News pages
2005 July August September October November December 2006 January February March April May June YTD

Recent reports in Science and Medicine for September 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). An "*" indicates a recommended article.

:::::::       September 30       :::::::    
  :::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::  
 
  1. FDA News: Public Health Advisory on Strattera (Atomoxetine) for Attention Deficit Disorder. (boxed warning and additional warning statements regarding an increased risk of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents)
  2. FDA Medwatch:
    1. Paxil (paroxetine) Changes in Pregnancy/PRECAUTIONS. Results of a GSK retrospective epidemiologic study of major congenital malformations in infants born to women taking antidepressants during the first trimester of pregnancy suggested an increase in the risk of overall major congenital malformations [OR 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-3.63]. Healthcare professionals are advised to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of using paroxetine therapy in women during pregnancy and to discuss these findings as well as treatment alternatives with their patients. [Medscape]
    2. Toprol-XL (metoprolol extended release) Reports of medication dispensing or prescribing errors between Toprol-XL and Topamax. There have also been reports of medication errors involving confusion between Toprol-XL and Tegretol or Tegretol-XR. [Medscape]
    3. Strattera (atomoxetine) a boxed warning and additional warning statements that alert health care providers of an increased risk of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents.
  3. FDA Safety Labeling Changes: [Medscape]
    1. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) revision of treatment recommendations for hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia secondary to its use.
    2. Mevacor (lovastatin) drug interactions that increase the risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis associated with its use.
    3. Pulmicort (budesonide inhalation suspension ) increased risk of infection associated with its use at immunosuppressant doses.
  4. FDA Approvals: [Medscape]
    • Lipitor (atorvastatin) for the reduction of risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes and no evidence of coronary heart disease, but having multiple risk factors such as retinopathy, albuminuria, smoking, or hypertension.
    • Arimidex (anastrozole) for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive early invasive breast cancer.
    • Tramadol ER for chronic moderate to moderately severe pain requiring around-the-clock therapy for an extended time.
  5. Perturbations in O-linked -N-Acetylglucosamine Protein Modification Cause Severe Defects in Mitotic Progression and Cytokinesis. J. Biol. Chem. 2005 280: 32944-32956. [Eurekalert: Sugar helps control cell division]
  6. *   Targeting BACE1 with siRNAs ameliorates Alzheimer disease neuropathology in a transgenic model. Nature: Neuroscience Published online: 28 August 2005; | doi:10.1038/nn1531. [ScienceDaily : Targeting A Key Enzyme With Gene Therapy Reversed Course Of Alzheimer's Disease In Mouse Models. ]
  7. Women Better at Hand Hygiene Habits, Hands Down. Washup.org Press release
  8. *   MMWR: Concussion Tool Kit for High School Coaches and More. [Medscape] MMWR. 2005;54;917-948
  9. Diagnosis and Management of Injuries From Dangerous Marine Life [Medscape]
  10. *   Introduction to Cardiothoracic Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine.
  :::::::       September  29      :::::::      
  1. * Carotid endarterectomy—An evidence-based review: Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 2005 65: 794-801. [Medscape]
  2. Homocysteine and Cognitive Performance in the Framingham Offspring Study: Age Is Important. Am. J. Epidemiol. 2005 162: 644-653. [Eurekalert] [News-Med]
  3. * Guideline-Based Standardized Care Is Associated With Substantially Lower Mortality in Medicare Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: The American College of Cardiology’s Guidelines Applied in Practice (GAP) Projects in Michigan. J Am Coll Cardiol 2005 46: 1242-1248. [Eurekalert]
  4. Atherothrombosis and High-Risk Plaque: Part II: Approaches by Noninvasive Computed Tomographic/Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Am Coll Cardiol 2005 46: 1209-1218.
  5. JAMA Vol. 294 No. 12, pp. 1463-1580, September 28, 2005
  :::::::       September  28      :::::::      
  1. Metabolic Imaging With -Methyl-p-[123I]-Iodophenyl-Pentadecanoic Acid Identifies Ischemic Memory After Demand Ischemia. Circulation 2005: published online Sept 26, 2005. [Eurekalert] [[News-Medical.net]
  2. Gamma-Glutamyltransferase as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease Mortality. An Epidemiological Investigation in a Cohort of 163 944 Austrian Adults. Circulation 2005: published online Sept 26, 2005. [Medscape] [Eurekalert]
  3. Archives of Internal Medicine Vol. 165 No. 17, pp. 1933-2040, September 26, 2005
  :::::::       September  27      :::::::      
  1. Ascending Thoracic Aneurysms Are Associated With Decreased Systemic Atherosclerosis. Chest 2005 128: 1580-1586. [Eurekalert]
  2. *  Aerobic exercise and its impact on musculoskeletal pain in older adults: a 14 year prospective, longitudinal study. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2005, 7:R1263-R1270. [Eurekalert]
  3. Mayo Clinic Develops New Coma Measurement System. Tool quantifies level of consciousness, severity of brain injury. [Mayo Clinic News] October issue of Annals of Neurology, to be published online Friday, Sept. 9. [Eurekalert]
  4. Diabetes Mellitus Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Falls in Elderly Residents of a Long-Term Care Facility. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2005 60: 1157-1162. [Eurekalert]
  5. High homocysteine and low B vitamins predict cognitive decline in aging men: the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2005 82: 627-635.
  6. Homocysteine and folate as risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer disease. Am J Clin Nutr 2005 82: 636-643.
  :::::::       September 26       :::::::      
  1. Aspirin Use in Older Patients With Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease: National Prescription Patterns and Relationship With Outcomes. J Am Coll Cardiol 2005 46: 955-962. [Access via Cardiosourcce]
  2. Inhibition of Awake Sympathetic Nerve Activity of Heart Failure Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea by Nocturnal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. J Am Coll Cardiol, 2005; 45:2008-2011.
  3. New England Journal of Medicine  Volume 353 September 22, 2005 Number 12
:::::::       September 23       :::::::    
  :::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::  
 
  1. FDA Safety Labeling Changes: [Medscape]
    1. Camptosar (irinotecan) reduced dosing in patients who are homozygous for the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)–*28 allele.
    2. Keppra (levetiracetam) risks of somnolence, fatigue, and behavioral abnormalities associated with its use in pediatric patients.
    3. Prempro/Premphase (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate) risks of cardiovascular disorders, probable dementia, and endometrial cancer associated with their use.
  2. Drug Firms Launch Web Site to Disclose Trials Data [Medscape] International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Association Portal
  3. Psoriasis-like skin disease and arthritis caused by inducible epidermal deletion of Jun proteins. Nature (15 Sep 2005) 437, 369-375. (Probing the Cause of Psoriasis. [ScienceNOW]
  4. Up-Regulation and Profibrotic Role of Osteopontin in Human Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. PLoS Medicine Vol. 2, No. 9, e251 DOI: 10.1371. [Medical Study News]
  5. Marked Differences in Human Melanoma Antigen-Specific T Cell Responsiveness after Vaccination Using a Functional Microarray. PLoS Medicine Vol. 2, No. 10, e265 DOI: 10.1371
  6. Profile of Immune Cells in Axillary Lymph Nodes Predicts Disease-Free Survival in Breast Cancer. PLoS Medicine Vol. 2, No. 9, e284 DOI: 10.1371. [ News-Medical.Net ]
  7. Women doctors and their careers: what now? BMJ 2005;331:569-572 [Eurekalert]
  8. Science NOW: Weakening drug-related memories by interfering with molecular signals in the brain's reward pathways.
  9. Top-down suppression deficit underlies working memory impairment in normal aging. Nature Neuroscience: Brief Communication published online: 11 September 2005; | doi:10.1038/nn1543. [Eurekalert: Memory loss in older adults due to distractions, not inability to focus]
  10. Agouti-related peptide−expressing neurons are mandatory for feeding. Nature: Neuroscience Published online: 11 September 2005; | doi:10.1038/nn1548 [Eurekalert: Eating and body weight regulated by specific neurons]
  :::::::       September 22       :::::::      
  1. PRESERVE-ß: Two-year efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy with nateglinide or glyburide plus metformin. Diabetes Care 28:2093-2099, 2005. [Medscape]
  2. Epithelial Barrier Function In Vivo Is Sustained Despite Gaps in Epithelial Layers. Gastroent. 2005;129: 902-912. [Eurekalert]
  3. Focus Issue: ASPIRIN: Sept. 20, 2005, J Am Coll Cardiol. [Access via Cardiosourcce][ Eurekalert]
  4. A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Management of Esophageal Coins in Children. Pediatrics. 2005;116:614-619. [Medscape]
  5. JAMA Vol. 294 No. 11, pp. 1307-E8, September 21, 2005
  :::::::       September 21       :::::::      
  1. *  Antibiotic Dosing in Critically Ill Adult Patients Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy. Clin Inf Dis 2005;41:L000 published online.
  2. *  Antibiotic Treatment of Acne May Be Associated With Upper Respiratory Tract Infections. Arch Dermatol. 2005;141:1132-1136. [Eurekalert]
  3. *  The relationship between primary care antibiotic prescribing and bacterial resistance in adults in the community: a controlled observational study using individual patient data. JAC Advance Access published online on May 31, 2005.
  4. *  Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in the Brain: Potential Role of the Chemokine Mig in Pathogenesis. Clin Inf Dis 2005;41:1089-1096
  5. Guidelines for the Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia: Predictors of Adherence and Outcome. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2005; 172: 757-762. [Medscape]
  6. Annals of Internal Medicine 20 September 2005 Volume 143 Issue 6
    • A Comparison of Brand-Name Drug Prices between Canadian-Based Internet Pharmacies and Major U.S. Drug Chain Pharmacies. Quon and Others.
    • A Health System Program To Reduce Work Disability Related to Musculoskeletal Disorders. Abásolo and Others.
    • Efficacy and Safety of Second-Generation Antidepressants in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Hansen and Others. [Medscape]
    • Meta-Analysis: Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs for Older Adults. Chodoshand Others.
    • Premalignant and In Situ Breast Disease: Biology and Clinical Implications. Arpino and Others.
    • Moving beyond Round Pegs and Square Holes: Restructuring Medicare To Improve Chronic Care. Wolff and Others.
    • Chronic Disease Care: Rearranging the Deck Chairs. Lawrence
    • Influenza A (H5N1): Will It Be the Next Pandemic Influenza? Are We Ready? Bartlett and Hayden
    • On Being a Doctor: A Page from My Oncology Fellowship
  :::::::       September 20       :::::::      
  1. Major Risk Factors for Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Young Are Modifiable. Stroke 2005 36: 1881 - 1885. [Medscape]
  2. Gender Differences in the Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Peripheral Embolism in Atrial Fibrillation. The AnTicoagulation and Risk factors In Atrial fibrillation (ATRIA) Study. Circulation 2005: published online September 12, 2005. [Eurekalert]
  3. Enhanced Risk Assessment in Asymptomatic Individuals With Exercise Testing and Framingham Risk Scores. Circulation 2005 112: 1566 - 1572.[Eurekalert]
  4. Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Men and Women. The Copenhagen City Heart Study. Circulation 2005: published online September 12, 2005, 10.1161. [Medscape]
  5. *Diagnosis and Management of the Metabolic Syndrome. An American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement. Executive Summary. Circulation 2005: published online before print September 12, 2005, 10.1161. [Medscape: New Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Metabolic Syndrome].
  6. New England Journal of Medicine  Volume 353 September 15, 2005 Number 11
  :::::::       September 19        :::::::      
  1. Obesity as a risk factor in venous thromboembolism. Am J Med 2005; 118: 978-980. [Eurekalert]
  2. Hemodynamic effects of ephedra-free weight-loss supplements in humans . Am J Med. 2005;118:998-1003. [Medscape: Ephedra-Free Weight Loss Supplements May Have Significant Cardiovascular Effect]
  3. AJM theme issue: Obesity and diabetes. Practice tips: How to intervene with overweight and obese patients. Am J Med 2005; 118: 936-938.
  4. JAMA   Vol. 294   No. 10   September 14, 2005.
    • Comparison of a Polymer-Based Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent With a Bare Metal Stent in Patients With Complex Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2005;294:1215-1223.
    • Effect of Clopidogrel Pretreatment Before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Fibrinolytics: The PCI-CLARITY Study. JAMA. 2005;294:1224-1232.
    • Comparison of Conventional-Dose vs High-Dose Conformal Radiation Therapy in Clinically Localized Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2005;294:1233-1239.
    • Risk-Treatment Mismatch in the Pharmacotherapy of Heart Failure. JAMA. 2005;294:1240-1247. [Medscape]
    • Insurance Status and Access to Urgent Ambulatory Care Follow-up Appointments. JAMA. 2005;294:1248-1254.
    • Trends in the Leading Causes of Death in the United States, 1970-2002. JAMA. 2005;294:1255-1259.
    • Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia. JAMA. 2005;294:1260-1267.
    • Editorials: Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents in Complex Lesions. JAMA. 2005;294:1268-1270.
    • Clopidogrel for Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization: Time for More Pretreatment, Retreatment, or Both? JAMA. 2005;294:1271-1273.
    • Radiation Dose Escalation as Treatment for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: Is More Really Better? JAMA. 2005;294:1274-1276.
:::::::       September 16       :::::::    
  :::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::  
 
  1. FDA Approvals: [Medscape]
    • Nevanac (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery.
    • Sugar-Free Actiq (oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate) for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with malignancies who are already receiving and are tolerant of opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain.
    • Quinine Sulfate 324-mg capsules for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
  2. MedWatch: Erbitux (cetuximab) changed the prescribing information about specific recommendations on observation periods following infusion. Labeling has been revised to reflect an increased incidence of hypomagnesemia and recommendations for electrolyte monitoring.
  3. MMWR: Hurricane Katrina Response and Guidance for Health-Care Providers, Relief Workers, and Shelter Operators [Medscape and Medscape]
  4. MMWR. 2005;54;841-864: Rising Numbers of Overweight Children/Teens Underscore Need for Early Intervention and More [Medscape]
  5. Agouti-related peptide-expressing neurons are mandatory for feeding. Nature: Neuroscience published online: 11 September 2005 |
  6. Estrogen down-regulation of the corepressor N-CoR: Mechanism and implications for estrogen derepression of N-CoR-regulated genes. PNAS published Sept 1, 2005, 10.1073. [Eurekalert: Estrogen's role in breast-cancer cell growth]
  7. Why dietary restriction substantially increases longevity in animal models but won’t in humans. Ageing Research Reviews 2005; 4: 339-350.(Science Direct access)
  8. Fusion to Listeriolysin O and Delivery by Listeria monocytogenes Enhances the Immunogenicity of HER-2/neu and Reveals Subdominant Epitopes in the FVB/N Mouse. J Immunol 2005 175: 3663-3673. [News: Breast Tumors in Mice Eradicated Using Cancer Vaccine]
  9. Toluidine blue dye reveals oral cancers. simple dye as a litmus test to identify abnormal areas of the mouth that may become cancers.
    According to a study published in the September 1 issue of Cancer Research, th [News report]
  :::::::       September 15       :::::::      
  1. * The Routine Use of Antibiotics to Promote Animal Growth Does Little to Benefit Protein Undernutrition in the Developing World. Clin Inf Dis 2005;41:1007-1013. [News report]
  2. * Reduction of Antibiotic Use in the Community Reduces the Rate of Colonization with Penicillin GNonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae. Clin Inf Dis 2005;41:930-938. [Eurekalert and ScienceDaily]
  3. MRSA bacteraemia in patients on arrival in hospital: a cohort study in Oxfordshire 1997-2003. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.38558.453310.8F (published 9 September 2005) [Medscape and Eurekalert]
  4. Effectiveness of treatment for alcohol problems: findings of the randomised UK alcohol treatment trial (UKATT). BMJ 2005;331:541.
  5. Cost effectiveness of treatment for alcohol problems: findings of the randomised UK alcohol treatment trial (UKATT): BMJ 2005;331:544. [Eurekalert: Treatments for alcohol abuse save society five times as much as they cost]
  6. Tetraparesis associated with colchicine is probably due to inhibition by verapamil of the P-glycoprotein efflux pump in the blood-brain barrier. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.38568.639688.F7
  7. Recent Use of Oral Contraceptives and the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis. Arch Neurol. 2005;62:1362-1365.[Medscape]
  8. The Lancet   Volume 366, Issue 9487 , 27 August 2005-2 September 2005 (accesss: ScienceDirect)
    • Artesunate versus quinine for treatment of severe falciparum malaria: a randomised trial. Lancet 2005;366: 717-725. [Eurekalert]
    • Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy. The Lancet 2005; 366:726-732.
    • End-of-life: the Islamic view. The Lancet 2005; 366:774-779.
    • Reduced Drug Dose in Obese Women With Breast Cancer May Jeopardize Outcome. Lancet 2005; 366, Issue 9486, 634. [Medscape]
    • Depletion of latent HIV-1 infection in vivo: a proof-of-concept study. Lancet 366: 549-555, 2005.
    • Valproic acid: a potential role in treating latent HIV infection. Lancet 366: 523-524, 2005.
    • International subarachnoid aneurysm trial (ISAT) of neurosurgical clipping versus endovascular coiling in 2143 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a randomised comparison of effects on survival, dependency, seizures, rebleeding, subgroups, and aneurysm occlusion. The Lancet 2005; 366:809-817.
  :::::::       September 14       :::::::      
  1. Prognostic Factors and Outcome of Core Binding Factor Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients With t(8;21) Differ From Those of Patients With inv(16): A Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study. JCO Aug 20 2005: 5705-5717.
  2. * Insights into Mechanisms Used by Staphylococcus aureus to Avoid Destruction by Human Neutrophils. J Immunol 2005 175: 3907-3919. [Eurekalert]
  3. Archives of Internal Medicine Vol. 165   No. 16   September 12, 2005
  :::::::       September 13       :::::::      
  1. Injuries Missed by Limited Computed Tomographic Imaging of Patients With Cervical Spine Injuries. Annals of Emergency Medicine online 5 September 2005 [News]
  2. Randomized Trial of Letrozole Following Tamoxifen as Extended Adjuvant Therapy in Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Updated Findings from NCIC CTG MA.17. J Natl Cancer Inst 2005; 97: 1262-1271 [News]
  3. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 353 September 8, 2005 Number 10
  :::::::       September 12       :::::::      
  1. * Perindopril-Based Blood Pressure-lowering Reduces Major Vascular Events in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack. Stroke ASAP published Sept 1, 2005.[Medscape]
  2. Effects of Blood Pressure Lowering on Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensities in Patients With Stroke. The PROGRESS (Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study) Magnetic Resonance Imaging Substudy. Circulation 2005: published online before print. Sept 6, 2005. [Medscape]
  3. JAMA.Vol. 294 No. 9  September 7, 2005
:::::::       September 9       :::::::    
  :::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::  
 
  1. FDA Approvals: [Medscape]
    • ProQuad (attenuated live virus vaccine containing measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella viruses) for use in children aged 12 months to 12 years.
    • Ambien CR (extended-release formulation of zolpidem tartrate) for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance
    • Singulair (montelukast) new indication for once-daily use for the relief of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) in patients aged six months and older.
  2. FDA Approvals: [Medscape]
    • Amplimexon (imexon) indication for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
    • AP23573 (rapamycin analog) approved orphan drug and fast-track status for the treatment of soft-tissue and bone sarcomas.
    • TQ-1017 (tramadol) second orphan drug indication for use in the management of postherpetic neuralgia.
  3. FDA Safety Labeling Changes [Medscape]
    • Activella (estradiol/norethindrone) use of the tablets associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events, breast and endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women, and probable dementia in those aged 65 years and older.
    • Duramorph PF (morphine) use may cause severe hypotension in individuals whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by a depleted blood volume or concurrent administration of drugs such as phenothiazines or general anesthetics.
    • Nutropin (somatropin [rDNA origin]) use only for the long-term treatment of genetically confirmed Prader-Willi syndrome in pediatric patients also diagnosed with growth hormone (GH) deficiency.
  4. * Why Most Published Research Findings Are False. John P. A. Ioannidis. PLoS 2005; 2: August 30, 2005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0020124
  :::::::       September 8       :::::::      
  1. Annals of Internal Medcine 6 September 2005 Volume 143 Issue 5
  :::::::       September 7       :::::::      
  1. * Combined Chemoradiotherapy Regimens of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized Phase II Locally Advanced Multi-Modality Protocol. JCO online Sep 1 2005: 5883–5891. [ScienceDaily News]
  2. Increased Risk of Demyelinating Diseases in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gupta, et al. Gastroenterology 2005; 129: 819-826 [Eurekalert]
  3. The Clustering of Other Chronic Inflammatory Diseases in IBD: A Population-Based Study, Bernstein, et al. Gastroenterology 2005; 129: 827-836 [Eurekalert]
  4. * Combination therapy with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (REV/DEX) for newly diagnosed myeloma. Blood prepublished online Aug 23, 2005 [News report Eurekalert]
  5. * Revised Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Men Attending a Preventive Medical Clinic. Circulation 2005: published onlineA.105.548198.
  6. Aromatase inhibitors and the syndrome of arthralgias with estrogen deprivation. Arthr & Rhem 2005 52: 2594-2598. [Eurekalert]
  7. Is the disease course of rheumatoid arthritis becoming milder?: Time trends since 1985 in an inception cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthr & Rheum 2005; 52: 2616-2624. [Eurekalert]
  :::::::       September 6       :::::::      
  1. * Clinical review: Paralytic rabies after a two week holiday in India. BMJ 2005;331:501-503 (3 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7515.501 [BBC News]
  2. Editorial: Avoiding rabies. BMJ 2005;331:469-470 (3 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7515.469
  3. Statin treatment within first 24 hours after heart attack cut mortality by half. American Journal of Cardiology, [Eurekalert]
  4. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 353 September 1, 2005 Number 9
:::::::       September 2       :::::::    
  :::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::  
 
  1. FDA Approvals: [Medscape review]
    • Invader UGT1A1 (molecular assay) for identifying patients that may be at increased risk of adverse reactions to the chemotherapy drug irinotecan HCl (Camptosar, made by Pfizer, Inc.) used in the treatment of colorectal cancer.The test detects and identifies specific mutations in the gene that produces UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), an enzyme that conjugates the active metabolite of irinotecan (SN-38) to form a glucuronide metabolite.
    • SelectSecure Model 3830 (catheter-delivered lumenless pacing lead) for use with pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, including CRT pacemakers and CRT defibrillators.
    • Duet System (scanning microscope and image analysis system),use with the UroVysion bladder cancer kit (made by Vysis, Inc.) to monitor patients for recurrence of transitional cell bladder cancer.
  2. MedWatch Alert: Herceptin Associated With Significant Risk of Cardiotoxicity. [Medscape]
  3. FDA Safety Labeling Changes: [Medscape]
    • Cefuroxime Oral vancomycin is the treatment of choice for antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridium difficile that is severe or not relieved by discontinuation of therapy.
    • Zocor (simvastatin) increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis associated with use in conjunction with danazol and potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors.
    • Clozaril (clozapine) increased risk of mortality associated with its use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
  4. FDA Approvals: [Medscape]
    • Fluarix (trivalent inactivated split influenza vaccine) for the prophylaxis of influenza types A and B in adults, especially those at increased risk of associated complications. [Medscape report from CDC news]
    • Increlex (mecasermin [rDNA origin] injection) for the long-term treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary insulin growth factor 1 (IGF) deficiency or with growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH.
    • ACTOplus met (pioglitazone plus metformin) for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who are already receiving combination therapy with the individual components or whose diabetes is not adequately controlled by use of either drug alone.
  5. Suppression of Aging in Mice by the Hormone Klotho. Science 2005 Published online 25 August. [Methuselah Mice. ScienceNOW ]
  6. Aberrantly Increased Hydrophobicity Shared by Mutants of Cu,Zn-Superoxide Dismutase in Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J. Biol. Chem. 2005 280: 29771-29779.. Sticky mutant proteins implicated in Lou Gehrig's disease August 19 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, an American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology journal.[Eureklalert]
  7. Cloning of a human parvovirus by molecular screening of respiratory tract samples. PNAS published early 0.1073/pnas.0504666102 [Medscape: Scientists Identify New Respiratory Virus] Medical News
  :::::::       September 1       :::::::      
  1. Assessment of the Emergence of Alzheimer's Disease Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery or Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary. J Alzheimer's Dis 2005; 7: 319-324.,[Stress and trauma of surgery as major cause for increased risk of Alzheimer's News Report].
  2. Course and prognosis of elbow complaints: a cohort study in general practice. Ann Rheum Dis 2005; 64: 1331-1336.[Medscape]
  3. Effect of reproductive factors and postmenopausal hormone use on the risk of Parkinson disease. Neurology 2005 65: 383-390. [Medscape]

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