Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology

Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - September 2002

Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 12 (2002), 188-196.

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+) 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
There is caution in forestry over the use of transgenic trees, Nature 416 (2002), 463. The Lobolly pine genome has been sequenced, Science 297 (2002), 1637. The nitrogenase enzyme structure has been resolved to 1.16A resolution, Science 297 (2002), 1696-700. The aerial dispersal of plant pathogens is reviewed in Science 297 (2002), 537-41. Genetic methods to make flowers smell better are reviewed in Science 296 (2002), 2327-8.

Genetic Engineering of Animals
Risks of animal biotechnology are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 653. Transgenic mosquitoes have been made with reduced ability to transmit the parasite causing malaria, Nature 417 (2002), 452-5; Lancet 360 (2002), 1837; Science 297 (2002), 30-1. Artificial embryos made on computers are described in NS (24 Aug. 2002), 17. A comparison of embryos in evolution is Science 296 (2002), 2147-9.

Targeted gene transfer associated with optical imaging allowed visualization of prostrate cancer lesions, NatMed. 8 (2002), 891-6. A muse model of Prinzmetal angina has been made, NatMed. 8 (2002), 466-72. Hyporesponsiveness to lyme vaccine antigen in TLR1 and TLR2-deficient mice is reported in NatMed. 8 (2002), 878-84. P110 PI 3-kinase mutant mice have impaired B and T cell antigen processing, Science 297 (2002), 1031-4. Diet induced insulin resistance in mice lacking adiponectin is reported in NatMed. 8 (2002), 731+. Treatment with VEGF prevents fatal respiratory distress in premature mice, NatMed. 8 (2002), 702-10.

Designer Molecules
A discussion of catalytic antibody design is in Science 296 (2002), 2247-9. On biomolecular engineering, Science 297 (2002), 62-3. A method for detecting rogue DNA is reported in Science 297 (2002), 1462.

Biotechnology & the Public
A report on the recent history of biotechnology in Europe is Cantley, M. "Biotechnology in Europe - 20 years' experience and current strategy", Asian Biotechnology and Development Review (May 2002), 17-26. A report showing some improved perception in GM research in new Zealand is reported in AgraFood Biotech 82 (4 June 2002), 7. A discussion by Hans Jonas about his perspective on bioethics is in HCR 32(4) (2002), 27-43. Canadian experience with lay representation on regional health authorities is reported in SSM 54 (2002), 1471-80. Community participation in Indonesia is reported in SSM 54 (2002), 1199-214. A book review on the debate between Creationalism and Evolution is Science 297 (2002), 1479.

Filming of patient care activities in hospitals is debated in JAMA 288 (2002), 373-9. A study of the reaction of science writers to medical breakthrough stories is SSM 54 (2002), 1887-96. How the media has made people worried about the environment, BMJ 325 (2002), 343. Children are targeted in a research awareness campaign, Lancet 359 (2002), 2174. Health literacy reduces adverse diabetes outcomes, JAMA 287 (2002), 475-82. Commercial speech and advertising of drugs is discussed in JAMA 287 (2002), 36; and in the Business section. A call for more radio journalists in Africa is Science 297 (2002), 1570.

Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs
Australia has approved the idea of local areas including states deciding to be GM free, AgraFood Biotech 82 (4 June 2002), 14. The question of when to release GM viruses to control rabbits in Australia is discussed in NS (10 Aug., 2002), 4-5. Paper in Spanish on genetic modification are in Revista Latinoamericana de Bioetica 2 (2002), 22-69. On agrobiotechnology in the Philippines, Asian Biotechnology and Development Review (May 2002), 27-40. Genetic studies suggest the farmers from the Middle East came to Europe about 10,000 years ago, NS (10 Aug. 2002), 17. Soil fertility and biodiversity are benefited in an organic farming trial, Science 296 (2002), 1694-7, 1589. Pesticide (1080) resistant rabbits are emerging, NS (17 Aug. 2002), 13.

Three cases of companies breaching GM release regulations in the USA and UK have highlighted how difficult it is to have compliance, NS (24 Aug. 2002), 11. There has been renewed discussion of the use of terminator genes to prevent spread of transgenes, SA (Sept. 2002), 16. Tough restrictions on biotechnology in Mexico are criticized in Science 296 (2002), 1591.

There are fears that pharmaceutical producing plants may not be regulated sufficiently, NS (6 July, 2002), 4-5. Studies have found that GM pollen can travel a long way, Rieger, MA. Et al. "Pollen-mediated movement of herbicide resistance between commercial canola fields", Science 296 (2002), 2386-8, 2314. A letter suggesting lateral gene transfer occurred from cannabis to humans is AJMG 114 (2002), 512-5. Gene swapping may have occurred through time, NS (31 Aug., 2002), 38-41. On the potential for environmental impact of GM animals, Science 296 (2002), 1257.

There are claims that a 1971 outbreak of smallpox in Russia was from a bioweapon trial, Science 296 (2002), 2116-7. Britain's smallpox vaccine is expected to work as well as the US one, NS (10 Aug. 2002), 8. Risks of smallpox vaccination are discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 689-90; NatMed. 8 (2002), 428; and of an attack, Science 296 (2002), 1592-5; 297 (2002), 50-1. In general on bioterrorism research, Science 296 (2002), 1613; NatMed. 8 (2002), 770; NS (20 July 2002), 5-7; JAMA 288 (2002), 689. On the metal effects of terrorism, JAMA 288 (2002), 581-8, 611+, 633-6. Further papers discussing the anthrax containing letters in the USA are AJPH 92 (2002), 705-6; Newsweek (12 Aug. 2002), 28-33. There is still debate on how much a bioattack would affect US food supply, Lancet 359 (2002), 261. On Iraq and biowarfare, Science 297 (2002), 1110-1. The question of sharing of data is raised in Science 297 (2002), 749-51.

Vaccines & Diseases
The production of vaccines in India is reviewed in Madhavi, Y. "The issue of equity in primary vaccine technology development and its implications on the implementation of vaccine policy in India", NISTADS News 4 (1) (2002), 53-8. An abridged version of the conclusions of a European Commission project on the ethical, legal and social aspects of vaccine research is in BME 177 (April 2002), 8-11. The lack of informed consent by military personal who refuse anthrax vaccination is discussed in AJLM 28 (2002), 325-44.

Around 900 school children were taken to hospital in Heilongjiang province, China, after side effects to Japanese encephalitis vaccine, Lancet 360 (2002), 395. Measles vaccination and MMR vaccine is discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 2112-3; BMJ 325 (2002), 354. The largest measles vaccination scheme in Africa has been started, Lancet 359 (2002), 1564-8, 2175. The value of vaccines is emphasized in Science 297 (2002), 937-9; FDA Consumer (July 2002), 40. WHO Polio eradication is reviewed in Lancet 359 (2002), 2255. A few individuals seem to continue to make polio virus while staying healthy, NS (27 July 2002), 8. WHO is launching a campaign to stop childhood blindness, Lancet 359 (2002), 2258.

The value of vaccination is argued for in Science 297 (2002), 937-9. On polysaccharide vaccines, BMJ 325 (2002), 292-3. E.Coli 0157 is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 608-9. Antibiotic resistance is discussed in FDA Consumer (July 2002), 28-34; Lancet 359 (2002), 1791+, 1819-27. Various reasons for TB are seen in New York, NEJM 346 (2002), 1453-8. Public health and ethnicity is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 103.

A genetic predisposition for a viral disease is reported in NatMed. 8 (2002), 872-7. A discussion of the most neglected diseases is BMJ 325 (2002), 176-7. Malaria research is discussed in NS (31 Aug. 2002), 14-5. Rove beetles have been suggested to have been the 3rd and 4th Biblical plagues of Egypt, Lancet 359 (2002), 1950. A study of the comparative efficacy of insect repellants against mosquito bites is NEJM 347 (2002), 13-8. Insecticide-impregnated dog collars can help control leishmaniasis, Lancet 360 (2002), 374-9. Elimination of lymphatic filariasis is discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 1677; and of onchocerciasis (river blindness), Lancet 360 (2002), 182, 203+.

It is now possible to visualize the spread of Alzheimer's disease in the brain, Economist (27 July 2002), 71-2. CJD is discussed in SA (July 2002), 22-3. A new strategy for Foot and Mouth disease using a vaccine is called for, NS (20 July 2002), 10.

AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
STDs and ethics are discussed in Turkish J. Medical Ethics, Law and History 10 (2002), 81-6. The course of hepatitis B is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 208-10. The emergence of infections through unsterile injections is discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 2280.

Reports from the 14th International AIDS meeting in Barcelona are in NatMed. 8 (2002), 763, 767. WHO advice on HIV drugs for developing countries is discussed in NatMed. 8 (May 2002). The case of the inadequate resources in Malawi is made in Science 297 (2002), 927-9. The spread in China is growing, Far Eastern Economic Review (15 August 2002), 30-3; Science 296 (2002), 2339-40. On the mechanism of HIV, Nature 418 (2002), 594-5; NatMed. 8 (2002), 425. HIV drug resistance is growing, NEJM 347 (2002), 438-9; Science 296 (2002), 2320-6; NS (17 Aug. 2002), 22. AIDS vaccine research is discussed in Science 296 (2002), 2297, 2354-60; SA (June 2002), 28-35. Thailand may be involved in some questionable trials, NatMed. 8 (2002), 767-8.

Microbes & Pollution Remedies

Environmental Issues
Pollution in the Himalayas is discussed in NISTADS News 4 (1) (2002), 64-7. Climate models are discussed in Science 296 (2002), 2139-40. El Nino is becoming easier to predict, Science 297 (2002), 497-8.

Biodiversity
The interplay between pests and pesticides in preserving museum collections is discussed in NISTADS News 4 (1) (2002), 58-64.. A discussion of St. Francis of Assisi as the patron saint of ecology is Science & Christian Belief 14 (2002), 51-78.

Animal Rights
Systematic reviews of animal experiments are called for in the UK, Lancet 360 (2002), 586. The UK House of Lords has suggested alternatives should be encouraged and researched, BMJ 325 (2002), 238. Ethics of animal genetic manipulation and research is discussed in Bioethics 16 (2002), 55-71. The need to reinterpret some Biblical passages on the meaning of human nature and animals is raised in Jeeves, M. "Changing portraits of human nature", Science & Christian Belief 14 (2002), 3-32, also p. 33-50. A study has shown that dogs can count, NS (3 Aug. 2002), 20.

A speech gene, FOXP2, has been tied to emergence of modern humans. Science 297 (2002), 110.

Safety of Recombinant DNA Products
Revascularization of ischemic tissues by placental growth factor (PIGF) is reported in NatMed. 8 (2002), 831-40. Intra-arterial fibroblast growth factor-2 may result in therapeutic angiogenesis, Lancet 359 (2002), 2048+, 2053-8. Possible adverse affects of interferon alpha in psychiatric patients are reported in NEJM 347 (2002), 148-9. Proteasome inhibitors for therapy are discussed in NatMed. 8 (2002), 338-9. IL-6 expression may be related to Alzheimer disease, AJMG 114 (2002), 436-9. On platelet glycoprotein Iib/IIIa inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes, Lancet 360 (20 July 2002); and aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer, Lancet 359 (2002), 2126-7.

A book review on monoclonal antibodies is in Lancet 360 (2002), 264. HLA-DR-specific monoclonal antibodies can be used to induce programmed cell death of malignant lymphoid cells, NatMed. 8 (2002), 801-7. Heat treated mice do not suffer from the toxicity of TNF and it can be used to kill cancer, NatMed. 8 (2002), 667-8. Also on TNF for ankylosing spondylitis, NEJM 346 (2002), 1349-56, 1399-400. Erythropoietin may be useful for spinal cord injury, NatMed. 8 (2002), 785-7. Anti-CD3 antibody may be useful for type 1 diabetes mellitus treatment, NEJM 346 (2002), 1692-8. On recombinant thyrotoxin, Lancet 359 (2002), 1874-5.

Food safety
An Indian perspective on the WTO policy on trade in GM goods is in Asian Biotechnology and Development Review (May 2002), 41-64. Despite famine Zimbabwe refused for some time to allow import of US food aid that contained GM maize, NS (3 Aug. 2002), 4-5. A study of consumer behaviour in GM food is American Behavioral Scientist 44 (2001), 1405-17. Plans to add drug genes to food crops are criticized in NS (6 July 2002), 3. A study on the uptake of recombinant DNA through food is discussed in NS (27 July 2002), 6.

A study of the modeling of consumer reaction to the mad cow disease is Int. J. Research Marketing 19 (2001), 91-100. Use of ginkgo does not appear to enhance memory, JAMA 288 (2002), 835-40; Lancet 360 (2002), 624. The case of an outbreak of E. coli 0157 among visitors to a diary farm is reported in NEJM 347 (2002), 555-60. Hormone-contaminated waste in the food chain is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 235. Acrylamide contamination in food was discussed at a WHO meeting in June 2002, Science 297 (2002), 27. A report from the World Food Summit in June 2002 is Lancet 359 (2002), 2047.

Antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain with a 5-HT2C receptor gene polymorphism is reported in Lancet 359 (2002), 2086-7. The crisis of childhood obesity is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 473-82. Obesity prevention should start in childhood, Lancet 360 (2002), 62. A hormone that turns off the hunger switch has been found, Lancet 360 (2002), 469. Pharmacotherapy for obesity is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 2092-3. Weight loss is a key for curing type 2 diabetes, BMJ 325 (2002), 232-5. On obesity and heart disease, NEJM 347 (2002), 305-13, 358-9; Lancet 359 (2002), 1955. Obesity can also prevent women from reproducing, NS (20 July 2002), 52. Optimization of lipid lowering drugs for heart disease is needed to reduce costs, Lancet 359 (2002), 2271-3. Protective effects of n-3 fatty acids are reported in NEJM 347 (2002), 531-3, Adding simvastatin to existing treatments can help reduce cholesterol, Lancet 360 (2002), 2, 7-22. The neurological value of statins has increased, NatMed. 8 (2002), 541.

Safety concerns about kava have been raised, Lancet 359 (2002), 1865. Eating fruits and vegetables is expected to reduce incidence of cardiovascular disease, Lancet 360 (2002), 1969-74, A study of women's perceptions of iron deficiency and anemia in 8 countries is SSM 55 (2002), 529-44. The question between safety of bottled and food water in is discussed in FDA Consumer (July, 2002). The book Aging Well is reviewed in NEJM 347 (2002), 150. Vitamin C is required for many body pathways, NatMed. 8 (2002), 445-6. On vitamins, NEJM 346 (2002), 1914-5.

Book reviews of Food Politics are Lancet 359 (2002), 1785; NEJM 346 (2002), 2017.

Disease Risks & Drugs
A new law in Germany will compensate patients for side effects of drugs, Lancet 360 (2002), 471. Side effect prevention requires cooperation between doctors and pharmacists, JAMA 287 (2002), 586-7. The Kenyan Medical Association is drawing up guidelines to end inappropriate use of painkillers, Lancet 359 (2002), 1927. Aspirin may decrease mortality from stroke, Lancet 360 (2002), 232; NEJM 346 (2002), 1468-74, 1800-6. Anastrozole can be useful for breast cancer, Lancet 360 (2002), 2126, 2131-9. The American Dental Association has recommended that amalgam fillings should not be removed, Lancet 360 (2002), 393. Traditional medicine has been recognized in Ghana, Lancet 359 (2002), 1760. Self medication in Vietnam is reviewed in SSM 54 (2002), 1875-86. Trends in medication use in the USA are discussed in JAMA 287 (2002), 1804-5. On acupuncture safety, BMJ 325 (2002), 170-1. Alternative medicine is being called for in the USA, Lancet 359 (2002), 1213.

Drug testing on children is discussed in Science 296 (2002), 1609-11. The US FDA on 31 June 2002 amended its new drug and biological product regulation so that human drugs and biologics that are intended to reduce or prevent serious or life-threatening conditions may be approved for marketing based on evidence of effectiveness from appropriate animal studies when human efficacy studies are not ethical or feasible, so as to help cope with terrorist threats, HCR 32(4) (2002), 9. On FDA's drug review, FDA Consumer (July 2002), 19-24. The FDA will have closer ties to industry, Lancet 359 (2002), 1923. The use of generic medicines in Transition Economies is discussed in Croatian Medical J. 43 (2002), 462-9.

Ethical issues in occupational health and ionizing radiation damage are discussed in Science and Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 139-54. A study of immigrants from Chernobyl in Israel is SSM 54 (2002), 309-17. Improving the health of workers in indoor environments is called for in AJPH 92 (2002), 1430-40. A study finding no evidence that the quality of air in aircraft increases risk of the common cold is JAMA 288 (2002), 483-6. A study on venous thrombosis on long flights has been difficult, Nature 417 (2002), 4. Mitsui company in Japan agreed after 17 years to compensate workers in a black lung disease case, Lancet 360 (2002), 471.

A series of papers on the ethical issues in facing the human deaths and disturbances to society in Gujarat, India are in Issues in Medical Ethics 10 (July 2002), 43-51. The impact of war on quality of life in Croatia is discussed in Croatian Medical J. 43 (2002), 396-402. Rubber bullets are not a safe method of crowd control, and result in deaths, Lancet 359 (2002), 1795-800. A comparison of annual deaths from traffic accidents in children is BMJ 324 (2002), 260.

Lifestyle interventions to reduce diabetes are called for in BMJ 325 (2002), 403-4. Injury risks are less if exercise is done, BMJ 325 (2002), 451-2. Lifetime intervention was more effective than metformin in reducing diabetes incidence, NEJM 347 (2002), 393-403. Exercise capacity is a predictor of mortality in men, NEJM 347 (2002), 793-801. On exercise, SSM 54 (2002), 607-19. Overweight people are less likely to survive a car crash, NS (30 March 2002), 9.

Cancer incidence in the USA could double by 2050, Lancet 359 (2002), 1755. The dangers of sitting in the sun are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 351. Safety and efficacy of new cancer drugs is discussed in BMJ 324 (2002), 269.

EMF radiation has been linked to leukemia in a Japanese study, Japan Times (26 Aug. 2002). In Japan a lip reading unit may allow people to only mouth the words into cell phones (to avoid disturbing others), NS (6 April 2002), 19.

A call for a human right to adequate housing is AJPH 92 (2002), 712-5, 733-8. Ethics in public health is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 416; JAMA 287 (2002), 381-2. The McKeown hypothesis and ethics is discussed in AJPH 92 (2002), 722-32.

The dangers of ecstasy are discussed in NS (20 April 2002), 26-33. Depression screening is called for in the USA, Lancet 359 (2002), 1836. On depression in children, BMJ 325 (2002), 229-30. Psychiatry and stigmatization is discussed in JAMA 287 (2002), 1856. Placebo studies in depression are highly variable, JAMA 287 (2002), 1807, 1840-7, 1853+.

Patenting & Business
The concept of selling sickness is explored in Moynihan, R. et al. "Selling sickness: The pharmaceutical industry and disease mongering", BMJ 325 (2002), 886-91. The ethics of direct to the consumer drug advertising is discussed in KIEJ 12 (2002), 141-58; BMJ 324 (2002), 278-9; NEJM 346 (2002), 498-505, 529-31; JAMA 287 (2002), 774-5; CMAJ 166 (2002), 448-50; Lancet 359 (2002), 1709. A study on the relationship between authors of clinical practice guidelines and the pharmaceutical industry is JAMA 287 (2002), 612-7; Lancet 358 (2001), 1723-4, 1804-6; Nature 414 (2001), 482-3. Around 100 public hospitals in Germany have been accused of accepting money from the pharmaceutical industry, Lancet 359 (2002), 1039. Also on pharma industry interactions, JAMA 287 (2002), 844, 1398-400; BMJ 324 (2002), 8, 128, 867; Lancet 359 (2002), 1167. The high profits of the Japanese pharmaceutical industry may be reduced following price reductions, Lancet 359 (2002), 1950. Reduced vaccine prices might discourage further research into them, NS (31 Aug. 2002), 25. A not for profit pharma industry has been formed, Nature 416 (2002), 465. The US has filed suits against Bristol-Myers Squibb for alleged price fixing with taxol, Lancet 359 (2002), 2092.

A report from the South African High Court on the global access to low cost AIDS drugs is KIEJ 12 (2002), 159-74. Social responsibility of pharmaceutical companies is discussed in Developing World Bioethics 1 (2001), 11-32, 33-7, 38-41. Effective pill donation is outlined in BMJ 323 (2001), 1315. High prices and drug patents are criticized in NS (13 July 2002), 3. Ethics at the World Bank is discussed in Wagstaff, A. "Economics, health and development: Some ethical dilemmas facing the World Bank and the international community", JME 27 (2001), 262-7. Trade policy and medical ethics is discussed in SSM 54 (2002), 1143-4. The results of the patent claims on the first human ES cell lines are outlined in Nature 415 (2002), 252. The recommendations of the European Group on Ethics in Science and new Technologies on Ethical Aspects of patenting Inventions Involving Stem Cells are reprinted in BME 179 (July 2002), 8-11. They recommend a registry be created of such patents when issued. DNA patents are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 349; SA (July 2002), 20; NS (3 Aug. 2002), 25; European Voice (8 May 2002), 1. Criticism of the breast cancer gene patents by European MPs is reported in European Voice (2 May 2002), 7. Data withholding in genetics is holding back progress, Campbell, EG. Et al. "Data withholding in academic genetics. Evidence from a National survey", JAMA 287 (2002), 473-80; Lancet 359 (2002), 325; Nature 415 (2002), 462. Security fears are also holding back global research, Lancet 359 (2002), 679. On commercial secrets, NS (16 March 2002), 14-6.

Biopiracy is discussed in Science 296 (2002), 253; NatMed. 8 (2002), 9. Monsanto has announced it will support global cassava research, AgraFood Biotech 79 (23 April, 2002), 13. Economic and policy aspects of terminator genes are discussed in Biotechnology & Development Monitor 49 (March 2002), 19-22. An overview of trends in biotech. patents in Europe is NatBio 20 (2002), 309-10. In general on patents, SA (May 2002), 24; NatGen 30 (2002), 359; SCRIP 2719 (2002), 6-7; Nature 415 (2002), 563; Science 295 (2002), 1840; NS (1 Dec 2001), 50. The European Patent Office limits the ability of US researchers to apply for EU patents via the Patent Cooperation treaty to limit its workload, BioCentury (28 Jan. 2002), A12.

A case of alleged theft of research secrets from Harvard is discussed in Science 296 (2002), 2310-1; 297 (2002), 496. Biotechnology is discussed for Brazil in Science 296 (2002), 1605; Japan, NatBio 20 (2002), 325; France, Nature 414 (2002), 573; Taiwan, Nature 416 (2002), 115; Scandinavia, NS (9 March 2002), 56-9. On global research and industry, SA (April 2002), 14; Science 294 (2001), 2249; 295 (2002), 439. In general on Chinese business, Newsweek (1 April, 2002), 40-3. The future of Celera in drug therapies after Venter left is discussed in Nature 415 (2002), 461. On molecular diagnostics, NatBio 20 (2002), 6-7.

Birth Control
Political solutions to birth control are called for in Science 297 (2002), 1120. The UK is revising their sexual health services, Lancet 360 (2002), 236. A participatory evaluation of reproductive health quality in developing countries is reported in SSM 55 (2002), 269-82. Reproductive health indicators among refugee's are reported in JAMA 288 (2002), 595-603. Paper against female genital mutilation include; JAMA 288 (2002), 1130-6. A study of polgyny and HIV in Uganda is SSM 55 (2002), 585-92. The risks of menopausal hormone replacement therapy are reported in JAMA 288 (2002), 321-33, 334-41, 368+.

A UK judge rejected a court claim that third generation pills were more dangerous than second generation pills, BMJ 325 (2002), 237; Lancet 360 (2002), 391, 421. Also on the risks of oral contraceptives, NEJM 345 (2002), 1826-9, 2025-32. A survey from the UK on what a planned pregnancy means is SSM 55 (2002), 545-57. A UK study of HIV and unprotected sex is in SSM 55 (2002), 211-26.

Embryo Status
The UN Population Division estimates that 40% of the 50 million abortions performed annually are done illegally, Lancet 360 (2002), 64. Nigeria is attempting to reduce maternal mortality, Lancet 360 (2002), 65. Fetal images and the power of visual technology in antenatal care is discussed in Health Care Analysis 9 (2002), 387-400. Papers on human embryo research are in Human Embryo Research, Manipulation and Ethics (Dec. 2001), 1-127. Papers on embryo ethics and respect for the human embryo are in National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 1 (2001), 129-266. The science and ethics of parthenogenesis are discussed in National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 2 (2002), 245-56. Ethics of abortion are discussed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 135-56. Fetal pain is discussed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 57-84.

Dyskinesias is not inevitable after fetal cell transplants for Parkinson's disease, Lancet 359 (2002), 2007. A case of tetragametic chimerism is described in NEJM 347 (2002), 1545+. A report of 77 twin pregnancies where one twin became a hydatiform mole and the other a healthy baby is in Lancet 359 (2002), 2165-6.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
A paper on regulating cloning is Annas, GJ. Et al. "Protecting the endangered human: Toward an international treaty prohibiting cloning and inheritable alterations", AJLM 28 (2002), 151-78. The US may now be working for a moratorium rather than a ban on cloning, Science 296 (2002), 2117; Lancet 359 (2002), 2091; NatMed. 8 (2002), 771. The US President's Council on Bioethics recommended against a permanent ban on cloning, Lancet 360 (2002), 231. A paper in Spanish on the responsibility of humans for cloning is Revista Latinoamericana de Bioetica 2 (2002), 116-49. Statements on cloning from the Danish Council of Ethics are published with their 2001 annual report (2002). In general on ethics of cloning, Lancet 359 (2002), 1621; NS (20 July 2002), 25. A call for better terminology than cloning is Science 297 (2002), 51-2. Stem cell policy is discussed in Outka, G. "The ethics of human stem cell research", KIEJ 12 (2002), 175-215. The European Group on Ethics has warned against issuing patents on stem cell line research, Lancet 359 (2002), 1839.

A Singapore group has successfully started a new line of ES cells free of any mouse helper cells, which may be thus clean for future development as transplant donors, Science 297 (16 Aug. 2002). General hopes from ES cells are described in Science 297 (2002), 500-2; NatMed. 8 (2002), 775-7; NS (13 Aug. 2002), 18. The potential of adult stem cells is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 372-6; Lancet 359 (2002), 2171.

The UK Dept. of Health has issued a consultation paper asking opinions on how much donor offspring should know, BME 177 (April 2002), 4. The HFEA has suggested a change in the law to reveal donor identity is reasonable, BMJ 325 (2002), 237. A film review of Offspring which addresses these issues is Lancet 360 (2002), 419. The role of rights in gamete donation is discussed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 473-84. On male infertility, F&S 77 (2002), 873+. Regulation of the egg market is discussed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 1-25. The question of selection of embryos for sibling therapies is discussed in NS (10 Aug. 2002), 3. It may be now possible to grow human eggs outside of the body, allowing girls who have chemotherapy to remove the eggs and mature later, following mouse experiments in Japan, NS (3 Aug. 2002), 7.

The Canadian Parliament has agreed to a law regulating human reproduction, Lancet 359 (2002), 1839. A discussion of the fees charged by HFEA is in BME 179 (July 2002), 3-4. A survey of US states that include insurance for IVF is in NEJM 347 (2002), 661-6, 686-8. ISCI may increase the chance of imprinting errors, AJHG 71 (2002), 162-4. On IVF and the risk of multiple pregnancy, Lancet 360 (2002), 414.

Fetal Environment & Neonates
Folic acid effects are discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 2038-9. Genetics of spina bifida are reported in AJMG 110 (2002), 203-7.

A Guatemalan study of the role of spouses in pregnancy is in SSM 55 (2002), 437-50. On the fear of childbirth, Lancet 359 (2002), 2128-9. Despite high technology for newborns in the USA the survival of premature children is not better, NEJM 346 (2002), 1574-5; Lancet 359 (2002), 2006. Fetal environment may have effects for decades, Science 296 (2002), 2167-9. On the fetal origins of disease, Lancet 360 (2002), 659-65.

Breastfeeding and later intelligence are discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 828-9. The long term effects of early genetic influences on behaviour are reviewed in NEJM 347 (2002), 213-5. A series of papers on the genetics of embryo development are in Science 296 (2002), 2163-87. A study of how the brain affects stuttering is in Science 297 (2002), 931. The role of genotype in the cycle of violence in maltreated children is researched in Science 297 (2002), 851-3. Decline in physical activity in black girls was higher than in white girls in USA, NEJM 347 (2002), 709-15. On the health of Latino children, JAMA 288 (2002), 82-90. The emotional problems of children living in conflict are reported in Lancet 359 (2002), 1793+, 1801-4.

Domestic animals reduce asthma and allergies when exposed at young age, JAMA 288 (2002), 963-72, 1012-4. Pediatric cochlear implantation is reviewed in Lancet 360 (2002), 483-5.

Catholic views on the issues involved in separation of conjoined twins are in KIEJ 12 (2002), 115-40. In general on legal views, Medical Law Review 9 (2001), 201-98.

Genetic Disease Markers
A language-related gene is reported in Bartlett, CW. Et al. "A major susceptibility locus for specific language impairment is located on 13q21", AJHG 71 (2002), 45-55. MBL genotype is linked to risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, Lancet 359 (2002), 1569-73. Paternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA is reported in NEJM 347 (2002), 576-80. Variant cystic fibrosis phenotypes in the absence of CFTR mutations are discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 401-7. Germline mutations in nonsyndromic pheochromocytoma are discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1459-66. Mutations in thyroid oxidase 2 are linked to congenital hypothyroidism, NEJM 347 (2002), 95-102. Toll-like receptor 4 polymorphism and atherogenesis is discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 185-92. Protein misfolding diseases are discussed in Nature 418 (2002), 729-30. Association of NOD2 genotype with the clinical course of Crohn's disease is in Lancet 360 (2002), 1661-5.

In Iceland one mutation, 999del5 mutation in BRCA2 gene explains much of the familial risk of breast cancer, JMG 39 (2002), 457-462. Contributions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 to breast cancer in Pakistan are reported in AJHG 71 (2002), 595-606. Tumour progression is discussed in Nature 418 (2002), 823. Diseases associated with p63 are reviewed in AJHG 71 (2002), 1-13. Possible therapy related to CD44 in inflammation is discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 2008. GATA1 gene may be responsible for acute megakaryocytic leukemia in Down syndrome, Lancet 360 (2002), 551. In general on genetic disease research, Science 297 (2002), 29-30.

A major predisposition locus for severe obesity is reported at 4p15-p14, AJHG 70 (2002), 1459-68. High bone density is linked to a mutation in LDL-receptor-related protein 5, NEJM 347 (2002), 1513-21. A series of papers on sex chromosome abnormalities is in AJMG 110 (2002), 1-130+. On the genetics of diabetes mellitus, AJMG 115 (2002), 1-70. Association between TNFalpha308 A/G polymorphism and onset age of Alzheimer disease is reported in AJMG 114 (2002), 574-7. Treatment for Parkinson's disease is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1589-98. Specialized DNA polymerases may be linked to the genesis of mutations, Science 297 (2002), 1627-31.

Genetic Screening Methodology
Gene expression profiles can predict the survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, NatMed. 8 (2002), 816-24.

DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy
A call for an independent review of Biobank, UK is made in Lancet 359 (2002), 2282. Confidentiality in the UK is discussed in BME 178 (May 2002), 4-5. The text of the UK Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 1438 has abolished the long tradition that absolute confidentiality should be protected between patients and doctors, and t is reproduced in BME 178 (May 2002), 8-11. The use of DNA testing to identify family members is discussed in AJLM 28 (2002), 215-33. Use of DNA to predict what a person is like is becoming more reliable, NS (20 July, 2002), 34-7. Genetic testing by employers is discussed in AJLM 28 (2002), 271-84, and in general on privacy, pp. 285-324.

The US has revised privacy rules that will aid research, NatMed. 8 (2002), 543; Science 297 (2002), 1108-9; NEJM 346 (2002), 1674; Lancet 359 (2002), 1585; JAMA 288 (2002), 815-9. US research on stored samples is discussed in Bioethics 16 (2002), 33-54. NIH Points to Consider on research on named populations is on-line, AJHG 70 (2002), 1602; http://www.nih.gov/sigs/bioethics/named_populations.html

Ethics & Genetic Screening
In the UK genetic testing kits are regulated under IVD Regulations (SI2000/1315), BME 179 (July 2002), 2. In general on ethics of prenatal diagnosis, AJLM 28 (2002), 233-70; Stern, HJ. Et al. "Non-disclosing preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Huntington disease", Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 503-7. Genetic counseling for sex chromosome abnormalities is reviewed in AJMG 110 (2002), 3-10. The German Parliament advisory commission on law and ethics in modern medicine has said that the current ban on preimplantation diagnosis should not be lifted, Lancet 359 (2002), 1926. There was controversy in Germany over payment for a child who was born handicapped following a doctor's misdiagnosis, Lancet 359 (2002), 2259. A Dutch study on attitudes to Down syndrome screening is Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 624-9. Attitudes to preimplantation genetic diagnosis of thalassemia in Hong Kong are reported in Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 508-11. On government policy for genetics advice, Nature Reviews Genetics 3 (2002), 631-6. Predictive testing for children is reviewed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 26-49.

A review of Galton's legacy to research on intelligence is J. BioSocial Science 34 (2002), 145-72. Polymorphism in norepinephrine transporter allelic variants is not found to be linked to reward-dependence personality trait, AJMG 114 (2002), 649-51. However, DRD4 is linked to novelty seeking, AJMG 114 (2002), 643-8. A study of why social scientists reject the concept of memes is NS (3 Aug., 2002), 40-3.

Letters on documenting Lysenkoism are in Science 297 (2002), 1646-7. On disability and normality, BMJ 325 (2002), 342. A UK study has found that personality status changes over time in neurotic disorders, Lancet 359 (2002), 2253-4. The former Peruvian government has been accused over sterilizations which were at the highest level in their reign, BMJ 325 (2002), 236. The practicality of recommendations for dietary control in phenylketonuria are reviewed in Lancet 360 (2002), 55-7. A review article on eugenics is Stern, AM. "Making better babies: Public health and race betterment in Indiana, 1920-1935", AJPH 92 (2002), 742-52, 707-8. A book review of Presidential Disability is Lancet 359 (2002), 2284-5. On autism and genius, SA (June 2002), 60-9.

A review of the impact of genetic counseling on women at increased risk of developing hereditary breast cancer is SSM 54 (2002), 1463-70. An Israeli study of the impact of genetic information is AJMG 111 (2002), 147-51. A survey of the motives of women wanting to attend familial breast cancer clinics is JMG 39 (2002), 410-4. Bilateral prophylactic oophorectomy in carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 reduces the risk of cancer, NEJM 347 (2002), 1609-15, 1616-22. In general on ethics of genetic counseling, NEJM 346 (2002), 1420; Stern, SJ. et al. "Attitudes of deaf and hard of hearing subjects towards genetic testing and prenatal diagnosis of hearing loss", JMG 39 (2002), 449-53.. Genes and social justice is discussed in Bioethics 16 (2002), 72-83; and in this issue of EJAIB 12 (2002).

Gene Therapy
A paper by the father of Jesse Gelsinger, who died in a human gene therapy trial is Gelsinger, P. "Jesse's intent", BME 179 (July 2002), 13-20. The FDA has a new office for gene therapy, NatMed. 8 (2002), 646. On gene therapy guidelines, Bioethics 15 (2001), 491-500.

Regulation of international gene alteration is discussed in Mehlman, MJ. & Rabe, KM. "Any DNA to declare? Regulating offshore access to genetic enhancement", AJLM 28 (2002), 179-214. A review of germline stem cell transformation is Science 296 (2002), 2174-5. Genetic enhancement is discussed inO'Mathuna, DP., "Genetic technology, enhancement, and Christian values", National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 2 (2002), 277-98; Lancet 360 (2002), 727. On procreative liberty, Savulescu, J. "Procreative beneficence: Why we should select the best children", Bioethics 15 (2001), 413-26.

There has been an expansion in gene therapy successes and trails recently, NatMed. 8 (2002), 429-30. A paper reporting a cure for SCID is Aiuti, A. et al. "Correction of ADA-SCID by stem cell gene therapy combined with nonmyeloablative conditioning", Science 296 (2002), 2410-3; NEJM 347 (2002), 613-5. See also NatMed. 8 (2002), 423-5. Targeting of tumour blood vessels with antiangiogenic gene therapy is reported in Science 296 (2002), 2404-7; Lancet 359 (2002), 2048-9, 2053+, 2256; 360 (2002), 424-5. Non-invasive in vivo monitoring of trackable viruses expressing soluble marker peptides has been accomplished, NatMed. 8 (2002), 527+. In a mouse model human cancer lesions were visualized by a targeted gene vector, NatMed. 8 (2002), 891-6. A hamster experiment suggesting chronic suppression of heart failure progression by gene transfer is possible is reported in NatMed. 8 (2002), 864-71. Intranasal drug delivery is reported in Lancet 359 (2002), 1674. RNAi may be useful as an antiviral, Lancet 359 (2002), 2257.

Human Genome Project (HGP)
Reviews of the recent WHO report, Genomics and World health (2002) are in BME 179 (July 2002), 21-4; Lancet 359 (2002), 1535; AJPH 92 (2002), 1077-9. A book review of Lifescript on the hope of genomics is NatMed. 8 (2002), 443.

A paper on haplotypes is Gabriel, SB. Et al. "The structure of haplotype blocks in the human genome", Science 296 (2002), 2225-9. Allelic variation in human gene expression is reported in Science 297 (16 Aug. 2002). Recent segmental duplications in the human genome are discussed in Science 297 (9 Aug. 2002). On human history, Science 296 (2002), 2341-2; 297 (2002), 771; NS (3 Aug., 2002), 52. Small humanoid skulls have been found outside of Africa suggesting migration at earlier times also, Science 297 (2002), 26-7. Jewish groups seem to have been founded by very few female ancestors, AJHG 70 (2002), 1411-20. A suggestion for humanity to develop into a new species is discussed in NS (24 Aug., 2002), 28-33.

Priorities for genomic sequencing of further species are discussed in Science 296 (2002), 1589-90; 297 (2002), 1638-9. Sequencing of a group A streptococcus bacteria gave further clues on the virulence, Lancet 360 (2002), 233. The genetic interchange of indigenous microbes of humans are discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 2083-5. Sequencing of genes from Streptomyces bisporus have aided drug design, Lancet 360 (2002), 550. The Pufferfish genome sequence has been published, Aparico, S. et al. "Whole-genome shotgun assembly and analysis of the genome of Fugu rubripes", Science 297 (2002), 1301-10, 1283-5; NS (3 Aug. 2002), 19. On the understanding of the mitochondrial genome, NEJM 347 (2002), 609-11; Science 296 (2002), 2376-7. A comparison of mouse chromosome 16 and the human genome is Science 296 (2002), 1661-71, 1617-8. A comparison with chimpanzee and human is AJHG 70 (2002), 1490-7. There is a low number of recessive lethals in natural populations of zebrafish and Bluefin killifish, Science 296 (2002), 2398-401.

General Medical Ethics
A Japanese translation of the Eubios Declaration is in J. Health Care, Medicine and Community 21 (2002), 98-108. On Eubios Ethics Institute, see Perspectives 20 (Spring 2001), 7-9. Informed consent during surgery in the Ottoman empire is discussed in Turkish J. Medical Ethics, Law and History 10 (2002), 163-7. Papers on what is Catholic bioethics are in National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 1 (2001), 7-94. On protestant bioethics, CMAJ 166 (2002), 339-43. On empathy, JAMA 287 (2002), 1052-3. The medical profession and government is discussed in BMJ 324 (2002), 838-42. The ethics of questionnaire based research are discussed in JME 28 (2002), 41-4.

Research in developing countries and a review of the Nuffield Council of Bioethics report is BME 177 (April 2002), 13-7. Limiting factors on first person informed consent in the Philippines are discussed in Developing World Bioethics 2 (2002), 21-7. In other developing countries, Bioethics 15 (2001), 398-412. A paper on rights is Dallmayr, F. "'Asian Values' and global human rights", Philosophy East and West 52 (2002), 173-89. The revised principles of the American Medical Association are in BME 177 (April 2002), 3-4. Risk and human trials are discussed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 341-70. Unethical conduct in the design of underpowered clinical trials is criticized in JAMA 288 (2002), 358-62. It is difficult to know if you are part of a randomized clinical trial, SSM 55 (2002), 709-19; JME 28 (2002), 45-8. The results should be informed, JAMA 288 (2002), 363-5. On autonomy, Economist (18 May 2002), 83. Sometimes decisions by patients will be considered irrational, BMJ 324 (2002), 497-8. In general on bioethics, JAMA 287 (2002), 1582-3. The evolution in the length of time for medical consultations in the UK is discussed in BMJ 324 (2002), 880-2. A study found important knowledge deficits in survivors of childhood cancer, JAMA 287 (2002), 1832-9.

A paper on changes in practical ethics is Beauchamp, TL. "Changes of climate in the development of practical ethics", Science and Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 131-8. Ethics of research physicians in private practice are discussed in HCR 32 (4) (2002), 22-6. A supplement on Ethics and Trusteeship for Health care discussing the roles of hospital boards is in HCR 32 (4) (2002), S1-28. The guidelines of the St. Thomas hospital bioethics committee are in Southeast Asian Center for Bioethics Bioethics Newsletter 14 (June 2002), 1-2. Discussion of US IRBs is in AJPH 92 (2002), 1067-70; and on Australian committees, Bioethics 15 (2001), 443-60.

A call for China to improve psychiatric standards is in Lancet 360 (2002), 627. The stigma of mental disease in Japan is discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 1866. Most patients are hospitalized in Japan. Papers on equality and disability are in JME 27 (2001), 361-97. Consent difficulties are discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 83. The US Supreme Court has decided that mentally retarded prisoners should not be executed, Lancet 359 (2002), 903. One can wonder why it took them so long to recognize the ethical issue. The mistreatment of foreign prisoners by the USA is criticized in BMJ 324 (2002), 187. Telemedicine is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 423-5. Ethics of domestic violence research is discussed in Lancet 3590 (2002), 1599-604. Competence in delivery of bad news is discussed in SSM 54 (2002), 1011-23.

Attitudes to bioethics in Sweden are surveyed, SSM 54 (2002), 1333-44. Nursing is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1757-66; NS (8 Dec. 2001), 15. There is declining altruism in medicine, BMJ 325 (2002), 624-5. Workplace bullying in junior doctors is reported in BMJ 324 (2002), 878-9.

A study of teaching medical ethics to experienced staff is reported in JME 27 (2001), 409-12. Also on teaching medical ethics, Developing World Bioethics 1 (2001), 1. It is not possible to assess the ethics of medical school applicants easily, JME 27 (2001), 404-8. Research on the outcome of education is reported in BMJ 325 (2002), 126-7. The market for medical ethics is discussed in J. Health Politics, Policy and Law 26 (2001), 1099-1112.

Law & Medical Ethics
Victims of Japanese Unit 731 from WWII have sued the government of Japan, Lancet 360 (2002), 628.

Human research oversight in the USA is reviewed in KIEJ 12 (2002), 215-24. UK clinical ethics committees are reviewed in BME 178 (May 2002), 13-5. The Indian Medical Council Regulations on Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics, are in Issues in Medical Ethics 10 (July 2002), 66-70 (see also the icmr web sites). A review of legal trends in bioethics is J. Clinical Ethics 12 (2001), 319-30. Legal issues in scientific research are reviewed in JAMA 287 (2002), 85-91. Research governance in general is discussed in NatMed. 8 (2002), 99-101.

Scientific Ethics
Reviews of international documents on conflicts of interest and access to information from medical research include BME 178 (May 2002), 18-9; JAMA 287 (2002), 78-84. On financial conflicts of interest, NatMed. 8 (2002), 96. Beijing has issued rules on scientific misconduct, Science 296 (2002), 448-9. Papers on the responsible practice of science and research are in Science and Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 191-34; Lancet 360 (2002), 499. The politics of cancer in the Cold War are in a book review in NEJM 347 (2002), 623. Non financial conflicts of interest in research are discussed in NEJM 347 (2002), 759-61. These might include involvement with an industry, like tobacco, BMJ 324 (2002), 257. On university-industry links, JAMA 287 (2002), 72-7. The integrity of the scientific record is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 169. Data sharing in medical research is surveyed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 125-34.

Academic freedom is discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 721; NS (23 Feb. 2002), 5. A survey of student perceptions of whistle blowing is Medical Education 36 (2002), 173-9. Cheating in examinations is discussed in Medical Education 36 (2002), 166-72.

Book reviews of Crewdson, J. Science Fictions: A Scientific Mystery, A Massive cover-up, and the dark legacy of Robert Gallo (Boston: Little & Brown, 2002, 670pp.) are in NEJM 347 (2002), 771-2; Science 296 (2002), 1615-6. A German case of misconduct is discussed in Nature 417 (2002), 6. Misconduct in general is discussed in Lancet 358 (2001), 1350. Use of false samples is discussed in Nature 415 (2002), 471. A case of reselling journal subscriptions at profit has been settled in the USA, Nature 416 (2002), 668. On corruption in general, Newsweek (29 April, 2002, 18-21. Data hoarding is inhibiting repetition of results in genetics in the USA, Science 295 (2002), 599-600; 1625.

Responsible authorship and peer review are discussed in Science and Engineering Ethics 8 (2002), 155-74, 175-90; NEJM 347 (2002), 55; F&S 77 (2002), 883-8. On sponsorship and authorship, Lancet 359 (2002), 350-2; NEJM 347 (2002), 290-2. A study of association between competing interests and author's conclusions is BMJ 325 (2002), 249-50. Submission trends to the journal Fertility and Sterility are reviewed in F&S 77 (2002), 871-2. Credits to big names in authorship is discussed in Nature 415 (2002), 819, 835. Publication is discussed in general in Science 295 (2002), 1793. Debate over ISI impact factors is in Nature 415 (2002), 726-32. A call for medical journals to allocate 15% to developing countries issues is made in Nature 415 (2002), 575. On peer review, Nature 416 (2002), 258-60.

Euthanasia & Terminal Care
The Diane Petty case is discussed in BME 178 (May 2002), 15-17; HCR 32 (4) (2002), 10-1; Lancet 359 (2002), 1586. A UK case of a tetraplegic woman on a ventilator saw the high court come to her bedside, BMJ 324 (2002), 629. A general discussion of why some persons want to die earlier is HCR 32(4) (2002), 14-21. Against assisted suicide, see Lancet 359 (2002), 1625; NEJM 347 (2002), 541. A series of papers on physician assisted suicide and euthanasia are in the National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 1 (2001), 293-458. Responding to requests on assisted suicide is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 91-8; Lancet 359 (2002), 352-3; BMJ 324 (2002), 305; NEJM 346 (2002), 1061-6; JME 27 (2001), 331-7. Euthanasia among ALS patients in the Netherlands is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1638-44. Oregon experiences with hospice patients requesting assisted suicide is reported in NEJM 346 (2002), 460-3; 347 (2002), 582-8. On legalizing euthanasia, BMJ 324 (2002), 846-8. A comparison between Russia, Sweden and Germany is JME 27 (2001),186-91.

A Japanese paper is Elwyn, TS. Et al. "Responsibility and cancer disclosure in Japan", SSM 54 (2002), 281-93. A book review on home care in the USA is NEJM 347 (2002), 542. Japanese doctors experiences of voluntary euthanasia is surveyed in JME 27 (2001), 324-30. A Taiwanese study is Lo, JC. "The impact of hospices on health care expenditures - the case of Taiwan", SSM 54 (2002), 981-91. Palliative care in the Islamic world is reviewed in West. J. Med. 176 (2002), 60-1. Within a country there are multiple views on appropriate end of life care also, West. J. Med. 176 (2002), 62-4. Reporting of pain needs to be standardized, J. Clinical Epidemiology 55 (2002), 105-10. Discussion of spiritual issues at the end of life is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 749-54. Death with dignity is discussed in JAMA 288 (2002), 162; SSM 54 (2002), 433-43; BMJ 324 (2002), 855, 862-3. The presence of family members during CPR is discussed in NEJM 346 (2002), 1019-21. Also on CPR, JME 27 (2001), 309-9. A study of survival among mechanically respirated patients is JAMA 287 (2002), 345-5. Longevity is discussed in NS (10 Aug. 2002), 16; Current Biology 12 (2002), R311-2; Science 295 (2002), 120-3. The search for an anti-aging pill is reviewed in SA (August 2002), 24-9.

Organ Transplants & Brain Death
Recommendations on the removal of organs from dead bodies are in BME 179 (July 2002), 6-7. A UK survey of experiences with postmortems is BMJ 324 (2002), 816-8. On the UK body parts scandals, NS (2 Feb. 2002), 14-5. Postmodernism and the vegetative state are discussed in National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly 2 (2002), 257-76. A study of brain dead bodies has raised debate, Science 295 (Jan. 2002). Also on the ethics of human death with comparisons to beginning of life, Bioethics 16 (2002), 20-32. Allocation of livers in the USA is debated in HCR 32(4) (2002), 12-3. Views of Islamic scholars on organ donation from cadavers are reviewed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 461-72.

A review paper is Morley, MT. "Proxy consent to organ donation by incompetents", Yale Law J. 111 (2002), 1215-49. Ethics of liver transplants are reviewed in Bioethics 15 (2001), 110-24; NatMed. 8 (2002), 97. Ethical incentives for organ donation instead of payment are suggested in NEJM 346 (2002), 2002-4. Paid donation is discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 906-7, 971-3. Ethical issues in donation to known donors are discussed in JME 27 (2001), 162-4. A web site to enhance donation is Lancet 359 (2002), 1707; www.organdonor.gov. Also on donation, Time (28 Jan. 2002), 54. The human rights of persons registering as donors is discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 91. Discrimination in kidney transplant queues is discussed in AJPH 92 811-7. A film review of John Q is BMJ 324 (2 March 2002). On US cadaver donations, JAMA 287 (2002), 1183.

On ethics of xenotransplants, Bioethics 15 (2001), 427-42; Lancet 359 (2002), 949, 2280-1; J. Applied Philosophy 17 (2000), 253-62; JAMA 288 (2002), 688. Pig cell transplants may be useful for diabetes, NS (31 Aug. 2002), 7. Pig gut might be useful in healing athletes, NS (30 March 2002), 16. Cloned pigs may help overcome rejection, Science 295 (2002), 25-6, 1008; NS (12 Jan. 2002), 3, 7. A review of the trials of artificial hearts is SA (July 2002), 44-53. Bionic humans and tissue engineering is discussed in Science 295 (2002), 998-1034. Therapeutic angiogenesis is reported in Lancet 360 (2002), 427-35. Sensors may be useful to place in the body, Science 297 (2002), 962-3.

The possibility of face transplants is raised in Lancet 360 (2002), 5-6. Tooth transplants are growing, NS (10 Aug. 2002), 32-5. On bone marrow transplants, BMJ 325 (2002), 348-9. A FDA recall of some tissue from a major distributor was due to deaths, Lancet 360 (2002), 623. A study of rejected lungs for transplants is Lancet 360 (2002), 619-20. Kidney transplants can still be useful from donors without a heart beat, NEJM 347 (2002), 248-55. On renal transplants, BMJ 324 (2002), 530-4. On bone remodeling, Nature 416 (2002), 686-7. Partial liver transplant techniques are discussed in Lancet 359 (2002), 368-9, 406-7. Deaths of liver donors has raised concerns, BMJ 324 (2002), 754. Spinal cord repair is developing, Lancet 359 (2002), 1317; Nature 416 (2002), 589-90. Stem cells are discussed in the section on ART, also see NS (26 Jan. 2002), 4-5; (16 March 2002), 6-7; Nature 415 (2002), 952-3.

Health Costs
The ethics of rationing of health care are discussed in BME 177 (April 2002), 20-22; Bioethics 15 (2001), 50-6. Utilitarianism and the distribution of resources to the disabled is discussed in Bioethics 16 (2002), 1-19. Health insurance in Croatia is discussed in Croatian Medical J. 43 (2002), 403-452.

Prepared by Darryl Macer
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