He recounts tales of students experiencing epiphanies regarding mathematics, often in small, unforeseen instances. For example, he shares a story of ninth graders who erupted in applause upon discovering a simple method for simplifying fractions. Although it may not have constituted a significant mathematical revelation, their enthusiasm underscored the joy of mastering even fundamental concepts.

In another illustration, Orlin discusses leading a fundamental statistics course, where students learned to analyze P-values—a crucial notion in statistics. By the conclusion of the lesson, they could think like statisticians, making informed evaluations about the probability of various hypotheses. Orlin argues that these moments of comprehension are what render mathematics thrilling and fulfilling.

### The Difficulties of Composing about Mathematics

Writing *Mathematics for Literature Lovers* posed its own unique difficulties.