Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - March 2000

Comments are written in text form together with recent references. This list continues from the last issue of EJAIBand will continue. The full list of news (OLD = 1991-1993; NEW = 1994+) until May 1999 is available on-line topic-by-topic, at: http://eubios.info/NBB.html

Abbreviations

Comments are written in text form together with recent references. This list continues from the last issue of EJAIB and will continue. This list is available on-line topic-by-topic, at:
http://eubios.info/NBB.html

New transgenic plant research is reviewed in GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 8, 35, 43; Science 287 (2000), 412-4; and the USDA has doubled its grants on plant research, Science 287 (2000), 402. A bioreactor is Staub, JM, et al. "High-yield production of a human therapeutic protein in tobacco chloroplasts", NatBio 18 (2000), 333-8.

On resistance to Bt toxin, Science 287 (2000), 42. Transgenic plants with a low level of trienoic fatty acids are better able to tolerate high temperatures, Murakami, Y. et al. "Trienoic fatty acids and plant tolerance of high temperature", Science 287 (2000), 476-9. Using plant metabolic engineering is discussed in Ye, X. et al. "Engineering the provitamin A (beta-carotene) biosynthetic pathway into (carotenoid-free) rice endosperm", Science 287 (2000), 303-5, 241-3.

Genetic Engineering of Animals

On 24 January, 2000 Japanese scientists at Kagoshima Prefectural Cattle Breeding Development Institute announced the birth of a recloned cow, that resulted from nuclear transfer from the ear cell of a 3 month old cloned cow (CNN 25 Jan. 2000). Cloned calves have been produced from adult fibroblast cells after long-term culture, PNAS 97 (2000), 990-5; BMJ 320 (2000), 136. Nuclear cloning from ES cells in mice is reported in NatGen 24 (2000), 109-10. A review on the future of cloning is Nature 402 (1999), 743-6. A book review of Wilmut, I. et al. The Second Creation: The Age of Biological Control by the Scientists that Cloned Dolly (Headline 2000, 362pp.) is Nature 403 (2000), 479-80. A Workshop on Natural, Scientific, Legal, Ethical, Economic and Social Aspects of Animal Cloning was conducted at the European Academy for Environment and Economy, University of Lüneburg, Germany, 28-30 January, 2000. Contact Prof. Dr. Jürgen Simon for details. The proceedings will be available later.

Genetic engineering of Xenopus and germ-line transmission is reported in NatGen 24 (2000), 11. A review of Drosophila in cancer research is TIG 16 (2000), 33-9. A review of insect walking and biorobotics is BioScience 50 (2000), 23-33. Genomic interval engineering of mice has produced a modulator of triglyceride production, PNAS 97 (2000), 1137-42. On gene targeting in animals other than mice, PNAS 97 (2000), 956-7.

NIH researchers will have free access to Oncomouse, after 4 years of negotiation with DuPont, Nature 403 (2000), 350. A gene trap sequence tag library has been made to generate mutant mice from ES cells, NatGen 24 (2000), 13-4. A review is Beck, JA. Et al. "Genealogies of mouse inbred stains", NatGen 24 (2000), 23-5. Nested chromosomal deletions can be induced with retroviral vectors, NatGen 24 (2000), 92-5. CD-9 deficient female mice have reduced fertility, Science 287 (2000), 319-21; Mutations in Pkd2 cause renal and cardiac failure, NatGen 24 (2000), 75-8; Otog disruption results in deafness and imbalance, NatGen 24 (2000), 139-48; and synapses develop in an aberrant way in erbB2-deficient mice, PNAS 97 (2000), 1299-304. A mouse model for spinal muscular atrophy is in NatGen 24 (2000), 66-71. A model of diabetes has revealed the role of HLA-DQ8 in diabetes, Lancet 355 (2000), 206.

Designer Molecules

Design of recombinant antibodies is discussed in GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 1, 28-9, 49. Gelatins can be artificially produced in Bacillus brevis, AEM 66 (2000), 304-9. Biosynthesis of vanillin is reported in AEM 66 (2000), 684-7. DNA computing is discussed in Nature 403 (2000), 143-4.

Biotechnology & the Public

For discussion of the global biosafety protocol see Regulation of GMOs section. A report on the results of biotechnology surveys in the Philippines with international comparisons is Phan-huy, SA., Nachfrageseitige Akzeptanz von Technologien imErnahrungsbereich (vdf, 1998, ISBN 3-7281-2652-7, 241pp.).

The Danish Ministry of Trade and Industry has released a report in English, An ethical foundation for genetic engineering choices (Ministry of Trade and Industry, 1999, 60pp.). It was the result of a Biotik group on biotechnology and ethics which was largely academic in composition. The focus includes an opinion to regulate genetic engineering on animals and to not allow engineering of human beings, beyond somatic cell gene therapy. Risk assessment is open to public interpretation, BMJ 320 (2000), 315; and they often fear commercial links to regulators, Nature 403 (2000), 6-7.

An International Academy Council has been formed in Switzerland to bring together international scientific bodies, Science 287 (2000), 943-4. Science is playing a larger role in decision making, Nature 403 (2000), 357-9. On the social responsibility of scientists, Science 287 (2000), 425, 427-8. On the history of science, Science 287 (2000), 253-61. Ways to encourage creativity are discussed in Nature 403 (2000), 1, 23. There are few generalists left, Nature 403 (2000), 483. Feminism and science is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 807-8.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs

Agreement on a global biosafety protocol by 130 countries including the USA will govern international trade in GMOs, once 50 countries have ratified it. Reports include: Nature 403 (2000), 467, 473-4; NatBio 18 (2000), 239, 253; GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 1, 56; Ram's Horn 177 (2000), 5-7; Science 287 (2000), 782-3. The new treaty does not cover pharmaceuticals, but agricultural commodities. There was a large struggle between the US and African countries and some active NGOs, NS (15 Jan. 2000), 14-5; (5 Feb. 2000), 3, 5. Marine biotechnology is discussed in Balint, PJ. "Marine biotechnology: A proposal for regulatory reform", Politics & Life Sciences 18 (1999), 25-30.

A report from the USA is Falck-Zepeda, JB. Et al. "Rent Creation and Distribution from the First Three Years of Planting Bt Cotton", ISAA Briefs No. 14, 1999, 18pp. It studies the 48 commercially introduced transgenic cotton varieties introduced to the USA since 1996, which now make up over 45% of the cotton varieties in the USA. The amount of insecticide applied has fallen significantly, by several times since 1994. The US EPA has announced new rules to force larger amounts of non-Bt corn to be planted with Bt corn to delay resistance, Nature 403 (2000), 238. On the study of insects, Shelton, AM et al. "Field tests on managing resistance to Bt-engineered plants", NatBio 18 (2000), 339-42, 266-7. Portugal has banned large scale planting of Bt corn, beyond the 0.5% of corn currently in tests that is GM, Nature 403 (2000), 10.

A report on protests in India over GMOs, Splice 6 (No. 2, 2000), 6-7. There is still an indefinite delay in EU GMO applications NatBio 18 (2000), 253-4. A report on field trials of baculovirus pest control is Splice 6 (No. 2, 2000), 8-9. A letter on herbicide use on roundup ready crops is Science 287 (2000), 803-4. A letter arguing that plant genetic engineering is not so different to natural gene transfer is Nature 403 (2000), 12. Genetic control and clocks is discussed in NS (22 Jan. 2000), 11. The question of whether escaped salmon from fish farms damage native populations is discussed in NS (5 Feb. 2000), 12. On horizontal gene transfer, BioScience 50 (2000), 85-7. On GM crops and equivocal environmental benefits NatBio 18 (2000), 242. A review is Pimentel, D. "Environmental and economic costs of non-indigenous species in the United States", BioScience 50 (2000), 53-64. Also on alien invaders, Nature 403 (2000), 492-3; Hamilton, G. "When good bugs turn bad", NS (Jan. 2000), 30-3.

A paper that is available on the Internet is DaSilva, EJ. "Biological warfare, bioterrorism, biodefence and the biological and toxin weapons convention", Electronic Journal of Biotechnology 2 (15 Dec. 1999). A series of 10 papers on biowarfare control is Politics & Life Sciences 18 (1999), 55-118. It will be difficult to cope with bioterrorism, BMJ 320 (2000), 71-2. In general on the lack of preparatedness for weapons of mass destruction, JAMA 283 (2000), 242-9, 252-4.

Vaccines & Diseases

Ethics and vaccine research are discussed in Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (Jan. 2000), 7-19. On the end of polio, which still requires some major funds, NS (5 Feb. 2000), 3, 20-1. It is now clear polio vaccine was not the origin of HIV, Nature 403 (2000), 130. It is suggested that healthy children should also be given influenza vaccine, NEJM 342 (2000), 225-31, 232-9, 275-6; Lancet 355 (2000), 473. A review on concerns is Bedford, H. & Elliman, D. "Concerns about immunization", BMJ 320 (2000), 240-3. On MMR and autism risk, BMJ 320 (2000), 389. On the Children's Vaccine Initiative, SSM 50 (2000), 599. The recommended childhood vaccination schedule is in JAMA 283 (2000), 876-7; AJPH 90 (2000), 199-207. There are some sanctions against parents who fail to vaccinate their children, NatMed. 6 (2000), 119.

Global immunization is being urged by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) formed on 31 January, 2000 in Switzerland, Lancet 355 (2000), 477. The question whether meningococcal disease vaccination should be routine in Africa is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 3, 30-. Vaccination against pertussis has reduced both incidence and transmission in the UK, Lancet 355 (2000), 285-6. A call to look at new methods for vaccination is NatMed. 6 (2000), 123-5. A DNA vaccine for hepatitis C has been found, PNAS 97 (2000), 297-302.

The concern about germs is reviewed in Tomes, N. "The making of a germ panic, then and now", AJPH 90 (2000), 191-8. Rotaviruses cause diarrhea by activating the enteric nervous system of the gut to release water, Science 287 (2000), 409-10. Helicobacter pylori is transmitted among siblings of similar age in the Andes, Lancet 355 (2000), 332, 358-62. The bacteria has a unique acid gated membrane channel that allows it to live in stomachs, BMJ 320 (2000), 268. The EU has reversed a decision to fund more malaria research, NatMed. 5 (1999), 1333. Malaria vacines should target mutliple targets, NS (Jan. 2000), 6. A comment on worldwide disease monitoring is AJPH 90 (2000), 22-4, 181-2. On the limits of public health, AJPH 90 (2000), 25-32. The WHO has launched a campaign to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by the year 2020, BMJ 320 (2000), 269. A book review on hantaviruses is NatMed. 6 (2000), 11-12, and on the flu, NatMed. 6 (2000), 12-13.

Drug-resistant bacteria are discussed in GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 6, 4; BMJ 320 (2000), 130-1, 199-200, 213-6. Anew scheme of antibody boosters may lessen the use of antibiotics in chickens, NS (15 Jan. 2000), 9. Denmark is stopping to use antibiotics for pigs, but if the rest of Europe stops it will be very expensive, NS (5 Feb. 2000), 22. A study of social factors that allow acquisition of antibiotics without prescription in India is SSM 50 (2000), 891-903. A weak point in the bacteria causing tuberculosis has been found by X-ray studies of the antigen 85C protein, NS (12 Feb. 2000), 23.

Human BSE may kill thousands of people but it could have been worse, NS (22 Jan. 2000), 5. Transmissible and genetic prion disease share a common pathway of neurodegeneration, Nature 403 (2000), 737-8, 822-6. A letter on the risk of prion disease in JAMA 283 (2000), 2301-2. The way cattle are feed is linked to case clustering of BSE, Prcf. Roy. Soc. Lond. B 267 (2000), 205-15.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases

One way to solve the blood supply problem is to use blood from hemochromatosis patients, whose blood contains too much iron, but this is not approved in the USA, Probe 8 (No.1, 1 Feb. 2000), 1, 6-7. However blood banks do not ask, so patients can receive free blood-letting in exchange for giving blood, that would otherwise be wasted. A book review of Resnik, S. Blood Saga: The Social History of the U.S. Hemophilia Community, 1948-98 (Univ. California Press, 1998) is JAMA 283 (2000), 124.

A survey of women who gave birth in Chicago in 1997 and 1998 found 58% received HIV counseling and 65% were offered testing, AJPH 90 (2000), 273-6. 56% took the testing and 88% were given the test result. Confidentiality of HIV in South Africa is discussed in Nursing Ethics 7 (2000), 158-66. A public survey from the UK is Kessel, A. et al. "Bad Blood? Survey of public's views on unlinked anonymous testing of blood for HIV and other diseases", BMJ 320 (2000), 90-1. One third of the persons were unaware of such testing. A GP in the UK who arranged for 5 patients' blood to be tested for HIV without their knowledge has been reprimanded, BMJ 320 (2000), 135. There will be changes in the testing conducted on immigrants in the Netherlands, Lancet 355 (2000), 475. A New York State program has improved birth outcomes among women with enhanced Medicaid prenatal care, AJPH 90 (2000), 85-91.

Prostitution and HIV is discussed in SSM 50 (2000), 479-94, 737-49. HIV counseling may provide a way to stop violence against women, SSM 50 (2000), 459-78. There is also sometimes violence after someone in a family contracts HIV, AJPH 90 (2000), 208-15. A call for more vaginal microbicide testing is AJPH 90 (2000), 188-90. Continued risky behaviour with HIV is reported in AJPH 90 (2000), 115-8. On pediatric AIDS, JAMA 283 (2000), 262. The UN has recognized HIV as a threat to world peace and discussed it at the security council of the UN, NatMed. 6 (2000), 117; Lancet 355 (2000), 211. A special report on the serious AIDS disaster in Africa is Newsweek (17 Jan. 2000), 8-19.

Report from a Chinese HIV vaccine meeting is NatMed. 6 (2000), 5. Heat stressed proteins may be useful for HIV vaccines, NS (22 Jan. 2000), 10. Also on vaccine trials, NS (29 Jan. 2000), 5. The updated recommendations of the International AIDS Society - USA Panel for antiretroviral therapy in adults are in JAMA 283 (2000), 381-90. The non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz could be useful for fighting HIV but is expensive, Lancet 355 (2000), 46. On another drug, adefovir, JAMA 283 (2000), 2355-6; see also JAMA 283 (2000), 250-1. Retroviral therapy in San Francisco is reviewed in Science 287 (2000), 650+. Thailand is making a cheap version of the drug didanosine, paying a license fee to the patent holder, BMJ 320 (2000), 207.

It is suggested that HIV came from SIV in chimpanzees at least on 7 occasions, Hahn, BH. Et al. "AIDS as a zoonosis: Scientific and public health implications", Science 287 (2000), 607-14. On the origin of HIV, New Republic (27 Dec. 1999), 28-32; Nature 397 (2000), 436-441; JAMA 283 (2000), 310; NS (12 Feb. 2000), 4. Africa may also give new ideas in understanding the disease, Science 287 (2000), 942-3. There is diversity in HIV different among gender, NatMed. 6 (2000), 23-5, 71-5. Dementia and HIV is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 602-4.

Genital Herpes and health is still a problem, JAMA 283 (2000), 791-4. Prevention of hepatitis C in Australia is discussed in MJA 172 (2000), 55-6. Long term hepatitis C does not always cause liver disease, Lancet 355 (2000), 291. Letters on the prevalence in USA are in NEJM 341 (1999), 2093-6.

Microbes & Pollution Remedies

A review is Mohan, BS. & Hosetti, BB. "Aquatic plants for toxicity assessment", Environmental Research 81 (1999), 259-74. A discussion of genetic engineering of Pseudomonas putida to enable it for clean up is NS (12 Feb. 2000), 13; Bizily, SB. "Phytodetoxification of hazardous organomercurials by genetically engineered plants", NatBio 18 (2000), 213-7, 136. The use of PCR to monitor bioremediation is discussed in AEM 66 (2000), 678-83. Ground up coffee may clean up drinking water, NS (12 Feb. 2000), 20.

Environmental Issues

Several recent publications from UNU on environmental issues include: Inter-Linkages. Syngergies and Coordination between Multinational Environmental Agreements (UNU, 1997, 31pp.); Global Climate Governance. Inter-Linkages between the Kyoto Protocol and other Multilateral Regimes (UNU, 1999, 76pp.); Eco-Restructuring for Sustainable Development (UNU, 1997, 60pp.); UNU/INRA, UNU in Africa: Managing Natural Resources for Sustainable Development (UNU, 1997, 28pp.). A comment by Vandana Shiva on the historical significance of the protests at Seattle is Splice 6 (No. 2, 2000), 4-5.

The idea of sequestering carbon dioxide underground is discussed in SA (Feb. 2000), 72-9. Climate change is discussed, Science 287 (2000), 246-7, 793-4; Nature 403 (2000), 233. The development of durable catalysts for cleaner air is discussed in Nature 403 (2000), 35-6. It may not however be better for the environment if you buy a new car, NS (12 Feb. 2000), 21. A book review on generating solar energy is Nature 403 (2000), 363. Future electricity supplies are discussed in Science 287 (2000), 971; NS (22 Jan. 2000), 49; (12 Feb. 2000), 3. Chinese and Indian coal burning and efficiency is discussed in NS (22 Jan. 2000), 16-7.

El Nino lead to increased health admissions in Peruvian children, Checkley, W. "Effects of El Nino and ambient temperature on hospital admissions for diarrhoeal diseases in Peruvian children", Lancet 355 (2000), 442-50. Marine iguanas shrink to survive El Nino, Nature 403 (2000), 37. Releases of methyl bromide and methyl chloride from coastal salt marshes account for 10% of the total release, Nature 403 (2000), 292-5. On rice field releases of methane, Nature 403 (2000), 375-6.

A paper on the need for sustainable development is Caldwell, LK. "Is humanity destined to self-destruct?", Politics & Life Sciences 18 (1999), 3-14. Industry needs to be involved, Nature 403 (2000), Dally, GC. & Walker, BH. "Seeking the great transition", Nature 403 (2000), 243-5. A study on politics of fuelwood in Malawi is Politics & Life Sciences 18 (1999), 37-54. A study on equity and willingness to pay for ivermectin in Nigeria is Public Health 113 (1999), 193-4. Ecology in the Third World in Mexico is discussed in BioScience 50 (2000), 66-76. Environmental policy is discussed in Nature 403 (2000), 139.

A book review of Fagin, D. & Lavelle, M, Toxic Deception: How the Chemical Industry Manipulates Science, Bends the Law and Endangers Your Health (Common Courage Press 1999) is JAMA 283 (2000), 121-2. Regulation of environmental hormones is discussed in BioScience 50 (2000), 4-6. The role of the lead industry in the lead poisoning in the first half of the twentieth century is discussed in AJPH 90 (2000), 36-46. Mercury risks are discussed in Public Health Reports 114 (1999), 512-5. Self-reported health of persons living in chromium contaminated areas is reported in BMJ 320 (2000), 11-5. A study of a landfill in the UK found higher rates of congenital malformations predated the landfill, BMJ 320 (2000), 19-23. Arsenic poisoning is still a major problem in the Ganges, NS (12 Feb. 2000), 16-7. A film review from the Bhopal accident is Time (17 January 2000), 52.

Housing construction in California is leading to increased asbestos releases into the air, SA (Feb. 2000), 34. The need for proper disposal of computers to avoid contamination is discussed in SA (Feb. 2000), 33. Grass roots action is urged in Nature 403 (2000), 129.

The directors of nuclear weapons labs in the USA contributed to a senate vote to not ratify the Comprehensive TestBan Treaty, Nature 403 (2000), 131-3. Letters on still births among offspring of male radiation workers are Lancet 355 (2000), 492-4. Neutropenia is found in survivors of the atomic bomb explosion, Lancet 355 (2000), 117. Some radioactive waste from plutonium dioxide can mutate into a water soluble form, which means long term storage may not be safe, NS (18 Jan. 2000), 18. On the Russian nuclear power campaign, NS (22 Jan. 2000), 48.

Biodiversity

A book review of Terborgh, J., Requiem for Nature (Island Press 1999, 656pp, US$25) is Nature 403 (2000), 593-4. It asks whether we should conserve biodiversity for its own sake. On conservation biology, Nature 403 (2000), 26-7. The question of when to cull elephants and sell ivory is discussed in SA (Jan. 2000), 41-2. The question of what state forests should be attempted to be restored to is difficult, Science 287 (2000), 573-5. It depends on how far the clock should go back. A proposal for more national parks in the Amazon is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 786-9.

There is controversy over the use of a small Island in Anguilla that is being leased to make a rocket launch pad, NS (12 Feb. 2000), 22. The idea to breach dams on the Snake river in Idaho is being discussed in Science 287 (2000), 27. Protests against a proposed Venezuela salt factory that would replace a salt marsh are discussed in Ram's Horn 176 (2000), 1-4. Letters on biosphere management are in Science 287 (2000), 234-5. The debate in Kenya on the future of protecting wildlife is in Financial Times (29 Jan. 2000), Weekend 1. Safer herbicides have been found from salt marshes, NS (5 Feb. 2000), 7. The threats of emerging infectious diseases to biodiversity is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 443-9.

A www site to list all amphibian species to help protect them has been launched www.amphibiaweb.org, Nature 403 (2000), 471. On the evolution of species diversity, Nature 403 (2000), 125. Researchers are starting to buy species names for a fee, Science 287 (2000), 421. Local data are needed for conservation, Nature 403 (2000), 241.

Animal Rights

Escalating violence may be stopping some researchers from using animals, SA (Feb. 2000), 32; JAMA 283 (2000), 743-4. In response to protests the NIH is scaling back the mouse ascites method which currently kills about 1 million mice a year, Science 287 (2000), 207. Vaccine studies are being delayed by a shortage of Indian rhesus macaques, Science 287 (2000), 959-60. Dissection has been banned in Israeli schools, Nature 402 (1999), 845. The effects of sensory deprivation in a nematode worm are reported in Nature 403 (2000), 740-1, 804-9.

Numerical memory span in chimpanzees has been tested in Ai, with a number of 5 being remembered, similar to human preschool children, Kawai, N. & Matsuzawa, T. "Numerical memory span in a chimpanzee", Nature 403 (2000), 39. Chimpanzee links to HIV, and vaccine production in the late 1950s, are discussed in Science 287 (2000), 233. Consciousness is still a mystery, Science 287 (2000), 791. A review on memory is Science 287 (2000), 248-51. A protein based element of inheritance is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 661-4.On pain, JAMA 283 (2000), 117; and language, Nature 403 (2000), 361-2.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products

A discussion of use of genetic engineering to enhance performance is Aschwandern, C. "Gene cheats", NS (15 Jan. 2000), 24-9.Drug delivery is discussed in GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 10, 56. Growth hormone therapy is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 134-7, 359. Insulin-like growth factor 1 is important for growth hormone therapy, Lancet 355 (2000), 148. A review of wound healing that includes a variety of measures including hormones is JAMA 283 (2000), 716-8.

Food safety

A discussion of the impact of the GM food debates on US farmers is JAMA 283 (2000), 188-90. A call for use of genetic engineering is Trewavas, A. "Much food, many problems", Nature 403 (2000), 231-2; NatBio 18 (2000), 247. Technologies to monitor and label GM food are discussed in Science 287 (2000), 431-2. On 19 January the Swiss released their laws on GM food, which includes a 30 year liability period for harm caused by GM foods, Lancet 355 (2000), 388. Japan has announced health tests on GM food will be mandatory from April 2001, Nature 402 (1999), 846. Currently checks are voluntary. A general discussion on safety is Thompson, L. "Are bioengineered foods safe?", FDA Consumer (Jan. 2000), 18-23. On allergens see a 4 page Supplement 127 to NS (22 Jan. 2000). The fears that people and consumers have has made some researchers worry about funding of plant biotechnology projects, Science 287 (2000), 790-1. The FDA is considering approving the first transgenic fish NatBio 18 (2000), 143.

A review of food safety technology is GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 50, 59. How much depends on the value judgements of safety requirement. The European Commission is planning to set up an independent Food Authority to better reassure people, and has accepted the White Paper on Food Safety, Science 287 (2000), 403-4; Lancet 355 (2000), 297. There has been controversy over the UK food standards chief, Nature 403 (2000), 235. Diet and heart disease is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 301-5. Vitamin E has no apparent affect on high risk heart disease patients, NEJM 342 (2000), 154-60; Lancet 355 (2000), 383. There is also a lack of impact of phyto-estrogens on health for women for estrogen replacement therapy, Lancet 355 (2000), 163-4. Obesity is discussed in NEJM 341 (1999), 2097-8. There may be a link with depression, AJPH 90 (2000), 251-7. Childhood obesity is also important to prevent, BMJ 320 (2000), 328-9. On the vitamin needs and fortified foods of toddlers, Time (19 Feb. 2000), 56. Brain reward is modulated by leptin, Science 287 (2000), 125-8. Bee behaviour and tracking to food is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 817-8. Nitrates and food safety is discussed in NS (5 Feb. 2000), 48-9.

A US study suggests alcoholic drinking is no longer declining, AJPH 90 (2000), 47-52. About 1 in 4 US children under 18 years is exposed to alcohol abuse or dependence, AJPH 90 (2000), 112-5. Health benefits from moderate alcohol are discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 123. Fluoride treatment and water is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 265-9, 247.

Disease Risks & Drugs

On alternative medicine and ethics, CQHE 9 (2000), 83-97; JAMA 283 (2000), 56-7. In Germany some pain relief by spending severla minutes in a freezer is reported in Science 287 (2000), 579. On 28 January the FDA made another warning on the safety of drug sales over the Internet; and they will be regulated, BMJ 320 (2000), 75; FDA Consumer (Jan. 2000), 25-9. A call to regulate the generic drug market is BMJ 320 (2000), 7, 131-2. There is unlicensed drug use in medical wards for children in Europe, BMJ 320 (2000), 79-82. The question why some men die who take Viagra is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 590-3. The safety of FDA-approved drugs is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2297-8. On the use of prescription drug information in pharmacy benefit programs, JAMA 283 (2000), 801-6.

In general on public health, JAMA 283 (2000), 37-8. A study of why mental health patients were less likely to undergo coronary revascularization procedures is JAMA 283 (2000), 506-11. Occupational health is discussed in AJPH 90 (2000), 186-7; Lancet 355 (2000), 124. Potted plants are not enough to heal sick building syndrome, NS (15 Jan. 2000), 5.

The WMA Declaration on Principles of Health Care for Sports Medicine is in BME 153 (1999), 10-1. The reason why alcohol damages the brain is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 947-8. In the US in 1997 and in 1998, 38% of deaths from traffic accidents were alcohol related, JAMA 283 (2000), 598-9. On alcohol dependence, AJPH 90 (2000), 53-6. The debate over use of cannabis should become more rational, BMJ 320 (2000), 108-10. Use of herbal remedies is discussed in NS (J22 an. 2000), 19. A book review of The Fix is NEJM 342 (2000), 140. The relationship between modifiable health risks and short term health changes is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2235-9.

One cigarette reduces life expectancy by 11 minutes on average, BMJ 320 (2000), 53. A review of global tobacco litigation is BMJ 320 (2000), 111-3. India has given an exemption for tobacco tax in some states, Lancet 355 (2000), 381. On Canadian efforts, NS (29 Jan. 2000), 19. The decline in pregnancy-related smoking rates in the USA since 1986 may be due to less women starting smoking rather than special concerns on pregnancy, JAMA 283 (2000), 361-6. The Winston no additive campaign is examined in Public Health Reports 114 (1999), 522-5. It will be 50 years in August 2000 that tobacco and public health have been discussed in BMJ, BMJ 320 (2000), 74. WHO is increasing its attempts to stop tobacco use in developing countries, Lancet 355 (2000), 210. On the use of tobacco in the 1990s in the USA, JAMA 283 (2000), 2202-4. The idea to make safer cigarettes is discussed in NS (12 Feb. 2000), 5.

Recommendations on implants are in JAMA 283 (2000), 869. There are trends to use more breast conserving therapy for breast cancer in California, AJPH 90 (2000), 281-4. Fear of falling in the elderly has a detrimental affect on the quality of life, BMJ 320 (2000), 241-6.

The need for seat belt use and parallels with condoms are discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 400-3. Youth violence is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 222-3. Violence in hospital is discussed in CMAJ 161 (1999), 1245-8. There is increased chance of violence by stalkers who have had previous sexual intimacy with the victims, Lancet 355 (2000), 199. Music therapy can work to help medical problems, JAMA 283 (2000), 468-9, 731-3.

Patenting & Business

The legal suit by pharmaceutical companies against South Africa for its decision to make generic copies of patented AIDS drugs is rejected in an editorial of BME 153 (1999), 1. The companies claim it is piracy, however developing countries cannot afford to pay the royalties on the drugs. EJAIB joins Bulletin of Medical Ethics in supporting countries who put their population's health above patent royalties, but the issue is not so simple. A further comment on the court decision that the Hoffman-Roche Taq polymerase patent is invalid, is Nature 402 (1999), 477, 709. On trends in US patent legislation for biotech NatBio 18 (2000), 229-31.

Europe has lifted its 4 year patent embargo on transgenic plants and animals, Nature 403 (2000), 3; NatBio 18 (2000), 129. On the debate in Europe, Nature 403 (2000), 9-10. Geron corporation has been granted license to the Roslin Institute patents on use of cloning techniques, that would also cover human embryos, Science 287 (2000), 559; NatBio 18 (2000), 256-7; BMJ 320 (2000), 270; Nature 403 (2000), 351. The NIH has made a deal for fre use of Oncomouse by its researchers, Science 287 (2000), 567.

Indigenous people from nine South American countries have claimed victory as the US PTO rejected a patent on the "ayahuasca" vine, which is used in religious healing ceremonies, HoneyBee 10 (Oct. 1999), 16. Bioprospecting in Mexico is discussed in Splice 6 (No. 2, 2000), 10-1. Small biotech companies in the US have attacked the NIH rules that ask companies who have NIH funds to not apply for "reach-through" rights on new developments, Nature 403 (2000), 582. The WIPO has launched an automated patent database, Nature 403 (2000), 239.

A discussion of Agbiotech mergers is Ram's Horn 177 (2000), 4-5. The trend to combine to form bigger companies is contining, NatBio 18 (2000), 141; although the Novartis Crop Protection and Seeds, AstraZeneca merger to form Syngenta, still needs to be approved. Novartis plans to increase its academic research funding, NatMed. 6 (2000), 1337. On the Glaxo-SmithKine merger, GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 1, 26, 35, 39; Nature 403 (2000), 232.

The licensing conditions announced by Celera for use of its genome data are being debated. It has finished most of the human gemome, Nature 403 (2000), 117, 231. Celera has bought 47.5% of Shanghai GeneCo Biotechnologies Ltd., with another 47.5% held by Perkin-Elmer, that owns Celera, Nature 403 (2000), 238. Industry is generally focusing on how to use knowledge from the genome project, GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 14, 51. A review of the French genome park is GEN 20 (15 Feb. 2000), 28, 44; also NatBio 18 (2000), 153-5. The need for science reform in Japan is discussed in Nature 403 (2000), 7-8. The Japanese Development Bank has announced it has set up a dedicated biotechnology fund, Nature 403 (2000), 124; NatBio 18 (2000), 142, 256. January was national biotechnology month in the USA, declared by President Clinton, Federal Register (24 Jan. 2000), Proclamation 7269. In general on biotech business, NatBio 18 (2000), 270-2, 280-1. And in Ireland NatBio 18 (2000), 273-5; Portugal NatBio 18 (2000), 276-7; East Asia NatBio 18 (2000), 278-9.

Birth Control

A general discussion is Potts, M. "The unmet need for family planning", SA (Jan 2000), 88-93. A study of family planning in Romanian high schools is Public Health 113 (1999), 219-26. Abortion is still considered the main method by many. There are concerns on adolescent pregnancy in Cape Verde, Lancet 355 (2000), 128. A study of sexual behaviour of immigrant men in the USA, SSM 50 (2000), 723-5. A historical study of the medical use of a vibrator in a book review is JAMA 283 (2000), 261. A study of family planning in Gaza is SSM 50 (2000), 841-9. A general review of the 20^th century rise in family planning is JAMA 283 (2000), 327-31. Spain now has the lowest birth rate in the world at 1.07, Lancet 355 (2000), 126. The future of O&G in Australia is discussed in MJA 172 (2000), 88-9; and in the USA, O&G 95 (2000), 1-5. On the risk of STDs in poor neighbourhoods, AJPH 90 (2000), 230-6.

On smoking and choice of contraceptives, O&G 95 (2000), 78-83. On the risk of venous thromboembolism, BMJ 320 (2000), 57-8. Access to emergency contraception is discussed in O&G 95 (2000), 267-70. On IUDs, MJA 172 (2000), 31.

Embryo Status

The moral status of human embryos and fetuses in Germany is discussed in IJB 10 (1999), 11-6; and on the statement of the Russian National Bioethics Committee on this subject in 1996, IJB 10 (1999), 73-4. Multiple pregnancy reduction is discussed is Begley, A-M. "Preparation for practice in the new millennium: a discussion of the moral implications of multifetal pregnancy reduction", Nursing Ethics 7 (2000), 99-112. An antiabortion group has targeted a neuroscience research group in Nebraska, Science 287 (2000), 202-3. On placebo use in trials for Parkinson's disease, NEJM 342 (2000), 353-4.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Part of the US National Commission on Bioethics report on ethical issues in stem cell research is included in BME 153 (1999), 8-10. Researchers can use human stem cells with strict guidelines, JAMA 283 (2000), 325. Japan will allow stem cell research, Nature 403 (2000), 470; NatBio 18 (2000), 246. University of Wisconsin has announced it will distribute ES cell lines, Science 287 (2000), 948-9. A discussion of some of the issues is Annas, GJ. Et al. "Stem cell politics, ethics and medical progress", NatMed. 6 (2000), 1339-41. A call for therapeutic cloning research to progress is NS (29 Jan. 2000), 3. A review is Fiddler, M. et al. "The role of preimplantation geneticist in human cloning", Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1200-4.

Cloning of monkeys is reported in Chan, AWS. Et al. "Clonal propagation of primate offspring by embryo splitting", Science 287 (2000), 317-8. It may be possible to regenerate fertile mice, Ogawa, T. et al. "Transplantation of male germ line stem cells has restored fertility in infertile mice", NatMed. 6 (2000), 29-34; 16-7; Lancet 355 (2000), 205. Nuclear transfer into mouse zygotes is reported in Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 108-9. Some animals may be unclonable, NS (5 Feb. 2000), 4; Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 109. A reliable, noninvasive technique for spindle imaging and enucleation of mammalian oocytes is described in NatBio 18 (2000), 223-5.

An Internet site offering parents choice for DNA tests and estimating the costs of the testing is www.genochoice.com. A general comment on IVF and the Internet is Politics & Life Sciences 18 (1999), 119-22. Papers on ethics and ART are in Otago Bioethics Report 9 (No.1 Feb. 2000), 1, 8-20. The UK has allowed frozen eggs to be used for fertility treatment, Lancet 355 (2000), 387; BMJ 320 (2000), 334. A report on a New York State Task Force on Life and the Law, F&S 73 (2000), 21-23. A UK report, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, The Management of Infertility in Tertiary Care (2000) has recommended a maximum of 2 embryos be implanted at one time, BMJ 320 (2000), 271. A study suggesting transfer at 5 days rather than 3 days is the same is F&S 73 (2000), 117-22. A UK case where a woman is suing that she can use her stored eggs is Lancet 355 (2000), 50.

The Ethics Committee of the Japan Obstetrics and Gynecology committee made a decision against allowing preimplantation diagnosis for a family who had one child with muscular dystrophy who requested sex selection to avoid the birth of a further child with muscular dystrophy, Asahi Shinbun (27 Feb. 2000), 3. The argument given was that there was still a risk of a child, suggesting if the gene probe was used it would be OK. There have been other cases approved in Japan.

A review is Fidler, AT. & Bernstein, J. "Infertility: From a personal to a public health problem", Public Health Reports 114 (1999), 494-511. A report on a case in the UK where Nottingham University has sued a former employee for foreign earnings is BMJ 320 (2000), 268. On the cost effectiveness of treatment for infertility, and interuterine insemination versus IVF, Lancet 355 (2000), 2, 13-8. During fertilization a sperm's mitochondria are labeled with ubiquitin for destruction, Science News 157 (2000), 5. The failure to do this results in abnormal embryos, Lancet 355 (2000), 200.

Fetal Environment & Neonates

A study of the pregnancies by dead mothers is Paige, R. "Post-mortem pregnancies: a legal analysis", Dispatches 9 (No. 3, January 2000), 2-5. Management of inter-sexed newborns and consent is discussed in Purves, BS. "Parental consent and the surgical management of inter-sexed newborns", Monash Bioethics Review 19 (January 2000), 23-43. The use of vitality of newborns as a measure to decide if they undergo treatment is discussed in Nursing Ethics 7 (2000), 141-7. Ethics of intensive neonatal care is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 79. The effect of Medicaid managed care on pregnancy complications was found to be insignificant, O&G 95 (2000), 6-13. There is some variation in stress response to vaccination depending on method of delivery, Lancet 355 (2000), 120. Letters on the control of labour are in NEJM 341 (1999), 2098-9.

On 1 December, 1999, the Center for Reproductive Law and Policy asked the US Supreme Court to review a case of unauthorized urine-testing of 10 pregnant women for cocaine in South Carolina, Reproductive Freedom News 9 (Jan. 2000), 1, 4. Embryos can be attacked by mothers immune system, Science 287 (2000), 408. There is insufficient evidence to stop asthma treatment in pregnancy for fears of fetal harm, Lancet 355 (2000), 119. On folic acid fortification of food, Lancet 355 (2000), 147. Poor pregnancy outcome in refugee camps in Tanzania is studied in JAMA 283 (2000), 397-402. The question of prenatal famine and later antisocial behaviour is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 887-8.

Pregnancy poses some risk for women who carry the BRCA1 or 2 mutation, Science News 156 (1999), 381. Pregnancy outcome of women with PKU deficiency can be aided by treatment even late in pregnancy, JAMA 283 (2000), 756-62. Maternal blood pressure and birth weight are discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 81-83. A call to end advertising of formula milk in office settings is O&G 95 (2000), 296-303. Breast milk has immunological advantages for people in developing countries, Lancet 355 (2000), 451-5.

The estimated spontaneous fetal loss rate for Down syndrome fetuses is 36% for 10 weeks, and 30% for 12 weeks, and 21% for 16 weeks, Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1177-80. A mutation in G6PD may increase risk for miscarriage, NS (15 Jan. 2000), 4. Intrauterine lead exposure may be associated with preterm birth only in the first pregnancy, Environmental Research 81 (1999), 297-301. A study that shows how technology needs to be adapted to local ideas is Tautz, S. et al. "Between fear and relief: how rural pregnant women experience foetal ultrasound in a Botswana district hospital", SSM 50 (2000), 689-701. There will be 10-20% reduction in the rebate for ultrasound during pregnancy in Australia, Lancet 355 (2000), 298. On mother-child relationship, Lancet 355 (2000), 498-9. Hormones may alter father's behaviour to their children, NS (8 Jan. 2000), 8.

Giving guidance on child discipline to avoid physical punishment is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 261-2; NEJM 342 (2000), 361-2. There is new advice in the UK to prevent sudden infant death, BMJ 320 (2000), 335.

Genetic Disease Markers

A report from the HUGO Mutation database initiative is Human Mutation 15 (2000), 4-6. The association of genetic polymorphisms with complex diseases is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 308-11; PNAS 97 (2000), 2-3. There may need to be several hundred kindreds (genetic families) studied to identify the bipolar affective disease genes, AJHG 66 (2000), 205-15. A book review on genetic disorders of human sexual development is NEJM 342 (2000), 362-3. A study of 500 cases and 6000 controls found no link between angiotensin-converting enzyme and myocardial infarction, Lancet 355 (2000), 434-42.

On Alzheimer disease, AJHG 66 (2000), 196-204. There are elevated levels of the mRNA from MBR1 in Fragile X males, AJHG 66 (2000), 6-15. On Huntington's disease, Nature 403 (2000), 495-6, 544-9. Early studies of genetic disease are discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), Supplement 2000, 21. A group to target the gene to prevent atherosclerosis, BMJ 320 (2000), 140. On ACE gene, Nature 403 (2000), 614.

Dominant negative mutations in human PPARgamma are associated with diabetes and hypertension, Nature 402 (1999), 860-1, 880-3. The apoE genotype is a predictor of intracerebral hemorrhage, NEJM 342 (2000), 240-5. On multiple sclerosis, NatMed. 6 (2000), 15-6; autism, SA (Feb. 2000), 56-63; and CF, PNAS 97 (2000), 1172-7. A review of mitochondrial and nuclear encoded mutations in mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders, Lancet 355 (2000), 299-304; 389-94. A spastic ataxia ARSACS has been found to be caused by a new gene, Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 120-5. Mutations in SDHD are important in hereditary paraganglioma, Science 287 (2000), 848-51. Cancer genetics is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 69-77, 124-5; TIG 16 (2000), 69-75;Lancet 355 (2000), 121; PNAS 97 (2000), 1236-41. There are gains from prevention in persons at risk from breast cancer, Schrag, D. et al. "Life expectancy gains from cancer prevention stratetegies for women with breast cancer and BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations", JAMA 283 (2000), 617-24. The incidence of cancer in Down syndrome persons helps understanding of the role of cancer genes on chromosome 21, Lancet 355 (2000), 165-9.

Mediating mismatch repair is reviewed in Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 6-7. Methylation is discussed in Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 101-2. Telomerase prevents the accelerated cell aging of Werner syndrome fibroblasts, Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 16-7. A general forecast on the future of genetics is Human Mutation 15 (2000), 2-3.

Genetic Screening Methodology

A review is Harper, JC. & Wells, D. "Recent advances and future developments in PGD", Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1193-9; 1189-92. Preimplantation diagnosis in 10 couples at risk for transmitting beta thalassemia is described in Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1217-22. A cheap method for detecting CF delta F508 mutation from single cells is reported in Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1048-51. Considerations for prenatal diagnosis of Gaucher disease are in Prenatal Diagnosis 20 (2000), 60-2. A report from 66 cases of prenatal diagnosis on fetal cells derived from maternal blood is Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 934+. Genetic amniocentesis is discussed in Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 803-7. Trends in UK cytogenetic PD are reported in Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999),1023-6.

Papers on prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome include: Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1081-90. A study suggesting that Japanese persons have different AFP levels to Western studies at advanced pregnancy ages is Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 761-3. On maternal markers for pregnancy complications, NEJM 341 (1999), 2035-7; Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1084-5.

A cytogenetic study of spontaneous abortions is Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 601-3. A study that found third trimester amniocentesis safe is Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 749-52. The possible need for urgent delivery should be noted though, O&G 95 (2000), 48-50. A Swedish study found no link with ultrasound and leukemia risk, BMJ 320 (2000), 282-3. Non-invasive testing for fetal anemia is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 52-3.

HPV DNA testing in cervical cancer screening, including self-testing, is reported in JAMA 283 (2000), 81-6, 87-93, 108-9. The costs of different screening intervals for persons with diabetes is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 889-96. Screening for breast cancer with mammograph is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 80, 129-34. In general on cancer gene testing, Nature 403 (2000), 491-2. A www site provides instructions on making low cost DNA arrays for testing, Nature 403 (2000), 234. Manipulating the genetic identity of individual cells with electric-field-induced fusion is reported in PNAS 97 (2000), 7-11.

DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy

The method of DNA fingerprinting and identity is discussed in Science & Justice 39 (1999), 213-22, 257-60. In Spain real fingerprints will be taken from all babies at birth to avoid mixing, Lancet 355 (2000), 296. Laws on genetic information protection are discussed in JAMA 282 (1999), 2197-8; Hall, MA. & Rich, S. "Laws restricting health insurers' use of genetic information: Impact on genetic discrimination", AJHG 66 (2000), 297-307. A comment that self-interest will prevent insurance companies making people genetic outlaws is NS (12 Feb. 2000), 48-9. DNA tests is being used to thwart the tiger trade, Science 287 (2000), 963.

Confidentiality of medical records is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 795-7; MJA 172 (2000), 28-30. A UK court has sanctioned the us of anonymized patient data in research, BMJ 320 (2000), 77. A survey in the US has reported the location of 300+ million human tissue samples in the USA, Rand Corporation, Handbook of Human Tissue Resources, Nature 403 (2000), 352. The Science and Technology Council of Japan has created an ad hoc group to look at ethical and social issues of research using human DNA samples, Nature 403 (2000), 11.

Ethics & Genetic Screening

A study on how cultures receive genetic information is Foster, M. & Sharp, RR. "Genetic research and culturally specific risks", TIG 16 (2000), 93-5. A discussion of online genetics resources is Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 1-2. Human genetics research in Iceland has diversified with an alternative research group, NatBio 18 (2000), 247; Science 287 (2000), 951. Human genetics in Germany is reviewed in Haker, H. "Ethics in human genetics", IJB 10 (1999), 35-44. A paper looking at values in prenatal screening is Gillam, L. "Value messages in prenatal screening", Otago Bioethics Report 9 (No.1 Feb. 2000), 2-4. Prenatal screening and disability is discussed in Otago Bioethics Report 9 (No.1 Feb. 2000), 5-7. A videotaped record of a consultation is analyzed in Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1043-7.

The use of race in the census is debated in Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 97-8. There is controversy over a white supremist group that took the web site www. Martinlutherking.org, for its use, NS (5 Feb. 2000), 11. In general on the census, Science 287 (2000), 239-40. The quality of life and disability is discussed in SSM 50 (2000), 757-9, 761-2. The hope that conditions improve for the disabled in Japan is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 209. Disease stigma, and genetic stigma is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 2000 Supplement 15-6. An archive of documents from American eugenics past is on-line at vector.cshl.org, Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 105; Nature 403 (2000), 476. German archives on the eugenic past are being opened for analysis, Nature 403 (2000), 474-5. A book review on Childfree and Sterilised is BMJ 320 (2000), 387. An Italian case of a mentally handicapped girl who is pregnant has resulted in deciding the girl does not need to have an abortion although her mother wants her to, Lancet 355 (2000), 49. Evolutionary psychology and g is discussed in Nature 403 (2000), 378-9.

Attitude surveys include on 261 UK women, Michie, S. et al. "Prenatal tests: How are women deciding?", Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 743-8; 34 pregnant Welsh women, Al-Jader, LN. et al. "Survey of attitudes of pregnant women toward Down syndrome screening", Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 23-9; Zahed, L. et al. "Acceptability of prenatal diagnosis for genetic disorders in Lebanon", Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1109-12; Jallinoja, P. et al. "Acceptance of screening and abortion for Down syndrome among Finnish midwives and public health nurses", Prenatal Diagnosis 19 (1999), 1015-22; Modell, B. et al. "Informed choice in genetic screening for thalassaemia during pregnancy: audit from a national confidential inquiry", BMJ 320 (2000), 337-41.

Gene Therapy

Discussion of the death from a trial in Pennslyvania is SA (Feb. 2000), 36-7; Science 287 (2000), 591-2; Lancet 355 (2000), 329, 384; NatMed. 6 (2000), 1, 6, 118. Gene therapy should welcome public scrutiny, NatBio 18 (2000), 123-4, 143-4, 254-5. The FDA has halted all gene therapy trials at the University of Pennsylvania because it breached regulations, Science 287 (2000), 565-6; BMJ 320 (2000), 336; Nature 403 (2000), 354. The NIH has also been criticized, Nature 403 (2000), 237, 583-4, 703. The ethics of in utero gene therapy are discussed in Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 107.

However there are two positive reports from gene therapy trials that may show some efficacy, one on SCID and one on hemophilia, JAMA 283 (2000), 589-90. See: Tung, TTT. Et al. "In vivo bypass of hemophilia A coagulation defect by Factor XIIa implant", NatBio 18 (2000), 289-95, 264. In vivo visualization of gene expression using magnetic resonance imaging is reported in NatBio 18 (2000), 321-5. Use of lentiviruses is discussed in Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 8-9; NS (15 Jan. 2000), 8. Adeoviruses can be used to transfer genes to the peripheral nervous system, PNAS 97 (2000), 442-7. The future of gene therapy is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 2000 Supplement 22. Sickle cell disease has been corrected in transgenic mice studies, NatMed. 6 (2000), 139-40, 177-82. A review on cardiovascular disease trials is Lancet 355 (2000), 213-22. On electrotherapy, PNAS 97 (2000), 354-9.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

The HGDP has generated much debate, and a further paper on this is Resnik, DB. "The Human Genome Diversity Project: Ethical problems and solutions", Politics & Life Sciences 18 (1999), 15-24. A report from the geographic patterns of mtDNA diversity in Europe is AJHG 66 (2000), 262-78. IBM has joined the SNP Consortium NatBio 18 (2000), 245. As discussed in the business news, genomic companies have been expanding in the stock market, Nature 403 (2000), 4. On German funding problems, Nature 403 (2000), 584.

Celera has claimed 90% of the human genome sequence and 97% of human genes are in its database, BMJ 320 (2000), 206. They are using public databases to try to accelerate the completion of the sequence, Nature 403 (2000), 119. The sequence of chromosome 4 of Arabidopsis thaliana is in Nature 402 (1999), 769-77; and the full sequence of Campobacter jejuni is in Nature 403 (2000), 665-9. The importance of structural genomics for gene function analysis is discussed in NatBio 18 (2000), 283-7. The protein-protein interactions of yeast are reported in Nature 403 (2000), 601-3, 623-7; in C. elegans, Science 287 (2000), 52-3, 116-22; and on proteomics, Nature 403 (2000), 703, 715-20. A review of yeast biochemical genomics is TIG 16 (2000), 49-53. Grass-roots genomics is discussed in Nature Genetics 24 (2000), 5-6; and on evolutionary studies, Science 287 (2000), 605-6. A book review on the Genome is AJHG 66 (2000), 21; and one of Genetic Maps and Human Imagination is NS (29 Jan. 2000), 48. Technologies are reviewed in Science 287 (2000), 675-94. Mouse geneticists have asked for unified mechanisms for exchange, Nature 403 (2000), 236. DNA loss and genome size are discussed in Science 287 (2000), 1060-2.

China has set up a hominid museum, Science 287 (2000), 221. On human evolution, Time (17 Jan. 2000), 40-9; SA (Jan. 2000), 56-62. Archaeology in the Holy Land is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 28-35. The finding of a Roman artefact in South America confirms that Romans had contact with South Americans, NS (Jan. 2000), 7. The question of survival of tribal knowledge is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 44-5. Discussion of the idea of life origins in space is NS (22 Jan. 2000), 3.

General Medical Ethics

A collection of papers of interest for NGOs and the UN is Kunigi, T. & Schweitz, M. eds., Codes of Conduct for Partnership in Governance: Texts and Commentaries (UNU, 1999, 324pp.). The hard copy of the book, Verma K.K. & Saxena, R., Man in Biological Perspective (Himanshu Publications, Udaipur, 2000, ISBN 81-86231-89-7, 110pp.) has been published. The Internet copy is on-line at the Eubios Ethics Institute site. Moral responsibility is reviewed in Ethics 110 (1999), 93-139; and responsibility in Phil. & Public Affairs 28 (1999), 169-270.

A new book in French is Hottois, G. Essais de Philosophie bioethique et Biopolitique (Paris: Librairie Philosophique J. Vrin, 1999, 189pp). It discusses biolaw, biopolitics as well as bioethics. A book in Portuguese from the University of Porot is Serrao, D., & Nunes, R., eds., Etica em Cuidados de Saude (Porto Editora 1998, ISBN 9-789720-060334, 223pp.). A collection of papers from K. Hoshino marked the last and 35^th issue of the International Bioethics Center in Kyoto Women's University (128pp. In Japanese). Bioethics in Germany is discussed in papers in IJB 10 (1999), 9-52, including the moral status of human embryos, organ transplants, euthanasia and human genetics.

A series of 6 papers on the relationship between doctors and patients are in CQHE 9 (2000), 3-82. Communication over drugs is discussed in SSM 50 (2000), 829-40. The question of sexual relations are discussed in Monash Bioethics Review 19 (January 2000), 43-55. The concept of physician autonomy is discussed in CQHE 9 (2000), 98-112. On patient autonomy, JAMA 283 (2000), 930-1; and patient encounters, SSM 50 (2000), 309-15; BMJ 320 (2000), 117-9. The use of blood-less surgery by Jehovah's witnesses is debated in Amer. J.O&G 182 (2000), 251-3. Informed decision making is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 47; JAMA 283 (2000), 2313-20, 2356-7.

Officials at Health Canada have decided there will be shortened clinical trial approval time, NatMed. 5 (1999), 1336. Results of clinical trials in Japan, and comparisons to other countries are in the journal Clinical Evaluation 27 (No. 2, 1999, ISSN 0300-3051). A study on the local research ethics committee monitoring of approved research in Scotland is BME 153 (1999), 19-21. A comment on the Australian National Statement on Conduct of Research in Humans is Monash Bioethics Review 19 (January 2000), Ethics Committee Supplement 1-13. A critique of the Indian IMR draft ethical guidelines is Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (Jan. 2000), 20-1. In general on clinical trials, BMJ 320 (2000), 244-5. Oversight is discussed in Science 287 (2000), 595-6; JAMA 283 (2000), 404-5.

The outcome of patients treated by nurse practitioners or physicians in an ambulance situation was similar, JAMA 283 (2000), 59-68. The presence of the same doctor in an emergency department so as to develop a relationship, may reduce the number of visits by elderly persons, AJPH 90 (2000), 97-102. On patient attitudes to common medical interventions, MJA 172 (2000), 9-12.

A study of perceptions is van Ryn, M. & Burke, J. "The effect of patient race and socio-economic status on physicians' perceptions of patients", SSM 50 (2000), 813-28. The use of shaking in police interrogation is discussed in Politics & Life Sciences 18 (1999), 31-6. In a tribe in Ghana injections were associated with a fear of death, SSM 50 (2000), 703-13. A study on injury causes in Johannesburg is SSM 50 (2000), 331-44. UK GPs cannot seem to follow guidelines on depression which makes some question the guidelines, BMJ 320 (2000), 200-1.

Teaching professionalism in medical students is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 197-8. The status of doctors has changed in the past millennium, Lancet 354 (1999), 2000 Supplement 17-8. A book review on Moreno, J. Undue Risk. Secret State Experiments on Humans (Freeman, NY 1999, 367pp.) is in Science 287 (2000), 598-9. When doctors become agents of the state is the topic of an editorial in Lancet 355 (2000), 245. On women's health, JAMA 283 (2000), 666-7.

Law & Medical Ethics

The UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases has released a draft of "Operational Guidelines for Ethics Committees that review biomedical research; Lancet 355 (2000), 70. On the role of IRBs, JAMA 283 (2000), 729-30. Discussion of the future of Nuremberg inspired ethical guidelines is Public Health 113 (1999), 205-10. Practice guidelines are discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 103-6, 82. Human rights from a Buddhist perspective is discussed in Hershock, PD. "Dramatic intervention: Human rights from a Buddhist perspective", Philosophy East & West 50 (2000), 9-33. On human dignity as a legal value, Public Law (1999), 682-702.

The Shipman case which saw a UK doctor convicted on 15 counts of murder on 1 February, 2000, is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 421, 471; BMJ 320 (2000), 329-31. The Bristol inquiry is being broadened to more general questions of performance, BMJ 320 (2000), 9. A top UK epidemiologist has been suspended following complaints, Nature 403 (2000), 353. In Ireland a doctor who was suspended for spending too long with patients has had much public support, Lancet 355 (2000), 295. A Scottish case of a surgeon who amputated healthy limbs is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 476.

Legal jeopardy from clinical trials in psychopharmacy is discussed in BME 153 (1999), 13-8. ERISA litigation and physician autonomy is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 921-6. Reducing risks of malpractice suits is discussed in MJA 172 (2000), 77-80; NEJM 342 (2000), 280-3.

Scientific Ethics

A series of papers on misconduct in different countries (e.g. Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, USA) is Science and Engineering Ethics 6 (2000), 3-142. On competition, Science 287 (2000), 589. The Italian pediatric association has guidelines on competing interests, BMJ 320 (2000), 382-3. Protecting whistle blowers is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 70-1; Modern Law Review (2000), 25-54. A University of Arizona misconduct investigation has been ruled improper, NatMed. 6 (2000), 120. Apathy may reward misconduct, Nature 403 (2000), 478.

Letters on the separation between editors and owners of journals are in JAMA 283 (2000), 335-7. On interactions between physicians and the technology industry, Wazana, A. "Physicians and the pharmaceutical industry. Is a gift ever just a gift?", JAMA 283 (2000), 373-80; 391-3.

Euthanasia & Terminal Care

End of life care in Hawaii is discussed in CQHE 9 (2000), 123-7; and in Germany, IJB 10 (1999), 45-52. Papers in Italian on palliative euthanasia in Italy and Germany, Bioetica e Cultura 8 (1999), 155-82. In general on end of life care, Nursing Ethics 7 (2000), 134-40; BMJ 320 (2000), 54-5 and advance directives, BMJ 320 (2000), 24-5. A book review of Stewart JB. Blind Eye: How the Medical Establishment Let a Doctor Get Away with Murder (Simon & Schuster 1999) is JAMA 283 (2000), 403-4. In general on euthanasia, Lancet 355 (2000), 223-4; JAMA 282 (1999), 2333-9, 283 (2000), 540-1; BMJ 320 (2000), 67. An interview with Peter Singer who has supportive views towards euthanasia is NS (8 Jan. 2000), 34-7. Decisions to limit treatment are discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 909-13. On resolving conflicts between family and doctors over what to do, JAMA 283 (2000), 909-14.

Care of children who are terminally ill is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 326-33, 347-8. On palliative care, JAMA 283 (2000), 114-6, 255-8, 771-8; MJA 172 (2000), 3-4; BMJ 320 (2000), 129-30, 198-9. Psychological response and survival in cancer is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 404-6. QOL is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 512-8, 519-23. It includes a study showing that people over 85 years old experienced a rise in QOL in their last year in 1993 compared to 1986, but people 65-84 did not really change in most measures. Aging is discussed in Lancet 354 (1999), 2000 Supplement 3-4. A study on extracorporeal life support from the University of Michigan is JAMA 283 (2000), 904-8. On tube feeding, NEJM 342 (2000), 206-9.

The training of doctors by procedures on dying patients are criticized in BMJ 320 (2000), 137. The use of physical restraints for Alzheimer disease patients is discussed in AJPH 90 (2000), 92-6.

Organ Transplants & Brain Death

A new book that will become a reference work for anatomy and bioethics is Jones, DG. Speaking for the Dead. Cadavers in biology and medicine (Ashgate, 2000, ISBN 0-7546-2073-5, 275pp.). It includes discussion of aboriginal and Maori views, as well as the history of reflection on anatomy, and the efforts of an anatomy professor and head of department to deal with the issues. Some brain dead patients make involuntary reflex movements, Lancet 355 (2000), 206; Neurology 54 (2000), 221-3, 224-7. The German prosecutor is investigating the removal of dead babies organs, and there will be an independent inquiry in the UK on the storage of organs at Alder Hey Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, BMJ 320 (2000), 77.

The question of the limits of organ donation is asked in Bioethics Examiner 3 (Winter 2000), 1, 4. Organ transplants in Germany are reviewed in IJB 10 (1999), 29-34. On the outcomes of renal transplantation, Lancet 355 (2000), 499-500. Nurses attitudes in the UK to donation of cadaveric organs are reported in Sque, M. et al. "Cadaveric donotransplantation: nurses' attitudes, knowledge and behaviour", SSM 50 (2000), 541-52. Overall 78% agreed and 10% were opposed. Hepatitis A and liver transplants in indigenous communities in Australia are discussed in MJA 172 (2000), 6-7. On transplants for alcoholic liver disease, Lancet 355 (2000), 424-5. Tuscany has doubled its organ donation rates by following the Spanish example of local transplant coordinators, Lancet 355 (2000), 476. Spain is widening its laws to increase donors, Lancet 355 (2000), 212. On the wait for organ transplantation, Science 287 (2000), 237-8. More than 500 Iranians have offered their kidneys for sale to help assassinate Salman Rushdie, Lancet 355 (2000), 127. Psychosocial factors to select liver transplant donors are discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 263-4.

On xenotransplants, Lancet 355 (2000), 407-9; NatMed. 5 (1999), 1335; 6 (2000), 10, 115; JAMA 282 (1999), 2198-9. Blood products are now related to the FDA xenotransplant plan NatBio 18 (2000), 258. Transplanted ES cells can promote spinal cord recovery in rats, NatMed. 5 (1999), 1410-7; and stem cells may be better than bone marrow transplants, JAMA 283 (2000), 870. Tissue engineering is discussed in Nature 403 (2000), 464-5; NS (29 Jan. 2000), 4. Skin grafting is discussed in Archives of Dermatology 135 (1999), 913-8. Intracellular trehalose improves the survival of cryopreserved mammalian cells NatBio 18 (2000), 163-7, 145. Trehalose expression confers desiccation tolerance on human cells, NatBio 18 (2000), 168-71. On intraocular lens transplants, BMJ 320 (2000), 73-4. A computerized eye to help the blind see is working for one person, for 23 years, NS (22 Jan. 2000), 6.

Use of PET to identify neuronal loss in acute vegetative state is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 115-6.

Health Costs

Health care as a human right is discussed in Dispatches 9 (No. 3, January 2000), 12-13. On global access to drugs, JAMA 283 (2000), 321-3; MJA 172 (2000), 8. Society and ethics is discussed in Monash Bioethics Review 19 (January 2000), 14-22. On gender and health, SSM 50 (2000), 365-85. Income and health is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 221; JAMA 282 (1999), 227-34; 283 (2000), 99-104, 602-5; SSM 50 (2000), 307-8, 663-71, 861-78; Public Health 113 (1999), 201; AJPH 90 (2000), 64-9, 70-77; Lancet 355 (2000), 386, 504-5; Lancet 354 (1999), 2000 Supplement 19-20.

The determinants of mortality in Bangladesh are discussed in SSM 50 (2000), 763-71. Keeping patients out of hospital is liked by patients and by the system, BMJ 320 (2000), 262-3. US health care spending accelerated in 1998, BMJ 320 (2000), 203. On the NHS, BMJ 320 (2000), 197-8.