News pages
2004  
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2005    
January
February
March
April
May
June

Recent reports in Science and Medicine for April 2005

Some of these links are very transient and may expire within days of posting. Some may require prior registration. Check-in and view frequently to avoid missing great news items. I welcome any suggested articles. (email link). "§" indicates a recommended article.

April 29  

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. FDA Approvals: [Medscape]
    • Hyzaar, (losartan potassium plus hydrochlorothiazide), allowing its use to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension (HTN) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). There is evidence, however, that this benefit does not apply to black patients.
    • Panzem, (2-methoxyestradiol capsules - 2ME2) approved as orphan drug indication for use in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
    • Decapinol oral rinse for the treatment of gingivitis in patients aged 12 years and older in whom routine oral hygiene is not adequate to prevent the inflammatory disease. It is intended for use in conjunction with normal brushing and flossing.
  2. Prion hypothesis proven? [The Scientist review from Cell]
  3. MedWatch:
  4. N. A..S. Panel Proposes Guidelines for Stem-Cell Research [Medscape, News report]
 April 28  
  1. JAMA  Vol. 293 No. 16, pp. 1949-2054, April 27, 2005
    • Lower Cancer Incidence in Amsterdam-I Criteria Families Without Mismatch Repair Deficiency: Familial Colorectal Cancer Type X. JAMA. 2005;293:1979-1985.
    • §  Accuracy of Revised Bethesda Guidelines, Microsatellite Instability, and Immunohistochemistry for the Identification of Patients With Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer. JAMA. 2005;293:1986-1994.
    • §  Influence of Patients’ Requests for Direct-to-Consumer Advertised Antidepressants: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2005;293:1995-2002. [Medscape]
    • Neuroprotective and Anti–Human Immunodeficiency Virus Activity of Minocycline. JAMA. 2005;293:2003-2011.
    • Reviews: Clinical Validity of a Negative Computed Tomography Scan in Patients With Suspected Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review. JAMA. 2005;293:2012-2017.
    • Editorials: Progress in Genetic Testing, Classification, and Identification of Lynch Syndrome. JAMA. 2005;293:2028-2030.
    • §  Editorials: Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: A Haphazard Approach to Health Promotion. JAMA. 2005;293:2030-2033. [New Scientist]
 April 27  
  1. MMWR April 22, 2005 / 54(15);377-380   Homicide and Suicide Rates --- National Violent Death Reporting System, Six States, 2003
  2. Randomized Trial of High Loading Dose of Clopidogrel for Reduction of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction in Patients Undergoing Coronary Intervention: Results From the ARMYDA-2 (Antiplatelet therapy for Reduction of MYocardial Damage during Angioplasty) Study.Circulation 2005 111: 2099 - 2106. [Medscape: Aspirin Plus Clopidogrel May Be Better Than Clopidogrel Alone in Carotid Stenosi]
  3. §  New anticoagulants: beyond heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin. British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 1017-1028.
  4. §  Dosing With 5% Imiquimod Cream 3 Times per Week for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis Results of Two Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-Group, Vehicle-Controlled Trials. Arch Dermatol. 2005;141:467-473.[Medscape review]
  5. The effect of high altitude commercial air travel on oxygen saturation. Anaesthesia 2005; 60: 458. (limited access)[Eurekalert: 54 per cent of air passengers experience significant reduction in oxygen levels]
  6. §  Neurocognitive complications after coronary artery bypass surgery. Annals of Neurology 2005; 57: 615 - 621. [Eurekalert]
  7. §  Development of a humanized monoclonal antibody with therapeutic potential against West Nile virus. Nature Medicine Published online: 24 April 2005. [News report]
  8. Simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass surgery in Canada. Neurology 2005 64: 1435-1437. [Medscape]
 April 26  
  1. Lancet Volume 365, Number 9468     16 April 2005
    • §  Effects of the cannabinoid-1 receptor blocker rimonabant on weight reduction and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight patients: 1-year experience from the RIO-Europe study  [Summary
    • Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and overweight among adults in China  [Summary
    • Paraneoplastic stiff-person syndrome: passive transfer to rats by means of IgG antibodies to amphiphysin  [Summary]
    • Inadequate anaesthesia in lethal injection for execution  [ Full Text
    • The metabolic syndrome  [Summary]
    • Epidemiology 2: Compared to what? Finding controls for case-control studies  [Summary
    • Time and chance: the stochastic nature of disease causation  [Summary
  2. Lancet Volume 365, Number 9469     23 April 2005
    • Supervised versus unsupervised intake of six-dose artemether-lumefantrine for treatment of acute, uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mbarara, Uganda: a randomised trial. [Full Text]
    • Amodiaquine alone, amodiaquine+sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, amodiaquine+artesunate, and artemether-lumefantrine for outpatient treatment of malaria in Tanzanian children: a four-arm randomised effectiveness trial  [Full Text] [News report]
    • Intermittent preventive antimalarial treatment for Tanzanian infants: follow-up to age 2 years of a randomised, placebo-controlled trial  [Full Text]
    • Aortic wall thickness in newborns with intrauterine growth restriction  [Summary]
    • Seminar: Malaria. [Full Text]
    • Personal Account: Do as I say, not as I do [ Full Text
    • Epidemiology 3: Refining clinical diagnosis with likelihood ratios  [Summary]
    • Public Health: Malaria control in Afghanistan: progress and challenges  [Full Text]
    • Uses of Error:"I think she's just crazy"  [Summary]
    • Case Report: Chest pain and fleeting neurological signs  [Summary]
  3. New England Journal of Medicine  Volume 352  April 21, 2005    Number 16
 April 25  
  1. BMJ 16 April 2005 (Vol 330, No 7496)
  2. BMJ 23 April 2005 (Vol 330, No 7497)
    • Was Rodney Ledward a statistical outlier? Retrospective analysis using routine hospital data to identify gynaecologists' performance, BMJ  2005;330:929.
    • Incidence and risk factors for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: prospective study of 5408 women enrolled in Italian tamoxifen chemoprevention trial. BMJ  2005;330:932.
    • Model of outcomes of screening mammography: information to support informed choices. BMJ  2005;330:936.
    • Trends in number of hysterectomies performed in England for menorrhagia: examination of health episode statistics, 1989 to 2002-3. BMJ  2005;330:938-939.
    • Coverage and uptake of systematic postal screening for genital Chlamydia trachomatis and prevalence of infection in the United Kingdom general population: cross sectional study. BMJ  2005;330:940.
    • Breast reconstruction. BMJ  2005;330:943-948.
    • Lesson of the week: In vitro and in vivo haemolysis and potassium measurement. BMJ  2005;330:949.
    • ABC of adolescence: Eating disorders and weight problems. BMJ  2005;330:950-953.
    • Current controversies: Who needs health care—the well or the sick? BMJ  2005;330:954-956.
    • Principles for international registration of protocol information and results from human trials of health related interventions: Ottawa statement (part 1) BMJ  2005;330:956-958.
    • Commentary: Why industry should register and disclose results of clinical studies—perspective of a recovering academic. BMJ  2005;330:959.
    • Reader's guide to critical appraisal of cohort studies: 2. Assessing potential for confounding. BMJ  2005;330:960-962.
    • Early Release: Day care in infancy and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: findings from UK case-control study. BMJ, (published 22 April 2005) [Eurekalert]
    • Early Release: Metformin and reduced risk of cancer in diabetic patients. BMJ, (published 22 April 2005) [Eurekalert]
April 22  

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. FDA issues a Public Health Advisory for antipsychotic drugs used for treatment of behavioral disorders in elderly patients.
    • FDA Talk Paper.
    • Public Health Advisory.
    • MedWatch: Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs - New safety information concerning an unapproved, “off-label” use . FDA has determined that the treatment of behavioral disorders in elderly patients with dementia with atypical (second generation) antipsychotic medications is associated with increased mortality. Clinical studies of these drugs in this population have shown a higher death rate associated with their use compared to patients receiving a placebo.
  2. FDA Approvals: [Medscape review]
    • Nexium IV ( intravenous formulation of esomeprazole magnesium ) for the short-term (up to 10 days) treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with a history of erosive esophagitis who are unable to swallow capsules.
    • Zofran (ondasetron) expanded indication allowing its use in infants aged one month and older for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and in infants aged six months and older for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
    • Xibrom (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) for the treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation in patients who have undergone cataract extraction
    • Decapinol Oral Rinse treats gingivitis by reducing the number of bacteria that attach to tooth surfaces and cause dental plaque. Decapinol is approved for use in persons 12 years of age or older when routine oral hygiene is not adequate to prevent gingivitis. Decapinol is not recommended for use by pregnant women..
  3. FDA Approvals [Medscape]
  4. MEDWATCH:
    • Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) revisioned prescribing information- serious dermatological reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) that have been reported in both children and adults in association with Trileptal use. Multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in association with Trileptal use.
  5. FDA Safety Labeling Changes: [Medscape review]
    • Viramune (nevirapine)- risk of potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity and skin reactions associated with their use.
    • Copegus (ribavirin) -us of ribavirin plus peginterferon alfa-2a combination therapy is contraindicated in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with or without HIV coinfection, who demonstrate hepatic decompensation (Child-Pugh score > 6; class B and C) prior to or during treatment. Its use is also contraindicated in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.)
    • Malarone (atovaquone plus proguanil) - rare cases of anaphylaxis associated with their use.
  6. Competition in health care may not result in better quality. [Eurekalert report from current (April) issue of the journal, Medical Care (subscription only).]
  7. Hospital Computers May Be Reservoir for Transmission of Resistant Bacteria. [Medscape]
  8. Dr. Maurice R. Hilleman, a microbiologist who developed vaccines for mumps, measles, chickenpox, pneumonia, meningitis and other diseases, saving tens of millions of lives, diedApril 11, 2005. He was 85. Dr. Hilleman developed 8 of the 14 vaccines routinely recommended: measles, mumps, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox, meningitis, pneumonia and Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. He also developed the first generation of a vaccine against rubella or German measles. The vaccines have virtually vanquished many of the once common childhood diseases in developed countries.Dr. Hilleman probably saved more lives than any other scientist in the 20th century, said two medical leaders, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,and Dr. Paul A. Offit, chief of infectious diseases at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. [ NYTimes Obituary] (bio) [Nature bio]
  9. Positive affect and health-related neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and inflammatory processes. PNAS published April 19, 2005, 10.1073 [News report: Happier is healthier]
  10. Statin Use Before and After an Ischemic Event Has Better Outcomes Medscape report from the 57th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.
  11. Many US Seniors Won't Take Prescribed Drugs -- Study [Medscape]
  12. Study finds possible mechanism for link between sleep disturbances and metabolic syndrome. [Eurekalert report from Science].
 April 21  
  1. Annals of Internal Medicine 19 April 2005 Volume 142 Issue 8
  2. Circulation Volume 111, Issue 15; April 19, 2005
    • §  Interaction of Body Mass Index and Framingham Risk Score in Predicting Incident Coronary Disease in Families. Circulation 2005 111: 1871 - 1876,
    • Progression of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis: Does Obesity Make a Difference? Circulation 2005 111: 1877 - 1882,
    • §  Enlarged Waist Combined With Elevated Triglycerides Is a Strong Predictor of Accelerated Atherogenesis and Related Cardiovascular Mortality in Postmenopausal Women. Circulation 2005 111: 1883 - 1890,
    • §  Association of Body Mass Index and Obesity Measured in Early Childhood With Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke in Middle Age: Findings From the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s Prospective Cohort Study. Circulation 2005 111: 1891 - 1896,
    • Weight Gain in the First Week of Life and Overweight in Adulthood: A Cohort Study of European American Subjects Fed Infant Formula. Circulation 2005 111: 1897 - 1903. [NEWS REPORT]
    • Fatness Is a Better Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Profile Than Aerobic Fitness in Healthy Men. Circulation 2005 111: 1904 - 1914.
    • Diet and Exercise Training Restore Blood Pressure and Vasodilatory Responses During Physiological Maneuvers in Obese Children. Circulation 2005 111: 1915 - 1923.
    • Body Build and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Hypertension and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The LIFE (Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension) Study. Circulation 2005 111: 1924 - 1931.
    • Origins of the "Black/White" Difference in Blood Pressure: Roles of Birth Weight, Postnatal Growth, Early Blood Pressure, and Adolescent Body Size: The Bogalusa Heart Study. Circulation 2005 111: 1932 - 1937.
 April 20  
  1. Genotype Associated With Environmentally Induced Breast Cancer Women with a N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) slow acetylator genotype have an increased risk of breast cancer, according to a report in the April 20th issue of the Int J Cancer 2005;114:579-584.. [Medscape]
  2. JAMA. 2005;293:1829.
 April 19  
  1. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 352 April 14, 2005 Number 15
 April 18  
  1. Cardiac Autonomic Changes Associated With Fish Oil vs Soy Oil Supplementation in the Elderly. Chest 2005 127: 1102-1107.
  2. JAMA Vol. 293 No. 14, pp. 1701-E4, April 13, 2005
  3. Preferences of Women Evaluating Risks of Tamoxifen (POWER) study of preferences for tamoxifen for breast cancer risk reduction (p NA). Cancer early online: 11 Apr 2005
    DOI: 10.1002/cncr.20981 [Medscape]
April 15  

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. FDA Approvals: [Medscape review]
    • Nexium IV ( intravenous formulation of esomeprazole magnesium ) for the short-term (up to 10 days) treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with a history of erosive esophagitis who are unable to swallow capsules.
    • Zofran (ondasetron) expanded indication allowing its use in infants aged one month and older for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and in infants aged six months and older for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
    • Xibrom (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) for the treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation in patients who have undergone cataract extraction.
  2. FDA issues a Public Health Advisory for antipsychotic drugs used for treatment of behavioral disorders in elderly patients.
    • FDA Talk Paper.
    • Public Health Advisory.
    • MedWatch: Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs - New safety information concerning an unapproved, “off-label” use . FDA has determined that the treatment of behavioral disorders in elderly patients with dementia with atypical (second generation) antipsychotic medications is associated with increased mortality. Clinical studies of these drugs in this population have shown a higher death rate associated with their use compared to patients receiving a placebo.
  3. Competition in health care may not result in better quality. [Eurekalert report from current (April) issue of the journal, Medical Care (subscription only).]
  4. Hospital Computers May Be Reservoir for Transmission of Resistant Bacteria. [Medscape]
  5. Dr. Maurice R. Hilleman, a microbiologist who developed vaccines for mumps, measles, chickenpox, pneumonia, meningitis and other diseases, saving tens of millions of lives, diedApril 11, 2005. He was 85. Dr. Hilleman developed 8 of the 14 vaccines routinely recommended: measles, mumps, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox, meningitis, pneumonia and Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. He also developed the first generation of a vaccine against rubella or German measles. The vaccines have virtually vanquished many of the once common childhood diseases in developed countries.Dr. Hilleman probably saved more lives than any other scientist in the 20th century, said two medical leaders, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,and Dr. Paul A. Offit, chief of infectious diseases at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. [ NYTimes Obituary] (bio)
  6. Statin Use Before and After an Ischemic Event Has Better Outcomes Medscape report from the 57th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.
 April 14  
  1. Cardiac Autonomic Changes Associated With Fish Oil vs Soy Oil Supplementation in the Elderly. Chest 2005 127: 1102-1107.
  2. JAMA Vol. 293 No. 14, pp. 1701-E4, April 13, 2005
  3. Preferences of Women Evaluating Risks of Tamoxifen (POWER) study of preferences for tamoxifen for breast cancer risk reduction (p NA). Cancer early online: 11 Apr 2005
    DOI: 10.1002/cncr.20981 [Medscape]
 April 13  
  1. Renalase is a novel, soluble monoamine oxidase that regulates cardiac function and blood pressure. JCI 2005 Online April 7, 2005. [Eurekalert]
  2. The N-terminal Pro-BNP Investigation of Dyspnea in the Emergency department (PRIDE) study. Am J Cardio 2005; 95: 948-954 (via CardioSource) [Eurekalert: Blood test can accurately diagnose heart failure in emergency patients]
  3. Early Differential Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis Using a New Oligoclonal Band Test. Arch Neurol. 2005;62:574-577. [Medscape]
  4. BMJ Early release: Open access and openly accessible: a study of scientific publications shared via the internet. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.38422.611736.E0.
  5. Archives of Internal Medicine . 2005;Volume 165:718.
 April 12  
  1. Acute Alcohol Consumption Disrupts the Hormonal Milieu of Lactating Women. J Clin Endo Met.2005;90: 1979. [Eurekalert Eurekalert 2 reports]
  2. Early and late mortality after myocardial infarction in men and women: prospective observational study. Heart 2005;91:305-307.
  3. The Lancet Volume 365, Number 9467     09 April 2005
    • Prevalence of serious mental disorder in 7000 refugees resettled in western countries: a systematic review  [Full Text]
    • Medical end-of-life decisions in neonates and infants in Flanders  [Summary
    • Re-emergence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection after mass antibiotic treatment of a trachoma-endemic Gambian community: a longitudinal study  [Full Text
    • Medical end-of-life decisions made for neonates and infants in the Netherlands, 1995-2001  [Summary]
    • Seminar: Type 2 diabetes: principles of pathogenesis and therapy  [Summary
    • Personal Account: Type 2 diabetes  [Summary]
    • Series: Epidemiology 1: Sample size calculations in randomised trials: mandatory and mystical  [Summary]
  4. BMJ 9 April 2005 (Vol 330, No 7495)
    • Editorials: " Right to die" BMJ  2005;330:799
    • Estimate of deaths attributable to passive smoking among UK adults: database analysis. BMJ  2005;330:812,
    • Impact of misclassification of in vitro fertilisation in studies of folic acid and twinning: modelling using population based Swedish vital records.BMJ  2005;330:815
    • Utility of testing for monoclonal bands in serum of patients with suspected osteoporosis: retrospective, cross sectional study. BMJ  2005;330:818.
    • Statin use in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in primary care: cohort study and comparison of inclusion and outcome with patients in randomised trials. BMJ  2005;330:821.
    • Prophylaxis and follow-up after possible exposure to HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus outside hospital: evaluation of policy 2000-3. BMJ  2005;330:825-829.
    • Necrotising fasciitis. BMJ  2005;330:830-833.
    • Interactive case report: Postoperative hypoxia in a woman with Down's syndrome: case presentation. BMJ  2005;330:834
    • ABC of adolescence: Common mental health problems. BMJ  2005;330:835-838
    • Education and debate: Managing common mental health disorders in primary care: conceptual models and evidence base. BMJ  2005;330:839-842.
    • Statistics Notes: Treatment allocation by minimisation. BMJ  2005;330:843.
    • 8 April 2005 online first: Modified Mediterranean diet and survival: EPIC-elderly prospective cohort study. [Abstract] [PDF]  
 April 11  
  1. Consumption of milk and calcium in midlife and the future risk of Parkinson disease. Neurology 2005 64: 1047-1051. [Medscape]
  2. A 30-minute walk is good, but a 10,000-step walk is better [News report from April Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (limited access)]
  3. Risk Factors for Functional Decline in Older Adults With Arthritis, Arthritis & Rheumatism: 2005; 52:4; 1274-1282.[Medscape]
  4. Association of Epstein-Barr Virus With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Effect Modification by Race, Age, and Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte-Associated Antigen 4 Genotype, Arthritis & Rheumatism 2005; 52:4; 1148-1159.[Eurekalert]
  5. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 352  Number 14  April 7, 2005
April 8  

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. FDA NEWS
    • FDA Safety Report: Bextra (valdecoxib): After concluding that the overall risk versus benefit profile is unfavorable, FDA has requested Pfizer, Inc. to voluntarily withdraw Bextra (valdecoxib) from the market. This request is based on:
      • * The lack of adequate data on the cardiovascular safety of long-term use of Bextra, along with the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in short-term coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) trials that FDA believes may be relevant to chronic use.
      • * Reports of serious and potentially life-threatening skin reactions, including deaths, in patients using Bextra. The risk of these reactions in individual patients is unpredictable, occurring in patients with and without a prior history of sulfa allergy, and after both short- and long-term use.
      • * Lack of any demonstrated advantages for Bextra compared with other NSAIDs.
    • §  FDA News: April 7, 2005: FDA Announces Series of Changes to the Class of Marketed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
    • FDA Public Health Advisory: FDA Announces Important Changes and Additional Warnings for COX-2 Selective and Non-Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
    • Advisory: COX-2 Selective and Non-Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
    • Questions and Answers: FDA Regulatory Actions for the COX-2 Selective and Non-Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    • FDA Approves Once-a-Month Osteoporosis Pill that can be taken just once monthly in a single tablet. Oral Boniva (ibandronate sodium) for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, manufactured by Roche and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has been shown effective in improving bone density.
    • FDA Approvals: Asmanex Twisthaler (mometasone furoate) inhalation powder; DuraSeal Dural Sealant System to Prevent Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks After Brain Surgery.
    • FDA Safety Labeling Changes: [Medscape report]
      • Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa injection) - increased risk of thrombotic events and mortality associated with its use.
      • Avastin (bevacizumab injection) increased risk of arterial thromboembolic events associated with its use.
      • Intron A (interferon alfa-2b [recombinant] injection) risk of hemolytic anemia associated with its use in combination with ribavirin
  2. HHS: Hospital Compare - A quality tool for adults, including people with Medicare
  3. Glowing hearts shine light on heart disease[Eurekalert report from Nature Medicine, CaM kinase activity may be useful for treating patients with structural heart disease and myocardial dysfunction.
  4. Cellular iron: Ferroportin is the only way out. Cell Metabolism, 2005; 1, 155-157, [ Science Daily ]Supplementation with Conjugated Linoleic Acid for 24 Months Is Well Tolerated by and Reduces Body Fat Mass in Healthy, Overweight Humans. J. Nutr. 2005 135: 778-784.
  5. Oral Versus Vaginal Sex Among Adolescents: Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behavior. Pediatrics 2005; 115: 845-851.[Eurekalert]
  6. Phototargeting Oral Black-Pigmented Bacteria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2005 Apr;49(4):1391-6. [New Scientist Mini 'light sabres' may battle gum disease]
 April 7  
  1. §  It Is Time to Implement Routine, Not Risk-Based, HIV Testing.Clin Inf Dis 2005; 4:1037, [Eurekalert]
  2. Purpura Fulminans Due to Staphylococcus aureus. Clin Inf Dis 2005; 4: 941. [Eurekalert]
  3. Improving Influenza, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide, and Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage Among Adults Aged <65 Years at High Risk: A Report on Recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. MMWR April 1, 2005 / Vol. 54 / No. RR--5
  4. §  Menopausal Hormone Therapy After Breast Cancer: The Stockholm Randomized Trial. JNCI 2005; 97: 533-535.
  5. EDITORIAL: Progestins and Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors. JNCI 2005; 97: 471-472. [Medscape]
  6. JAMA Vol. 293 No. 13   April 6, 2005
    • §  Outcomes in Hypertensive Black and Nonblack Patients Treated With Chlorthalidone, Amlodipine, and Lisinopril. JAMA. 2005;293:1595-1608. [Medscape]
    • §  N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide, C-Reactive Protein, and Urinary Albumin Levels as Predictors of Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Older Adults. JAMA. 2005;293:1609-1616. [Medscape]
    • §  Efficacy and Tolerability of Long-Acting Injectable Naltrexone for Alcohol Dependence: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2005;293:1617-1625. [Medscape]
    • Effects of Exercise and Stress Management Training on Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2005;293:1626-1634.
    • Evaluating Iatrogenic Risk of Youth Suicide Screening Programs: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2005;293:1635-1643.
    • Association Between Compensation Status and Outcome After Surgery: A Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2005;293:1644-1652.
    • Clinical Review: The Clinical Sequelae of Intravascular Hemolysis and Extracellular Plasma Hemoglobin: A Novel Mechanism of Human Disease. JAMA. 2005;293:1653-1662.
    • Editorials: Diuretics Are Color Blind. JAMA. 2005;293:1663-1666. [Eurekalert]
    • Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Older Patients: Role of Brain Natriuretic Peptide, C-Reactive Protein, and Urinary Albumin Levels. JAMA. 2005;293:1667-1669.
 April 6  
  1. Cholesterol targeting alters lipid raft composition and cell survival in prostate cancer cells and xenografts. J. Clin. Invest. 2005 115: 959-968.[Eurekalert]
  2. §  Review: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. CMAJ 2005; 172 (7). doi:10.1503/cmaj.045232.
  3. Prospective study of physical activity and physical function in early old age. Am J Preventive Med 2005; 28: 245-250. (via Science Direct)[News report: Physical Activity in Middle Age Linked to Fitness Later]
  4. §  Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition With Sildenafil Attenuates Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Left Ventricular Dysfunction in a Chronic Model of Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity. Circulation 2005 111: 1601 - 1610 . [Eurekalert]
  5. Review: The prevalence and impact of alcohol problems in major depression: A systematic review. AJM 2005; 118: 330-341
  6. Immunopathogenesis and therapy of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. J. Clin. Invest. 2005 115: 798-812.
  7. The Effects of Type 1 Diabetes on Cognitive Performance: A meta-analysis. Diabetes Care 2005 28: 726-735. [Medscape]
  8. Annals of Internal Medicine 5 April 2005 Volume 142 Issue 7
    • The Risk for Myocardial Infarction with Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors: A Population Study of Elderly Adults. Abstract
    • §  A Randomized Trial of Diagnostic Strategies after Normal Proximal Vein Ultrasonography for Suspected Deep Venous Thrombosis: D-Dimer Testing Compared with Repeated Ultrasonography. Abstract
    • Cystatin C Concentration as a Risk Factor for Heart Failure in Older Adults. Abstract
    • Duration of Platelet Dysfunction after a 7-Day Course of Ibuprofen. Abstract [Medscape]
    • Meta-Analysis: Low-Dose Dopamine Increases Urine Output but Does Not Prevent Renal Dysfunction or Death. Abstract
    • §  Clinical Guidelines Pharmacologic and Surgical Management of Obesity in Primary Care: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians [Medscape]
    • Meta-Analysis: Pharmacologic Treatment of Obesity. Abstract
    • Meta-Analysis: Surgical Treatment of Obesity. Abstract
    • §  Ethics Manual: Fifth Edition. The Ethics and Human Rights Committee, American College of Physicians [Eurekalert]
    • EDITORIAL: Revisiting the Past Strengthens the Present: An Evidence-Based Medicine Approach for the Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis
    • EDITORIAL: Cystatin C, Serum Creatinine, and Estimates of Kidney Function: Searching for Better Measures of Kidney Function and Cardiovascular Risk.
 April 5  
  1. §  Cognitive Therapy vs Medications in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62:409-416. [News report]
  2. §  Prevention of Relapse Following Cognitive Therapy vs Medications in Moderate to Severe Depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62:417-422.
  3. Suicide Risk in Relation to Psychiatric Hospitalization: Evidence Based on Longitudinal Registers. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62:427-432.
  4. Impact of 3-Tier Formularies on Drug Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62:435-441.
  5. Increased Caudate Dopamine D2 Receptor Availability as a Genetic Marker for Schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62:371-378.
  6. Antipsychotic Drug Effects on Brain Morphology in First-Episode Psychosis. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62:361-370. [Eurekalert]
  7. The Efficacy of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Mood Disorders: A Review and Meta-Analysis of the Evidence. Am J Psychiatry 2005 162: 656-662. [Eurekalert]
  8. SSRI and statin use increases the risk for vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Neurology 2005 64: 1008-1013.[Medscape]
  9. BMJ 2 April 2005 (Vol 330, No 7494)
    • § Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms: single centre randomised controlled trial. BMJ  2005;330:750
    • Identifying outcome reporting bias in randomised trials on PubMed: review of publications and survey of authors. BMJ  2005;330:753
    • Perceptions of open access publishing: interviews with journal authors. BMJ  2005;330:756
    • Commentary: Open access publishing: too much oxygen? BMJ  2005;330:759
    • Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised single blind controlled trial. BMJ  2005;330:761.
    • § Improving clinical practice using clinical decision support systems: a systematic review of trials to identify features critical to success. BMJ  2005;330:765.
    • Clinical review: Recent developments in bisphosphonates for patients with metastatic breast cancer. BMJ  2005;330:769-773.
    • Lesson of the week: Atypical presentation of coeliac disease. BMJ  2005;330:773-774.
    • § Lesson of the week: Antibody negative coeliac disease presenting in elderly people—an easily missed diagnosis. BMJ  2005;330:775-776
    • ABC of adolescence: Substance misuse: alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, and other drugs. BMJ  2005;330:777-780.
    • Five pitfalls in decisions about diagnosis and prescribing. BMJ  2005;330:781-783.
    • Commentary: Can we avoid bias? BMJ  2005;330:784
    • Current controversies: Surgery is the best intervention for severe coronary artery disease. BMJ  2005;330:785-786
    • US and UK health care: a special relationship?: Moving towards true integration. BMJ  2005;330:787-788
    • Early release: Role of multivitamins and mineral supplements in preventing infections in elderly people: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, online/bmj 38399.495648.8F [Medscape]
 April 4  
  1. The Lancet Volume 365, Number 9466 - 02 April 2005
    • § Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker for acute renal injury after cardiac surgery  [Summary] [Medscape]
    • § Does DOTS work in populations with drug-resistant tuberculosis?  [Full Text] [
    • Ethnic variations in sexual behaviour in Great Britain and risk of sexually transmitted infections: a probability survey  [Summary
    • § Re-emergence of early pandemic Staphylococcus aureus as a community-acquired meticillin-resistant clone  [Summary
    • Seminar: Autonomic peripheral neuropathy  [Summary]
    • Rapid Review: Post-mortem MRI as an adjunct to fetal or neonatal autopsy  [Summary]
    • Public Health: Promoting Arab and Israeli cooperation: peacebuilding through health initiatives  [Full Text]
  2. Archives of Internal Medicine Vol. 165 No. 6, pp. 601-708, March 28, 2005
April 1  

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. § FDA :: MEDWATCH
    • Trecator (ethionamide tablets) reformulated to film-coated tablets is more rapidly absorbed, resulting in higher peak concentrations. Patients should be monitored and have their dosages re-titrated when switching from the sugar-coated tablet to the film-coated tablet.
    • Zometa (zoledronic acid) revisions to the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS management of patients with advanced cancer and renal impairment, whose baseline creatinine clearance is 60 ml/min or lower.
  2. FDA Safety Labeling Changes: [Mescape]
    • Doxil (doxorubicin HCl liposome injection) to warn of adverse events associated with its use. Cumulative doses of liposomal doxorubicin approaching 550 mg/m2 have been associated with myocardial damage. Acute left ventricular failure may occur, particularly in patients who have exceeded the recommended total cumulative dose of 550 mg/m2. Congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy may be encountered after discontinuation of anthracycline therapy.
    • Novamine (15% amino acid injection) the product contains aluminum that may reach toxic levels with prolonged administration in patients with impaired kidney function.
      Premature neonates are particularly at risk because they have immature kidneys and require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions that contain aluminum.
  3. FDA Approvals:
    • Baraclude (entecavir) New treatment for chronic Hepatitis B.FDA report  [News report]
    • Venofer (iron sucrose)
    • Boniva (ibandronate sodium) to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause.
    • Approval First-of-Kind Device to Treat Descending Thoracic Aneurysms
    • FDA Approvals: [Medscape summary]
    • Temodar (temozolomide capsules) approved a new indication allowing use concomitantly with radiotherapy and as maintenance treatment in the first-line treatment of adult patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
    • LR3001 (reverse complimentary (antisense) oligodeoxynucleotide) approved orphan drug status allowing use in the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia.
    • Xopenex HFA hydrofluoroalkane (levalbuterol tartrate metered-dose inhaler) for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children aged four years and older with reversible obstructive airway disease.
  4. FDA Talk Paper: FDA Publishes Final Rule on Chlorofluorocarbons in Metered Dose Inhalers [Albuterol metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) using chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants must no longer be produced, marketed or sold in the United States after December 31, 2008]
  5. FDA Reports
  6. §  Designer Molecule Stops Cat Allergies. [Science now and News report from the April issue of Nature Medicine.]
  7. § Listening to music might act as a painkiller. [BBC report from British Psychological Society Meeting]

2006
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2005
2004
2003