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Recent reports in Science and Medicine for October 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.

October 29

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. FDA MedWatch: Reminyl (galantamine hydrobromide) Reports of medication errors involving confusion between Reminyl and Amaryl (glimepiride).
  2. FDA Approvals: ExAblate 2000 (Device for uterine fibroid ablation), Luveris (Recombinant human luteinizing hormone with follitropin alfa for infertility), OraDisc A (Amlexanox mucoadhesive patch for canker sores), EpiLift (Ophthalmic surgical deviceto eliminates cutting of stromal flaps), MammoSite (Revised device with thinner shaft, smaller balloon). Fosrenol (lanthanum carbonate) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients [Eurekalert report]
  3. FDA Approvals: Charité (Artificial disc to replace damaged/worn out spinal discs), Concerta (New daily dose of methylphenidate for adolescent ADHD), Verisyse, (phakic intraocular lens intended for use as an alternative to laser surgery in the reduction or elimination of myopia ranging from –5.0 to –20.0 diopters in adults aged 21 years and older), Duet System (Automated FISH scanning of amniotic cells), Spectrum Glide (Hydrophilic minocycline/rifampin impregnated catheter for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections).
  4. § A Cluster of Metabolic Defects Caused by Mutation in a Mitochondrial tRNA.Science early release.[ScienceNow: Malfunction of the mitochondria may underlie problems of aging such as hypertension and high blood cholesterol.] (news report)
  5. Beta-Blockers Do Not Appear to Increase Risk of Respiratory Events in Patients With CHF and COPD. Medscape review of CHEST 2004, meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians.
  6. Neural Changes following Remediation in Adult Developmental Dyslexia. Neuron, Vol 44, 411-422, 28 October 2004. [New study examines how the adult dyslexic brain can change. Eurekalert]
  7. Association of Visceral Adipose Tissue with Incident Myocardial Infarction in Older Men and Women: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Am. J. Epidemiol. 2004 160: 741-749. [Location of body fat important in predicting heart attack risk. Eurekalert ]
  8. Nothing to Fear :: Utility of propranolol in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ScienceNow report from the 24 October at the meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

October 28

  1. Archives of Internal Medicine Vol. 164 No. 19, pp. 2079-2184, October 25, 2004
  2. Lower phenytoin serum levels in persons switched from brand to generic phenytoin. Neurology 2004 63: 1494-1496.
  3. CMAJ   October 26 2004, Volume 171, Issue 9
    • Use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a prospective follow-up study. CMAJ 2004 171: 1053-1056.
    • Effect of periodic letters on evidence-based drug therapy on prescribing behaviour: a randomized trial. CMAJ 2004 171: 1057-1061
    • Adrenomyeloneuropathy as a cause of primary adrenal insufficiency and spastic paraparesis.CMAJ 2004 171: 1073-1077.
    • Infliximab and serious hematologic events. CMAJ 2004 171: 1045
    • Applying the new STEMI guidelines: 1. Reperfusion in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. CMAJ 2004 171: 1039-1041.
    • Applying the new STEMI guidelines: 2. Disturbances of cardiac rhythm after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. CMAJ 2004 171: 1042-1044.

October 27

  1. BMJ 23 October 2004 (Vol 329, No 7472)
  2. Educational disadvantage impairs functional recovery after hospitalization in older persons. Am J Med 2004; 117: 650-656.
  3. Editorial: Stopping Statins. Circulation 2004 110: 2280 - 2282.
  4. § Mortality and Morbidity Reduction With Candesartan in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: Results of the CHARM Low-Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Trials. Circulation 2004 110: 2618 - 2626.

October 26

  1. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 351 October 21, 2004  Number 17
  2. Usefulness of clinical prediction rules for the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism: A systematic review. Am J Med Volume 2004; 117,: 676-684.
  3. Lancet Volume 364, Number 9444  | 23 October 2004
    • § Interferon beta-1a for brain tissue loss in patients at presentation with syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. ETOMS Study Group.
    • Single-dose brachytherapy versus metal stent placement for the palliation of dysphagia from oesophageal cancer: multicentre randomised trial. Dutch SIREC study group*
    • § Use of regularly scheduled albuterol treatment in asthma: genotype-stratified, randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over trial. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Asthma Clinical Research Network
    • Oestrogen treatment to reduce the adult height of tall girls: long-term effects on fertility. Venn, and others.
    • Late thrombosis in drug-eluting coronary stents after discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy. McFadden, et al.
    • Seminar: Self-management interventions for chronic illness. Newman, and others.
    • Editorial: Crime and (age-appropriate) punishment

October 25

  1. The Importance of Bactericidal Drugs: Future Directions in Infectious Disease. Robert W. Finberg, Clin Inf Dis 2004;39:1314-1320.[IDSA statement]
  2. Annals of Internal Medicine19 October 2004
    • § Ciprofloxacin or Tamsulosin in Men with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial. Alexander, and others.
    • Breast Cancer after Childhood Cancer: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Kenney, and others.
    • Effectiveness of Primary Care–Based Vestibular Rehabilitation for Chronic Dizziness. Yardley, and others.
    • § Care Management for Low-Risk Patients with Heart Failure: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. DeBusk, and others.
    • Systematic Review: Antihypertensive Drug Therapy in Black Patients. Brewster, van Montfrans, and Kleijnen.
    • Differences, Disparities, and Biases: Clarifying Racial Variations in Health Care Use. Rathore and Krumholz
    • Treating Chronic Prostatitis: Antibiotics No, ?-Blockers Maybe. Weidner
    • Easy, Inexpensive, and Effective: Vestibular Exercises for Balance Control. Dieterich
    • Deconstructing Heart Failure Disease Management. Wagner
    • Shower Time. Martin
    • The Endocrinologist Gets a Hair Transplant. Feinfeld

October 22

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. § FDA Safety Labeling Changes: Cipro XR/IV, Purinethol, Rapamune, Reyataz [Medscape report]
    • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro XR, IV) Linked to Pseudomembranous Colitis, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Tendon Effects
    • Mercaptopurine (Purinethol) May Cause Bone Marrow Toxicity
    • Sirolimus (Rapamune) Interacts With CYP3A4 and/or P-gp Inhibitors and Inducers
    • Atazanavir (Reyataz) Associated With Risk of PR Interval Prolongation
  2. Researchers uncover process for sugar-induced fat formation. [Eurekalert from PNAS]
  3. Study Finds Surprising Differences In Gene Activity In The Brains Of Depressed People. [ScienceDaily report from PNAS]
  4. Salad and satiety: Energy density and portion size of a first-course salad affect energy intake at lunch. B. J. Rolls, and Others. J Am Dietetic Assc October 2004 • Volume 104 • Number 10 .
  5. New Model Shows Calcium Control Is Key For Synapse Homeostasis [Science Daily report from the online early edition of P.N.A.S.]
  6. Switch of a gene turns cancer cells healthy in mice [Eurekalert from Nature]
  7. Psychopathology and Marital Satisfaction: The Importance of Evaluating Both Partners. J Consulting and Clin Psych, 2004; 72, :830–838
  8. Antibiotic-boosting drug kills superbugs [NewScientist]
  9. International human genome sequencing consortium describes finished human genome sequence. [Eurekalert and § ScienceDaily report from Nature]
  10. Physically Fit Children Appear To Do Better In Classroom [ScienceDaily from at the annual meeting of the Society for Psychophysiological Research]

October 21

  1. § Efficacy and Safety of Inhaled Insulin (Exubera) Compared With Subcutaneous Insulin Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a 6-month, randomized, comparative trial. Diabetes Care 27(10):2356-2362, 2004. [Medscape]
  2. § Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Surgeon General's Report
  3. § Errors in medicine: The patient's perspective [Eurekalert from Annals of Family Medicine]
  4. Lancet Volume 364, Number 9443 16 October 2004
    • NIH research: widening access, building collaboration  [Text
    • Vaccine preparedness, or not  [Text
    • Livebirth after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue  [Summary
    • Efficacy of the RTS,S/AS02A vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum infection and disease in young African children: randomised controlled trial  [Text] [Medscape and Eurekalert reports]]
    • Prevalence of mental incapacity in medical inpatients and associated risk factors: cross-sectional study  [Summary]
    • Effect of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis on morbidity, mortality, CD4-cell count, and viral load in HIV infection in rural Uganda  [Text
    • Association between mutations in a thyroid hormone transporter and severe X-linked psychomotor retardation  [Summary
    • Prescribing sentence: time for evidence-based justice  [Summary]
  5. JAMA. 2004;292:1789.

October 20

  1. BMJ  16 October 2004 (Vol 329, No 7471)
  2. MMWR October 15, 2004 / Vol. 53 /No. 40 (pdf)
  3. Mayo Clinic Preoceedings  October 2004  Volume 79  Number 10
    • Editorial: Electron Beam Computed Tomography: The Latest "Stethoscope" for Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
    • Association of Cardiovascular Risk Factors to Aortic Valve Calcification as Quantified by Electron Beam Computed Tomography. Pohle, and Others.
    • Electron beam computed tomographic data showed a significant association among atherosclerotic risk factors, coronary calcification, and the presence and amount of aortic valve calcification.
    • § Lack of Association Between Lipoprotein(a) and Coronary Artery Calcification in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) Study
    • Concise Review for Clinicians : Using Advanced Search Tools on PubMed for Citation Retrieval
    • Commentary: A Critique on Contemporary Reporting of Likelihood Ratios in Test Power Analysis
    • Symposium on Cerebrovascular Diseases: Literature-Searching Strategies to Improve the Application of Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Principles to Stroke Care

October 19

  1. FDA Press Releases and Talk Papers
  2. New England Journal of Medicine  Volume 351 October 14, 2004 Number 16

October 18

  1. FDA Approvals: Remicade, Abilify, Langston Catheter, and Others [Medscape report]
    • Infliximab (Remicade) With Methotrexate as First-Line Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Aripiprazole (Abilify) for Acute Bipolar Mania
    • FDA Approvals: X-SIZER, H&L-B One Shot Introduction System, Amphora, and Others [Medscape]
  2. J&J Warns of Lymphoma Risk for Remicade [Medscape] [FDA Report]
  3. Archives of Internal Medicine Vol. 164 No. 18, pp. 1947-2068, October 11, 2004
  4. CMAJ  | October 12 2004, Volume 171, Issue 8
    • Sports dermatology part 1: common dermatoses. CMAJ 2004 171: 851-853.
    • Upsurge of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection. CMAJ 2004 171: 855.
    • § Should a statin be routinely prescribed for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus? CMAJ 2004 171: 857.
    • Apolipoprotein E 4 genotype as a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia: data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging. CMAJ 2004 171: 863-867.
    • Fracture risk among First Nations people: a retrospective matched cohort study. CMAJ 2004 171: 869-873.

October 14

  1. § Prevention and Control of Influenza Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) MMWR
  2. JAMA Vol. 292 No. 14, pp. 1655-1780, October 13, 2004.

October 13

  1. § Risk of ischemic stroke with tamoxifen treatment for breast cancer: A meta-analysis. Neurology 2004 63: 1230-1233. [Eurekalert]
  2. Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment Following the First Demyelinating Event Suggestive of Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Arch Neurol. 2004;61:1515-1520.[Eurekalert news]
  3. Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome in American Adolescents. Findings From the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Circulation 2004: published online before print October 11, 2004.
  4. Associations of Parental, Birth, and Early Life Characteristics With Systolic Blood Pressure at 5 Years of Age. Findings From the Mater-University Study of Pregnancy and Its Outcomes. Circulation 2004: published online before print October 11, 2004
  5. Angiogenesis-Dependent and Independent Phases of Intimal Hyperplasia. Circulation 2004: published online before print October 11, 2004.[Eurekalert]
  6. Cystatin C. A Novel Predictor of Outcome in Suspected or Confirmed Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome. Circulation 2004: published online before print October 11, 2004 [Medscape]
  7. BMJ 9 October 2004 (Vol 329, No 7470)
    • § Combined use of rapid D-dimer testing and estimation of clinical probability in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis: systematic review. BMJ  2004;329:821,
    • Paediatric cardiac surgical mortality in England after Bristol: descriptive analysis of hospital episode statistics 1991-2002. BMJ  2004;329:825,
    • § Effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists on mortality and renal outcomes in diabetic nephropathy: systematic review. BMJ  2004;329:828,
    • Physical activity cost of the school run: impact on schoolchildren of being driven to school (EarlyBird 22). BMJ  2004;329:832-833,
    • § What can experience add to early medical education? Consensus survey. BMJ  2004;329:834
    • What the educators are saying. BMJ  2004;329:838
    • Recent developments and current status of gene therapy using viral vectors in the United Kingdom. BMJ  2004;329:839-842
    • Lesson of the week: Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: an imported infection among travellers to central and South America. BMJ  2004;329:842-844
    • ABC of preterm birth: Immediate care of the preterm infant. BMJ  2004;329:845-848
    • Informed consent and communication of risk from radiological and nuclear medicine examinations: how to escape from a communication inferno. BMJ  2004;329:849-851
    • § Ethics in practice: Making clinical decisions when the stakes are high and the evidence unclear. BMJ  2004;329:852-854.

October 12

  1. § Cost-Related Medication Underuse Among Chronically III Adults: the Treatments People Forgo, How Often, and Who Is at Risk. Am J Public Health 2004 94: 1782-1787. [Eurekalert: One in 6 chronically ill adults skip Rx drugs due to cost]
  2. High Prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis, Pain, and Functional Limitations in Female Soccer Players Twelve Years after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury. Arthritis & Rheumatism, October 2004; 50:10; pp. 3145-3152.[Eurekalert]
  3. Variations In The Longitudinal Efficiency Of Academic Medical Centers. E. S. Fisher, and Others. Health Affairs,  2004; Web exclusive: 7 October 2004.(Studies Raise Questions On Value of Intensive Care)
  4. Alkylaniline–Hemoglobin Adducts and Risk of Non–Smoking-Related Bladder Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004; 96: 1425-1431. (New risks for bladder cancer identified )
  5. MMWR October 8, 2004 / Vol. 53 /No. 39 (pdf of issue)
    Smoking During Pregnancy --- United States, 1990--2002
    State-Specific Trends in Chronic Kidney Failure ---United States, 1990--2001
    West Nile Virus Activity --- United States, September 29--October 5, 2004
    § Interim Influenza Vaccination Recommendations, 2004--05 Influenza Season
  6. Lancet Volume 364, Number 9442     09 October 2004
    • Livebirth after orthotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. J Donnez, and Others.
    • § Editorial: Vioxx: an unequal partnership between safety and efficacy
    • Editorial: A steppe towards a cooler world  [Full Text] [PDF] 
    • Violence and mortality in West Darfur, Sudan (2003-04): epidemiological evidence from four surveys. Evelyn Depoortere, and Others.
    • Effect of intravenous corticosteroids on death within 14 days in 10 008 adults with clinically significant head injury (MRC CRASH trial): randomised placebo-controlled trial. CRASH trial collaborators*
    • Resuscitation of newborn infants with 100% oxygen or air: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Peter G Davis, and Others.
    • Screening and referral for brief intervention of alcohol-misusing patients in an emergency department: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. Mike J Crawford, and Others.
    • Review and Opinion: Sickle-cell disease  
    • Rapid Review: Attributable testing for abnormal prion protein, database linkage, and blood-borne vCJD risks
    • Series: Health financing to promote access in low income settings--how much do we know?  
    • Viewpoint: Health and politics in the 2003 war with Iraq: lessons learned

October 11

  1. Factors Contributing to Mammography Failure in Women Aged 40–49 Years. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004; 96: 1432-1440.
  2. JAMA Vol. 292 No. 13, pp. 1523-1646, October 6, 2004
  3. New England Journal of Medicine : Volume 351  October 7, 2004 Number 15

October7

  1. § New England Journal of Medicine Early Release October 6, 2004 :: Failing the Public Health -- Rofecoxib, Merck, and the FDA. Eric J. Topol, M.D.
  2. § New England Journal of Medicine Early Release October 6, 2004 :: Coxibs and Cardiovascular Disease. Garret A. FitzGerald, M.D.
  3. Blood Pressure-Related Cognitive Declin. Hypertension published October 4, 2004, 10.1161/01
  4. The Association Between Blood Pressure, Hypertension, and Cerebral White Matter Lesions. The Cardiovascular Determinants of Dementia Study. Hypertension published October 4, 2004, 10.1161/01.
  5. Coronary Artery Calcification and Family History of Premature Coronary Heart Disease. Sibling History Is More Strongly Associated Than Parental History. Circulation 2004: published online before print October 4, 2004, 10.1161/01 [Eurekalert]
  6. Annals of Internal Medicine: 5 October 2004 Volume 141 Issue 7
    • § Prednisone plus Methotrexate for Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Caporali, and others.
    • § Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis in Women 15 to 29 Years of Age: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Hu, and Others.
    • The Effect of Long-Term Intake of cis Unsaturated Fats on the Risk for Gallstone Disease in Men: A Prospective Cohort Study. Tsai, and Others.
    • A Multimethod Quality Improvement Intervention To Improve Preventive Cardiovascular Care: A Cluster Randomized Trial. Ornstein, and Others.
    • Lost in Transition: Challenges and Opportunities for Improving the Quality of Transitional Care. Coleman and Berenso
    • Systematic Review: Computed Tomography and Ultrasonography To Detect Acute Appendicitis in Adults and Adolescents. Terasawa, and Others.
    • § Malaria-Related Deaths among U.S. Travelers, 1963–2001. Newman, and Others.
    • Insuring the Uninsured: Will the 2004 Election Provide an Answer? Bodenheimer
    • § Primary Care Management of Chronic Stable Angina and Asymptomatic Suspected or Known Coronary Artery Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians
    • EDITORIALS: Methotrexate in Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Kernel of Truth or Curse of Tantalus?
    • EDITORIALS: Chlamydia Screening: Expanding the Scope
    • ON BEING A DOCTOR: Northwoods Elegy
  7. Study shows CRC risk higher in people with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes. [Eurekaert report from Gastroenterology- limited online acess]
  8. The Maryland Assisted Living Study: Prevalence, Recognition, and Treatment of Dementia and Other Psychiatric Disorders in the Assisted Living Population of Central Maryland. J Am Geriatrics Soc 2004; 52 : 1618.

October 6

  1. § CDC News Release:: Interim Influenza Vaccination Recommendations: 2004-05
  2. § Preventing the Influx of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci into Health Care Institutions, by Use of a Simple Validated Prediction Rule. Clin Inf Dis 2004;39:964-970.
  3. § IDSA GUIDELINES: Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections. Clin Inf Dis 2004;39: 889-910.
  4. ACOG Issues State-of-the-Art Guide to Hormone Therapy. Experts Expand Prior Post-WHI Advice on Estrogen.
    1. BMJ 2 October 2004 (Vol 329, No 7469)
  5. Lancet Volume 364, Number 9441 | 02 October 2004 [acess via ProQuest]

October 5

  1. Dieting and the development of eating disorders in obese women: results of a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2004 80: 560-568.
  2. Chronic Morphine Sensitizes the Brain Norepinephrine System to Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and Stress. J. Neurosci. 2004 24: 8193-8197.[Eurekalert]
  3. Usefulness of Exercise Testing in the Prediction of Coronary Disease Risk Among Asymptomatic Persons as a Function of the Framingham Risk Score. Circulation 2004: online Sept 27, 2004, CIR.0000143226.40607.71.[Eurekalert]
  4. § Interactive effects of habitual physical activity and calcium intake on bone density in boys and girls. J Appl Physiol 97: 1203-1208, 2004.
  5. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 351 September 30, 2004 Number 14

October 4

  1. Central Nervous System Entry of Peripherally Injected Umbilical Cord Blood Cells Is Not Required for Neuroprotection in Stroke. Stroke 2004 35: 2385 - 2389.[Eurekalert]
  2. Prostate cancer treatment leads to impairments. November 1, 2004 issue of CANCER, News report upon online publication.[Eurekalert]
  3. Archives of Internal Medicine Vol. 164 No. 17, pp. 1823-1937,  September 27, 2004
  4. CMAJ September 28 2004, Volume 171, Issue 7
    • Changes in public order after the opening of a medically supervised safer injecting facility for illicit injection drug users. CMAJ 2004 171: 731-734.
    • Outcome reporting bias in randomized trials funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. CMAJ 2004 171: 735-740.
    • Limitations to antiarrhythmic drug use in patients with atrial fibrillation. CMAJ 2004 171: 741-745.
    • So what has the Cochrane Collaboration ever done for us? A report card on the first 10 years. CMAJ 2004 171: 747-749.
    • Registering CIHR-funded randomized controlled trials: a global public good. CMAJ 2004 171: 750-751.
    • Antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation: Do we need better use, better drugs or a randomized trial of ablation as primary therapy? CMAJ 2004 171: 752-753.
    • Review: Atrial fibrillation. CMAJ 2004 171: 755-760.

October 1

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. § Alcohol Tied to 75,000 Deaths a Year in U.S.[Medscape review of CDC report]
  2. § MMWR :: Notice to Readers: Supplemental Recommendations About the Timing of Influenza Vaccination, 2004--05 Season
  3. FDA Approval: New Extended Release Pain Medication: Palladone (hydromorphone hydrochloride) capsules for the management of persistent moderate to severe pain in patients requiring continuous around-the-clock opioid pain relief for an extended period of time.
  4. Molecular switch found that allows cancer cells to become mobile. [Eurekalert report from online edition of the journal Nature Cell Biology]
  5. Cancer vaccine based on pathogenic listeria bacteria shows promise targeting metastases. New report from the Sept. 21 issue of P.N.A.S.
  6. Ancient Virus Tied to Multiple Sclerosis. Science now report from the October issue of Nature Neuroscience.