Recent reports in Science and Medicine for January 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.

January 30

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. § No spontaneous second wind in muscle phosphofructokinase deficiency Ronald G. Haller and John Vissing Neurology 2004 62: 82-86.
  2. Isotope Analysis Shows Exposure To Depleted Uranium In Gulf War Veterans [Science Daily report from the journal Health Physics]
  3. Researchers develop computer application to 'read' medical literature, find significant data relationships. [UTSWMC news release ]
  4. Scientists identify cell defects that limit immune system's impact on late-stage tumors [Eurekalert report from The Journal of Immunology]
  5. Search for screening method to help decide when early-Alzheimer's patients should stop driving [Eurekalert report from the January issue of Neuropsychology]
  6. FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Providing More Information on Investigational Treatment
  7. Recent FDA/U.S. Customs Import Blitz Exams Continue to Reveal Potentially Dangerous Illegally Imported Drug Shipments
  8. Hair-coloring Product Use and Risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Population-based Case-Control Study in Connecticut. Zhang, et al. Am. J. Epidemiol. 2004 159: 148-154.
  9. Dieters Decrease Heart Risk On Moderate Fat Program [Science Daily report from the February issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition]
  10. Maternal diet linked to offspring's longevity [NewScientist report from Nature 2004;427:411-412.]

January 29

  1. British Medical Journal 24 January 2004 (Vol 328, No 7433)
  2. Benefit of Clopidogrel Over Aspirin Is Amplified in Patients With a History of Ischemic Events. Ringleb, and the CAPRIE Investigators Stroke published January 22, 2004, 10.1161
  3. § Comparison of outcomes in cancer patients treated within and outside clinical trials: conceptual framework and structured review. Peppercorn, et al. Lancet 2004; 363, [Eurekalert report]
  4. § Doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid to prevent asthma exacerbations: randomised controlled trial Lancet 2004; 363, Number 9405.
  5. Cost utility of prenatal diagnosis and the risk-based threshold. Haris, et al. Lancet 2004; 363, Number 9405.
  6. Ropinirole Safe, Effective for Restless Legs Syndrome [Medscape report from Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.]

January 28

  1. Photodynamic Therapy Using Topical Methyl Aminolevulinate vs Surgery for Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma. Results of a Multicenter Randomized Prospective Trial. Arch Dermatol. 2004;140:17-23.
  2. In This Issue of Archives of Internal Medicine Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:123.
  3. Detection of Clinically Unexpected Malignant and Premalignant Tumors with Whole-Body FDG PET: Histopathologic Comparison Harry Agress Jr and Benjamin Z. Cooper Radiology online December 29, 2003, 10.1148 [Eurekalert report]
  4. Free testosterone and risk for Alzheimer disease in older men. Neurology 2004 62: 188-193. [Medscape report]
  5. For leg-bypass patients, drugs can save lives and limbs, but many patients go without them. [Eurekalert report from the February issue of the Journal of Vascular Surgery]
  6. C-Reactive Protein Accelerates the Progression of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice. Paul, et al. Circulation 2004: online January 26, 2004, 10.1161/01.[Eurekalert report]
  7. Localized Hypersensitivity and Late Coronary Thrombosis Secondary to a Sirolimus-Eluting Stent: Should We Be Cautious? Virmani, et al. Circulation 2004: online January 26, 2004, 10.1161/01.C. [Medscape report]
  8. Reach of sigmoidoscopies inadequate in many older women [Eurekalert report from the Feb.1 issue of the American Journal of Medicine.]

January 27

  1. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 350 January 22, 2004 Number 4  Summaries
  2. § Change in MS-related disability in a population-based cohort: A 10-year follow-up study. J. Pittock, et al. Neurology 2004 62: 51-59.
  3. Vitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis K. L. Munger, et al. Neurology 2004 62: 60-65.
  4. Rofecoxib: No effect on Alzheimer’s disease in a 1-year, randomized, blinded, controlled study S. A. Reines, et al. Neurology 2004 62: 66-71.
  5. Cerebral microbleeds are regionally associated with intracerebral hemorrhage S. H. Lee, et al. Neurology 2004 62: 72-76.
  6. § Burden of first-ever ischemic stroke in the oldest old: Evidence from a population-based study C. Marini, et al. Neurology 2004 62: 77-81.

January 26

  1. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Overweight and Obesity
  2. § Institute of Medicine Report: Insuring America's Health: Principles and Recommendations [Medscape report]
  3. FDA Launches Consumer Campaign on Safe Use of OTC Pain Products
  4. Annals of Internal Medicine 20 January 2004 Volume 140 Issue 2

January 23

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. 'Bell Ringers' Or 'Dings' In Young Athletes Are Serious Events That Require Removal From The Game [Eurekalert and Science Daily reports from American Journal of Sports Medicine] Univ. Pittsburgh researchers news release
  2. A Pill-Free Route To Better Sleep For Elderly [Science Daily report from Sleep Medicine Review, Volume 8 Issue 1, pp 47–62. (not online)].
  3. FDA Sees Rebound In Approval Of Innovative Drugs In 2003 [Science Daily report from the Food and Drug Administration]
  4. Medscape: Hypertension Review: More New Guidelines, More New Approaches, Same Old Attitudes
  5. Puzzled monkeys reveal key language step [New Scientist report]
  6. One-size-fits-all approach to nutrition recommendations may soon be outdated [Eurekalert report from Nutrition Today not online]
  7. Understanding urinary tract infections [Eurekalert report from the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences]
  8. Neurological Reviews: Paraneoplastic Neurologic Disorders: Windows Into Neuronal Function and Tumor Immunity. Arch Neurol. 2004;61:30-32.(full-text from Library)
  9. Reduced Serotonin Type 1A Receptor Binding in Panic Disorder. J. Neurosci. 2004 24: 589-591;

January 22

  1. Comparison of efficacy, safety, and cost of low-molecular-weight heparin with continuous-infusion unfractionated heparin for initiation of anticoagulation after mechanical prosthetic valve implantation. Fanikos , et al. Am J Cardiology 15 January 2004, Volume 93, Issue 2 Pages 247-250 (registration required) [Duke Univ. news report]
  2. Medical Expenditures Attributable to Injuries --- United States, 2000. MMWR January 16, 2004 / 53(01);1-4.
  3. Methadone Versus Morphine As a First-Line Strong Opioid for Cancer Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study. E. Bruera, et al. JCO Jan 1 2004: 185–192.
  4. Daily Nighttime Melatonin Reduces Blood Pressure in Male Patients With Essential Hypertension. Hypertension published online January 19, 2004
  5. Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure and Evidence From New Hypertension Trials. Hypertension 2004 43: 1-3.
  6. Hydrochlorothiazide Versus Chlorthalidone: Evidence Supporting Their Interchangeability. Hypertension 2004 43: 4-9.
  7. Hypertension Treatment and Control in Five European Countries, Canada, and the United States. Hypertension 2004 43: 10-17.
  8. § Relationship of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index to the Risk of Hypertension: A Prospective Study in Finland . Hypertension 2004 43: 25-30.
  9. Diagnostic Accuracy of Patients in Performing Skin Self-examination and the Impact of Photography Arch Dermatol. 2004;140:57-62.
  10. This Week in JAMA 2004;291:275.
  11. § Breast-Conserving Surgery With or Without Radiotherapy: Pooled-Analysis for Risks of Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence and Mortality. Vinh-Hung, et al. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 96, No. 2, 115-121.

January 21

  1. Systematic screening allows reduction of adverse antiepileptic drug effects: A randomized trial. Neurology 2004 62: 23-27.
  2. Vitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2004 62: 60-65.
  3. Reduced Risk of Alzheimer Disease in Users of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements: The Cache County Study. Arch Neurol. 2004;61:82-88.
  4. Low blood pressure and the risk of dementia in very old individuals Neurology 2003 61: 1667-1672.
  5. Neuroprotective Function of the PGE2 EP2 Receptor in Cerebral Ischemia. J. Neurosci. 2004 24: 257-268. [Science Daily report]
  6. Treating Foot Infections in Diabetic Patients: A Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label Trial of Linezolid versus Ampicillin-Sulbactam/Amoxicillin-Clavulanate. Lipsky, et al. Clinical Infectious Diseases    2004;38:17-24
  7. § IDSA GUIDELINES Guidelines for Treatment of Candidiasis Clinical Infectious Diseases    2004;38:161-189
  8. Medscape report from the American Journal of Critical Care: Life Support Withdrawal: Communication and Conflict
  9. § Medscape report: IOM Calls for Universal Coverage by 2010
  10. § Risk Factors for Myocardial Infarction Case Fatality and Stroke Case Fatality in Type 2 Diabetes: UKPDS 66 Diabetes Care 2004;27:201-207.
  11. Consensus Statements: Thiazolidinedione Use, Fluid Retention, and Congestive Heart Failure: A consensus statement from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association Diabetes Care 2004 27: 256-263.(registration required)

January 20

  1. The Lancet: Volume 363, Number 9404     17 January 2004
  2. BMJ January 17, 2004 (Vol 328, No 7432)
  3. DLB fluctuations: Specific features that reliably differentiate DLB from AD and normal aging T.J. Ferman,et al. Neurology 2004; 62: 181 [Science Daily report]

January 19

  1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment Rapidly Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Harsch, et al. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2004; 169: 156-162.
  2. Comparison of efficacy, safety, and cost of low-molecular-weight heparin with continuous-infusion unfractionated heparin for initiation of anticoagulation after mechanical prosthetic valve implantation. Fanikos , et al. Am J Cardiology 15 January 2004, Volume 93, Issue 2 Pages 247-250 (registration) [Duke Univ. news report]
  3. FDA Reports Rebound in Approval of Innovative Drugs in 2003: New Innovation Initiative Anticipated to Speed Approvals in Years Ahead
  4. Framingham Stroke Risk Profile and Lowered Cognitive Performance. M F Elias, et al Stroke published onlineJanuary 15, 2004,.
  5. Economic effects of beta-blocker therapy in patients with heart failure.P.A. Cowper, et al Am J Med 2004; 116: 104-111 [News report]
  6. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 350 January 15, 2004 Number 3  Article Summaries

January 16

    Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

  1. Research on forgetting [Eurekalert report from Jan. 9 Science.]
  2. § Researchers define role of abnormal muscle, fat & liver in common metabolic disorder [Eurekalert report from the journal Nature Medicine and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)]
  3. Health Affairs: Drug Industry: A Closer Look
  4. Study shows how well heartburn sufferers follow directions for over-the-counter Prilosec OTC [Eurekalert report from Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology]
  5. Researchers Unlock Key Secrets Showing How Tumors Hide From Immune System [Science Daily report from the current issue of the journal Nature Medicine.]
  6. Scientists restore crucial myelin in brains of mice [Eurekalert report from the January issue of Nature Medicine.]
  7. Mayo Clinic researches ways to better treat patients with heart defects [report in the January issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings]
  8. Medical students inadequately prepared for clinical rotations, caring for chronically ill. [Eurekalert report from the January issue of Academic Medicine.]
  9. PET scans superior in revealing response to treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors [Eurekalert report from January 2004 of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.]
  10. Researchers Unlock Key Secrets Showing How Tumors Hide From Immune System [Science Daily report from Nature Reviews Cancer ]
  11. Cancer Facts and Figures 2004, Report from American Cancer Society

January 15

  1. § Insuring America's Health: Principles and Recommendations : Institue of Medicine Report
  2. §Medscape report: U.S. Health Care Spending Surged to $1.6 Trillion in 2002, Outpacing Growth in Rest of Economy Health care spending in the United States surged to $1.6 trillion in 2002 about $5,440 for every American Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said Thursday.
  3. This Issue of Archives of Internal Medicine January 12. 2004;164:11.

January 14

  1. Novel Diagnostic Test for Acute Stroke Lynch, et al. Stroke 2004 35: 57 - 63
  2. § CDC : BSE and CJD Information and Resources
  3. FDA Provides Pathway for Sponsors Seeking Approval of Breast Implants
  4. Cigarette tar yields in relation to mortality from lung cancer in the cancer prevention study II prospective cohort, 1982-8 . Harris, et al. BMJ  2004;328:72
  5. Low Serum Magnesium Predicts Neurological Events in Patients With Advanced Atherosclerosis. Amighi, et al. Stroke 2004 35: 22 - 27
  6. § The Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight Hispanic Youth and the Role of Insulin Sensitivity. Cruz, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004 89: 108-113,
  7. Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Reduced ß-Cell Function in Overweight Latino Children with a Positive Family History for Type 2 Diabetes. Goran, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004 89: 207-212.
  8. The Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS): Lifestyle intervention and 3-year results on diet and physical activity, Lindström,et al. Diabetes Care 2003 26: 3230-3236.
  9. This Week in JAMA. 2004;291:155.

January 13

  1. Anti-eosinophil therapy shown to be effective in treating hypereosinophilic syndrome [Eurekalert report from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Jan 2004]
  2. Asthma Could be Several Diseases Masquerading as One [Report from National Jewish from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Jan 2004]
  3. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 350 January 8, 2004 Number 2 Article Summaries

January 12

  1. Neurology Contents: December 23 2003, Volume 61, Issue 12
  2. § Pathologic Variables and Recurrence Rates As Related to Obesity and Race in Men With Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy. Amling, et al. JCO published December 22, 2003, 10.1200/JCO.2004.03.132 [Eurekalert report]
  3. § Levetiracetam for Phasic Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis. Hawker; et al. Arch Neurol. 2003;60:1772-1774.[Science Daily report : Popular Anti-epileptic Drug Also Effective In Controlling Debilitating Symptom Of Multiple Sclerosis]
  4. This Week in JAMA. 2004;291:9.

January 9

    Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles
  1. Annual CT Screening Detects Early-stage Lung Cancers, Saves Lives ScienceDaily report from annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America
  2. Key appetite regulator may be identified, scientists report [Eurekalert report from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.]
  3. § Medwatch from FDA: FDA and Lilly warn of the possibility of patients falling asleep while performing daily activities, including operation of motor vehicles, while receiving treatment with Permax.
  4. New understanding of why brain cells die after stroke will lead to development of new treatments.[Eurekalert report from the December 26 issue of Cell]
  5. Lilly Announces FDA Approval of First Medication for Bipolar Depression
  6. Insomnia in the Geriatric Patient [Medscape review article]
  7. Researchers Identify A Gene That Causes Insulin Resistance In Mexican Americans Eurekalert report from the January issue of Diabetes.
  8. Cobblestone mat walking shows health benefits for elderly [Eurekalert report from the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity]
  9. Decrease in PaCO2 With Prone Position is Predictive of Improved Outcome in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [Medscape report from Critical Care Medicine]
  10. Delayed Diagnosis Explains Worse Breast Cancer Survival in Europe Than U.S.[Medscape report from Cancer]
  11. One-shot addiction treatment shows promise. [Eurekalert report from he journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence ]
  12. Critical Care Antibiotic resistant bacteria frequently transmitted between intensive care patients [Eurekalert]
  13. Journal of General Internal MedicineU-M study: Doctors more likely to prescribe pricey new blood pressure drugs. [Eurekalert]
  14. Teenage Pregnancy May Put Girls At Risk For Osteoporosis December 2003, issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Science Daily report.

January 8

  1. § The National Quality Measures Clearinghouse , sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a public repository for evidence-based quality measures and measure sets.
  2. Intensive Therapy With Inhaled Insulin via the AERx Insulin Diabetes Management System: A 12-week proof-of-concept trial in patients with type 2 diabetes. Hermansen, et al. Diabetes Care 2004 27: 162-167.
  3. § Bad reporting does not mean bad methods for randomised trials: observational study of randomised controlled trials performed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. BMJ  2004;328:22-24, and Commentary: The quality of randomised controlled trials may be better than assumed. BMJ  2004;328:24-25.
  4. Active smoking associated with increased risk of breast cancer [Eurekalert report from the January 7 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.]
  5. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 350 January 1, 2004 Number 1  

January 7

  1. Closing the Gap: Effect of Diabetes Case Management on Glycemic Control Among Low-Income Ethnic Minority Populations: The California Medi-Cal Type 2 Diabetes Study. The California Medi-Cal Type 2 Diabetes Study Group Diabetes Care 2004 27: 95-103.
  2. § Exercise Capacity and Body Composition as Predictors of Mortality Among Men With Diabetes Church, et al. Diabetes Care 2004 27: 83-88.
  3. Annals of Internal Medicine 6 January 2004 Volume 140 Issue 1 Contents

January 6

  1. FDA MedWatch: Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) Capsules and for Oral Suspension. It is recommended that Tamiflu not be administered to children younger than 1 year.
  2. § Persistently Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Marker Of Occult Hepatitis C? [IDSA report from the January 1 issue of JID ]
  3. More sensitive test norms better predict who might develop Alzheimer's disease [Eurekalert report from the January issue of Neuropsychology
  4. This Week in JAMA 2003;290:3167.

January 5

  1. § FDA Announces Plans to Prohibit Sales of Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra Consumers Advised to Stop Using Ephedra Immediately
  2. FDA Issues Final Rule and Final Order Regarding Safety and Efficacy of Certain Licensed Biological Products Including Anthrax Vaccine
  3. FDA Statement on Rendered Products Derived From BSE Cow in Washington State
  4. Topamax (topiramate) Tablets/Sprinkle Capsules Ortho-McNeil and FDA revised the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections of the prescribing information, notifying healthcare professionals that Topamax causes hyperchloremic, non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (decreased serum bicarbonate).
  5. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 349 December 25, 2003 Number 26  Article Summaries