Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - July 2000
Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 10 (2000), 130-139.
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 July 2000 is available on-line topic-by-topic, at: http://eubios.info/NBB.html
Abbreviations
News in Bioethics & Biotechnology
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
Genetic Engineering of Plants
A review of biological pest control in India on insect pests is Everyman's Science 34 (1999), 127-31. The relationship between plant growth and nutrition is discussed in NS (27 May 2000), 29-31. The announcement that Monsanto will hand over its rough draft rice DNA sequence to the public project is discussed in Science 288 (2000), 239-40. China has announced it will sequence the genome of its superhybrid rice variety, Science 288 (2000), 1331. Studies of mutant plants for gene function are discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 137-8. A new method for genetic modification that involves modification of a gene rather than insertion of a new one is reported in Science News 157 (2000), 294. A review of gene density in grass genomes is Trends in Plant Sciences 5 (2000), 246-51.
An Argentinan strain of corn, B-96, has resistance to European corn borer, NS (22 April 2000), 12. A spider gene is being incorporated into baculoviruses for possible pest resistance, NS (17 June 2000), 5. Two studies of Bt toxin resistance are J. Econ. Entomology 93 (2000), 133-9; 219-25. The question whether we need more technology to end hunger is discussed in GeneWatch 13 (April 2000), 6-11.
Genetic Engineering of Animals
Genetically modified anopheline mosquitoes that carry malaria have been made, which opens possibilities for malaria control, Lancet 355 (2000), 2225. Gene targeting in Drosophila is discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 896-7. Drosophila p53 is a structural and functional homolog of human tumor suppressor p53, Cell 101 (2000), 91-101.
The potential and long history of cloning technology is discussed in Science 288 (2000), 1775-80. Cloning resets the telomere clock in cattle, unlike Dolly, Science 288 (2000), 586-7; and the animals may even appear younger than their chronological age, Lanza, RP. Et al. "Extension of cell life-span and telomere length in animals cloned from senescent somatic cells", Science 288 (2000), 665-9; NS (May 2000), 4. A review of some problems of making clones in different animals is Science 288 (2000), 1722-7.
Genetic variability in milking speed of goats is reported in Genetic Research 75 (2000), 315-9. Advances in fish farming may make it possible in downtown areas, Science News 157 (2000), 314-6. Evolution of aquaculture in Africa is surveyed in Ecological Economics 33 (2000), 193-203.
A series of papers on mice as an experimental animal are in Science 288 (2000), 248-57; Nature 404 (2000), 815. A review of how to make a brainy mouse is SA (April 2000), 62-8. Some transgenic mice model studies include: reversal of Huntington's disease, Cell 101 (2000), 57-66; Nature 404 (2000), 944-5; Models of Parkinson's disease, Cell 101 (2000), 115-8; mGluR1 in Purkinje cells is essential for long term depression and motor coordination, Science 288 (2000), 1832+; activation of TAK1 causes heart failure, NatMed. 6 (2000), 556-63. Use of a transposon system to integrate genes in hemophilic mice is reported in NatGen. 25 (2000), 35-41. Mice that lack substance P are not rewarded by opiates, Nature 405 (2000), 180-3.
Designer Molecules
Simultaneous cultivation and disruption using glass beads of E. coli can release recombinant enzymes from culture, Biotech. Techniques 13 (2000), 571-5. The use of bovine hemoglobin in a human patient is reported in NEJM 342 (2000), 1638-43; 1666-8.
Biotechnology & the Public
A report from a science, ethics and education project in the UK is Fullick, P. & Ratcliffe, Teaching Ethical Aspects of Science (Bassett Press, 1996, ICSU - 150pp.). A series of views after ten years of "Education for All" is in UNESCO Sources 122 (April 2000), 1-19. A review is Moynihan, R. et al. "Coverage by the news media of the benefits and risks of medications", NEJM 342 (2000), 1645-50. A review of a museum display on life is Lancet 355 (2000), 2081.
In general on the roles of science in culture, Nature 404 (2000), 811-2. A book review on Kuhn is Science 288 (2000), 1755-6. A call for scientists to be more involved in controversial public debates is Nature 405 (2000), 509. A book review on fossil collecting is Nature 405 (2000), 121-2. The debate between religion and science is discussed in NS (22 April 2000), 3, 44-47; (17 June 2000), 54; NatMed. 6 (2000), 613; Science 288 (2000), 813-4. Also see the website www. reasons.org.
The Council for Responsible Genetics has launched a Genetic Bill of Rights, GeneWatch 13 (2000), 1-3. Book reviews of Watson, JD. A Passion for DNA: Genes, Genomes and Society (Oxford Univ. Press 2000, 250pp., US$25) are Nature 405 (2000), 511-2; NatGen. 25 (2000), 23-4. A book review of French DNA is JAMA 283 (2000), 2306. The European Commission has set up a new 11 member panel to advise it on social controversies of biotechnology, Nature 405 (2000), 5. Australia is creating a biomedical lobby group, NatMed. 6 (2000), 613. The benefits of public participation are discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 259. A report on a recent speech by Prince Charles saying biotechnology invaded the territory of God is criticized in NS (27 May 2000), 3; also Daily Telegraph (20 May 2000), 24. The Danish Ministry of Trade and Industry proposed guidelines for ethical genetic engineering are reproduced in BME 156 (2000), 8-9.
Results of the 1999 Eurobarometer survey on biotechnology in Europe are on-line at the EC www site, Nature 405 (2000), 5. Trends can be examined, and these compared to the trends in Macer's studies in Japan, see Ng et al. In this issue of EJAIB 10 (1999), 106-113. They show public scepticism has increased in the past three years, and confidence in information sources has also fallen in Europe.
Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs
A report from New Zealand on 100+ possible unauthorized releases of GMOs involving researchers, ERMA Perspective 10 (June 2000), 1. In general, New Zealand has established a Royal Commission for a one year wide investigation of the future of GM there, Nature 405 (2000), 914-5. In Europe there was much debate over the inadvertent contamination of rapeseed by GM pollen that led to the planting of rapeseed containing GM varieties in some areas, Int. Herald Tribune (20 May 2000), 2; Daily Telegraph (20 May 2000), 4; Times (20 May 2000), 1, 21.
On the future of agbiotech., Science 288 (2000), 615. A panel of US and European scientists to monitor environmental risks of GMOs has been set up, Nature 405 (2000), 608. A US National Academy of Sciences report on GM plant research supported it but called for tightened regulations, Genetically Modified Pest-Protected Plants: Science and Regulation (NAP 2000); Science 288 (2000), 245-7; GEN 20 (15 April 2000), 24, 29. The possibilities for strict segregation of GM seeds are discussed in NS (27 May 2000), 4. A review of the Cartegena Protocol is Gupta, A. "Governing trade in GMOs. The Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety", Environment 42 (May 2000), 22-33.
A UK court jury failed to reach a verdict on what to do with protestors who caused criminal damage on a GM crop field, Nature 404 (2000), 916. A report on Plum Island in New York which hopes to be given a P4 level biosafety rating so it can study diseases which transfer from animals to humans is SA (June 2000), 22-3. In general on biosafety labs, Science 288 (2000), 1320-2.
A review is Ochman, H. et al. "Lateral gene transfer and the nature of bacterial innovation", Nature 405 (2000), 299-304. Horizontal gene transfer means bacterial genomes are quite dynamic. There is molecular evidence for genetic mixing of Arctic and Antarctic subpolar plankton, Nature 405 (2000), 43-7; 23-4. An ancient mariner gene may help genes move between species, NS (24 June 2000), 5. The genetic legacy of Quaternary ice ages is discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 907-13. Colonizing species often lose their genetic variation, but in Argentine ants this had led to formation of supercolonies which overwhelm native species, Nature 405 (2000), 519-20. In general on biological pest control, Science 288 (2000), 1969-70.
A book review of research on biological warfare, Plague Wars, is Nature 404 (2000), 812-3. A review on the use of plague as a biological weapon is Inglesby, TV. Et al. "Plague as a biological weapon: Medical and public health management", JAMA 283 (2000), 2281-90. A call for a verification procedure for the Convention against biological weapons is BMJ 320 (2000), 1089-90. The US is planning to stockpile drugs ready against bioterrorism, BMJ 320 (2000), 1225; www.bt.cdc.gov. A book review on the USSR anthrax outbreak is NEJM 342 (2000), 1373. A survey of adverse reactions to the anthrax vaccine used in the US military 1998-2000 is JAMA 283 (2000), 2648-9.
The problems of antibiotic contamination from farming are discussed in Science 288 (2000), 792-3. FDA has approved Zyvox (linezolid) as the first of a new class of antibiotics, Lancet 355 (2000), 1523. WHO has warned against the threat of superbugs, BMJ 320 (2000), 1624. A review of antibiotic resistance mechanisms is FEMS Microbiology Reviews 24 (2000), 251-62.
Vaccines & Diseases
A report on a hepatitis E vaccine trial in Nepal where later access to the vaccine by poor persons at risk is guiding policy is Lancet 355 (2000), 1623. The effects of hepatitis B virus mutants on vaccination efficacy is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1382-3. A discussion of the confusion over measles vaccines, MMR and autism is Lancet 355 (2000), 1379. Aluminum as a vaccine booster is reviewed in Science 288 (2000), 1323-4. A review of Gulf War syndromes and vaccinations is BMJ 320 (2000), 1363-7. Vaccine financing changes in the US altered where vaccinations are done, AJPH 90 (2000), 739-45. Travel vaccinations are discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 226-7; NEJM 342 (2000), 1716-24. On global polio eradication efforts, JAMA 283 (2000), 2651-2.
Symptomless infection with Ebola virus is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 2178-9. Human papillomavirus 16 is associated with better outcomes from oral cancer, Lancet 355 (2000), 1700. In general on genetic epidemiology, BMJ 320 (2000), 1257-9. Periodic fevers are open to molecular diagnosis now, BMJ 320 (2000), 1091-2. Laboratory surveillance of Salmonella in the USA has found antibiotic resistance to be rising, JAMA 283 (2000), 2668-73. There have been outbreaks of Staphylococcus aureus food poising in Japan in July, 2000.
The principal target of human immunity to malaria has been identified, NatMed. 6 (2000), 689+. A call by WHO to control malaria to overcome poverty is BMJ 320 (2000), 1161; NatMed. 6 (2000), 612; JAMA 283 (2000), 2510-1. Mosquitoes that transmit malaria have been genetically modified now, opening up chances for new control, Nature 405 (2000), 900-1. On anti-malarial drugs, Lancet 355 (2000), 2245-7. The use of antibiotics without prescription is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1480.
Ethical issues of non-compliance and TB are discussed in JME 26 (2000), 157-9. The US Institute of Medicine has made a report on how to eliminate tuberculosis, JAMA 283 (2000), 2776-7. Suboptimal treatment leading to multi-drug resistance is a global problem, JAMA 283 (2000), 2575-6; also JAMA 283 (2000), 2375-7. Generally on the history of infectious disease, Science 288 (2000), 287-93; NEJM 342 (2000), 1374-5. A report on a pig -
human transmissible disease is Goh, KJ. Et al. "Clinical features of Nipah virus encephalitis among pig farmers in Malaysia", NEJM 342 (2000), 1229-35. Emerging infections are discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 1280-1.
Initials results from a survey of 3000 clinical tonsil and appendix samples in the UK have not picked up the prions from the bovine derived new variant of CJD, Nature 405 (2000), 7; Lancet 355 (2000), 1567, 1619; BMJ 320 (2000), 1226; NS (6 May 2000), 5. In Australia 9 patients have been warned that they may have been exposed to CJD, BMJ 320 (2000), 1296. The methods to survey prion disease carrier status in cows (BSE) are discussed in NS (10 June 2000), 3; JAMA 283 (2000), 2923. Spain has reacted to the EC report that it is at risk of a BSE outbreak, Lancet 355 (2000), 2058. In general on prion formation, Science 288 (2000), 1958-9. The question of whether Alzheimer's and prion disease share a similar pathogenic mechanism is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1434, 2083.
AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
On ethics of prophylaxis for HIV following sexual transmission, CQHE 9 (2000), 411-7. On ethics of information on HIV, Nursing Ethics 7 (2000), 339-49. HIV vaccines are discussed in NS (27 May 2000), 12; (17 June 2000), 15; Nature 405 (2000), 386; NatMed. 6 (2000), 488; Lancet 355 (2000), 2061-6, 2106-11. On resistance testing of persons with HIV, JAMA 283 (2000), 2417-26, 2442-4. Spain has approved hospitals to do genetic testing to better understand HIV resistance, Lancet 355 (2000), 1343. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology supports routine voluntary HIV testing of pregnant women, JAMA 283 (2000), 3189. A book review of AIDS Doctors is Lancet 355 (2000), 2084-5.
Ireland's infected blood inquiry has begun, Lancet 355 (2000), 1705. South East Asia has a shortage of safe blood, BMJ 320 (2000), 1026. Prisoners are at risk for HIV, BMJ 320 (2000), 1493. HIV risk behaviour in homosexual men is increasing in some regions, BMJ 320 (2000), 1487-8, 1510-1, 1547; Lancet 355 (2000), 1897-901. Circumcised men have lower risk of contracting HIV through sex, BMJ 320 (2000), 1592-4. A study of the daily life of 8 urban gay men in the USA is Amer. J. Occupational Therapy 54 (2000), 197-206. US attitudes to homosexuality are changing but still negative, Gallup Poll Monthly (March 1999), 28-30. In general on HIV in different world regions, Lancet 355 (2000), 1981-7; 2087, 2162-3.
There have been protests in India following arrests of HIV activists, Lancet 355 (2000), 1896; BMJ 320 (2000), 1426. Also on AIDS in India, Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (2000), 62-4. The debate on HIV drugs and treatment in South Africa continues, Lancet 355 (2000), 1473; BMJ 320 (2000), 1291; Nature 405 (2000), 105-6, 273, 907, 911; NS (6 May 2000), 3, 44-5 Low level use of antiretroviral treatment would have immediate effect in curbing the AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, Lancet 355 (2000), 2095-100. On Zimbabwe efforts, SA (May 2000), 96-105. Drug companies are cutting prices for HIV drugs in developing countries, to around US$2 a day, maybe lower BMJ 320 (2000), 1357; 1551-2; Nature 405 (2000), 263; Lancet 355 (2000), 1799. Infant feeding to reduce HIV is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1656-60; Lancet 355 (2000), 2237-44.
The sources of HIV are discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1481; Science 288 (2000), 1757-9, 1786-90; NatMed. 6 (2000), 489. Primates may also have been involved in the hepatitis pandemic, NS (6 May 2000), 24. On the nuclear import of HIV, NatMed. 6 (2000), 626-7. Therapy of HIV is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1435; Nature 405 (2000), 270-2; NS (27 May 2000), 18; JAMA 283 (2000), 2917-8.
Microbes & Pollution Remedies
A review on potential commercial applications of microbial surfactants is Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 53 (2000), 495-508.
Environmental Issues
A paper asking where the boundaries of biocentric and ecocentric ethics are is Holdrege, C. "Where do organisms end?", In Context (Spring 2000], 14-6. A call for equal per capita emissions is Neumayer, E. "In defence of historical accountability for greenhouse gas emissions", Ecol. Econ. 33 (2000), 185-92. A letter arguing for regulation not private enterprise is Nature 405 (2000), 613; see also a US case of company efforts, JAMA 283 (2000), 2519-20. A debate on development and the Third World is The Ecologist 30 (April 2000), 22-5. Papers on good land use are in Dale, VH. Et al. "Ecological principles and guidelines for managing the use of land", Ecol. Appl. 10 (2000), 639-70; also pp. 671-2+; J. Environ. Quality 29 (2000), 728-37. Use of policy to conserve land in Ethiopia is discussed in Agricultural Economics 22 (2000), 217-32.
A UK panel has suggested 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the UK over the next 50 years, Nature 405 (2000), 873. An Indian review of the greenhouse effect is in Everyman's Science 34 (1999), 114-20. The history of ice ages is discussed in Science 288 (2000), 1316; Nature 405 (2000), 615. Respiration is the main determinant of carbon balance in European forests, Nature 404 (2000), 819-20, 861-5. Reduced growth of Alaskan spruce is reported due to temperature increases, Nature 405 (2000), 668-73. Cholera incidence and El Nino-related temperature increase is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 3072-3. A US report on the likely local impacts of global warming is Nature 405 (2000), 725; www.gcrio.org. In general, NS (6 May 2000), 6-7; Science 288 (2000), 589-90. Ford has admitted sports utility vehicles are bad for the environment, but said they are profitable, (May 2000).
China, Japan and South Korea are developing a joint project to study air pollution, Science 288 (2000), 1317-8. Even when there is high air pollution from human activity, forest fires can influence pollution over large areas, Science 288 (2000), 324-8. The impact of air pollution on ecological balances affecting insects pests has been studied in Russia, NS (27 May 2000), 16; also NS (1 July 2000), 14-5. The limits to smog in the USA may still permit lung damage, Science News 157 (2000), 308. On wind power, NS (17 June 2000), 14.
Water pollution from sewage in slums need local solutions like one described in NS (27 May 2000), 14-5. A review on dangers of methylene chloride is Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 73 (2000), 429-42. Drug pollution in water is increasingly being found, Lancet 355 (2000), 1789-90; Science News 157 (2000), 212. Metal pollution in Romanian water will have health consequences for long term, BMJ 320 (2000), 1294. Development of inorganic yellow-red pigments without toxic metals is reviewed in Nature 404 (2000), 980-2. A study of lead pollution in Sweden over the past 4000 years is Ambio 29 (2000), 150-6. Studies suggesting current cadmium pollution in Japan does not disturb liver function are Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 73 (2000), 86-90; but the margin for kidney function is small, pp. 15-25; but the intake has fallen since the 1970s, pp. 26-34. Left over chemical weapons from Japan in China will be destroyed only by the year 2007, paid for by Japan, NS (27 May 2000), 5. In the USA the EPA has ordered cleanups of unexploded ordnance, SA (June 2000), 18-9. Exposure to home pesticides is linked to Parkinson disease, JAMA 283 (2000), 3055-6; and in children there are acute effects, AJPH 90 (2000), 971-3.
Mass psychogenic illness at a high school due to toxic exposure is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 96-100, 1673-5. Industrial waste is discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 741. On the dangers of dioxin, Science 288 (2000), 1313-4, 1941-4; Lancet 355 (2000), 1883. Dioxin effects are worse for persons with high fat diets because they accumulate, NS (27 May 2000), 19. Exposure of men to dioxin lowers the male/female sex ratio in their offspring, Lancet 355 (2000), 1838, 1858-63. A book review on environmental estrogens is BMJ 320 (2000), 1082. There are genetic differences, Indulski, JA. & Lutz, W. "Metabolic genotype in relation to individual susceptibility to environmental carcinogens", Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 73 (2000), 71-85. On PCBs, Science 288 (2000), 1965-6; and industrial pollutants in general, Industrial Health 38 (2000), 107-19; Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 73 (2000), 7-14. Poor children are more likely to face environmental pollution, JAMA 283 (2000), 3057-8. On bioaccumulation, EST 34 (2000), 2373-9. There are limitations in cancer registries however, AJPH 90 (2000), 695-8.
Health hazards of mobile phones are discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1288-9; Lancet 355 (2000), 1793; NS (13 May 2000), 5. On EMF dangers, Ecologist 30 (April 2000), 50. Nuclear radioactive waste cleanup in Australia is discussed in Nature 404 (2000), 797. On the future of nuclear power, NS (22 April 2000), 20; (13 May 2000), 14-5; Science 288 (2000), 602; Nature 405 (2000), 141. Germany will phase out nuclear power stations once they all close after the 32 year maximum working life (June 2000). Radioactive exposure to persons around Tokaimura following the accident in 1999 has been found to be high because of a five hour delay in evacuting people from the vicinity of the plant, NS (20 May 2000), 5. A UK study found no link between household radon and adult acute leukemia, Lancet 355 (2000), 1888.
Biodiversity
The trade-offs in biodiversity are discussed in Tilman, D. "Causes, consequences and ethics of biodiversity", Nature 405 (2000), 208-11. Following international criticism and NGO opposition Mexico cancelled plans to build what would have been the world's largest saltworks, UNESCO Sources 122 (April 2000), 22. A series of papers on biodiversity are in UNESCO Courier (May 2000), 16-37. A comment on the human environment and biodiversity is in AIBA Newslink 3 (June 2000), 1-3. Research on human population in biodiversity hotspots is in Nature 404 (2000), 990-2. The consequences of changing biodiversity are reviewed in Nature 405 (2000), 234-42.
A Madasgacar study is Kremen, C. et al. "Economic incentives for rain forest conservation across scales", Science 288 (2000), 1828-32; 1763-4; and on marketing conservation, Nature 404 (2000), 923-4; 405 (2000), 507; NS (17 June 2000), 11. A call for farmers to reap financial benefits from plants they sow is NS (24 June 2000), 18. On efforts to save rain forests, NS (May 2000), 16-7; Ambio 29 (2000), 136-42. A review of the growing number of privately owned parks is Ecol. Econ. 33 (2000), 173-83. A controversial oil pipeline from Chad to the coast through Cameroon, that will be 1050km long, puts coral reef and coastal fisheries worth 80 times the annual revenue at risk from oil spills and construction pollution, NS (17 June 2000), 20. In the Caribbean rocket pads are a source of destruction, NS (3 June 2000), 5.
Some animal species will have no where to go with climate change, NS (13 May 2000), 28-32. CITES has delayed exemption plans for shipments of DNA samples from endangered species, even though the long delays in approval mean some research is hampered, Science 288 (2000), 592. A discussion of controlled trade and saving endangered species is NS (22 April 2000), 19. A series of papers on genetics and evolution are in J. Heredity (May 2000), 183-228. On DNA banks for endangered species, Science 288 (2000), 275-7. A report on biotic invasions is Ecol. Appl. 10 (2000), 689-710; Science 288 (2000), 852-4. Coffee and biodiversity is discussed in NS (24 June 2000), 19; Ecol. Econ. 33 (2000), 267-81; and Cacao cultivation, Ambio 29 (2000), 167-73.
The US has set quotas on the spiny dogfish to reestablish stocks, Science News 157 (2000), 246. The fall in the leatherback turtle population is reported in Nature 405 (2000), 495, 529-31, 881. The homogenization of fish faunas across the USA is discussed in Science 288 (2000), 854-7. Corals are expected to perish with global warming, NS (27 May 2000), 8. In general on biodiversity, NS (22 April 2000), 6; (13 May 2000), 46-7; TREE 15 (2000), 243-7; Nature 405 (2000), 207-18.
Animal Rights
A review on the cloning debate is Coghlan, S. "An ethical examination of the public response to non-human mammalian cloning", Monash Bioethics Review 19 (2000), 12-32. The NIH has taken over responsibility for the care of 288 chimpanzees infected with HIV and hepatitis C as a result of research projects, Nature 405 (2000), 262. Chimpanzees not only use toothpicks but also use twigs to extract loose deciduous teeth, Science 288 (2000), 1747. Macaques in many parks are infected with herpes B which can be passed by blood contact into humans sometimes, giving rise to some debate on whether they should be killed for public health reasons, NS (23 April 2000), 16. On animal care in Austria, Nature 405 (2000), 13. A discussion of the mechanisms of pain is Science 288 (2000), 1669-72. A study of the affects of transport in summer on horses is J. Animal Science 78 (2000), 1458-66. A study of transportation on goats is J. Animal Science 78 (2000), 1450-7. Analysis of whale meat in Japan shows it is hiding an illegal trade in endangered whales, some accidentally caught, though most may be accidentally caught, NS (1 July 2000), 11. The Olympics are expected to lead to increased consumption of kangaroo meat in Australia.
The development of human nature is discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 512-3, 931-3; Science 288 (2000), 816-7. A book review of Odent, M. The Scientification of Love (Free Association Books, 2000, 130pp.) is BMJ 320 (2000), 1346. A book review of Boehm, C. Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior (Harvard University Press 1999), is Nature 405 (2000), 735-6. A study of language discrimination in human newborns and cotton-top tamarin monkeys show both could distinguish Dutch from Japanese only when played in the forward direction, not backwards, Science 288 (2000), 349-51. Study of primate language is discussed in Science News 157 (2000), 280-2. Whale songs lengthen in response to sonar, Nature 405 (2000), 903. In the social wasp Polistes dominulus unrelated helpers work together, Nature 405 (2000), 784-7. Also on cooperation, Science 288 (2000), 850-2; Science News 157 (2000), 231. Female owls advertise good genes before males do, Science News 157 (2000), 310. A book review of Bagemihil, B. Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity (St. Martin's Press 1999, 751pp.), on the wide extent of animal homosexuality is JAMA 283 (2000), 2170.
Artificial intelligence and the Internet as a global brain are discussed in NS (24 June 2000), 11, 23-7. On social engineering, NS (6 May 2000), 46-7. The future of robots that can reshape themselves and rebuild themselves is starting, NS (13 May 2000), 6.
Safety of Recombinant DNA Products
Possible association between growth hormone (HGH) treatment and diabetes is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1728-9, 1912-4. The impact of scale up on quality of HGH is discussed in Biotechnol. Bioeng. 69 (2000), 119-28. Growth hormone may be useful for treating Crohn's disease, NEJM 342 (2000), 1633-7, 1664-6. Getting insulin to the world's poorest people is difficult, Lancet 355 (2000), 2165-7. Thrombolytic agents do not benefit persons over 75 years, BMJ 320 (2000), 1428. Damaged myelin can be repaired by antibodies in a mouse model of Multiple sclerosis, BMJ 320 (2000), 1622. IL-12 and gamma interferon regulate xenogeneic rejection, NatMed. 6 (2000), 549-54.
HMG-CoA reducatase inhibitors (statins) reduce risk of hip fractures in elderly patients, JAMA 283 (2000), 3205-16, 3255-7. The enzyme DNAse1 in vivo may protect against autoimmunity by digesting extracellular chromatin, NatGen. 25 (2000), 135-6. A review on the rise of pharmacogenetics is Nature 405 (2000), 857-64. A review on therapeutic protein production is GEN 20 (1 May 2000), 14, 60.
Recombinant erythropoietin can now be detected in urine, which may discourage some athletes and cyclists from using it to enhance performance, Nature 405 (2000), 635; Lancet 355 (2000), 2053. Too much red cells can lead to death, NS (3 June 2000), 18; SA (May 2000), 20-1.
Food safety
A report from the Codex task Force on Novel Foods Derived from Biotechnology by D. Macer is IAB News 11 (Summer 2000), 5-8. A report on the Codex Committee on Food Labeling hosted by Canada is The Ram's Horn 180 (May 2000), 1-4. On the future of new foods from biotechnology, Splice 6 (May 2000), 4-5, 12. GM fish is discussed in Splice 6 (May 2000), 10-1. On the spirit of science and scientists, NS (17 June 2000), 46-7. From now companies in the USA who want to introduce new GM food will have to submit evidence to the FDA 120 days in advance, and the information must be on the Internet for public scrutiny, Nature 405 (2000), 108.
The need for GM food in developing countries is argued in NS (27 May 2000), 40-3; Science 288 (2000), 1966-7. There are however concerns that GM food is being sent in foreign food aid more to increase the market for GM food, Nature 405 (2000), 875. In general on the GM food issue, Ecologist 30 (2000), 51; Science 288 (2000), 1748-9; SA (April 2000), 42-3.
Ethical issues in anorexia nervosa are discussed in Turkish J. Med. Ethics 7 (1999), 53-9. High fibre diets may not alter recurrence of colorectal adenomas, NEJM 342 (2000), 1149-55, 1156-62, 1206-7. Yeast cells may be a useful food supply, NS (13 May 2000), 13. On the benefits of fruits, Time (15 May 2000), 61. In the USA there was an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption 1990-1994, but little change 1994-1996, AJPH 90 (2000), 777-81. Diets that control insulin are discussed in Science News 157 (2000), 236-8. Dietary treatment of diabetes is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 1392-8, 1440-1; Lancet 355 (2000), 1794. A review of the benefits of Soybean is FDA Consumer (May 2000), 13-20. Food fortification to stop pellagra in the 1930s and 1940s appears to have been successful, AJPH 90 (2000), 727-38.
Canada is revising its food and drug regulation, Lancet 355 (2000), 1527. There is insufficient data to support claims that antioxidants help avoid disease, Lancet 355 (2000), 1433; NEJM 342 (2000), 1917-8. Too much flavonoids in supplements can also cause fetuses to develop leukemia, NS (22 April 2000), 7. Coffee may lower risk of Parkinson's disease, JAMA 283 (2000), 2674-9; BMJ 320 (2000), 1492. A pale green tea with double caffeine may aid health, Science News 157 (2000), 251. Against fat, Newsweek (26 June 2000), 53-4; BMJ 320 (2000), 1240-5. Diet quality and morality in women is reviewed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2109-15. On cancer and herbs, NEJM 342 (2000), 1742-3. Some asthma drugs may be useful against food allergens, Lancet 355 (2000), 2055.
Disease Risks & Drugs
A special issue of International Journal of Bioethics on health risks that includes three papers in French is in IJB 11 (March 2000), 9-42. The issue of compulsory medication through floridation of water is discussed in Environment & Health News 4 (Spring 2000), 1; and Ireland may relax its laws, BMJ 320 (2000), 1560. The politics of herbal drugs in Korea are discussed in SSM 51 (2000), 505-9. A case where a prescription drug has been packaged and sold as a herbal remedy in China is reported in JAMA 283 (2000), 2393. Cults in Japan have been marketing alternative health remedies, Lancet 355 (2000), 1797. The dangers to children of joining drug trials are discussed in US News & World Report (17 April 2000), 62+. There is still lack of clear evidence that vaccinations caused Gulf War syndrome, BMJ 320 (2000), 1351-2. Japan is to monitor the side effects of all new drugs, BMJ 320 (2000), 1560.
Wider use of the drug tamoxifen has accounted for a fall in breast cancer death rates in the UK by a third, and in the USA by a quarter, since 1990, BMJ 320 (2000), 1428. Better screening may have helped also. There is caution concerning the potential new cancer drug TRAIL, Science 288 (2000), 786-7. Taxol has been approved in the UK for ovarian cancer, BMJ 320 (2000), 1293. A call for study of the psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors is Lancet 355 (2000), 1310-4. Assessing risk of breast cancer is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 2002-3. Effects of population screening for Helicobacter pylori are discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1665-9.
A report on silicone breast implants is Health Council (Netherlands) Network 15 (April 2000), 3. A call for a more responsible media image of bodies is called for in BMJ 320 (2000), 1495. Ethical issues of cosmetic surgery in Down syndrome are raised in JME 26 (2000), 101-2. A rival for Viagra has been supported by a FDA committee, BMJ 320 (2000), 1094. Physical activity lowers risk of stroke in both men and women, JAMA 283 (2000), 2961-7.
The use of drugs in children to alter bad behaviour is discussed in NS (20 May 2000), 44-5. On treatment of chronic depression, NEJM 342 (2000), 1518-20. The Netherlands is tightening alcohol advertising rules to try to stop childhood drinking, BMJ 320 (2000), 1094. People with a difficult childhood may drink more, NS (3 June 2000), 10. Bacterial poisoning through heroin injections have been fatal for some, NS (20 May 2000), 4; BMJ 320 (2000), 1559. In Spain drug overdose deaths will led to brain removal within 2 hours of for autopsy, Lancet 355 (2000), 1889. Cocaine use in Spain is increasing, Lancet 355 (2000), 2230. On stalking in the UK, BMJ 320 (2000), 1486-7. On drug use, Lancet 355 (2000), 1822-3; and gambling, BMJ 320 (2000), 1556.
Incidence of asthma is increasing worldwide, SA (June 2000), 30; AJPH 90 (2000), 929-35. Indoor endotoxin exposure early in life may protect against allergen sensitization, supporting the hygiene hypothesis, Gereda, JE et al. "Relation between house-dust endotoxin exposure, type 1 T-cell development, and allergen sensitization in infants at high risk of asthma", Lancet 355 (2000), 1680-3; 1795. In Japan some houses seem to cause allergies and disease, Lancet 355 (2000), 1798.
Increased stress may be behind falling life expectancy in Eastern Europe, Science 288 (2000), 1732-3. Adverse work environment is associated with adverse health, BMJ 320 (2000), 1432-6. A review of temperature stress is Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 73 (2000), 215-20. Panic disorder is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2573-4.
Italy is attempting to reduce passive smoking, Lancet 355 (2000), 1896. Dutch workers are entitled to some-free work conditions, BMJ 320 (2000), 1227. Jordan is attempting to lower its high rate of smoking, Lancet 355 (2000), 1800. Four tobacco firms are fighting the UK ban on advertisements, BMJ 320 (2000), 1427; also on adverts, JAMA 283 (2000), 2106-7. A Canadian former tobacco executive has sued Imperial Tobacco for misleading the public about the health affects of tobacco, Lancet 355 (2000), 1341. A Spanish case is reported in BMJ 320 (2000), 1028. Smoking and the brain is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1087, 1097-1102. On smoking cessation, AJPH 90 (2000), 751-6, 757-61; JAMA 283 (2000), 2174, 3244-54. Discussion of so-called safer cigarettes are questioned in JAMA 283 (2000), 2507-8. Addiction is general is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2644-5.
A call to reduce speed limits to 20 mph in urban areas is made in BMJ 320 (2000), 1160. Most children injured in drunk driving accidents are unrestrained in seatbelts or car seats, JAMA 283 (2000), 2249-52; also pp. 2245-8, 2291-2. Violence is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1088-9; and in child's G-rated animated films violence is often seen, JAMA 283 (2000), 2716-20. In general on health impact assessment, BMJ 320 (2000), 1395-8. Cultural aspects of violence against women in Japan are discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1810. On men's health, NEJM 342 (2000), 1926-7. Models of public health practice from Don Quixote, Machiavelli and Robin Hood are discussed in AJPH 90 (2000), 702-6.
Patenting & Business
The challenge to the validity of the neem patent by WR Grace Inc. in the European Patent Office has been upheld, and the patent revoked, Lancet 355 (2000), 1895; Nature 405 (2000), 266-7; Splice 6 (May 2000), 3; The Ram's Horn 180 (May 2000), 7. Merck and NIH are now funding creation of transgenic mice without patents, but many mice have been patented in the USA, Science 288 (2000), 255-6. The conflicts between patents on different aspects of cloning technology are discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 610-2. The NIH opposes patenting of similar gene sequences, Nature 405 (2000), 3. Discussion of gene patents is in NS (20 May 2000), 15. Trade aspects of IPR remain problematic under TRIPS, Lancet 355 (2000), 1528; Ecologist 30 (April 2000), 30-33.
Biotech business has responsibilities not only rights, Nature 405 (2000), 881. A call for more philosophers in biotech is Nature 405 (2000), 281. The question of to whom the pharmaceutical industry is accountable is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 1902-4; and on academic-industry cooperation, Lancet 355 (2000), 1574; NatMed. 6 (2000), 481, 605, 617-20; NEJM 342 (2000), 1516-8, 1539-43. Gifts from pharmaceutical industry to physicians are questioned in JAMA 283 (2000), 2655-8. The research community and consumer may have different agendas, Lancet 355 (2000), 2037-40.
The BMJ has apologized to a Scottish biotech company for publishing a misleading study on burns, Lancet 355 (2000), 2139; BMJ 320 (2000), 1245. A new Israeli law cancels a ban on physician advertising, Lancet 355 (2000), 1895. The case of Malarone donation is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1718-20. The cystic fibrosis foundation is investing US$30 million in a small biotech company Aurora Biosciences to develop drugs, Science 288 (2000), 1715-17.
Ethics of banking are discussed in UNESCO Courier (May 2000), 38-40. On science funding in Australia, GEN 20 (15 April 2000), 3, 39; Austria, Science 288 (2000), 1324-6; China, Science 288 (2000), 1950-52; Germany, NS (3 June 2000), 16-7; India, Science 288 (2000), 794-5; Japan, Nature 404 (2000), 934. France is encouraging more biotech companies, Nature 405 (2000), 106.
Birth Control
A letter on family planning and national prosperity is Science 288 (2000), 1747. A review of coping with crowding is SA (June 2000), 76-81. The question whether profitability should alter availability of contraception is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1914-5. In general, BMJ 320 (2000), 1207-8. Social discrimination for families without children in Pakistan is discussed in SSM 51 (2000), 73-81. Variation in the time to fecundity affects birth rate, Lancet 355 (2000), 1928-9, 1961-5. A study of the media and Norplant is Lancet 355 (2000), 1633-6. A book review of the Sexual Century is JAMA 283 (2000), 2453-4. The risks of oral contraceptives are discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 2088. Home pregnancy test use is surveyed in AJPH 90 (2000), 974-6. In the UK the morning after pill will be sold in pharmacies, Times (20 May 2000), 7. Religious involvement delays onset of sexual intercourse in New Zealand, SSM 51 (2000), 1-10.
A book review on Caring for Women with Circumcision is BMJ 320 (2000), 1481. A book review of machines to enable orgasm sold the last two centuries is NEJM 342 (2000), 1925-6. A survey of reasons for regretted intercourse in teenagers in Scotland is BMJ 320 (2000), 1243-4. A UK Appeal Court has refused a mother's request for a hysterectomy in a 29 year old woman with learning disabilities, BMJ 320 (2000), 1424.
Embryo Status
Paper on ethics include Brown, MT. "The morality of abortion and the deprivation of futures", JME 26 (2000), 103-7; Harman, E. "Creation ethics: The moral status of early fetuses and the ethics or abortion", Phil. & Public Affairs 28 (2000), 310-24. A book review of Breaking the Abortion Deadlock is in Ethics (2000), 624-6. A Dutch ship is planning to moor in international waters to provide abortions, Lancet 355 (2000), 2228. The Australian coroner has recommended rules for abortions resulting in live births, Lancet 355 (2000), 1439. US legal barriers to abortion are updated in Reproductive Freedom News (April 2000), 1, 3-5; (May 2000), 4-7. On fetal tissue research, Reproductive Freedom News (May 2000), 4-5.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
The ethics of reproductive and therapeutic cloning is discussed in Monash Bioethics Review 19 (2000), 33-44; JME 26 (2000), 166-70, 222; BME 156 (2000),11. On the stem cell funding debate in the USA, Nature 405 (2000), 1, 6; Science 288 (2000), 1442; NatMed. 6 (2000), 614; GeneWatch 13 (April 2000), 4-5. Celera and Geron Corp. are combining research on genes involved in differentiation, Nature 405 (2000), 726. A call to make the number of implanted embryos flexible is BMJ 320 (2000), 1672. Ovarian function from stored and transplanted tissue is reported in NEJM 342 (2000), 1919.
Debate on preimplantation diagnosis is continuing in Germany, Lancet 355 (2000), 1980. Israel may supervise fertility treatments more but also liberalize oocyte donations, Lancet 355 (2000), 1979; and there has been a case reported of oocyte selling in Israel, BMJ 320 (2000), 1425. On giving or selling gametes, Daniels, KR. "To give or sell human gametes \ the interplay between pragmatics, policy and ethics", JME 26 (2000), 206-11; Parker, M. "Public deliberation and private choice in genetics and reproduction", JME 26 (2000), 160-65. A new method for preserving eggs by incubating them in mice is expected, NS (1 July 2000), 7. The question of whether paternal mtDNA can be inherited depends on recombination between mtDNA from the sperm and mtDNA in the oocyte, Lancet 355 (2000), 1290-1.
Ethics of surrogacy is discussed in KEIJ 10 (2000), 39-58. A paper in general is Nelson, JL. "Reproductive ethics and the family", New Zealand Bioethics J. 1 (2000), 4-10; pp. 11-8 commentaries; Agard, ES. & Wallach, EE. "The limits of reproductive technology: Who decides?", J. Clinical Ethics 10 (2000), 329-32. The ethics of ART for persons with HIV is discussed in NEJM 342 (2000), 1748-50. A report from the French Bioethics Committee on medicalisatiuon de la sexualite is Cahiers 23 (2000), 21-6. Sildenafil to improve erectile dysfunction is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1156-7, 1165. A book review of Dreger, AD. Intersex in the Age of Ethics (Hagerstown Univ. Pub. 1999) is NEJM 342 (2000), 1457.
Fetal Environment & Neonates
A new book is Berer, M. & Ravindran, TKS, eds., Safe Motherhood Initiatives: Critical Issues (Blackwells, Reproductive Health Matters, 1999, 244pp.). Japanese tradition of returning to the hometown in last months of pregnancy is one reason for a higher rate of maternal mortality in Japan than many industrialized countries, JAMA 283 (2000), 2712-4, 2661-7; Lancet 355 (2000), 1977. Fetal exposure to methamphetamine is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2225-6. On folic acid fortification of foods, NEJM 342 (2000), 1442-5. Claims that events before birth cause cerebral palsy are disputed, BMJ 320 (2000), 1626. The prevalence of HTLV and HIV in the UK are similar, and there are calls for screening of both, BMJ 320 (2000), 1497-501. Mosquitoes prefer pregnant women, BMJ 320 (2000), 1558. Non-life threatening fetal surgery is debated in NS (6 May 2000), 18-9. Entry into prenatal care in the USA is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2924-5. On fetal surveillance, Lancet 355 (2000), 1823.
The question of measuring parental attitudes to research on newborn babies is discussed in Nursing Ethics 7 (2000), 327-38. Several papers on pediatrics and ethics are in Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (2000), 39-48. Zinc supplementation may be important in Africa, Lancet 355 (2000), 2021-6, 2008-9. On nurturing, BMJ 320 (2000), 1347. A study in Sweden has found step parents no more likely to abuse children than real parents, NS (13 May 2000), 9. WHO has been accused of having too friendly relationships to private industry, BMJ 320 (2000), 1362. On infant sleeping position, JAMA 283 (2000), 2135-42.
A controversy in North Staffordshire Hospital involves babies being entered into clinical trials without consent, BMJ 320 (2000), 1285-6. A copy of evidence submitted to the inquiry there is BME 158 (2000), 13-24. Treatment decisions for seriously ill newborns are discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2237-8. On informed decisions for extremely low birth weight infants, JAMA 283 (2000), 3201-2. Cesareans are recommended for all women with cervical cancer by US researchers, Lancet 355 (2000), 2141.
Genetic Disease Markers
On diagnosis of early onset Parkinson's and the parkin gene, NEJM 342 (2000), 1560-7. ApoE4 may stop protection by estrogen of cognitive decline, Lancet 355 (2000), 1889; see also Science 288 (2000), 798-800. Presenilin-1 mutations are the most common cause of Alzheimer's, Nature 405 (2000), 531-2. On the gamma-secretase in Alzheimer, Nature 405 (2000), 627-8. The location of a major schizophrenia gene is on chromosome 1q21-q22, Science 288 (2000), 678-82. The QOL of schizophrenia patients is discussed in Am. J. Occuptational Therapy 54 (2000), 137-47. A delay in treating may lessen chance of therapy, JAMA 283 (2000), 2091-2. On genes and mental disease, Am. J. Psychiatry 157 (2000), 489-91.
Letters on masectomy for persons with BRCA1 and BRCA2 are in Lancet 355 (2000), 2015-20; JAMA 283 (2000), 3070-1. Silencing the BRCA1 gene causes disease, Science News 157 (2000), 247; also Lancet 355 (2000), 2090-1; JAMA 283 (2000), 2260-5. Myriad and NIH will have cut-price BRCA1 gene test kits, NatMed. 6 (2000), 610. High insulin level is linked to deaths from breast cancer, BMJ 320 (2000), 1496. There are socio-economic gradients in breast cancer survival and screening, AJPH 90 (2000), 799-803; JAMA 283 (2000), 2092-3; but deaths are down. The familial cylindromatosis tumour suppressor gene has been identified, NatGen. 25 (2000), 160-5. Also on cancer genes, Nature 404 (2000), 823-5, 1003-7; 405 (2000), 974-8 Cell 100 (2000), 387-90; NatMed. 6 (2000), 496; NEJM 342 (2000), 1282-3, 1762.
Transgenerational mutation by radiation is reported in Nature 405 (2000), 37. Methods for infering genome-wide mutation rates are reviewed in Heredity 84 (2000), 497-501; see also Current Biology 10 (2000), R410-1. On twin studies using unrelated pairs, Science 288 (2000), 1735. The UK is planning a national SNP database, SA (June 2000), 28. On X-linked genes, NatGen. 25 (2000), 1-2. The OMIM has passed 1000 disease-genes, NatGen. 25 (2000), 11. On gene ontology, NatGen. 25 (2000), 25+. simple disorders have complex phenotypes, AJHG 66 (2000), 1729-35. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in health and disease is reviewed in Nature 405 (2000), 421-4. Parental origin, triploidy and hydatidiform moles are discussed in AJHG 66 (2000), 1807-20.
On CFTR and disease, Lancet 355 (2000), 1840-1. A report from the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting is Lancet 355 (2000), 1701. The sequencing of chromosome 21 should aid Down syndrome research, Lancet 355 (2000), 1699. On Parkinson disease, BMJ 320 (2000), 1287-8. Anger and hostility may be linked to heart disease, Lancet 355 (2000), 1621. A link has been found between ATM and NBS1, Nature 405 (2000), 404-5. Genes and cataracts are discussed NEJM 342 (2000), 1786-90.
Genetic Screening Methodology
US women's attitudes to false positive mammography are surveyed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1635-40. The use of a touchscreen computer for family genetic counseling is reported in JMG 37 (2000), 354-60. On the use of 24 colour FISH for chromosomal aberration screening, AJHG 66 (2000), 1684-8. On DNA arrays, Nature 405 (2000), 827-36; NatMed. 6 (2000), 507; JAMA 283 (2000), 2298-9. PKU testing is discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 515. Ultrasound may be able to be used to stop internal bleeding, NS (3 June 2000), 11.
DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy
Two papers on the Icelandic health care databases and genetic registyr are in NEJM 342 (2000), 1827-33. The management of genetic information is discussed in Law & Human Genome Review 11 (1999), 167-86. The use of genetic information by insurance companies is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1526. The WMA has drafted guidelines on genetic databases, Lancet 355 (2000), 1704. The potential misuse of DNA data about criminality in court is reviewed in NEJM 342 (2000), 1762-3. On the question who should know our genetic makeup, JME 26 (2000), 1717-4.
Ethics & Genetic Screening
Papers include: Hedgecoe, AM. "Reconstructing geneticization: A research manifesto", Health Law Journal 7 (1999), 5-18; Yesley, MS. "Genetics and social policy", Turkish J. Med. Ethics 7 (1999), 1-4; Williams-Jones, B. "Re-framing the discussion: Commercial genetic testing in Canada", Health Law Journal 7 (1999), 49-68; Hlaca, N. "Genetic counseling and the best interest of the child", Law & Human Genome Review 11 (1999), 85-96; Davis, D. "Rational suicide and predictive genetic testing", J. Clinical Ethics 10 (1999), 316-23. A book review of Kilner, JF. Et al., eds, Genetic Ethics: Do the Ends Justify the Genes, is Bioethics 14 (2000), 274-5; on ethics of genetic screening, NEJM 342 (2000), 1459; and on Genetic Testing in the USA, Bioethics 14 (2000), 279-84. A high demand for BRCA testing and prophylactic surgery in the Netherlands is reported in Lancet 355 (2000), 2015-20.
The question of handicap is discussed in Aksoy, S. "Who is normal? Who is handicapped?: An ethical approach to the concepts", Turkish J. Med. Ethics 7 (1999), 12-6. On the concept of disability, Harris, J. "Is there a coherent social conception of disability?", JME 26 (2000), 95-100. A book review on black athletic prowness is SA (May 2000), 112-4. An essay on racial medicine disparity in the US South is Bull. History Medicine 74 (2000), 107-37. A paper looking at anatomy at the University of Vienna 1938-45 is Lancet 355 (2000), 1445-57, 1385. On genes and equality between gender, NEJM 342 (2000), 1761.
Gene Therapy
A series of 7 papers on genetic enhancement are in CQHE 9 (2000), 299-380. These include: McGee, G. "Ethical Issues in Enhancement: An Introduction", pp. 299-303; Daniels, N. "Normal Functioning and the Treatment-Enhancement Distinction", pp 309-322; Lachs, J. "Grand Dreams of Perfect People", pp 323-329; Goering, S. "Gene Therapies and the Pursuit of a Better Human", pp 330-341; Shickle, D. "Are "Genetic Enhancements" Really Enhancements?", pp 342-352; Miller, FG. "Cosmetic Surgery and the Internal Morality of Medicine", pp 353-364; Resnik, D. "The Moral Significance of the Therapy-Enhancement Distinction in Human Genetics", pp 365-377. The second part of a paper is Kirby, M. "Human freedom and the human genome" (Part II}", Law & Human Genome Review 11 (1999), 71-84. A report from the RAC is RAC, "Prenatal gene transfer: Scientific, medical and ethical issues", Human Gene Therapy 11 (2000), 1211-29. On the dangerous promise of gene therapy, BME 156 (2000), 13-7; JME 26 (2000), 89-94. On immortality, Science 288 (2000), 1345-7.
Stricter regulation is proposed for US gene therapy trials, Lancet 355 (2000), 1977; Nature 405 (2000), 724; NatMed. 6 (2000), 486-7. On long-term monitoring of patients in gene therapy research in the UK, Human Gene Therapy 11 (2000), 1253-5. Limitations of informed consent for in utero gene therapy are discussed in Human Gene Therapy 11 (2000), 1057-63. On adenovirus safety, Lancet 355 (2000), 1911-2; Gene Therapy 7 (2000), 110-4. The Gene Therapy Institute at University of Pennsylvania will no longer conduct clinical gene therapy following its lapses last year, Nature 405 (2000), 497, 599.
Success in gene therapy trials for immune deficient babies in France has been reported, Cavazzana-Calvo, M. et al. "Gene therapy of human severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) \X1 disease", Science 288 (2000), 669-72; BMJ 320 (2000), 1225; Science 288 (2000), 628-9; Nature 405 (2000), 9; Science News 157 (2000), 277; NatMed. 6 (2000), 623-5. Cell preselection is a key to gene therapy success, BMJ 320 (2000), 1296. Reviews on stem cell therapy, Gene Therapy 7 (2000), 451-7; HSV vectors, pp. 115-9; regulated expression systems, pp. 120-5. On new techniques, Science News 157 (2000), 309. Retroviral transfer into repopulating hemopoietic stem cells is reported in NatMed. 6 (2000), 652+; and on overcoming adenoviral vector size limits, NatMed. 6 (2000), 599-602. Prospects to repair the spinal cord by neural stems cells and gene therapy are discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2300-1; Gene Therapy 7 (2000), 93-109. On insulin production, Human Gene Therapy 11 (2000), 375-7.
Human Genome Project (HGP)
A new book is Grisolia, S. ed., Current Options for the Human Genome Project (Fundacion BBV, 2000, 317pp. ISBN 84-95163-37-6), which includes 25 papers from a Valencia conference in 1998. The US DOE and NIH ELSI programs are separating, Nature 405 (2000), 388.
Papers on the HGP following the announcement by Celera and the HGP on 27 June, 2000, of the completion of the rough draft of the human genome include: NS (13 May 2000), 11; (20 May 2000), 3, 14-21; (1 July 2000), 3-5; Lancet 355 (2000), 1337; Nature 405 (2000), 103, 111, 719, 721, 819+; BMJ 320 (2000), 1223-4. On claims on the sequence and openess, Science 288 (2000), 242-3; Nature 404 (2000), 809. Japan has called for open access to human genome data, Nature 405 (2000), 265. The precise number of genes may be between 40-100,000 genes, and researchers are taking bets on the number, Nature 405 (2000), 264; NatGen. 25 (2000), 127-8, 129-30. A discussion of gaps in the sequence is Current Biology 10 (2000), R396-7.
The DNA sequence of chromosome 21 is reported in Nature 405 (2000), 283-4, 311-9. Further sequences are expected to be aligned soon, Nature 404 (2000), 801. More than 1000 putative new jhuman signalling proteins were revealed by EST data mining, NatGen. 25 (2000), 201+. Alan Bradley will be the new head of the Sanger Centre, UK, Nature 405 (2000), 389. Shotgun sample sequence comparisons between mouse and human genomes may allow a fast sequencing of mice, NatGen. 25 (2000), 31-3. The mouse genome is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2000, NS (22 April 2000), 5. The Drosophila genome sequence has been found to be contaminated with human sequence, Nature 404 (2000), 916. On the Plasmodium sequence, Nature 405 (2000), 601-2. On DNA informatics, Science News 157 (2000), 284-6. On pharmacogenomics, Lancet 355 (2000), 1358-61; and genomic control, AJHG 66 (2000), 1933-44.
The genetic diversity project is still short of funding, Nature 404 (2000), 912. On gene hunting, NS (6 May 2000), 23. Genetics shows close Jewsih and Arab affinity, Lancet 355 (2000), 1699. Gene bank is offering a family album on mammals, Nature 405 (2000), 265. Japan is expanding genomics, Nature 404 (2000), 913; as in China, Science 288 (2000), 795-8. Neandertal DNA is discussed in Science News 157 (2000), 213.
General Medical Ethics
A report from the Russian National Ethics Committee is IJB 11 (March 2000), 71-4. A paper on the Australian situation is Dodds, S. "Human research ethics in Australia: Ethical regulation and public policy", Monash Bioethics Review 19 (2000), Ethics Committee Supplement (April) 4-21. A series of papers in French and English on bioethics committees is IJB 5 (1999), 9-90. A review is Emanuel, E., "What makes clinical research ethical?", JAMA 283 (2000), 2701-11. Information and papers on clinical trials in Japanese are in Clinical Evaluation 27 (2000), 441-644. An obituary to Benjamin Freedman is HCR (May 2000), 34-9. On the lack of informed consent at North Staffordshire Hospital (see also Fetal Environment section), BMJ 320 (2000), 1291. Also on clinical trials, Lancet 355 (2000), 2177; BMJ 320 (2000), 1491, 1509, 1548; SA (April 2000), 69-75; Science 288 (2000), 1315-6; JAMA 283 (2000), 2787-92. Mulitcentre research ethics committees are discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1157-8, 1179-82, 1182-3, 1217. Paying subjects is discussedJME 26 (2000), 126-30.
Autonomy versus social fairness is discussed in CQHE 9 (2000), 391-9. On autonomy and genetic information, J. Med. & Phil. 25 (2000), 114-20. A paper that introduces urban bioethics, a bioethics to broaden individual concerns to social ones is Cecire, VR. Et al. "Urban bioethics", KEIJ 10 (2000), 1-20; also Brock, DW. "Broadening the bioethics agenda", KEIJ 10 (2000), 21-38. A critique of intrinsic value is Bioethics 14 (2000), 228-39. On how to become a bioethicist, BME 157 (2000), 13-20. On the principle do no harm, Lancet 355 (2000), 2007. In general on bioethics, Phil. & Public Affairs 28 (2000), 275-309; BMJ 320 (2000), 1215, 1571-4, 1611; NEJM 342 (2000), 1296, 1458-9; JAMA 283 (2000), 2452-4; and on clinical ethics, J. Med. & Phil. 25 (2000), 3-113. Moves in Japan to allow doctors to get money for longer consultations are discussed in Akabayashi, A. & Fetters, MD. "Paying for informed consent", JME 26 (2000), 212-4.
A paper on tolerance is Wang, Y. "A strategy of clinical tolerance for the prevention of HIV and AIDS in China", J. Med. & Phil. 25 (2000), 48-61. The moral philosophy of Confucius is discussed in Turkish J. Med. Ethics 7 (1999), 5-11. Global bioethics is discussed in IAB News 11 (Summer 2000), 1-5. On study of Japanese health care in the USA, JAMA 283 (2000), 2921-2. A draft code on ethics in social sciences and health research from Mumbai, India is Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (2000), 53-7; and a conference review is Lancet 355 (2000), 2059. Ethics and nursing in Turkey are discussed in Nursing Ethics 7 (2000), 285-95. The implications of an aging nurse workforce in the USA is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2948-54. A call for nurses and doctors to monitor each other is BMJ 320 (2000), 1070-1; also on nursing, BMJ 320 (2000), 1019-1026, 1038+. A study of patient preferences on treatment of atrial fibrillation, BMJ 320 (2000), 1380-4; and on preferences, BMJ 320 (2000), 1246-50, 1530-3; JAMA 283 (2000), 2390-2; JME 26 (2000), 194-7. A database on patient experiences is reported in Lancet 355 (2000), 1540-3.
Improving communication is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1220-10. The use of prayer is discussed in Cohen, CB. Et al. "Prayer as therapy: A challenge to both religious belief and professional ethics", HCR (May 2000), 40-7; NEJM 342 (2000), 1913-6. On psychiatric ethics, Issues in Medical Ethics 8 (2000), 58; Dispatches 10 (May 2000), 10-12. The issue of conscientious objection in assisted suicide and abortion by health care workers is discussed in Bioethics 14 (2000), 205-27. Organizational ethics is discussed in J. Clinical Ethics 10 (1999), 171-246, 263-70. On medical professionalism, NEJM 342 (2000), 1223, 1284-6, 1288-9; and consultants, J. Clinical Ethics 10 (1999), 3-55. On gender and medicine, JAMA 283 (2000), 2849-50. On bioethics education, JME 26 (2000), 83-6, 131-6.
The Adults with Incapacity Act of 2000 from Scotland is in BME 157 (2000), 8-11. Inpatient care of mentally sick in prison is discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1031-4; and in general, JAMA 283 (2000), 2802+, 2844-5. On psychiatric ethics, JAMA 283 (2000), 2080, 2169.
Law & Medical Ethics
A report from is Segota, I. "The first Code of Ethics of Croatian Nurses", IJB 11 (March 2000), 47-52. A comparison between UK and New Zealand on disciplinary procedures for MDs is Dispatches 10 (May 2000), 2-9. The GMC is seeking help to deal with more cases, BMJ 320 (2000), 1356, 1411, 1415; also on revalidation, Lancet 355 (2000), 2229; BMJ 320 (2000), 1490, 1623. A study of cancer screening as a cause of litigation is BMJ 320 (2000), 1352-3; and on necropsy errors, Lancet 355 (2000), 2027-31; and missed cardiac ischemia, NEJM 342 (2000), 1163-70. There have been claims that the US Institute of Medicine's report on Medical Errors has errors, Probe 8 (May 2000), 3. The UK case of Dr. Ledward struck off the medical register for mistakes is Lancet 355 (2000), 2144; BMJ 320 (2000), 1557. On the Shipman case, BMJ 320 (2000), 1271-74.
A report in the UK on the retention of children's organs has been blamed on doctors arrogance, BMJ 320 (2000), 1359. In general on medicine and the law, JAMA 283 (2000), 2775-6; NEJM 342 (2000), 1756-8; JAMA 283 (2000), 2837-41, 2979-84, 3118-22; BMJ 320 (2000), 1567-71; SA (May 2000), 32-4. Elimination of payments for whiplash injury has led to improved recovery in the USA, NEJM 342 (2000), 1179-86.
A critique of the proposed US patient rights bill(s) is NEJM 342 (2000), 1663-4. A copy of the proposed revisions to the Declaration of Helsinki is in BME 158 (2000), 9-11; see also NatMed. 6 (2000), 615-7. A report from Beijing after 5 years on women's rights is Reproductive Freedom News (May 2000), 2. Legal proceedings against Dr. Basson in South Africa who led the biowarfare program are reported in BMJ 320 (2000), 1426. On human rights, AJPH 90 (2000), 693-4.
Scientific Ethics
The proceedings of the First Session of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST), held in Oslo, 28-30 April 1999, are available from UNESCO Ethics Unit (216pp.) They includes ethics of water, energy and information society. Harvard is not relaxing its conflict of interest guidelines, Nature 405 (2000), 497. On academic freedom, Ecologist 30 (April 2000), 26-9. Academic medicine is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2427-9.
A German fraud inquiry is discussed in Nature 405 (2000), 871-2. Gender is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1287; SA (April 2000), 30. A scientist who sent hate mail was not dismissed in Canada, NatMed. 6 (2000), 485, 609-10. On medical reporting, NEJM 342 (2000), 1668-70; and peer review, BMJ 320 (2000), 1546.
Euthanasia & Terminal Care
European debate on euthanasia is reviewed in HCR (May 2000), 7; Dispatches 10 (May 2000), 13. A report from the French Bioethics Committee on euthanasia is Cahiers 23 (2000), 3-20. An Israeli surgeon has been accused of killing two patients, BMJ 320 (2000), 1292. More than 80% of Germans are in favour of assisted euthanasia, Lancet 355 (2000), 2057. Comparing euthanasia today with Nazi Germany is Bioethics Research Notes 12 (March 2000), 1-2. Irish doctors oppose euthanasia legislation, Lancet 355 (2000), 1800.On stopping treatment, BMJ 320 (2000), 1268. On legislation over end of life care, JAMA 283 (2000), 2933-4.
Autonomy and assisted suicide are discussed in Bioethics 14 (2000), 187-204; 240-53. Living wills can help doctors and patients talk about dying, BMJ 320 (2000), 1618-9, 1640-1; Lancet 355 (2000), 1792. Hungarian perspectives on the end of life are in IJB 11 (March 2000), 43-6; Belgium, Bioethics 14 (2000), 254-67; Europe, Lancet 355 (2000), 2112-8; and two Canadian papers are in Health Law Journal 7 (1999), 205-58; see Lancet 355 (2000), 2145. On end of life decisions and ethics, J. Clinical Ethics 10 (1999), 271-93; NEJM 342 (2000), 1755-6; BMJ 320 (2000), 1205-6. A Swedish report is Nursing Ethics 7 (2000), 296-313. Caring for the aged is discussed in New Zealand Bioethics J. 1 (2000), 19-23. DNRs are discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1155, 1545. A study of the development of intensive care at Chestnut Hill hospital is Bull. History Medicine 74 (2000), 90-106. Hospice eligibility is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2527.
Consultation among physicians on euthanasia are discussed in CQHE 9 (2000), 381-90; SSM 51 (2000), 429-38. The question of miracle cures and looking for drugs on the Internet, NS (May 2000), 16-7. People may report pain more nowadays, BMJ 320 (2000), 1552-3; NEJM 342 (2000), 1211-3.
Organ Transplants & Brain Death
A paper on gestation is Spike, J. "Brain death, pregnancy, and posthumous motherhood", J. Clinical Ethics 10 (1999), 57-65. On brain stem death and religion, BMJ 320 (2000), 1266-8. On recovery from PVS, Lancet 355 (2000), 1790-1. There have been illegal cases reported in Thailand associated with organ donation, Lancet 355 (2000), 1343.
A paper that blames reluctance to donate on lack of trust in doctors is Siminoff, LA. & Sturm, CMS. "African-American reluctance to donate: Beliefs and attitudes about organ donation and implications for policy", KEIJ 10 (2000), 59-74. On allocation of livers in the USA, KEIJ 10 (2000), 75-80; Lancet 355 (2000), 1342; NatMed. 6 (2000), 611; NEJM 342 (2000), 1527-8. A new company is seeking to take over the US organ system, Lancet 355 (2000), 2230. A report of organ profiteering in the USA is discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1530. On retaining children's organs after post-mortems, BME 157 (2000), 3-5; and a new UK law, Lancet 355 (2000), 1705. There is concern over falling donation rates for blood in Spain, Lancet 355 (2000), 1529. On Hong Kong Chinese perceptions of unrelated bone marrow donation, SSM 51 (2000), 29-40. The payment for immunosuppression after organ transplants is reviewed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2445-50. Discrimination and organ transplants are debated in BMJ 320 (2000), 1600-1.
The techniques of liver transplants are discussed in Lancet 355 (2000), 1289-90; 1303-9. Tissue regeneration is discussed in GEN 20 (1 May 2000), 1, 29. On neural transplants, Lancet 355 (2000), 1340, 1344, 1890, 2142; Nature 405 (2000), 747-8; PNAS 97 (2000), 6728-33; and islet transplants, Lancet 355 (2000), 2140. On stem cells, NS (22 April 2000), 14; NatGen. 25 (2000), 134-5. Use of stem cell transplants for SCID is reported in NEJM 342 (2000), 1325-32. Tissue engineering is developing, JAMA 283 (2000), 2509.
A review of a conference on xenotransplantation is GEN 20 (15 April 2000), 1, 28. The US will closely monitor xenografts, Nature 405 (2000), 606-7; NS (20 May 2000), 48.
Health Costs
The WHO ranking of world healthcare is available through the WHO www site, also see, NS (24 June 2000), 12. One in six children in the world live in relative poverty, BMJ 320 (2000), 1621. On mortality decline in G7 countries, Nature 405 (2000), 789-92. Justice and managed care are discussed in HCR (May 2000), 8-16. On ageism, BMJ 320 (2000), 1076-7, 1422; NEJM 342 (2000), 1409-15. Ethical issues are discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 3128-9. Inequal care is discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2451-2, 2579-84; BMJ 320 (2000), 1151, 1200-4, 1286-7, 1303-7, 1399-400, 1594-6; AJPH 90 (2000), 841-2, 917-23; Bull. History Medicine 74 (2000), 107-37. Humanitarian crises are discussed in BMJ 320 (2000), 1216. There is an information gap North-South, Lancet 355 (2000), 2231-6, 2284. On Iraq's children, Lancet 355 (2000), 1837, 1851-7.
On Canadian healthcare, Health Law Journal 7 (1999), 141-92. The issues of reimbursing telephone health advice are discussed in Health Law Review 9 (2000), 3-12; and on patient satisfaction, BMJ 320 (2000), 1517-20. The future of employment based insurance in the USA is discussed in HCR (May 2000), 17-25. On the USA health care system, JAMA 283 (2000), 2161-2, 2163-7; AJPH 90 (2000), 900-8; and Canada, NEJM 342 (2000), 2007-12. Life expectancy in Okinawa is discussed in SSM 51 (2000), 115-22; and Japanese health goals were not met, Lancet 355 (2000), 2227. Cost benefit analyses are discussed in JAMA 283 (2000), 2116-20; 2158-60.
Internet Sites
Correction for incorrect web site address printed in last issue for HUMGEN: please see www.humgen.umontreal.ca
ALLIANCE FOR BIO-INTEGRITY
http://www.bio-integrity.org/RelReject.html
Madrina (http://www.madrina.com) is a bilingual English / Spanish web site for women that offers resources for learning in the areas of finance, the humanities, online education, and issues of personal growth. On on-line journals, Lancet 355 (2000), 2056.