Eubios News in Bioethics & Biotechnology - March 2003
Eubios Journal
of Asian and International Bioethics 13
(2003), 65-73.
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
Organic
farming and FAO is discussed in
J. Biolaw & Biobusiness Special
Supplement (2000), 125-6;
among a series of papers on biotechnology in agriculture, pp. 3-128. Directions
and challenges of agricultural technology
in 2010 is discussed in
Technology in Society 23 (2001), 59-72. Since the 1940s the changing
climates
may have been a major cause of increased agricultural yields,
Science 299 (2003), 997. Study of New World plant
domestification are discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 1029-30. Hominid land use 1-2 million years ago is
discussed in
Science 299 (2003),
1217-21.
The
future of
bananas, which are being
subject to many diseases, are reviewed in
NS (18 Jan., 2003),
26-9. However genetically modified bananas can find nematode pests,
NS (1 Feb., 2003), 15. GM cotton is allowing more
conservation tillage,
AgraFood Biotech. 97 (3 Feb. 2003), 15. Science and food security in Africa is discussed
in
Science 299 (2003), 1187-8;
and on food security in Brazil,
Lancet 361 (2003), 586. On the replacement of older methods of breeding by
GM,
Nature 421 (2003), 568-70.
The
complete
rice genome sequence is on the
Internet for free access,
NS (11 Jan., 2003), 5. Iron fortified
rice was chosen as the 1st milestone of 2003 by researchers in a survey,
NS (4 Jan., 2003), 24-5.
India is planning
a protato as a GM potato to alleviate hunger,
NS (4 Jan., 2003), 7; Ram's Horn 208 (Jan. 2003), 6-7. Risks of GM
trees
to forests were assessed in a field trial,
NS (25 Jan., 2003), 8. GM wine is discussed in
NS (21 Dec. 2002), 33-5.
Genetic Engineering of Animals
The death of
Dolly, the first mammalian clone, at 6 years of age has
been widely reported, Lancet 361 (2003), 711;
Nature 421 (2003), 776;
Int. Herald Tribune (15 Feb. 2003).
New Zealand scientists
have announced GM cows with enhanced milk protein levels,
NatBio (Feb. 2003);
NS (1 Feb. 2003), 6. A report on pig cloning from China is
Cloning 2 (2002), 45+. Production of alpha
1,3-galactosyltransferase deficient
pigs is reported in
Science 299 (2003), 411-4. Japanese researchers have cloned
a monkey,
APBN 7 (2003),
6-7. Controversy over cloning prized
cattle livestock in the USA is discussed in
Current Biology 12 (2002), R828. A review of reproductive
technologies in domestic animals is
Cloning 1 (1999), 133-42. Genetic engineering of livestock
is reviewed in
J. Biolaw & Biobusiness Special Supplement (2000), 29-33, 38-41.
In general on mouse models of disease,
The
Scientist (13 Jan. 2003), 35;
Science 298 (2002), 2320-1. Mice lacking insulin receptor in
adipose tissue live longer,
Science 299 (2003), 572-4. Circulating platelets exacerbate
atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice models,
NatMed. 9 (2003), 61-6. Spongiform degeneration in
mahoganoid mutant mice is described in
Science 299 (2003), 710-3. Mice follow olfactory response in
social network building,
Science 299 (2003), 1163. NCF1 is a gene regulating
arthritis severity in rats,
NatGen
33 (2003), 25+. Longevity is discussed in
Nature 421 (2003), 125-6. Inactivation of genes using RNA
in nematode worms has been reported for study,
Nature 421 (2003), 220-1, 231-7, 268-72;
NatGen 33 (2003), 40-7. Fruit flies as models for
neuropharmacological research are discussed in
Trendsin
Pharmaceutical Sciences 24 (2003), 41-3.
Myc-induced leukemia in transgenic zebrafish is reported in
Science 299 (2003), 88-90.
Designer Molecules
Transgenic silkworms can spin human collagen into cocoons, Lancet
360 (2002), 2053. Design and synthesis of a protein using chemistry is reported
in
Science 299 (2003), 884-7. The first autonomous synthetic
lifeform has been made,
Science 299 (2003), 640;
J. American Chemical
Society (31 Jan 2003). Biomaterials in
sensors are reviewed in
Science 298 (2002), 2407-8. Nanotechnology is using some
biological molecules,
Science 298 (2002), 2322-3; 293 (2003),
1192-3. Protein networking is discussed
in
Science 299 (2003), 1159. Damaged RNA can be repaired by
cells,
Nature 421 (2003), 795-6.
Biotechnology
& the Public
Public
understanding of genetics is discussed in
New Genetics and Society 21 (2002), 315-26. The media discourse over the
genome project is reviewed in
New Genetics and Society 21 (2002), 327-38. Papers on biotechnology and the
public include:
J. Biolaw & Biobusiness Special Supplement (2000),
107-10, 120-4. On the
ethics of biotechnology,
Technology in Society 23 (2001), 241-64;
J. Biolaw &
Biobusiness Special Supplement (2000),
111-5. A book review of Fukuyama, F.,
Our Posthuman Future is
JAMA
289(2003), 488-90.
Papers
on risks of genetic engineering include
Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy 1 (1998), 61-4. A series of papers on the 25
th
anniversary of the
Asilomar Conference are in
Perspectives in
Biology and Medicine 44 (Spring 2001),
159-247. Papers on the 50
th anniversary of the paper on DNA
structure are in
Nature 421
(2003), 310-2, Nature Special Supplement The double helix - 50 years, pp.
396-450. Book reviews of
Watson and DNA are in
Nature 421
(2003), 315-6; and on Rosalind Franklin,
BMJ 326 (2003), 289. Perceptions of science are affected
by the portraits of scientists,
Science 299 (2003), 831-2.
The
importance of medical knowledge for health is made in
Lancet 361 (2003), 716. Communicating health
risks
is discussed in
Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy 3 (2000), 239-40, 241-9;
NEJM 348 (2003), 88-9. The space shuttle Columbia breakup
reveals the risks of space travel,
Nature 421 (2003), 559.
Religion
and science in USA is discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 664;
SA (Feb. 2003), 15. Spirituality affects health care,
BMJ 326 (2003), 1434-5;
AJPH 93 (2003), 185.
Politics and science is discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 625, 977. The interface between security
and science is discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 1148.
Regulation & Field Trials of GMOs
The Philippines has allowed Bt corn
planting for commercial purposes,
APBN 7
(2003), 14.
Uganda is encouraging more research into GM crops,
Lancet 361 (2003), 500. A book review of genes for Africa
is
Nature 421 (2003), 478-9.
Chinese
are showing more cautious attitudes towards GM crops,
Science 298 (2002),
2317-8; 299 (2003), 1013. The results of Indian GM cotton harvest are discussed
in
Nature 421 (2003), 681. Poor
farmers have been warned against making deals for GMOs over the Internet,
Nature 421 (2003), 776. 12 GMOs have been registered for
growth in
Russia,
AgraFood Biotech 95 (9 Dec. 2002), 6. There is some concern in Japan over the unclear
biotechnology regulations,
Nature
421 (2003), 689.
There may be a further 18 months before
transgenic
salmon are approved for
commercial farming in the USA,
Nature 421 (2003), 304. European
responses to biotechnology regulation are discussed in
Issues in Science and
Technology (Summer 2001), 37-42. The
European Commission has told EU governments to stop delaying new GM reviews,
Financial
Times (4 Feb. 2003). French experts on GMOs
have been subject to threats and slander from protest groups,
Nature 421 (2003), 775. Education in biosafety is needed
for the public also,
Science 299 (2003), 25.
On GMOs in
Australasia and
rabbit control,
NS (4 Jan. 2003), 29. In general on GMO risks,
Nature 421 (2003), 675.
A
study of
GM mosquitoes is
Catteruccia, F. et al. "Impact of genetic manipulation on the fitness of
Anopheles
stephensi mosquitoes",
Science 299 (2003), 125-7. Trials of gene transfer
suggest weeds that receive genes from GMOs are not strong, Nature 421 (2003),
462. GM sugarbeet in the UK seem to be good for wildlife,
NS (18 Jan. 2003), 6. Design of biosafety labs is
discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 812-5.
The precaution necessary to handle
possible life from other plants is discussed in
Discover 24 (March 2003), 60-5.
Challenges of
biowarfare are discussed in Meslin, EM. "Bioterrorism and
bioethics: Challenges for industry, government and society", J.
Commercial Biotechnology 9 (2003), 101-10;
Nature 421 (2003), 787. Preparation for biological and
chemical weapon attacks is discussed in
Lancet 361 (2003), 786-7;
Nature 421 (2003), 564. The statement on the consideration
of biodefence and biosecurity reached by a number of editors is in
Nature 421 (2003), 771. Tighter controls on biological
research have appeared in the USA,
Science 298 (2002), 2304;
NS (18
Jan. 2003), 10. There is debate over smallpox vaccination plans, and over
interpreting old data,
Science 298 (2002), 2312-6; 299 (2003), 181, 486-7;
BMJ 326 (2003), 179;
NEJM 348 (2003), 426-32, 460-6. Fears of
agroterrorism,
The Scientist (13 Jan. 2003), 54;
Nature 421 (2003), 106-8.
Vaccines & Diseases
Survey of the publications of medical
journals has found a bias against papers on diseases of poverty,
Lancet 361 (2003), 712-3. Bill
Gates has
announced a further US$200 million fund to combat diseases of the poor,
Lancet 361 (2003), 404;
Science 299 (2003), 641. See comments also in
Lancet 360 (2002), 1617. Global Fund pledges are discussed
in
Lancet 359 (2002), 435-8, 499,
1581-2; 360 (2002), 1225. On poor
disease markets,
NatMed. 9
(2003), 7. Novartis has set up an Institute for Neglected Diseases,
Science 299 (2003), 811. Parasite control at schools may be
introduced in
Africa,
Lancet
361 (2003), 497. Papers on the burden of disease include:
JAMA 289 (2003), 621-2;
J. Public Health Policy 22 (2001), 5-97;
NatMed. 9 (2003), 11;
Lancet 360 (2002),1342, 1347-60. A study of the diseases
which cause differences in longevity between races is in
NEJM 347 (2002), 1585-92;
Lancet 360 (2002), 1571.
A NOS2 promoter polymorphism may be
associated with malaria protection,
Lancet
360 (2002), 1468-75.
Malaria research is discussed in
Science 298 (2002), 79-86; 299 (2003), 705-8;
Nature 415 (2002), 669-715; 419 (2002), 426-431; 420
(2002), 345; 421 (2003), 97, 461;
JAMA 289 (2003), 619;
Lancet
360 (2002), 1075, 1107;
NatMed. 8
(2002), 104. Insect repellents for mosquitoes are discussed in
NEJM 347 (2002), 1719-21. Climate change leads to
increased malaria,
Nature 415
(2002), 905-8.
Vaccine safety is discussed in Madsen, KM. Et al. "A population-based
study of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and autism", NEJM
347 (2002), 1477-82;
JAMA 287 (2002),
1455-62; 288 (2002), 3155-8;
BMJ
324 (2002), 733-5, 383; 325 (2002), 430-3, 597, 603;
Lancet 359 (2002), ,2051-2;
NS (16 Feb 2002), 5. Vaccination against
Haemophilus
influenzae type b may need to be increased as the number of cases in the UK
increases,
Lancet 361 (2003),
395-6. Hepatitis B vaccination may need to be repeated in late teens,
BMJ 325 (2002), 569-72.
Nigerian immunization has reduced disease,
BMJ 326 (2003), 121. Vaccine uptake is discussed in
Lancet 360 (2002),
1596-9. Research into why some people are
resistant to
disease is discussed in
NS (8 Feb.,
2003), 34-7;
NatGen 32 (2002),
97-105. Mortality from influenza is discussed in
JAMA 289 (2003), 179-86, 227-89;
NEJM 347 (2002), 2159-61. DNA vaccine trials include
NatMed. 9 (2003), 33-9.
A
polio outbreak in India has delayed global eradication plans, NS
(5 Oct. 2002), 8. The role of monkey virus SV40 in old polio vaccines in cancer
is unclear,
Lancet 359 (2002), 812,
817-23; 360 (2002), 1307. A review of
dengue vaccines is
Lancet 360 (2002), 1243-5. A Human paillomavirus type 16
vaccine trial was reported in
NEJM
347 (2002), 1645-51. Edible vaccines are discussed in
NatMed. 8 (2002), 94.
There has been debate over the US
smallpox vaccination campaigns regarding safety and
compensation for injuries, BMJ 326 (2003), 179;
NEJM 348 (2003), 416-25.
The
genome sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus has revealed a different
pathogenic mechanism to cholera, Lancet 361 (2003), 743-9. The
genetics of the bacterium
Tropheryma whipplei that causes Whipple
disease is revealed after genome sequencing in
Lancet 361 (2003), 632, 637-44. A new test for plague has
been released,
Lancet 361 (2003),
191, 211-6.
Iron Age TB has been detected in the UK,
Science 299 (2003), 341. Immunotherapy for TB is discussed
in
Lancet 360 (2002), 1032-3. On
TB control,
NEJM 347 (2002),
1420-5, 1444. Study of
Bdellovibrio , the fastest bacterium, is
discussed in
Wellcome News (Q4,
2002), 26. On bacterial meningitis in Africa,
Lancet 360 (2002), 2054. Antibacterial proteins in calf
saliva may be added to
toothpaste,
NS (11 Jan., 2003), 14. West Nile virus in USA is
discussed in
NatMed. 9 (2003),
1051. The chances of a couple having the same disease are reported in
BMJ 325 (2002), 636-8. Exposure to endotoxin is
important in development of asthma,
NEJM 347 (2002), 869-77. On the hygiene hypothesis,
NEJM 348 (2003), 930-1.
Genetic susceptibility to variant
CJD is discussed in Lancet 361 (2003),
447-8, 487-9, 531-2. In 2002 17 people died from CJD in the UK, less than 20 in
2001 and 28 in 2000,
Lancet 361 (2003),
751-2;
Science 295 (2002), 332-5.
Japan has announced a total of 7 cases of variant CJD from BSE. On Japanese
CJD,
Lancet 359 (2002),
1219;
Newsweek (25 March 2002), 26-7. Therapy for CJD may be
possible,
BMJ 326 (2003), 8;
NS (26 Oct. 2002), 18. Reuse of surgical tools is one
risk factor also,
Lancet 360
(2002), 1485.
A survey of why UK doctors prescribe
antibiotics for sore throat is BMJ 326 (2003),
138-41. Some bacteria may have lost resistance to older antibiotics,
BMJ 326 (2003), 235-6. On antibiotic resistance,
NEJM 347 (2002), 1213;
Lancet 359 (2002), 184-5, 1791-2;
NatMed. 8 (2002), 11. The structure of bacterial multidrug
efflux transporter AcrB is in
Nature
419 (2003), 587-93.
AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
HIV counseling and testing in the
USA is discussed in Lancet 361 (2003),
611. Consent for HIV testing is discussed in BMJ 325 (2002), 1226-7; AJPH 92 (2002), 1931-9. Blood banking in China is reviewed in Lancet 360 (2002), 1770-5. A review of HIV and bioethics is
in Health Care Analysis 10
(2002), 5-18; also pp. 1-120. Criminalisation of HIV transmission in Scotland
is discussed,BMJ 323 (2001),
1174-7.
The USA has announced it will give
a further US$15 billion US towards AIDS relief in Africa and the Caribbean, Lancet 361 (2003), 539. This may overcome earlier
criticism, BMJ 326 (2003), 299.
Sexual behaviour in China is reported in Social Sciences in
China (Winter 2002), 25-35. Also on AIDS in
China, Nature 419 (2002), 99-100;
BMJ 324 (2003), 803-4; and India,
BMJ 324 (2002), 182-3; SSM 53 (2001), 1413-26. China is making antiretroviral
drugs, BMJ 325 (2002), 1257; NatMed. 8 (2002), 649-54. Equity in drug
treatment is discussed in AJPH 92
(2002), 1905-7; Lancet 360
(2002), 1503-5; JAMA 288 (2002),
841-3, 1652-3; BMJ 324 (2002),
181-2, 214-8; MJA 175 (2001),
570-2. In the Netherlands it was
found that some drugs destined for Africa were being sold in Europe, Lancet 360 (2002), 1311.
Behaviour of students in Nigeria is
reported in BMJ 326 (2003), 15-8. The
socio-economic impact of HIV is discussed in JAMA 289 (2003), 31-3; Lancet 360 (2002), 1. Thailand could
implement its goals for preventing mother to child HIV prevention, JAMA 288 (2002), 245-8. Breast feeding and HIV is
discussed in JAMA 286 (2001),
2413+, 2462-4; 287 (2002), 1110-3; Lancet 359 (2002), 855, 992; BMJ 324 (2002), 218-21. On the Japanese
HIV contaminated blood trial, Lancet 359
(2002), 446.
Papers on pediatric HIV are in J.
Clinical Ethics 12 (2001), 150-75.
Palliative care in AIDS is discussed in J. Hospice and Palliative
Nursing 3 (2001), 7-14. Ethics
of HIV trials in developing countries are discussed in The Scientist (27 Jan. 2003), 22-3; NEJM 346 (2002), 1373-82; Nature 415 (2002), 365-6.
Prospects for curing HIV and AIDS
are discussed in NS (8 Feb., 2003),
38-41. A phase 3 HIV vaccine trial has failed, but it may be protective in
non-white participants in the trial, Lancet 361 (2003), 755-6. HIV vaccine
research is discussed in NEJM 348
(2003), 643-4; NatMed. 9 (2003),
13-4, 27-32; Lancet 359 (2002),
2261-7. Prophylaxis for non-occupational HIV exposure are discussed in JAMA 289 (2003), 287-8. Individual treatment should be
designed, Lancet 359 (2002),
722-3, 727+.
Genetic differences in immune
response and hepatitis virus are discussed in Lancet 360 (2002), 991-5. The question of whether ticks can
be a vector for hepatitis C is discussed in NEJM 348 (2003), 1724-5.
Microbes
& Pollution Remedies
Discussion of the advice of Spanish
scientists in cleaning up the 13 November 2002 oil spill is in
Science 299 (2003), 490, 511. A dioxin degrading bacterial
strain of
Dehalococcoides has been found in
river soil in Germany,
NS (25 Jan., 2003), 21. An electrochemical system for
removing mercury from a gas stream is described in
EST 36 (2002), 4430-5.
Environmental Issues
The use of values in Environmental
Decision making is discussed in
Environmental Values 9 (2000), 407-530. On environmental ethics,
Environmental
Values 9 (2000), 125-52. Justice in
environmental policy is discussed in
Environmental Values 10 (2001), 5-18. On environmental policy,
Science 299 (2003), 348-9. Equity is discussed in
AJPH 93 (2003), 209-14;
SSM 56 (2003), 573-87. Lack of progress on international
environmental action is reviewed in
NS (21 Dec., 2002), 18-19. On the Global Summit on sustainable
development,
Nature 418 (2002),
803; 420 (2002), 733. Economics is discussed in
Nature 420 (2002), 123.
A call for a minimum list of pesticides
for the developing world to FAO is made in
Lancet 361 (2003), 259-60. Discussion of how to test for safety of
pesticides
is in
BME 184 (Jan. 2003), 1.;
NS (8 Feb., 2003), 12 Also on pesticide safety,
Nature 421 (2003), 200-1;
JAMA 289 (2003), 535-6;
NatMed. 8 (2002), 1050. The impact of
biopolymers
on the environment is debated in
Science
299 (2003), 822-4. A review of
frog deformities is
SA (Feb. 2003), 48-53. The role of environmental
estrogens in deterioration of male fertility is reviewed in
F&S 78 (2002), 1187-94.
Pollution causes
genetic defects,
Somers, CM. Et al. "Air pollution induces heritable DNA
mutations",
PNAS 99 (2003), 15904-7;
NS (14 Dec., 2002), 8. Mortality from traffic-related
air pollution is discussed in
Lancet
361 (2003), 430. On
air pollution and health,
Science 299 (2003), 485, 665-6;
BMJ 325 (2002), 1380. Cities in Asia are suffering from
smog,
NS (25 Jan., 2003), 13.
Ozone is one of these,
EST 36
(2002), 379-82A. China is being put in the dark,
NS (14 Dec., 2002), 6-7.
Consumption of
arsenic from cooked rice in Bangladesh may be
under-estimated, Lancet 361 (2003), 435-6. Arsenic is a maor
problem there,
NS (7 Dec., 2002), 9. It
is also a problem in India,
Nature
421 (2003), 778. Shortage of water is a global problem,
SA (Jan. 2003), 78-9.
Lead burden is discussed in
NEJM 348 (2003), 277-86, 345-6.
Drug pollution is discussed in
Lancet 360 (2002), 1035-6.
El Nino and drought will affect many persons, Lancet 361 (2003),
437-8;
Science 299 (2003), 636;
NS (30 Nov., 2003), 26-9. On monsoon patterns,
Nature 418 (2002), 713; 421 (2003), 324-5. Climate change
may have increased US agricultural yields since the 1930s,
Science 299 (2003), 1032. Carbon dioxide uptake is discussed
in
Science 298 (2002), 2344; 299
(2003), 235-9;
Nature 421 (2003),
37-42. The lack of US policy on
climate
change is criticized in
Science
299 (2003), 309;
NS (25 Jan.,
2003), 4-5;
Nature 420 (2003),
595. Litigation is one tool,
SA
(Feb. 2003), 8-9. Iron fertilization of the ocean is discussed in
Nature 421 (2003), 109-10. Algae growth may not be a useful
sink,
Nature 420 (2002), 722.
Prevention of skin cancer is discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 114-5.
Norway is using underwater coastal
currents drive by
tides for
energy generation, Science 299 (2003), 339.
Discussion of petroleum is in
Science
298 (6 Dec. 2002). Conventional fuels still dominate US home heating,
SA (Jan. 2003), 17. On biomass,
NS (30 Nov., 2003), 8.
Chernobyl is discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 44;
SSM 56 (2003), 569-72. Nuclear power safety is discussed
in
Science 299 (2003), 201-3.
Droppings from seabirds may introduce radioisotopes into the land food chain,
NS (4 Jan., 2003), 5. The US has released details of
the radioactivity in Nevada deserts after the tests, which reveals plutonium in
ground water has moved 1.3 km through rock over 30 years,
NS (8 Feb., 2003), 13. Background radiation can cause
thyroid cancer,
NS (11 Jan.,
2003), 4.
Biodiversity
Fisheries management is discussed in
Issues
in Science and Technology (June 2001),
77-84. The Artic faces a toxic time bomb as toxins melt,
NS (1 Feb., 2003), 9.
Coral reefs are being damaged by sediment,
Nature 421 (2003), 317, 705-6, 727-30. A flamingo disease
is discussed in
NS (9 Nov.,
2002), 8. Variation in Amazon forests is reported in
Science 299 (2003), 241-4.
There is debate over the impact of
global warming
on ecology,
Science 299 (2003), 38,
1165-6. However some species are known to be threatened,
NS (4 Jan., 2003), 4.
The
cloning of an endangered species (Bos gaurus) is described in Cloning
2 (2000), 79+. There have been ecotourism threats in New Zealand against
endangered birds,
NS (1 Feb., 2003), 5.
On the hunt for alien life,
Nature
421 (2003), 769.
Animal Rights
Ethics of
biotechnology using animals is discussed in J. Commercial
Biotechnology 9 (2003), 163-70. An Indian activist on animal rights
has been removed from the government committee,
BMJ 326 (2003), 68. On animal rights in general, Science
299 (2003), 1013-4. A book review
of
Love at Goon Park is in
NEJM 348 (2003), 670-1.
The shaping of neurons is discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 32-4. Minor variation in neurotrophic
growth factor impairs human memory,
Science 299 (2003), 639-40. Deciphering the mind is
discussed in
Science 299 (2003),
496-9. Genetic variation and
pain response is reported in
Science 299 (2003), 1240-3.
Pheromonal mechanisms in mice are described in
Science 299 (2003), 1196-201.
Mice lacking a neurotransmitter have difficulty to forget
fearful experiences,
Nature 421
(2003), 325-7.
Kanzi
the bonobo has started to
talk,
NS
(25 Jan., 2003), 12. Chimpanzee tool use is taught by group behaviour,
Science 299 (2003), 27-8. Tests of a sonar designed to
protect whales have been called of because the sonar itself might harm whales,
Nature 421 (2003), 202.
Safety of Recombinant DNA Products
Recombinant human interleukin 11 reduces
the frequency and load of bacteraemia in pateitns with homological malignant
disease who are undergoing chemotherapy,
Lancet 361 (2003), 275-80. Recombinant interferons have some effectiveness in
reducing relapses in multiple sclerosis,
Lancet 361 (2003), 545-52. Injection of recombinant
activated factor VII can reduce perioperative blood loss and eliminate the need
for blood transfusion in some patients,
Lancet 361 (2003), 201-5. Interleukin 4 therapy may improve
human autoimmune disease,
NatMed.
9 (2003), 40-6.
On immunotherapy,
SA (Feb. 2003), 12-3. A new drug delivery system
containing cells producing proteins is being tested,
NS (4 Jan., 2003), 18. Liver tissue has been converted
into insulin producing cells,
NS
(1 Feb., 2003), 16. Misuse of prescribed stimulants is discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 67.
Food safety
The debate over GM food is discussed in
New
Genetics and Society 21 (2002), 131-48;
Issues
in Science and Technology (Summer 2001),
31-6. On GM foods in Africa,
Lancet
361 (2003), 500;
NS (1 Feb.,
2003), 4. In general on GM food,
Newsweek (27 Jan. 2003), 40-45;
NS
(4 Jan., 2003), 3. In the US there are inquiries on whether some GM animals
have entered the food chain,
Nature
421 (2003), 682.
E. coli and food safety is
discussed in
Medico-Legal J. 69 (2002),
85. A call for evidence-based health claims for foods is in
Science 299 (2003), 206-7. Benefits of food and mood are
discussed in
Agro-Food Industry Hi-Tech (Sept. 2002), 21-3.
Management of severely malnourished children is discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 146-51.
The question of whether
fast food is addictive is discussed in NS (1
Feb., 2003), 3, 26-9. The cost effectiveness of ways to lower the incidence of
cardiovascular disease globally by 50% is reported in
Lancet 361 (2003), 717-25. The risks of heart disease are
not made worse by folate and vitamin B-12,
BMJ 326 (2003), 131-4. Measures of lipids as indices of
coronary risk is discussed in
Lancet
361 (2003), 477-85, 777-80. On heart disease,
NS (11 Jan., 2003), 36-9;
NEJM 348 (2003), 639-41. Acrylamide in food is discussed
in
Lancet 361 (2003), 361-2.
Obesity is discussed in Science 299 (2003), 781, 846-60;
BMJ 326 (2003), 229;
Newsweek (27 Jan. 2003), 56;
JAMA 289 (2003), 33-4, 76-9, 187-93, 229-30. Eating fish
can reduce the risk of stroke, from even once a month,
JAMA 289 (2003), 3130-6. Links between dairy food and
Parkinson7s disease have been suggested,
BMJ 326 (2003), 10. Food portions and sizes have
increased in the USA since 1977,
JAMA 289 (2003), 450-3. The safety of
alcohol is discussed in
SA (Feb. 2003), 62-9;
NEJM 348 (2003), 109-18, 163-4;
JAMA 289 (2003), 579-88. Arkansas has banned the sale of
clean urine that is sold to beat drug testing,
BMJ 326 (2003), 300.
Disease Risks & Drugs (see next issue for more)
A paper on the ethical issues is Dupont,
BM., "The ethics of innovative medicine: From the possible to the
permissible?",
Biology International
43 (Dec. 2002), 11-6. Ethics of electroconvulsive therapy is discussed in
Issues
in Medical Ethics 11 (2003), 9-12.
Taxomifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer,
Lancet 361 (2003), 296-300.
The safety of marijuana and other drugs is
discussed in
JAMA 289 (2003), 427, 482-3.
The WHO issued a revised draft of its Framework on Tobacco Control on 15
January 2003 that makes the demands softer and no longer includes a total
advertising ban on cigarettes,
Lancet 361 (2003), 315, 611-2. The cardiotoxicity of smoking appears not to be
linked to apolipoprotein E genotype,
Lancet 361 (2003), 396-8. On the dangers of cigarettes,
Lancet 360 (2002), 1033-4.
Patenting & Business
Gene patents are discussed in
J.
Commercial Biotechnology 9 (2003), 135-42;
The
Pharmacogenomics J. 2 (2002), 361-6. WTO and the access to drugs
globally is discussed in
Lancet
361 (2003), 269. The use of out-licensing of drugs is discussed in
Lancet 361 (2003), 341-4. On value-based patents,
Lancet 361 (2003), 613-4. The way industry alters opinion
is discussed in
GeneWatch 16
(Jan. 2003), 8-9.
Results of interviews and a survey of
companies is in Kato, M. & Macer, DRJ. "How biotechnology companies
respond to bioethical issues",
J. Commercial Biotechnology 9 (2003), 153-62. A series of papers on the
socio-economic issues of biotechnology are in
New Genetics and
Society 21 (August 2002), 101-248. Cuban
biotech is discussed in
J. Commercial Biotechnology 9 (2003), 147-52.
Birth Control
A book review of
Evolution, Gender and Rape is
NS (1 Feb., 2003), 46. Viagra is discussed in
NS (25 Jan., 2003), 25. The threat to the environment may be
more from the increasing number of households than persons,
Nature 421 (2003), 489-90. Emergency contraception as
over-the-counter medicine is discussed in
NEJM 348 (2003), 82-3. A male pill is being developed,
JAMA 289 (2003), 164. Debates over oral contraceptives are in
BMJ 326 (2003), 254. A study of unplanned child bearing in
Kenya is in
SSM 56 (2003), 167-78.
The long-term
effects of hormone replacement therapy (
HRT) are discussed in
Lancet 361 (2003), 253-5;
JAMA 289 (2003), 44-5, 537-8;
BMJ 326 (2003), 322-6;
NEJM 348 (2003), 645-50.
Embryo Status
The legal representation of the embryo is
discussed in
Health Care Analysis 8
(2000), 171-88. Conditional attention and abortion is discussed in
The
Pelican Record 41 (Dec. 2002), 58-68. Japan
has allowed use of dead fetuses for stem cell research,
APBN 7 (2003), 13.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Discussion
of the claims of human
cloning by
Raelians is in
BME 184 (Jan. 2003), 5;
Science 299 (2003), 343-4;
Associated Press (30 Jan. 2003);
NS (11 Jan., 2003), 3, 8-11;
Economist (4 Jan. 2003), 61-2. There is a dilemma for journals
about publishing results of human cloning experiments,
Nature 421 (2003), 199. US scientific panels and politics
are discussed in
NatMed. 9
(2003), 153. On cloning debates, see the journal
Cloning. A two year process to gain approval for research on
stem cells in Germany is reported in
Science 299 (2003), 31. There can be different
interpretations of the same results about the promise of stem cell research,
Science 299 (2003), 324. On stem cell research,
Bioethics 16(Nov. 2002), special issue;
NatMed. 9 (2003), 156-7;
Nature 421 (2003), 102;
Science 299 (2003), 1009. Attempts to stop research on
human-animal chimeras have been
made in the USA by legal means of patent protection,
Nature 421 (2003), 4. The US House of representatives
passed a law banning all types of cloning,
Science 299 (2003), 799.
A
Dutch study has found children born from IVF have a significantly higher risk
of developing retinoblastoma,
Lancet 361
(2003), 273-4, 309-10. On ART and the law,
Medico-Legal J. 69 (2001), 13-24. The welfare of the child is
discussed in
Health Care Analysis
8 (2000), 27-34. There are papers on ART in
Health Care Analysis 8 (2000), 1-154. Surrogacy is discussed in
Health
Care Analysis 8 (2000), 19-26, 101-7. Egg
sharing is considered positive in results in
F&S 79 (2003), 69-73. Lack of policy ion the USA on
reducing multiple pregnancies from IVF is debated in
F&S 79 (2003), 17-29.
The
UK has decided to allow children born from donor sperm or eggs to know their
genetic parents identity,
BMJ 326
(2003), 240. A Japanese committee
has suggested the same conclusion to the government. On the UK ban on screening
of embryos to inform parents about donor type,
BMJ 326 (2003),
11.
Fetal Environment & Neonates
Consumption of folic acid does not appear
to increase frequency of multiple births,
Lancet 361 (2003), 380-4. Links
between fetal growth and breast cancer are investigated in
BMJ 326 (2003), 248-51. Sex ratio and fathers exposed to
polychlorinated biphenyls are discussed in
Lancet 360 (2002), 1887. Events in birth are the major
cause of neonatal brain injury,
Lancet 361 (2003), 713, 736-42. Effect of fetal sex on labour is discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 137. Smoking and
sex ratio is discussed in
Lancet
360 (2002), 1514-5. Adverse effects of antiretroviral treatment in pregnancy
are discussed in
NEJM 348 (2003),
471-2.
A book review on
Maternity care in
Developing Countries is
Lancet 360 (2002),
1894. How children can help in families,
NS (7 Dec., 2002), 44-7. A Swedish study of what puts
children of lone parents at risk is
Lancet 361 (2003), 271, 289-95. Death of a child increases the risk of death
in the parents also,
Lancet 361
(2003), 363-7. Association between child sexual abuse and later abusive
behaviour is reported in
Lancet
361 (2003), 446, 471-6. Sexual orientation is discussed in
NEJM 348 (2003), 571-2.
The marketing of infant formula is
discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 113-4,
127-30. Breast feeding has an analgesic effect,
BMJ 326 (2003), 13-5.
Genetic Disease Markers
A review of polycystic disease is in
Lancet 361 (2003), 774-6. A review of cystic fibrosis is
Lancet 361 (2003), 681-9. Autism may not be caused by
genes,
GeneWatch 16 (Jan. 2003),
4-6.
A dominant SUR1 mutation causes autosomal
dominant type 2 diabetes,
Lancet 361
(2003),272, 301-7. Discussion of genes and schizophrenia is in
Lancet 361 (2003), 417-9.
General discussion of the way genetic association
studies are done is in
Lancet 361
(2003), 357, 567-71. Telomeric shortening in adults over age is associated with
earlier death and aging,
Lancet
361 (2003), 393-5.
Genetic Screening Methodology
Detection of fetal DNA in maternal plasma
is still difficult, Lancet 361 (2003),
193-4. The question of whether 35 years age is a cutoff for maternal plasma
screening for Down syndrome is raised in Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 1195-200. Prenatal diagnosis of long QT
syndrome is reported in Prenatal Diagnosis 22 (2002), 1209-12.
Genetic microarrays are discussed in
JAMA 289 (2003), 155-61;
NatMed. 9 (2003), 9;
NatGen 32 (2002), Supplement, 461-552. Genetic tests can
separate out tumours that are easy to be controlled by chemotherapy, or those
which are likely to spread,
NS
(14 Dec., 2002), 19. On single cell expression profiling,
Science 297 (2002), 836-40.
Population screening is reviewed in
NEJM 348 (2003), 50-8. Adding a test for human
papillomavirus to cervical cancer screening is suggested in
NEJM 348 (2003), 48990.
On lung cancer screening,
JAMA 289 (2003), 313+, 357-8. Prostrate cancer screening
is common but not yet proven,
Am J. Med. 113 (2002), 663-7. Ovarian cancer can be detected by SNP analysis,
Lancet 360 (2002), 1667.
DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy
The British
insurers and BMA joint statement on medical information and
insurance is in BME 184 (Jan. 2003), 7-11; www.bma.org.uk and
www.abi.org.uk. A study on privacy laws on insurer behaviour is
Genetic
Testing 4 (2000), 31-42. There is a lack of
data on genetic discrimination,
European J. Human Genetics 11 (2003), 1-2;
Nature 421 (2003), 313.
The use of DNA fingerprinting to show
convicted criminals may be innocent is discussed in
GeneWatch 16 (Jan. 2003), 10-1. Use of DNA in
forensic
evidence in Australasia is in
GeneWatch
16 (Jan. 2003), 12-3. In general,
NatGen 33 (2003), 109-10. A study has found more than half the published
genetic databases of mitochondrial DNA have mistakes,
Nature 421 (2003), 773-4.
UNESCO is calling for comments on the Draft
Revised Outline of the
International Declaration on Human Genetic Data, at their web site. Genetic privacy is discussed in
SSM 56 (2003), 53-65;
Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy 1 (1998), 225-33. Genetics studies in Iceland
suggest similar diversity to the rest of Europe,
Nature 421 (2003), 678. On tracing genetic identity,
BMJ 325 (2002), 1469-71.
Use of DNA tests for
microbial disease monitoring is discussed in Science
299 (2003), 1164-5.
Ethics & Genetic Screening
A discussion of genetic testing is in
Bennet, T., "Fundamental problems and solutions concerning genetic
testing",
Alpha Omega 5(2),
337-362. There are also papers on medical genetics in
New Genetics
and Society 21 (2002), 261-302, 327-50;
Medicine,
Healthcare and Philosophy 1 (1998), 207-8.
A survey of the use of informed consent forms in genetic counseling is
J.
Genetic Counseling 10 (2001), 3-24. A paper
on informed consent in pharmacogenomics is in
The
Pharmacogenomics J. 2 (2002), 343. A series of papers on population
screening for
hemochromatosis is
Genetic Testing 4 (2000), 95-232. Risk perceptions of participants
in familial hypercholesterolemia screening are reported in
AJMG 116A (2003), 136-43.
Genetic technology as a threat to
deafness is discussed in Medicine, Healthcare and
Philosophy 1 (1998), 209-15. Prenatal diagnosis for deafness is
possible,
J. Genetic Counseling 10
(2001), 121-31. Ethics of cochlear implants are discussed in
Theoretical
Medicine 22 (2001), 337-49.
The preferences of women for
prenatal
diagnosis are discussed in
Genetic Testing 4 (2000), 23-32. Breast
cancer
screening is discussed in
J. Genetic Counseling 10 (2001), 185+, 215-32;
Genetic Testing 4 (2000), 43+, 265-72. Reasons for declining cancer
genetic counseling are described in
J. Genetic Counseling 10 (2001), 25+. The Jewish carrier screening panel
is discussed in
Genetic Testing 5
(2001), 83-5. On carrier screening for cystic fibrosis,
Genetic
Testing 5 (2001), 111+.
Disclosure
of Huntington's Disease to family members is reviewed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 331-3;
Genetic Testing 4 (2000), 359-64.
A study of focus groups of professional
challenges of patients with genetic concerns is
J. Genetic Counseling 10 (2001), 97+. On genetics and public health,
JAMA 289(2003), 99-100. Attitudes towards enrolment of children
in genetic susceptibility research in the USA is reported in
AJMG 116A (2003), 117-28, 315-23.
A discussion of the compulsory health
screen before marriage in
China is
Hesketh, T. "Getting married in China: Pass the medical first",
BMJ
326 (2003), 277-9. Book reviews of
Genetic Politics are in
Lancet 361 (2003), 267. Geneticisation of medicine is discussed in
Medicine,
Healthcare and Philosophy 1 (1998), 235-43;
4 (2001), 19-30, 37-46.
Eugenics is discussed in
Nature 421 (2003), 213-4;
AJPH 93 (2003), 11;
Medicine, Healthcare and
Philosophy 4 (2001), 1-3, 5-17. Recent
trends in disability in USA are discussed in
JAMA 288(2002), 3137-46. The benefits of general
intelligence
are discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 192-3. The search for genes for longevity
is reviewed in
Nature 421 (2003),
789-90.
The
commercialisation of home genetic test kits is discussed in JAMA
289(2003), 45-6;
NatMed. 9 (2003),
147;
J. Biolaw &
Biobusiness 3 (1999), 29-39;
Medicine,
Healthcare and Philosophy 1 (1998), 217-24.
OECD and genetic testing is discussed in
J. Biolaw and Biobusiness 4 (2001), 34-6.
Gene Therapy
The
possible extension of lifespan in humans is discussed in Population and
Development Review 27 (2001), 411+.
Medicine and aesthetics are discussed in Medicine, Health Care and
Philosophy 2 (1999), 115-187. On regulation
of gene therapy in the UK, Human Gene Therapy 12 (2001), 711-20.
The
cases of leukemia in two children in France who are gene therapy participants
with SCID have raised safety questions that have lead to stopping trials like
that in the USA, Nature 421 (2003), 305,
595, 678; Science 299 (2003),
320, 495, 991; NS (25 Jan.,
2003), 12; NEJM 348 (2003),
255-6; BMJ 326 (2003), 181. Stem
cell transplants as treatment options for SCID and other immunodeficiency
diseases are discussed in Lancet
361 (2003), 541-2, 553-60.
The
promise of gene therapy is discussed in Human Gene Therapy 12 (2001), 1483-4. The need to restore public trust
in gene therapy is made in J. BioLaw and Business (2001), 3-4. On gene therapy for HIV, Human
Gene Therapy 12 (2001), 1013-9. Use of
nonviral vectors is reviewed in Human Gene Therapy 12 (2001), 861-70.
Human Genome Project (HGP)
Personal genome sequencing is discussed in HCR 33 (Jan. 2003), 9.
General articles celebrating the 50 years of history since the publication of
the paper on DNA structure are in
Lancet 361 (2003), 580-1. On the future of the HGP,
Science 298 (2002), 1694-5. On the ignificance of the human
geome, a letter from Venter is in
Science 299 (2003), 1183-4.
The genome of
sea squirt has been sequenced. On the mouse genome, NatGen 33 (2003), 3-4.
The ring-like structure of
Deinococcus radiodurans genome may be the
reason for its radioresistance,
Science
299 (2003), 254-9. The involvement of southern genome research centres in
sequencing projects is applauded in
Science 298 (2002), 2298-9. The question of whether Dr.
Craig Venter and colleagues can make a new genome from scratch is discussed,
Science 299 (2003), 1006-7.
Pharmacogenetics is discussed in
NEJM 348 (2003), 529-49, 553-6. On the genetic structure
of human populations,
Science 298
(2002), 2342-3, 2381-4;
SA (Feb.
2003), 22-3. The genetic origins of Andaman Islanders are described in
AJHG 72 (2003), 178-84. Neanderthals are discussed in
NS (11 Jan., 2003), 46.
General Medical Ethics (see
next issue for more)
Discussion
of the behaviourome project of Darryl Macer is in
Discover 24 (March 2003), 12. Empirical studies in bioethics
are reviewed in
BME 184 (Jan.
2003), 13-24.
Violence
and mental health is discussed in
Issues in Medical Ethics 11 (2003), 13-6. A review of emotions and fear is
Discover 24 (March 2003), 32-9. Discussion of doctors
treating persons associated with them in personal relationships is discussed in
Lancet 361 (2003), 440.
A paper
on China is Dring, O. " Science and society: China's struggle for
practical regulations in medical ethics", Nature Reviews Genetics 4 (2003), 233-9.
The
description in the Book of Daniel in the Bible of a clinical trial is discussed
in
NEJM 348
(2003), 83.
Law & Medical Ethics
A series of papers on health and human rights are in JLME 30 (4), 510-754. Papers range from issues of HIV to those of patents. The
ethics of conducting clinical trials between Europeans and poorer nations is discussed in Lancet 361 (2003), 579. On the role of IRBs, Bioethics
Forum 16(4), (2000), 31-6. Letters
on the Cincinnati radiation tests are in JAMA 289 (2003), 301-2.
A US Federal Court of Appeals in St. Louis has ruled that a patient with
mental disease who is on death row can be treated with drugs to make him
competent so that he can be executed for a 1979 murder conviction, Lancet 361 (2003), 621. A debate on the role of Israeli
doctors in torture is in Lancet
361 (2003), 424-6. On the role of medical experts in courts, BMJ 326 (2003), 294-5.
Medical errors stem from the system not just individuals, BMJ 326 (2003), 300. On medical errors, Nursing Times (21 Jan. 2003), 22-5; Bioethics Forum 16(4), (2000), 23-30. The risk factors for retained
sponges and instruments after surgery are reviewed in NEJM 348 (2003), 229-35.
Scientific Ethics
Papers on cheating in academia are in
Ethics
and Behavior 11 (2001), 217-361. Making
information openly available is called for in
Science 299 (2003), 990. Redundant publications are common,
Nature 421 (2003), 209. Multiple authorship is discussed in
JAMA 288 (2002), 3166-7. Peer
review may not increase the quality of publications,
BMJ 326 (2003), 241. Plagiarism in India is discussed in
Science 299 (2003), 800.
Misconduct cases are discussed in
Nature 421 (2003), 681. Financial conflicts of interest are
discussed in
JAMA 289 (2003),
454-65.
Scientists have been asked to self-censor
sensitive data that could make
bioweapons,
Science 299 (2003), 321, 1149;
Nature 421 (2003), 197. On the balance between freedom and
terrorism,
NS (18 Jan., 2003), 3;
Science 299 (2003), 1175;
Nature 421 (2003), 785. Arguments against scientific
boycotts are made in
Nature 421
(2003), 314.
Euthanasia & Terminal Care
Euthanasia is discussed in
HCR 33 (Jan. 2003), 17-9;
JAMA 289 (2003), 233-4. Advance directives require good
communication,
JAMA 289 (2003),
96. Euthanasia in Switzerland by non-medical staff is discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 271-3. Tourism for end of life treatment
is discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003),
242. The Dutch supreme court has said that being tired of life is not grounds
for euthanasia,
BMJ 326 (2003),
71.
Spirituality at the end of life is discussed in J. Palliative Medicine
4 (2001), 333-5. Japanese religion and the end of life is discussed in
AIBA
Newslink 6 (Feb. 2003), 1-3. Chinese
perspectives on the meaning of death are discussed in
Death Studies 26 (2002), 143-75. Death anxiety in Chinese students
is reported in
Death Studies 26
(2002), 491-9. A study of UK physicians attitudes to euthanasia is in
Death
Studies 26 (2002), 479-90; see also
BMJ 326 (2003), 30-4. Death in East African cultures is
reviewed in
J. Hospice and Palliative Nursing 3 (2001), 59-61; and in Hispanic culture, pp. 29-33.
Study of end of life in different cultures is reported in
Death
Studies 26 (2002), 567-92;
BMJ 326 (2003), 228. Also on dying,
JAMA 289 (2003), 235-6. Comparisons of happiness across
culture is made in
SA (Feb.
2003), 17.
Palliative care in New Zealand is reviewed
in
J. Palliative Medicine 4 (2001),
70-4.Conflicts at the end of life are discussed in
J. Palliative
Medicine 4 (2001), 1-3. Telemedicine and
end of life care is discussed in
J. Clinical Ethics 12 (2001), 64-79.
Organ Transplants & Brain Death
A paper on how to deal with dead
bodies is Pentz, RD. et al. "Revisiting ethical
guidelines for research with terminal wean and brain-dead participants", HCR
33 (Jan. 2003), 20-6, 3-4;
Science 299
(2003), 29-30;
BMJ 325 (2002),
648-51. A further paper on body value is in
HCR 33 (Jan. 2003), 27-33. Papers on regulating body
parts are in
Health Care Analysis
8 (2000), 83-201. A study of 19th century body sales is
NEJM 347 (2002), 952. A study of grief and post mortems
is
Death Studies 26 (2002),
837-49; also see
BMJ 325 (2002),
1121. A review of plastic body parts is
Science 298 (2002), 828-9; and an anatomy display,
JAMA 288 (2002), 2525-9. Ethics of
face
transplants are discussed in
Nature 420
(2002), 449.
Radiological diagnosis of
brain death is described in JAMA 288 (2002),
2121. On brain death,
BMJ 325 (2002), 598-9;
Lancet 360 (2002), 425-6. A book
review on
The Vegetative State is
JAMA 289 (2003), 101-2; also
NEJM 347 (2002), 1386-7. Kidney transplants from
heart-dead donors are reviewed in
NEJM 347 (2002), 281-3, 1799-800.
A review is Burgio, GR. Et al.
"Ethical reappraisal of 15 years of cord-blood transplantation",
Lancet 361 (2003), 250-2. Guidelines on organ donations
from San Thomas Hospital in the Philippines are in
Southeast Asian
Center for Bioethics Bioethics Newsletter
15 (Jan. 2003), 1-3. The concept of autonomy and living organ donors are
discussed in
Theoretical Medicine
22 (2001), 351-68. A liver has been treated with radiotherapy outside of the
body and returned in Italy to remove cancer,
NS (21 Dec., 2002), 7. On organ transplants in HIV
infected persons,
NEJM 347
(2002), 1801-3.
Israel is considering paying organ donors, BMJ 326 (2003),
126. A review of the economic
consequences of selling a kidney in
India
is
JAMA 288 (2002), 1589-93. Organ trafficking in Punjab has been
disclosed,
BMJ 326 (2003), 180. On
selling
organs,
BMJ 325 (2002), 510, 795, 835-6;
Lancet 360 (2002), 948-9;
NEJM 347 (2002), 1382-4. Equity of stem cell transplants
and organ growth is discussed in
NS
(19 Oct., 2002), 27.
Xenotransplantation is discussed in Medicine, Health care and
Philosophy 4 (2001), 53-70;
Nature 418 (2003), 811, 909; 419 (2002), 5;
NatMed. 8 (2002), 1047. Cross-species retroviral
transmission from macaques to humans is reported in
Lancet 360 (2002), 387-8. Implantable chips are discussed
in
SA (Jan. 2003), 10-1.
Replacement organs are discussed in
NS (4 Jan. 2003), 19; (25 Jan., 2003), 16. Fetal
retinal cells may be able to rejuvenate retinas and restore sight,
NS (1 Feb., 2003), 14-5. On artificial eyes,
NS (23 Nov., 2002), 35-7. Growing personal body parts
in a dish is described in
NS (14
Sept., 2003), 14. Tissue scaffolds are described in
J. Artificial
Organs 5 (2002), 77-83. Robots may be hard
to distinguish,
SA (Oct. 2002),
24-31. Stem cells to repair the
heart are discussed in
Circulation
Research 91 (2002), 1092-1102; 92 (2003),
6-8;
Lancet 361 (2003), 11-2. The
status of artifical heart research is reviewed in
J. Artificial
Organs 5 (2002), 147-8, 149-55.
Animal experiments are discussed in
Science 298 (2002), 2141-2. Diseased brains attempt to
repair themselves,
NS (8 Feb.,
2003), 23. Pancreatic islet transplants are discussed in
Lancet 360 (2002), 1999-2000. Early kidney precursors are
new sources for transplants,
NatMed.
9 (2003), 53-60.
Health Costs
Papers on health
equity in several countries are presented in
Health Policy and Planning 17 Supplement Dec. 2002, 1-84; and inequity in the poor in
Tanzania in
Lancet 361 (2003), 540-1, 561-6.
Gender bias in medical studies is discussed in
JAMA 289 (2003),
397-400. Racial and ethnic biases are discussed in
SSM 55 (2002), 2017-31;
AJPH 92 (2002), 1895-9; 93 (2003), 189, 191-208, 277-84;
JAMA 289 (2003), 360. Employment discrimination and health is
discussed in
AJPH 93 (2003), 226-31.
Managed care
ethics is discussed in
HCR 33
(Jan. 2003), 34-42. Review of HMOs decisions on medical necessity is reported
in
NEJM 347 (2002), 2178-82. In
the Netherlands a widespread health insurance fraud has been discussed,
Lancet 361 (2003), 583. An embargo against Haiti is
discussed in
Lancet 361 (2003),
420-2. On solidarity in health care,
Health Care Analysis 8 (2000), 329-411. Solidarity in Tanzania is
discussed in
SSM 56 (2003),
1929-46. No fault medical injury compensation in
New Zealand is
discussed in
BMJ 326 (2003), 79-80.
The new leadership of WHO under a Korean Dr.
Jong-Wook Lee is discussed in
Lancet 361
(2003), 194, 231-8, 253, 399-403.
Also on WHO,
BMJ 326 (2003),
122-5. The UN plans for health of Iraqi people in the event of war are
discussed in
Lancet 361 (2003),
345, 493, 622-31. Health in Uganda is discussed in
Lancet 361 (2003), 319;
Vietnam,
SSM 56 (2003), 333-42; and in Russia in
Lancet 361 (2003), 498. Comparisons of the health care
systems in several countries are in
AJPH 93 (2003), 20-61; and in USA,
AJPH 93 (2003), 14-9, 75-85, 92-129 193;
JAMA 289 (2003), 305-12, 354-6. Japan is reducing its
international aid,
Lancet 361
(2003), 406.
Internet
Sites
Discussion of donating books and journals to less developed countries is
in BMJ 326 (2003), 298. Openness of
papers is important, BMJ 325 (2002), 456.
Biosafety files are available from the Netherlands, Biotechnology and
Development Monitor 49 (March 2002), 13.
Use of Internet for conferences is discussed in Biotechnology and
Development Monitor 49 (March 2002), 7-9.
A
consumer health report card on the Internet is discussed in
JAMA 287 (2002), 1277-87;
BMJ 325 (2002), 555-6. Quality on the Internet is discussed in
BMJ 325 (2002), 557-8.
Regulation of helath information is
more difficult,
BMJ 325 (2002), 602-6.
GenInfo
a bimonthly electronic newsletter concentrating on new policy
statements on human genetics from
international, regional and national sources is online at
www.humgen.umontreal.ca/en/GenInfo.cfm
Prepared by Darryl
Macer
Go back to EJAIB
13 (March 2003)
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Eubios Ethics Institute is on the world wide web
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