Recent reports in Science and Medicine for May
2004
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.
May 28
Weekend Reading
- Basic Science and general interest articles
§ Arnold
Beckman dies at 104. Inventor of the pH meter and DU spectrophotometer amassed
a fortune and pumped millions into basic research. The son of a blacksmith,
Beckman created instruments that are now employed in virtually every laboratory
across the globe, then used his fortune to up the pace of basic research.
[The Scientist report]
Identification of anthrax toxin genes in a Bacillus cereus associated with
an illness resembling inhalation anthrax. PNAS published May 21, 2004, 10.1073/pnas.
{The Scientist report:
Plasmid-encoding toxin found in B. cereus taken from apparent inhalation
anthrax case]
Tigecycline, a first-in-class expanded broad spectrum antibiotic, produced
a 74 percent cure rate in hospitalized patients with possibly life-threatening,
complicated skin and skin structure infections. Tigecycline is currently
in Phase 3 clinical trials and was developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.Eurekalert
Combination therapy dramatically improves function after spinal cord injury
in rats [Eurekalert report
from Nature Medicine
pRb2/p130, VEGF, p27(KIP1) and PCNA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma:
their clinical significance. Clinical
Cancer Research [Eurekalert:
Expression of Rb2/p130 and VEGF could serve as potential liver cancer prognosticators]
Whole brain radiation therapy with or without stereotactic radiosurgery
boost for patients with one to three brain metastases: phase III results
of the RTOG 9508 randomised tria. Andrews,
et al
Effects of morphine analgesia in ventilated preterm neonates: primary
outcomes from the NEOPAIN randomised trial. NEOPAIN
Trial Investigators Group*
Zinc for severe pneumonia in very young children: double-blind placebo-controlled
trial. Brooks,
et al.
Role of toll-like receptor 4 in protection by bacterial lipopolysaccharide
in the nasal mucosa of atopic children but not adults. Tulic,
et al.
Recurrent acroparaesthesia during febrile infections. Bodamer,
et al.
§ Viral shedding patterns of coronavirus in patients with probable
severe acute respiratory syndrome. Cheng,
et al.
Genomic imprinting in disruptive spermatogenesis. Marques,et
al.
Seminar: Primary open-angle glaucoma. Weinreb and Khaw
Drug intervention trials in sepsis: divergent results. Polderman
and Girbes
May 25
New England Journal of Medicine May 20, 2004 Volume 350 Number 21 Summaries
§ Activating
Mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Underlying Responsiveness
of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer to Gefitinib. T.
J. Lynch and Others
Cardiac-Resynchronization Therapy with or without an Implantable
Defibrillator in Advanced Chronic Heart Failure. M.
R. Bristow and Others
Prophylactic Defibrillator Implantation in Patients with Nonischemic
Dilated Cardiomyopathy. A.
Kadish and Others
Why Medicare Has Not Established Criteria for Coverage Decisions. S.
R. Tunis
Medicare Coverage for Technological Innovations — Time for
New Criteria? M.
R. Gillick
Tissue iron deficiency without anemia impairs adaptation in endurance
capacity after aerobic training in previously untrained women. Am
J Clin Nutr 2004 79: 437-443. {Iron supplements help only certain women
who are not anemic. News report]
Human bone marrow megakaryocytes and platelets express PPAR and PPAR agonists
blunt platelet release of CD40 ligand and thromboxanes. Blood
First Edition Paper, prepublished online May 6, 2004 ['Good guy' blood
cells are now suspects in heart disease, diabetes: Eurekalert]
§ CDER
News May 19, 2004
• FDA approvals: Avelox (moxifloxacin) for community-acquired pneumonia; Taxotere (docetaxel)
for advanced metastatic prostate cancer; Gemzar for metastatic breast cancer; Vidaza for
myelodysplastic syndrome subtypes; Orange
Book: Cumulative Supplement No 4 (updated)
Terminal Complement Blockade With Pexelizumab During Coronary Artery
Bypass Graft Surgery Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Randomized
Trial. JAMA.
2004;291:2319-2327.
§ Prevention
of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy With Sodium Bicarbonate: A Randomized
Controlled Trial. JAMA.
2004;291:2328-2334.
Recovery and Long-term Function After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
for Leukemia or Lymphoma. JAMA.
2004;291:2335-2343.
Canadian Medical Association develops publication informing doctors about
health information technology in Canada [ Future
Practice 2004]
§ Anandamide
transport is independent of fatty-acid amide hydrolase activity and is blocked
by the hydrolysis-resistant inhibitor AM1172. PNAS
published May 11, 2004, 10.1073/pnas.(New molecule may be basis for drugs
that battle overeating and drug dependency)
New compound may act to keep thyroid activity in check [Eurekalert review
from online edition of the journal Nature
Medicine.3-Iodothyronamine is an endogenous and rapid-acting derivative
of thyroid hormone]
Rand study shows
people at risk of receiving poor health care in all parts of the United States;
published in Health Affairs.
FDA News: FDA
Approves Vidaza (azacitidine) for patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome
(MDS). The product was given Fast Track Status and a priority review.
§ Breastmilk
feeding and lipoprotein profile in adolescents born preterm: follow-up
of a prospective randomised study. Singhal,
et al.[Medscape]
§ Psychological
and social sequelae of cannabis and other illicit drug use by young
people: a systematic review of longitudinal, general population studies. Macleod,
et al.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
of psychological interventions to improve glycaemic control in patients
with type 2 diabetes. Ismail,
et al.
§ Efficacy
of rectal artesunate compared with parenteral quinine in initial treatment
of moderately severe malaria in African children and adults: a randomised
study. Barnes,
et al [Medscape review]
§ Oral
simvastatin treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Vollmer,
et al.
Serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein prediction of severe bacterial
infection in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Albillos,
et al.
Editorial: Political neglect in India's health. The
Lancet
Commentary: Dangerous pathogens in the laboratory: from smallpox
to today's SARS setbacks and tomorrow's polio-free world, How to prevent
cannabis-induced psychological distress . . . in politicians, Psychological,
physiological, and drug interventions for type 2 diabetes , Statins
for the treatment of multiple sclerosis: cautious hope.
New Approaches to Better Manage Fatigue and Sleepiness Associated With
Common Medical Conditions [Medscape review]
§MEDWATCH
Report: Desyrel (trazodone hydrochloride) Revisions to the CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY and PRECAUTIONS. Potential for drug interactions:trazodone
and CYP3A4 inhibitors ketoconazole, ritonavir, and indinavir.
Should -blockers be given to patients with heart disease and peanut-induced
anaphylaxis? A decision analysis. JACI
2004: 113 (5)
§ Guidelines
for Empiric Antimicrobial Prescribing in Community-Acquired Pneumonia* File,
et al. Chest.
2004;125:1888-1901
Empiric Therapy of Community-Acquired Pneumonia* Guidelines for the Perplexed?
Cunha. Chest.
2004;125:1913-1919.
§ Effect
of upper airway obstruction in acute stroke on functional outcome at 6 months.
Turkington, et al. Thorax
2004; 59: 367-371.[Medscape :
Sleep Apnea Increases Morbidity, Mortality After Stroke]
§ Prognostic
factors for remission in early rheumatoid arthritis: a multiparameter prospective
study. Gossec, et al. Ann
Rheum Dis 2004; 63: 675-680.[Medscape review:
Predictors of Remission in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Identified]
May 18
New England Journal of Medicine Volume 350 May 13, 2004 Number 20 Summaries
§ Pneumococcal
Bacteremia: Lessons Learned, Yet More to Learn. Dennis
G. Maki
§ Changes
in the Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Bacteremia in a Swiss University
Hospital During a 15-Year Period, 1986-2000. Trampuz,
et al.
Outcomes and In-hospital Treatment of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Patients Resuscitated From Ventricular Fibrillation by Early Defibrillation.
Bunch, et al.
Efficacy and Safety of Ezetimibe Coadministered With Simvastatin
in Patients With Primary Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind,
Placebo-Controlled Trial. Goldberg, et al
Clinical Characteristics and Mechanisms of Stroke After Polytrauma.
Blacker and Wijdicks
Site Specificity of Regular Health Club Exercise on Muscle Strength,
Fitness, and Bone Density in Women Aged 29 to 45 Years. Sinaki, et
al.
Primer on Medical Genomics: Part XIII: Ethical and Regulatory Issues.
Hook, et al.
Primer on Medical Genomics: Part XIV: Introduction to Systems BiologyÑA
New Approach to Understanding Disease and Treatment. Morel,et al
Primer on Medical Genomics: The End of the Beginning. Tefferi and
Spelsberg
Relationship of Treatment-Resistant Head Lice to the Safety and Efficacy
of Pediculicides. Burkhart
Unappreciated Prevalence of Interatrial Block and Associated Consequences:
A Poorly Perceived Pandemic. Spodick
Overview, Prevention, and Treatment of Rabies. Hankins and Rosekrans
Symposium on Geriatrics: Ethical Issues in Geriatrics: A Guide for
Clinicians. Mueller, et al.
May 17
§FDA
News: NMEs Approved in Calendar Year 2004 to date.
FDA Drug and Device
Approvals: May 13, 2004 [Medscape report]
Yael Waknine (Enjuvia), Hyaluronidase Injectable (Vitrase) Generic Metformin
HCl Extended-Release Tablets (Fortamet), LidoSite, German approval: Ezetimibe/Simvastatin
Combination (Inegy). [Medscape report]
Impact of Childhood Vaccination on Racial Disparities in Invasive
Streptococcus pneumoniae Infections. JAMA.
2004;291:2197-2203.
§ Parental
Cardiovascular Disease as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease
in Middle-aged Adults: A Prospective Study of Parents and Offspring. JAMA.
2004;291:2204-2211.
Fracture Incidence in Relation to the Pattern of Use of Hormone Therapy
in Postmenopausal Women. JAMA.
2004;291:2212-2220.
§ A
Polymorphism in the Cyclooxygenase 2 Gene as an Inherited Protective
Factor Against Myocardial Infarction and Stroke. JAMA.
2004;291:2221-2228.
§ Prevalence
of Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections Among Young Adults in the United
State. JAMA.
2004;291:2229-2236.
Expanding Insurance Coverage Through Tax Credits, Consumer Choice,
and Market Enhancements: The American Medical Association Proposal
for Health Insurance Reform. JAMA.
2004;291:2237-2242.
§ Can
IT lead to radical redesign of health care? BMJ 2004;328
Editorials: What next for electronic communication and health care?
BMJ 2004;328:1143-1144
National programme for information technology BMJ 2004;328:1145-1146
Beyond the gadgets BMJ 2004;328:1146-1147
Will e-learning improve clinical judgment? BMJ 2004;328:1147-1148
The first generation of e-patients BMJ 2004;328:1148-1149
Evaluation of ehealth systems and services. BMJ 2004;328:1150
Patients' experience with a diabetes support programme based on an
interactive electronic medical record: qualitative study. BMJ 2004;328:1159
Doctors' experience with handheld computers in clinical practice:
qualitative study. BMJ 2004;328:1162
Health related virtual communities and electronic support groups:
systematic review of the effects of online peer to peer interactions.
BMJ 2004;328:1166,
Prescribing safety features of general practice computer systems:
evaluation using simulated test cases. BMJ 2004;328:1171-1172
Computer aided prescribing leaves holes in the safety net . BMJ 2004;328:1172-1173
Information in practice: Soft networks for bridging the gap between
research and practice: illuminative evaluation of CHAIN . BMJ 2004;328:1174
Handheld computers . BMJ 2004;328:1181-118
The clinician's perspective on electronic health records and how
they can affect patient care. BMJ 2004;328:1184-1187
Learning from e-patients at Massachusetts General Hospital. BMJ 2004;328:1188-1190
HINARI: bridging the global information divide. BMJ 2004;328:1190-1193
Digital bridges need concrete foundations: lessons from the Health
InterNetwork India. BMJ 2004;328:1193-1196
Four rules for the reinvention of health care. BMJ 2004;328:1197-1199
May 14
Weekend Reading
- Basic Science and general interest articles
§ Spina
Bifida and Anencephaly Before and After Folic Acid Mandate --- United States,
1995--1996 and 1999--2000 Mor
Mortal Wkly Rep CDC Surveill Summ 2004;53:362-365. [Medscape:
US Folate Fortification Strategy Only Partially Successful in Reducing Birth
Defects]
§ Allyl
isothiocyanate causes mitotic block, loss of cell adhesion and disrupted
cytoskeletal structure in HT29 cells. Carcinogenesis Advance
Access DOI: 10.1093. [The bitter truth – why greens are good for us.Times]
New study: Small, frequent doses of caffeine best strategy for staying
awake [Eurekalert report
from May issue of the journal Sleep]
Associations of Mortality With Ocular Disorders and an Intervention of
High-Dose Antioxidants and Zinc in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. AREDS
Research Group Arch
Ophthalmol. 2004;122:716-726.
§ Effect
of Obesity and Insulin Resistance on Myocardial Substrate Metabolism and
Efficiency in Young Women. Circulation
2004 109: 2191 - 2196
Review Articles . Prolonged QTc Interval and Risks of Total and Cardiovascular
Mortality and Sudden Death in the General Population: A Review and
Qualitative Overview of the Prospective Cohort Studies Arch
Intern Med. 2004;164:943-948.
§ Changing
the Clinical Management of Hereditary Hemochromatosis: Translating
Screening and Early Case Detection Strategies Into Clinical Practice. Arch
Intern Med. 2004;164:957-961.
§ Risk
Factors for Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients With Acute
Medical Illness: Analysis of the MEDENOX Study. Arch
Intern Med. 2004;164:963-968.
The Prevalence of Reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate in Older Hypertensive
Patients and Its Association With Cardiovascular Disease: A Report
From the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart
Attack Trial. Arch
Intern Med. 2004;164:969-976.
Admission Blood Glucose Level as Risk Indicator of Death After Myocardial
Infarction in Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus. Arch
Intern Med. 2004;164:982-988.
Depression and C-Reactive Protein in US Adults: Data From the Third
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch
Intern Med. 2004;164:1010-1014.
Rationing Access to Care to the Medically Uninsured: The Role of Bureaucratic
Front-Line Discretion at Large Healthcare Institutions [Eurekalert report
from Medical
Care]
Training carers of stroke patients: randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2004;328:1099
Training care givers of stroke patients: economic evaluation. BMJ 2004;328:1102
§ Predictors
for the development of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria in patients
with type 1 diabetes: inception cohort study. BMJ 2004;328:1105
Variations in the hospital management of self harm in adults in
England: observational study . BMJ 2004;328:1108-1109
Some way to go for consistent implementation of guidance on hip
fracture. BMJ 2004;328:1097
§ Influence
of socioeconomic deprivation on the primary care burden and treatment
of patients with a diagnosis of heart failure in general practice in
Scotland: population based study. BMJ 2004;328:1110.
Commentary: Valuable insights from morbidity coding in primary care. BMJ 2004;328:1113.
10-minute consultation: § Management
of diastolic heart failure in older adults. BMJ 2004;328:1114
Linking disease control programmes in rural Africa: a pro-poor strategy
to reach Abuja targets and millennium development goals. BMJ 2004;328:1129-1132.
CDC Releases
New Guidelines on Influenza Immunization [Medscape report]
§ Slowing
of bone loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by long-term high-intensity
exercise: Results of a randomized, controlled trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism
2004; 50: 1066 - 1076.
§ Metabolic
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Women with Self-Reported Symptoms
of Oligomenorrhea and/or Hirsutism: Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study. J
Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004 89: 2114-2118
SPECT imaging shows promise for accurate, early diagnosis of Alzheimer's
[Eurekalert report
from J Nucl Med ]
§ Skin
Cancers and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Among Users of Systemic Glucocorticoids:
A Population-Based Cohort Study. J
Natl Cancer Inst 2004; 96: 709-711.
Lung Cancer Screening with Sputum Cytologic Examination, Chest Radiography,
and Computed Tomography: An Update for the U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force
Editorials Right and Wrong Reasons To Be Screened. Welch
On Being a Doctor Sara and George and Justice. Fillit,
MD
Researchers identify novel method of distinguishing Alzheimer’s
disease from other types of dementia [Eurekalert report
from Journal of Nuclear
Medicine]
FDA News: Agency
Guidances Promote Comprehensive Efforts to Minimize Risks While Preserving
the Benefits of Medical Products
FDA Approves
Vitrase (Hyaluronidase for Injection)
FDA
Medwatch: Oxandrin (oxandrolone, USP) Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
notified healthcare professionals of an important drug interaction between
Oxandrin, warfarin.
Anemia Linked to Disability and Poor Physical Performance in Elderly. [Medscape report
from J Am Geriatr Soc 2004;52:1-6.]
Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Stroke Among Middle-Aged Men: The JPHC
Study Cohort I. Stroke
2004 35: 1124 - 1129 [Medscape:
Light Alcohol Consumption Does Not Increase Stroke Risk]
Prehospital Neuroprotective Therapy for Acute Stroke: Results of the Field
Administration of Stroke Therapy–Magnesium (FAST–MAG) Pilot Trial
. Stroke
2004 35: e106 - e108
§ Agreement
Between Ambulance Paramedic- and Physician-Recorded Neurological Signs With
Face Arm Speech Test (FAST) in Acute Stroke Patients. Stroke
published online April 29, 2004
New England Journal of Medicine Early Release: Posted April 29, 2004
ARTICLE : § Activating
Mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Underlying Responsiveness
of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer to Gefitinib and EDITORIAL: Targeting
Targeted Therapy
Gender-based violence, relationship power, and risk of HIV infection
in women attending antenatal clinics in South Africa. Dunkle, et al.
Asbestos exposure as a risk factor for retroperitoneal fibrosis.
Uibu, et al.
Skeletal effects and functional outcome with olpadronate in children
with osteogenesis imperfecta: a 2-year randomised placebo-controlled
study. Sakkers, et al.
Mechanisms of disease: Bone marrow transdifferentiation in brain
after transplantation: a retrospective study. Cogle, et al.
Impact of erectile dysfunction and its subsequent treatment with
sildenafil: qualitative study. BMJ 2004;328:1037.
§ Optimal
search strategies for retrieving scientifically strong studies of diagnosis
from Medline: analytical survey. BMJ 2004;328:1040.
Is there a north-south divide in social class inequalities in health
in Great Britain? Cross sectional study using data from the 2001 census.
BMJ 2004; 328:1043-1045
Non-absorbable disaccharides for hepatic encephalopathy: systematic
review of randomised trials . BMJ 2004;328:1046.
Reliability of symptoms to determine use of bone scans to identify
bone metastases in lung cancer: prospective stud. BMJ 2004;328:1051-1052.
Trends in prevalence of symptoms of asthma, hay fever, and eczema in
12-14 year olds in the British Isles, 1995-2002: questionnaire survey.
BMJ 2004;328:1052-1053
Primary care: Randomised controlled factorial trial of dietary advice
for patients with a single high blood pressure reading in primary care.
BMJ 2004;328:1054
Do patients with unexplained physical symptoms pressurise general
practitioners for somatic treatment? A qualitative study. BMJ 2004;328:1057,
Views of doctors on clinical correspondence: questionnaire survey
and audit of content of letters. BMJ 2004;328:1060-1061
10-minute consultation: Acute cough in children. BMJ 2004;328:1062
Managing nocturia. BMJ 2004;328:1063-1066,
ABC of rheumatology: Pain in the hip and knee. BMJ 2004;328:1067-1069
Education and debate: Genetics, race, ethnicity, and health. BMJ 2004;328:1070-1072
Food habits are related to glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes
mellitus. Savoca, et al. J Am Dietitic Assc. 2004 [Eurekalert discussion]
Mesh Repair of Inguinal Hernias — Redux. D.
O. Jacobs
The Role of Irradiation in Food Safety. M. T. Osterholm and A.
P. Norgan
Clues for New Therapeutics in Osteoporosis C.
N. Serhan
FDA: § A
Message About HIPAA Compliance for Reporters to FDA MedWatch [You can continue
to make adverse event reports under the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.]
FDA
Talk Paper: FDA Updates Zelnorm Labeling with New Risk Information
FDA Approves Apidra (Insulin glulisine), Nasacort HFA, Ziagen, New Zantac
Dose, New Proscar Regimen [Medscape report]
FDA
Talk Paper *** CLARIFICATION *** FDA Approves Apokyn for the Acute
Treatment of Episodes of Immobility in Parkinson’s Patients
NTP-CERHR (Center for
the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction) Expert anel Report on the
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Fluoxitine (pdf
file)
Trends in Antimicrobial Drug Development: Implications for the Future. CID 2004;38:1279-1286
Community-Onset Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Associated
with Antibiotic Use and the Cytotoxin Panton-Valentine Leukocidin during
a Furunculosis Outbreak in Rural Alaska. JID 2004;189:1565-1573.
[Eurekalert report]
HRT gets another chance. Privately funded 5-year US trial will test effects
of early estrogen [The
Scientist report]
Triglycerides Induce Leptin Resistance at the Blood-Brain Barrier. Diabetes
2004 53: 1253-1260.[Science
Daily report: Winning The Battle Of The Bulge: We're A Scrimmage Closer
To Victory]
§ Effects
of Tolvaptan, a Vasopressin Antagonist, in Patients Hospitalized With
Worsening Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA
2004; 291:1963-1971.
One-Year Clinical Results With the Slow-Release, Polymer-Based, Paclitaxel-Eluting
TAXUS Stent: The TAXUS-IV Trial . Circulation
2004 109: 1942 - 1947.
Non–Polymer-Based Paclitaxel-Coated Coronary Stents for the
Treatment of Patients With De Novo Coronary Lesions: Angiographic Follow-Up
of the DELIVER Clinical Trial. Circulation
2004 109: 1948 - 1954.
Clinical Usefulness of Very High and Very Low Levels of C-Reactive
Protein Across the Full Range of Framingham Risk Scores. Circulation
2004 109: 1955 - 1959.