Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 14 (2004), 150-158.
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
Genetic Engineering of Plants
Directed evolution of gene for herbicide resistance
without genetic engineering is reported in Castle, LA. Et al., "Discover
and directed evolution of a glyphosate
tolerance gene", Science
304 (2004), 1151-4. A patent has been issued and it may overcome some
objections to similar traits made by GE. The use of apomixis technology (to
make cloned offspring) in plants is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 687-91. Fusion proteins with an antibody
fragment have been used to provide antifungal properties in
plants, NatBio 22 (2004), 682-3,
732-8. Cicadas returned to USA
after 17 years gap, Nature 429
(2004), 233.
Production of essential fatty acids (e.g.) in plants is possible by genetic
engineering, NatBio 22 (2004), 680-2, 739-44. Early allelic
selection in maize has been found from ancient DNA studies, Science 302 (2003), 1206-8. Genetic
evidence suggests there was a demic diffusion of agriculture in India, Science 304 (2004), 1125. A book review of The Art of Rice is Science 304 (2004), 1112-3. Bioethanol has been produced for industrial
use, NatBio 22 (2004), 646. The
antioxidant chlorogenic acid has been expressed in plants, NatBio 22 (2004), 746-54; AgraFood Biotech 128 (10 May 2004), 29. On production of drugs
in crops, NatBio 22 (2004), 655-6.
Promiscouos maize chromosomes are discussed in Science 303 (2004), 49-50.
Genetic Engineering of Animals
Serial bull
cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer is reported in NatBio 22
(2004), 693-4. Fertile rats were cloned by regulating oocyte activation, Science 302 (2003), 1179. The genetic structure of purebred
domestic dog is constructed in Science 304 (2004), 1160-4. Horse cloning
research is progressing, NS (15 May 2004),
9. Only a few males have contributed genes to domestic horses, NatGen 36 (2004), 335-8. A review of cloning in different
animals is TIBTECH 21 (2003),
471-3. A hyperactive antifreeze protein in fish is described in Nature 428 (2004), 153. Mice with parents of the same sex
make us consider whether the same will be applied humans, NS (24 April 2004), 8-9; Science 304
(2004), 501, 507-8. Testis transplant culture in cows is reported in Biology
of Reproduction 70 (2004), 625-31. Cows
were born from sperm frozen for 40 years in Kyoto, Japan Times (24 April 2004), 2. Cross species mixes are
discussed in Science 302 (2003),
1154-5.
A zebrafish
model of aortic coarctation is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004),
595-9. Transgenic zebrafish can be made by retroviral infection of in
vitro-cultured sperm, PNAS 101 (2004),
1263-7. Gene-centromere distances in salmon are reported in Genetica 121 (2004), 1-11. Transgene driven expression of the
Doppel protein in Purkinje cells causes cell degeneration and motor impairment,
PNAS 101 (2004), 3644-9.
Comparison of the sec chromosome genes ZFX and ZFY in bovine, porcine and
equine cells is reported in Genome
47 (2004), 74-83.
A cystic fibrosis model transgenic mouse has been made, NatMed. 10 (2004),
452-4, 487-93. A mouse with human adaptive immunity has been produced, NatBio 22 (2004), 684-5. Mice studies of the role of
mitochondria in aging are reviewed in Nature 429 (2004), 357-8. Other mice studies include mice
with abnormal coronary function, Science 302 (2003), 1416-8; autoimmune diseases, Science 304
(2004), 1147-52; a model of Pompe's disease, Neurobiology of Disease 16 (2004), 14-20; a model of thrombocytopenia, Nature
Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 409; with
premature aging, Nature 429
(2004), 417-23; asthma, NatMed.
10 (2004), 193-7; a model of colonic polyposis, NatGen 35 (2003), 323-30; skin cancer susceptibility, NatGen 35 (2003), 252-7; and for neural tube defects, NatMed. 9 (2003), 1513-9. Ascorbic acid corrects the phenotype of a kmouse model of
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, NatMed.
10 (2004), 396-401. Treatment of kidney disease in a model is reported in NatMed. 10 (2004), 363-4. Mutant mice have been made for
many decades, NatGen 36 (2004),
327. Use of chromosomal substitution strains of mice is reviewed in Science 304 (2004), 445-8.
Designer Molecules
Nanotechnology and DNA is reviewed in SA (June 2004), 34-43. A nano-scale lab has been made, Nature
Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 328. Also on
nanotechnology, Science 302
(2003), 1310; 304 (2004), 1457-8. In two weeks Craig Venter made a new viral
genome, showing how easy it was to make such molecules, Science 302 (2003), 1307. The question of whether
nanobacteria are alive or just crystals is discussed in NS (22 May 2004), 6-7. Proteomics is discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1316-8. On evolution of proteins in a
laboratory, PNAS 101 (2004),
2997-8. Making proteins without DNA is reviewed in SA (April 2004), 20-1. On drug design, NatBio 22 (2004), 513-9. Antibodies have been made which
can bind to targets inside cells, NS
(17 April 2004), 16.
Biotechnology & the Public
The science and art of assessing risk is discussed in
Science & Christian Belief 16
(2004), 27-44. On risks of biotech. NatBio 22 (2004), 511. Terror may be the best remedy for phobias, NS (10 April 2004), 16. A discussion of biotechnology
as religion is in NatBio 22
(2004), 659-60; NS (17 April
2004), 19. Religious objections to biotechnology are discussed in Newsweek (5 April 2004), 34-8. Vatican debates on
biotechnology are discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 15.A book review of Enough: Staying Human in an
Engineered Age is Science 302 (2003), 1155-6. The UK plans for an ethical code to prevent misuse of
bioresearch, Lancet 362 (2003),
1634. A book review of Promethean
Ambitions is Nature 429 (2004), 245-6; and of Human-Built
World is Nature 429 (2004), 348-9. Technology has affected
healthcare ethics, SSM 58 (2004),
879.
Despite the US acceptance of biotechnology many lack
concrete knowledge of genetics and GE, Food
Chemical News (20 Oct. 2003), 20-1. Europeans are moderating their
views against biotechnology, AgraFood Biotech 120 (19 Jan. 2004), 9; AgraEurope (12 Dec. 2003), 7-8. On public participation in healthcare, SSM 58 (2004), 321-30. A book review of Pandora's
Breeches and women in science is in Nature 429 (2004), 503-4. The dangers of nanotechnology are
discussed in NS (3 April 2004).
Teaching of evolution in science is discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1130; 304 (2004), 657, 825-6; Nature 428 (2004), 595; 429 (2004), 8-9. An autobiography
of Maurice Wilkins is reviewed in Science 302 (2003), 2071-2.
Regulation & Field Trials of
GMOs
GM pest resistant maize can boost farmer incomes, AgraFood
Biotech 117 (2003), 2. China
is expected to soon commercialise GM rice, NatBio 22 (2004), 642. Denmark has made growers liable for GM
co-existence contamination, AgraEurope
(14 Nov. 2003), 8-9. There are field trials of GM crops in 7 lander in Germany,
AgraEurope (14 May 2004), 1.
Australian farmers may accept GM crops when some problems are solved, APBN 7 (2003), 1432 (No. 22), www.asiabiotech.com. The
WTO has decided that US cotton subsidies are illegal, in a case brought by
Brazil, NS (8 May 2004), 5, 8-9.
On US regulation of transgenic animals, NatBio 22 (2004), 637. A website for review of GMO trials
of vegetables is www.nbiap.vt.edu.
Making herbicide resistance withour genetic engineering may change the
way we regulate GMOs, Science 304
(2004), 1089. On the general future of GM crops, Science 304 (2004), 959-60, 994-6.
Prehistoric
GM corn is one way to consider the early emergence of domesticated corn, Science
302 (2003), 1158-9. Transposons can be classified as selfish DNA elements,
Nature 429 (2004), 253-5. Control of gene expression is developing as our
understanding of DNA function increases, NatBio 22 (2004), 686.
ELSI and bioterror research is called for in NatBio 22 (2004), 656. The
priorities for research on diseases which kill many more than terror are
questioned in Newsweek (5 April 2004),
41+. Regulation of US labs that are doing research on sensitive issues related
to bioterror is discussed in Science
302 (2003), 962-3, 2054-7: 304 (2004), 687; Lancet 363
(2004), 1532; NEJM 350 (2004),
2119-20, 2121-3. A discussion of anthrax powder technology is Science 302 (2003), 1492-7. Modelling of disease outbreaks
in urban social networks is made in Nature 429 (2004), 180-4. Technology challenges in responding to attacks are
reviewed in Science 302 (2003),
1350-4. Boston may consider to ban bioterror studies, Science 304 (2004), 665. On agroterror, The
Scientist (10 May 2004), 50-1.
Vaccines & Diseases
SARS
information in Japan is defended in Lancet 363 (2004), 571-2.
More is being discovered on the structure of SARS virus, Science 304 (2004), 1097; NEJM 350 (2004), 1797; JAMA 291 (2004), 1951; J. Virology 78 (2004), 3572-7. Identification of a new human
coronavirus has been made, NatMed.
10 (2004), 368-73. SARS seems to have escaped 3 times from a secure lab
facility in China, NS (1 May
2004), 12; Lancet 363 (2004),
1566-7; Science 304 (2004),
1223-4; and on a Singapore case, NEJM 350 (2004), 1740-5; and a Taiwanese case, Science 303 (2004), 26. Also on SARS lessons, JAMA 291 (2004), 2483-7. Airborne transmission of SARS is
shown in Hong Long in 2003, NEJM
350 (2004), 1731-9. There has been discussion of Japan's leprosy
isolation policy in Korea in Lancet 363
(2004), 1396-7; though isolation and prejudice was global, Lancet 363 (2004), 1220.
Pandemic
influenza would find most countries ill prepared, Science 302
(2003), 1519-22; JAMA 291 (2004),
2491-2; Nature 429 (2004), 345-6.
Reverse genetics can be used to rapidly make vaccines, Lancet 363 (2004), 1099-103. There are still problems for
global eradication of polio this year, Science 303 (2004), 1960-9; 304 (2004), 1096; JAMA 291 (2004), 1947-8; though India is progressing
well, Lancet 363 (2004), 1527.
Measles vaccination is progressing so that the number of measles deaths per
year in Africa was reduced by 30% between 1999 to 2002, but still the annual
toll is 610,000 persons, Lancet
363 (2004), 1531. Religious leaders are one way to help promote vaccination, Lancet 363 (2004), 1709. The public debates over MMR
vaccination are discussed in Lancet
363 (2004), 1473-4. There is no link found between vaccination and diabetes
type 1, BMJ 328 (2004), 854. Childhood vaccination against Streptococcus
pneumoniae infections in USA helps to reduce the racial disparity in
infection, JAMA 291 (2004),
2197-203, 2253+. Zinc can help treat severe pneumonia in children, Lancet 363 (2004), 1683-8. Vaccination against meningitis halted
an outbreak in Burkina Faso, Lancet
363 (2004), 1290. BCG vaccines have long term efficacy, JAMA 291 (2004), 2086-91, 2127+. The Australian
vaccination schedule is in MJA
180 (2004), 494-6. On race-based immunization, JAMA 291 (2004), 2197, 2253-4.
A call for fashion designers to include more trousers
and long sleeves as methods to slow the cases of dengue in Indonesia may be another way to prevent the
disease, Lancet 363 (2004), 1651. A call for better global policy
on disease is in BMJ 327 (2003), 399;
328 (2004), 781, 811-5; Lancet
363 (2004), 1339-40; and the understanding of risk is inadequate, Science 304 (2004), 927. The disease Yaw can be treated by a
single dose of penicillin but many pygmies and forest dwelling persons in Congo
are not yet reached, NS (8 May
2004), 15. Anthrax survivors from 2002 still have poor QOL, JAMA 291 (2004), 1994-8.
Some people have genetic protection against malaria,
Cockburn, IA. Et al. "A human complement receptor 1 polymorphism that
reduces Plasmodium falciparum resetting confers protection against
severe malaria", PNAS
101 (2004), 272-7. A six antigen polyprotein has been made as a potential
malaria vaccine, PNAS 101 (2004), 290-5.
A protein in mosquito allows them to escape the effects of the paarsite, NatMed. 10 (2004), 455-7. Antigenic variation in malaria is
discussed in Nature 429 (2004),
555-8. On malaria cures, Current Biology (2004), R264-7; Lancet
363 (2004), 1386-8; SSM 57
(2003), 2476. Public-private partnerships for infectious disease research are
discussed in Drug Discovery
(April 2004), 28-32. GSK has
signed a agreement to develop drugs against drug resistant malaria in Africa, www.scrippharma.com 2948 (30 April 2004), 19. Comparative genome
analysis of mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae and Drosophila
melanogaster is in J. Heredity
95 (2004), 103-13. Infections may explain why our blood groups differ, NS (17 April 2004), 15. On the global fund and malaria,
Lancet 363 (2004), 1396; Newsweek (24 May 2004), 44-6; BMJ 328 (2004), 1086-7; Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 381-4. Tropical medicine and new
imperalism is discussed in Lancet
363 (2004), 1087.
A vaccine to stop methane emissions from ruminant animals is being developed, Nature
429 (2004), 119. FAO and WHO announced they will work together on animal
diseases more closely, Nature
429 (2004), 494. The public health
risk from Avian H5N1 influenza epidemic is discussed in Science 304 (2004), 968-9. Buruli toxin genes have been
decoded, PNAS 101 (2004), 1116-7.
Latrines play an important role in trachoma control, Lancet 363 (2004), 1088, 1093-8. Cross species
transmission of simian retroviruses in Africa is discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 911, 932-7.
A review of rotavirus vaccines is Lancet 363 (2004), 1547-50. Compulsory screening of immigrants for HIV and TB is discussed
in BMJ 328 (2004), 897. TB
is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1206; NEJM 350 (2004), 2060-7; Lancet 363 (2004), 1122; PNAS 101 (2004), 4721-2. Mad cow disease in USA is making
some change eating habits, Newsweek
(12 Jan. 2004), 40-5. A possible second wave of UK vCJD cases is expected, Nature 429 (2004), 331. On the US BSE case, SA (April 2004), 12-3. On prion disease, Nature 429 (2004), 37-8; PNAS 101 (2004), 4198-203; Lancet 363 (2004), 1201. Single amino acid changes in
lentiviruses can determine specificity, PNAS 101 (2004), 3725-6. Ebola vaccine is discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1141-2.
Antibiotic resistance is discussed in JAMA 291 (2004), 1960-1; NS (10 April 2004), 4.
AIDS & Sexually Transmitted
Diseases
Hepatitis B and liver cancer development are
discussed in PNAS 101 (2004), 3575-80.
On STDs, Lancet 363 (2004),
545-56. Dutch patients with HIV can be forced to take a HIV test to protect
doctors, BMJ 328 (7 Feb. 2004).
The issues for vaccine trials are summarized in Science 302 (2003),
1309-10; 303 (2004), 316; NatMed. 10
(2004), 221-3. India and Japan are testing vaccines to match local HIV strains,
NatMed. 10 (2004), 215.
Antiretrovirals have given new hope to many persons in South Africa, Lancet 363 (2004), 1394, 1710; see BMJ 327 (2003), 357; Lancet 362 (2003), 1467. Children and AIDS in Africa
are discussed in Lancet 362 (2003),
1597-8; BMJ 327 (2003), 1104; NatMed. 9 (2003), 1449-52. AIDS in India is discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 177. On palliative care for AIDS, Lancet 362 (2003), 1773. UNICEF predicts 20 million AIDS
orphans in Africa by 2010, BMJ
327 (2003), 1245. Mothers with HIV in St. Petersburg are often giving their
babies to state care in the absence of prenatal care, Lancet 362 (2003), 1981-2. Milk formulas for feeding babies
of mothers infected with HIV are discussed in Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 161, 164-71. A stable partnership leads to slower progression to AIDS in
a Swiss study, BMJ 328 (2004),
15-8.
A discussion of the forthcoming July 2004 XV
International AIDS Conference in Thailand is in Science 304 (2004), 499-500, 1430-9. The WHO targets on AIDS
drugs may be unrealistic, BMJ 328
(2004), 10, 1151: Lancet 363
(2004), 1615. The WHO has approved some new drug combinations, BMJ 327 (2003), 1067. The US will speed up approval
mechanisms for AIDS drugs, Nature
428 (2004), 234. USA was urged to accept generic AIDS drugs, Lancet 363 (2004), 1205; Nature 429 (2004), 6; BMJ 328 (2004), 783. Fake drugs are also a problem, NatMed. 10 (Feb. 2004).
The folk belief of virgin cleansing and AIDS is discussed in Lancet
363 (2004), 1663-4. Bride prices are discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 1734; and gender violence in Lancet 363 (2004), 1410-1, 1415-21. Ugandan HIV rates have
declined with behavioral interventions, Science 304 (2004), 714-8. On the ethics of sex studies, Science 302 (2003), 966, 1479. A study of AIDS talk in men's
informal conversation in Malawi is in SSM 59 (2004), 285-97. The US criticized Libyan death sentences for
intentional spreading of HIV, Lancet
363 (2004), 1611.
Microbes & Pollution Remedies
The oil spill from the ship Prestige in Spain is
discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1485.
Environmental Issues
The consequences of a nuclear weapon attack on global satellite systems is
reviewed in SA (June 2004), 68-75. Chernonbyl area continues to have cancer
problems, Lancet 363 (2004),
1534. On nuclear disarmament, NS
(8 May 2004), 6; (15 May 2004), 3.
Alternative energy technologies are discussed in Time (Global Business Feb. 2004), 44-6, Hydrogen cars are debated in Science 302 (2003), 1329. A review of hydrogen storage
methods is Naturwissenschaften 91
(2004), 157-72. The petroleum age is still here for some time most
probably, Science 304 (2004), 1114-5. A submarine with a chain saw for
ecological logging from flooded forests is described in SA (June 2004), 8-9. The red sweat of hippopotamus is
important to protect them against UV light, Nature 429 (2004), 363. Biosensors allow detection of
harmful algal blooms, BioScience
53 (2003), 918-23.
Hydrocarbon-driven warming is reported in Nature 429 (2004),
513-5; and on global change, Nature 429
(2004), 244-5; Science 302
(2003), 1171, 1201-3. Early warming however was essential for a better
temperature on the planet, Nature
429 (2004), 359-60. A film review of The Day After Tomorrow is Nature
429 (2004), 347-8. Antarctic sea ice is getting smaller since 1950, Science 302 (2003), 1164. Climate change however will create
droughts, NS (22 May 2004), 16-7.
Biomineralization in plants as a long term carbon sink is discussed in Naturwissenschaften 91 (2004), 191-4.
Organic fertilizers are discussed in Time (Global Business Feb. 2004), 41. Europe is
reexamining the safety of chemicals, Newsweek (5 April 2004), 39-40; Science 302 (2003), 969. A study of mortality from arsenic
poisoning in Bangladesh suggests a doubling of lifetime mortality from liver,
bladder and lung cancers, AJPH 94
(2004), 741-4. The background of US efforts for a propective cohort on study of
genes and the environment is discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 475-8.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity and millennium development goals are
discussed in Asian Biotechnology and Development Review 6 (March 2004), 15-40. The beef trade is destroying
Brazilian rainforest, NS (10
April 2004), 14-5. A discussion of Amazonia in 1492 and deforestation is Science 302 (2003), 2067-70; 304 (2004), 1109. There is
debate over how virgin some forests are,
Science 304 (2004), 402-3.
A book review of The Kruger Experience: Ecology and Management of
Savanna Heterogeneity is Nature 429 (2004), 504-5. On conservation, Nature 429 (2004), 346-7; Newsweek (29 March 2004), 49. Biodiversity hotspots are
discussed in BioScience 53
(2003), 916-7; Science 304 (2004), 831-3. The decline of oak forests is
discussed in BioScience 53
(2003), 915. The question of removing protected populations to save endangered
species is discussed in Science
302 (2003), 1532. Viagra has been suggested as a way to save some animals, Newsweek (19 April 2004), 70-1. Flawed data has affected the
conservation of panthers in the USA, Nature 429 (2004), 235. Bamboo species are being endangered
as it is used, NS (15 May 2004),
12.
Ancient fires have been found on the river Jordan
banks about 790,000 years ago, NS (8 May
2004), 16. The Biodiversity Convention has imposed some bureaucracy that
affects the way countries can use bioresources, Nature 429 (2004), 129.
Fisheries are
discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1359-61; 304 (2004), 955; Nature 428 (2004), 899-900; 429 (2004), 15. The competition
between fisheries and marine mammals is discussed in NS (15 May 2004), 6-7; and with leatherback turtles, Nature 429 (2004), 521. Taboos can be a way to protect
marine areas, NS (17 April 2004),
9. Aquariums affect marine
conservation, Natural History
(March 2004), 50-5. The US may include hatchery raised salmon with wild in
determining whether a species is endangered, Science 304
(2004), 807. Contests can help
develop new ways for conservation, Nature 429 (2004), 120. Frogs can do very well in zoos, Science 304 (2004), 1441. On dangers for amphibians, Ecological
Applications 13 (2003), 1515-21. Studies of the South Pacific have found
that some green areas are caused by physical deposits rather than
phytoplankton, as is normally assumed from satellite imaging, Science 302 (2003), 1514-5, 1548. On deep sea biology, Science 302 (2003), 991. Coral reefs are discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1502-3.
Animal Rights
The question of human suitability for eating animals is discussed in SA (June 2004), 9-10. The UK is
planning new laws to restrain animal rights activists, Nature 429
(2004), 223. The UK is considering to build a primate research center at a
military site, Porton Downs, Science 302
(2003), 1127; though the primate research center at Cambridge was rejected, Nature
Neuroscience 7 (2004), 285, 413. The UK has
doubled the money given to find alternatives to animal tests, Nature 429 (2004), 334. India has announced it will built the largest
animal research facility in Hyderabad, NatMed. 10 (2004), 443. In general on animal rights, NS (22 May 2004), 48-9. The role of planar polarity in
determining the size and shape of animals is discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 247.
Curiosity may be a reason for medicinal plant use in
chimps, NS (8 May 2004), 17. The genome
sequencing of chimpanzee chromosome 22 and comparisons to human
chromosome 21, has revealed more differences in gene expression than was
previously expected, Nature 429 (2004),
355. Studies of whale cooperation suggest it could be more
advanced than in humans, NS (15 May
2004), 42-5; Science 302 (2003),
990-1. Counts of whales are still underway, Science 303 (2003), 39-40. The exemptions for the military
to allow sonar experiments that have been shown to kill and harm whales is
reported in Science 302 (2003),
1487-8. Social bonds of baboons enhance infant survival, Science 302 (2003), 1231-4, 1234-6.
Brain function
Neuroscience and human knowledge is discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 505-6. Book reviews of Mind
Time are Nature 429 (2004), 243-4; NS (22 May 2004), 48. On electric currents in bodies,
NS (15 May 2004), 38-41. A discussion of the power of love is Time (19 Jan. 2004), 29-45; Science 302 (2003), 1320. The evolution of the social brain
is discussed in Science 302
(2003), 1160-1. On brain modeling, Science 302 (2003), 1133; NatMed.
10 (2004), 449. The orbitofrontal cortex is involved in experience of
regret, Science 304 (2004), 1167-70; also, Science 302 (2003), 1181-6 Use of microarrays to study
neurobiology of disease is discussed in Nature Neuroscience 7 (2004), 425, 434-9. Consciousness is discussed in Science 304 (2004), 52-3, 519-20, 1248-9, 1450. On the
history of neuroscience, Science
303 (2004), 43-4. A book review on PET scans, Picturing Personhood, is Science 304 (2004), 1451-2. Prions may have a role in long-term memory, Science 303 (2004), 28.
The evolution
of humans in Asia is discussed in NS (22 May 2004), 36-9.
Indo-European languages are dated at about 8700 years ago, Science 302 (2003), 1490. Also on languages, Science 303 (2004), 318-20; 304 (2004), 438-41, 1243. Gender
differences are discussed in Science
302 (2003), 1506-7; NS (8 May
2004), 14.
Safety of Recombinant DNA
Products
Ankyrin repeat proteins can be high affinity binding
proteins and are being used in development of future protein drugs, NatBio 22 (2004), 521-2. Black patients with chronic
hepatitis C have a lower rate of response to peginterferon
alfa-2b and ribavirin compared to non-Hispanic white patients, NEJM 350 (2004), 2265-71. The safety of albumin
is discussed in NEJM 350 (2004), 2294-6;
BMJ 328 (2004), 1216-7.
Food safety
Detection of DNA from GM food in people is discussed in NatBio 22
(2004), 654-5. French consumers appear to often read labels regarding GM food, AgraFood
Biotech 117 (10 Nov. 2003), 5. However most
persons do not want to go as far as nutrition profiling for each persons
optimal food, Nature 426 (2003),
107. Monsanto has decided not to market GM wheat for now, given
the threats of boycotts from some countries of all US wheat, Science 304 (2004), 1088-9; NatBio
22 (2004), 645; NS (15 May 2004),
4. Norwya had also said no, AgraFood Biotech 128 (10 may 2004), 13. Europe has issued a permit to
seel GM corn for food, Nature 429
(2004), 335.
Genetics and milk consumption is discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 1489-90.
Adiponectin acts in the brain to decrease body weight, NatMed. 10 (2004), 524-9, 454-5. Healthy eating is
discussed in Newsweek (26 Jan.
2004), 438-49; NatMed. 10 (2004),
437. The increase in type 2 diabetes in children in Australia is documented in MJA 180 (2004), 459-61. On the benefits of vitamins, Lancet 363 (2004), 1533, 1660, 1724-7. Obesity
is discussed in Science 304 (2004),
1413. Reduction through school education of consumption of carbonated drinks
can reduce obesity in children, BMJ
328 (2004), 1237-9. Papers on dental health include AJPH 94 (2004), 698-704, 748-771. Osteoporosis is
discussed in BMJ 327 (2003), 358;
NEJM 350 (2004), 2089-90.
Disease Risks & Drugs
A discussion of EU clinical trial directives and
their extension into UK regulations is in BME 196 (2004), 1, 6-11; Lancet
363 (2004), 1204. Availability of Canadian drugs helps save money
for some US consumers, NEJM 350 (2004),
1155; Lancet 362 (2003), 1816; BMJ 327 (2003), 1397-400. On US drug regulation, NEJM 350 (2004), 2220-1; JAMA 291 (2004), 2183. Drug prescribing in New Zealand
is reviewed in NZFP 30
(2003), 395-400, 401-4. E-drugs is a growing way to receive drugs, MJA 180 (2004), 103, 118-9. Drug counterfeiting is
discussed in Lancet 362 (2003),
301. Aspirin use is discussed in NEJM 350 (2004), 114-24; Lancet 362 (2003), 1558; JAMA 291 (2004), 2433-40. Exemestane or letrozole
treatment after tamoxifen treatment helps long-term survival after breast
cancer, NEJM 350 (2004), 1081-92;
1793-802. Statins are discussed in MJA 180 (2004), 229-31; BMJ 328 (2004), 385-6; Lancet 363 (2004), 1570. From July 2004 simvastatin is
available over the counter in the UK, Lancet 363 (2004), 1659; BMJ 328 (2004), 1221.
Drug delivery is discussed in Lancet 362 (2003), 1984-5. Similar drug names is dangerous,
JAMA 291 (2004), 1948-9. Drug
companies should provide all information to consumers, NS (1 May 2004), 3. A global review of injections is in
BMJ 327 (2003), 1075-8. A review of chemigenomics, is Nature
Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 262-75.
Melatonin is suggested for some children with sleep disorders, JMG 40 (2003), 793-6. A review of orphan products is FDA
Consumer (Nov. 2003), 10-15. A Spanish
medical editor has won a case for free speech against Merck, BMJ 328 (2004), 188, 307. Pfizer pleaded guilty to
illegally promoting off label uses of the drug gabapentin, but the drug is
still selling more, BMJ 328
(2004), 1217. A review article is Wingfield, J. et al. "The scope of
pharmacy ethics – an evaluation of the international research literature,
1990-2002", SSM 59 (2003),
2383-96. Registering clinical trials is a new role for WHO, Lancet 363 (2004), 1413-4; Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 321, 397.
Reduction of particulate air pollution has been shown to reduce risk of heritable
mutations in mice, Science 304 (2004), 1008-10. FDA guidance on
pharmacogenomics data submission is explained in Nature Reviews Drug
Discovery 2 (2003), 937-8. Genetic
testing is being used for some pharmaceutical prescribing, Science 303 (2004), 443. Molecular determinants of
resistance to antiandrogen therapy are reviewed in NatMed. 10 (2004), 33-9. A technique for non-invasive
tracking of pharmacodynamics of a targeted drug has been made, NatBio 22 (2004), 701-6. EGFR mutations in lung cancer have
been correlated to Gefitinib therapy, Science 304 (2004), 1497-500. Overall in the USA about 1 in
12 persons are prescribed the wrong drug, BMJ 328 (2004), 424; Archives Internal
Medicine 164 (2004), 305-12.
Ethical issues in research into alternative medicine
are discussed in JAMA 291 (2004),
2192-4. A book review of Christian Science on Trial is NEJM
349 (2003), 2574-5. Tests have found Echinacea was not effective
in children aged 2-11 years in treating respiratory infections, and actually
led to rashes, JAMA 290 (2003), 2824-30.
Ginkgo did not help mountain sickness, BMJ 328 (2004), 797-9. Acupuncture can be cost effective for headache
management, BMJ 328 (2004),
744-7, 747-9. Curcumin, a component of turmeric, corrects cystic
fibrosis defects, Science 304 (2004),
600-2. African American skepticism of psychiatric medication is reported in J.
Health & Social Behavior 44 (2003),
506-24. A review of medical practices in Arabia is SSM 58 (2004), 697-702. Israeli patients
dissatisfaction with non-conventional medicine is discussed in SSM 58 (2004), 2421-9. Modernized education of traditional
medicine in Korea is making it
professional, SSM 58 (2004), 1999-2008. A Chinese herbal
medicine, artemisin from sweet wood (qinghaosu) is being used to treat malaria,
Int. Herald Tribune (10 May 2004). A
comparison of massage versus drugs for back ache is in Newsweek (10 May 2004), 40-3.
Discussion of Viagra is in NatMed. 9 (2003), 1453. More trials are urged before
testosterone therapy is approved, NEJM 350 (2004), 482-92; Lancet
362 (2003), 1725. The medicalization of compulsive buying is
discussed in SSM 58 (2004), 1709-18. The
question of whether to enhance rather than just treat using neurological drugs
is addressed in Science 304
(2004), 17. Cosmetic surgery is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1208; Nature 429 (2004), Newsweek (17 May 2004), 42-3. Learning to forget bad
experiences through medical treatment is reviewed in Science 304 (2004), 34-6. The role of many species in the
ecosystem is discussed in Science
303 (2004), 1305-7. Diarrhoea in children is discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 641-53.
The effects of dietary magnesium on type 2 diabetes
risk are discussed in JAMA 291 (2004),
1056-7. Higher iron store is also a risk factor, JAMA 291 (2004), 711-7. It is associated with decreased
cognitive function in age, BMJ
328 (2004), 548-51. The hygiene hypothesis is discussed in Nature 428 (2004), 354. Early infections do not appear to
protect against atopy, BMJ 328
(2004), 1223-6. Asthma may have peaked in Melbourne, Australia,
MJA 180 (2004), 273-6. Susceptibility loci for asthma are discussed in Science 304 (2004), 300-4 (see also Genetic Disease Markers
News). Asthma may be linked to indoor dampness, Science 304 (2004), 1229. Pumiliotoxins are still difficult
to identify, PNAS 101 (2004),
7841-2. Resilence of communities in emergencies helps all survive, NS (8 May 2004), 19. The rescuers at the World Trade
Center have respiratory problems, Lancet 363 (2004), 1614. Aircraft noise around Schipol airport
has health affects, Occup. Environ. Med.
61 (2004), 405-13.
There are doubts over the use of antidepressants in
children, Lancet 363 (2004), 1335; Nature 427 (2004), 474; NatMed. 10 (2004), 439. A study of social factors in
Pakistan associated with depression is BMJ 328 (2004), 794-7. Too high testosterone can inhibit social skills and
may be linked to autism, NS
(2004). Content analysis of video games is presented in JAMA 291 (2004), 856-65. QOL is perceived differently by
different persons in South Africa, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 206-12. Multiple sclerosis is exacerbated
by stressful life events, BMJ 328
(2004), 731-3.
The burden of chronic disease is reviewed in Science 302 (2003), 1921-2. In general on public health, NEJM 350 (2004), 627; BMJ 328 (2004), 293; Lancet 363 (2004), 745, 1551-3; AJPH 94 (2004), 705-9; Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 322; JAMA 290 (2003), 2336. Antibiotic use is associated with
some increase in breast cancer, JAMA
291 (2004), 827-35.
Smoking
remains the leading cause of mortality in USA in the year 2000, JAMA
291 (2004), 1238-45.
The risk of cancer from
diagnostic X-rays is estimated in Lancet 363 (2004), 340, 345-51. Most doctors underestimate the
radiation doses, BMJ 327 (2003), 371-2.
Some persons have been extracting radioactive materials around Russia and there
are fears they are being used for construction of dirty bombs, Science 302 (2003), 1644-5. Mobile phone radiation and health is discussed in NS (10 April 2004), 13; Ecologist (March 2004), 12.
Smoke exposure from fires
for cooking is a major source of mortality, NS (6 Dec. 2003), 22; Lancet 362 (2003), 1902; BMJ 328 (2004), 787. A call for better exercise is made in Bulletin WHO 81 (2003), 827-30.
Pain is a common cause of work loss in the USA, JAMA 290 (2003), 2443-54. The US has not signed the landmine
treaty still, Lancet 363 (2004), 788.
Suicide prevention in the USAF is reported in BMJ 327 (2003), 1376-8. Gulf War illness is still unknown in
cause, BMJ 327 (2003), 1370-2, 1373-5.
On mental health of persons who kill strangers, BMJ 328 (2004), 734-7. Motorcycle visibility is a major factor
in traffic deaths, BMJ 328 (2004), 857-60. Overall one million persons die each
year on roads, BMJ 328 (2004), 851;
www.who.int/world-health-day/2004; BMJ
328 (2004), 845, 888-90, 895; SSM 59
(2004), 405-14. High speed increases death rates by Newtonian physics, AJPH 94 (2004), 568-74.
On the risks of venous
thrombosis after long haul air travel, BMJ 327 (2003), 1072-5. Occupational asbestos exposure is a risk factor for
retroperitoneal fibrosis, Lancet 363
(2004), 1422-6. Factories injuries used to be more common, AJPH 94 (2004), 540. The general risks of work on health are discussed in Lancet 363 (2004), 1173; SSM 58 (2004), 449-61; 1137-46. Safety for
vibration devices is discussed in Occup.
Environ. Med. 61 (2004), 387-97. IBM has
blocked publication of results of studies showing the mortality from chemicals
in the chip industry, Science 304
(2004), 937-8. Occupational class is associated with physical activity in Japanese employees, SSM 57
(2003), 2281-9. Physical activity is skill not taken enough anywhere BMJ 328 (2004), 1089-90. Japanese persons have been advised to
improve health habits, Lancet 363
(2004), 1126. Brain injury associated with heading in soccer is reviewed in BMJ 327 (2003), 351-2.
Many persons risk skin
cancer from seeking suntans, BMJ 328
(2004), 786. On marriage and well being, J. Health & Social Behaviour 44 (2003). Promoting adequate sleep is important, JAMA 291 (2004), 2415-7.
Patenting & Business
A patent has been issued to natural Genes, Inc. (US 6
639 124) on 28 October 2003 for the process for selecting a cotton plant which
exhibits genetically-controlled herbicide resistance that is not attributable
to genetic engineering, AgraFood Biotech
117 (10 Nov. 2003), 20. The real costs of drugs is debated in NatBio 22 (2004), 663-4. There have been many recent
patents on botanicals in the USA, NatBio 22 (June 2004). Patents on proteins are discussed in Nature 426 (2003), 10-1; and there is a need for a public
proteomics repository, NatBio 22
(2004), 471-2. Generics are discussed in NEJM 350 (2004), 2100-1; Lancet 363 (2004), 1612-3. The reliability of patents is
discussed in Nature 429 (2004),
487, 493. The NIH is insisting that AIDS drug patents be shared, Science 304 (2004), 1427-8.
Monsanto won a 7 year patent battle in Canadian
courts on GM plants and seeds, Nature
429 (2004), 330. Patent disputes in rice research are discussed in APBN 8 (2004), 144; and on disputes between voluntary
health authorities and research institutions, NatBio 22 (2004), 385-7. The BRCA1 patent has
been overturned in Europe, Nature 429
(2004), 329. The British Charity Cancer Research has been awarded a patent for
BRCA 2 in Europe, NatBio 22
(2004), 373. Ethics of commercial genomics is discussed in SSM 58 (2004), 1201-13. A nonprofit drug company is
described in SA (May 2004), 24-5.
Patents in Antarctica relating to bioprospecting and microbials are discussed
in SA (May 2004), 26. A Japanese
materials scientist was awarded US$190 million from his former employer for his
research which made blue light-emitting diodes, Nature 427 (2004), 478.
On the agbio sector in India, Asian Biotechnology
and Development Review 6 (March 2004),
41-52. Science and research in Japan is discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 207-21; including issues of Asian
culture and paternalism, Nature
429 (2004), 501. International biotech research is discussed in NatBio 22 (2004), 633-5; Science 302 (2003), 1677-8. On biotech in Eastern Europe, NatBio 22 (2004), 493-4. The compliance with US security
regulations and academic researchers is discussed in Science 302 (2003), 949. Researchers in developing countries
also suffer from excessive regulations, Nature 428 (2004), 601. On industry and academia relations.
Science 302 (2003), 1293; NatBio 22 (2004), 625-6. The ethics of research funding is
discussed in BMJ 328 (2004),
1140; Lancet 363 (2004), 1618. A
UK battle of attempts to keep pesticide tests secret versus public interest is
discussed in Nature 428 (2004),
590. Medical professional relations with the pharmaceutical industry are
discussed in MJA 180 (2004), 409-10.
Birth Control
A review of trends in the
human population for the next 50 years is Science 302 (2003), 1172-7; 304 (2004), 207-8. Aspirin may reduce
the risk of breast cancer through action related to the estrogen hormone
receptor, JAMA 291 (2004), 2433,
2488-9. Hormone treatment increases breast cancer risk, BMJ 327 (2003), 359. Estrogen and HRT results between species
is discussed in Science 302 (2003), 1136-8, 1269-73; BMJ 327 (2003), 400. The results of studies of sexual
behaviour in Tanzania show very different rates whether males or females are
interviewed, SSM 59 (2004), 299-310.
Disclosure of sexual preferences by GPs in the UK is discussed in BMJ 328
(2004), 1211-2.
Embryo Status
Emergency contraception will be kept as a
prescription only in USA for now, Lancet
363 (2004), 1707. The dilemma of multifetal reduction faces some infertile
women after treatment, Research in Nursing and Health 27 (2004), 75-86; F&S 81 (2004), 1420. A series of papers on abortion in
India are in Seminar (P.O. Box
338, New Delhi, 110001) 532 (Dec. 2003), 1-94. Pregnancy complications kill
70,000 teenagers each year, Lancet
363 (2004), 1616. Pregnancy and
childbirth are leading causes of death in teenage girls in developing
countries, BMJ 328 (2004), 1152.
Poland is attempting to liberalize abortion laws, Lancet 363 (2004), 1206.
Cloning and stem cells
A
Christian ethics debate on cloning is in Science & Christian Belief 16 (2004), 45-55. Discussion of cloning ethics in
Italian is in Bioetica e Cultura
XIII (2004), 23-44. On the US political views on stem cell research, Science 304 (2004), 1088; BMJ 328 (2004), 1094. Discussion of the ethics of the Korean
cloning results and experiments are in Nature 428 (2004), 490; Newsweek
(1 March 2004), 44-5; Science 304
(2004), 945.
A
review of stem cell research is SA (June
2004), 3, 60-7. The genes that control human ES cell growth and differentiation
are identified in NatBio 22
(2004), 707-16. The UK has decided to spend a further US$30 million for stem
cell research, Nature 428 (2004),
495. The UK has opened a public repository for stem cells, Nature 428 (2004), 333; Science 304 (2004), 1239. Nancy Reagan endorses human stem
cell research, Nature 428 (2004),
116. Male germline stem cells have been regenerated by spermatogonial
dedifferentiatiation in vivo, Science 304 (2004), 1331-4.
Assisted Reproductive Technology
(ART)
The
UK ART laws are under discussion, BME
196 (2004), 3-4. The secrecy of DI is discussed in Rushbrooke, R.
"Donor insemination: the secret experiment", BME 196 (2004), 13-22. In Japan the
offering of preimplantation diagnosis for nondisease conditions is a matter of
much debate, Mainichi Shimbun and Asahi
Shimbun (27 May 2004), 1. The question of designer
babies is discussed in Newsweek (2 Feb.
2004), 44-9; JAMA 291 (2004),
2306-8. The US President's Bioethics Council has called for more studies of
ART, Nature 428 (2004), 590.
A
reduction in the number of twin
pregnancies after IVF will save money, F&S 81 (2004), 1240-6.
A report from international studies of IVF and ART is Supplement 4, F&S 81 (May 2004),
S1-50. The 2000 year US results from ART at 383 programs is summarized
in F&S 81 (2004), 1207-20. The delivery rate per
retrieval of eggs was 30%.
Emotional adaptation following successful IVF is discussed in F&S 81 (2004), 1254-64. Research on mice suggests
extension of reproductive age may be possible, Newsweek (22 March 2004), 46-7. The perinatal outcomes of
singleton births after ART is worse than from normal fertilization, BMJ 328 (2004), 261-4.
Fetal Environment & Neonates
Folic acid
trials for prevention of neural tube defects have shown it to be effective, NEJM
350 (2004), 2209-11. Women with a pregnancy complicated by a neural tube defect
may have autoantibodies against folate receptors, NEJM 350 (2004), 134-42. Genetics of neural tube defects
is discussed in JMG 41 (2004),
256-60. Early origins of cardiovascular disease are considered in Lancet 363 (2004), 1571, 1642-5; NEJM 350 (2004), 2123-6; JAMA 291 (2004), 2204-11. A series of papers on chemicals
that affect the embryo is in Pediatrics
113 (April 2004), Supplement, pp. 933-1173. Antiretroviral therapy may lead to
risk of congenital malformations, JAMA 291 (2004), 1961-2. Fathering in older age has higher risk of
abnormality, F&S 81 (2004),
925-43. The risk of underweight birth and subsequent risk of stillbirth are
discussed in NEJM 350 (2004), 777-85.
Labour in water is discussed in BMJ
328 (2004), 314-8. ABCA3 gene mutation in newborns leads to fatal surfactant
deficiency, NEJM 350 (2004),
1296-303. Resetting pregnancy's clock may help delay preterm births, Science 304 (2004), 666-8. Risk of fetal death is discussed
in NEJM 350 (2004), 754-6. On
fetal alcohol syndrome, Lancet 363 (2004), 1556; AJMG
127C (2004), 1-58. Some drugs induce miscarriage, BMJ 327 (2003), 368-71. Prenatal cocaine
exposure was linked to specific risk for cognitive impairments, JAMA 291 (2004), 2448-56.
The proportion of women receiving antenatal care has increased over time, Lancet 363
(2004), 1123. A study of day care versus inpatient care found day care was
better for the satisfaction of the women but with the same medical results, Lancet 363 (2004), 1104-9, 1089. Women who change partner
between two births have higher risk of a preterm baby, BMJ 327 (2003), 1138-41. Violence does not seem to
influence early pregnancy loss, F&S 80 (2003), 1205-11. A book review of One of US: Conjoined
Twins and the Future of Normal is Nature 429 (2004), 26. The impact of mothers mental health
on children in South Asia is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 820-3. The extent of maternal care is
discussed in Nature 429 (2004),
517-8. A study of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion for hernias found it did
not improve survival rates, NEJM
350 (2004), 1916-24.
Children are often under-treated for pain, BMJ 327 (2003), 1185; JAMA 291 (2004), 2464-9. However routine morphine may be
in excess in other cases, JAMA
290 (2003), 2419-27; Lancet 363
(2004), 1673-82. The effects of breast feeding on later blood pressure are
unknown, BMJ 327 (2003), 1189-92;
but it may have positive effects on reducing risk of atherosclerosis, Lancet 363 (2004), 1571-8. Caesarean delivery can increase
unexplained stillbirth in the next pregnancy, Lancet 362 (2003), 1774, 1779-84. Investigating sudden
infant deaths is discussed in BMJ
328 (2004), 331-4; Lancet 363
(2004), 185-91, 994. A mother was accused in the USA of murder
after refusing a caeserean section, BMJ
328 (2004), 663. Children with ADHD have cortical abnormalities, Lancet 362 (2003), 1699-707. There are sex differences in
ADHD, AJMG 127B (2004), 60-4. The
question of whether to enhance rather than just treat is raised by ADHD
drugs, Science 304 (2004), 17. The UN Millennium goals included to
reduce the number of persons living in poverty by 2015, however many children
still lack basic needs, Lancet
362 (2003), 1427, 1986. The generational transmission of socioeconomic
inequalities in child cognitive health and emotional health is
shown in SSM 58 (2004), 1147-58. UNICEF
has called for efforts to protect indigenous children, Lancet 363 (2004), 789. Cognitive ability in childhood can
protect against decline in mid-life, BMJ 328 (2004), 552-4. Delayed speech is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 272-6. The maker of a kosher baby milk
substitute has admitted an error, Lancet
362 (2003), 1730; NatMed. 10
(2004), 7. There are many violations of a marketing code on milk formulas, BMJ 328 (2004), 1218. There is a gender bias in India in
diet and immunization against disease, SSM 58 (2004), 1719-31. The use of antiepileptic drugs in children is
discussed in BMJ 328 (2004),
1093; www.nice.org.uk. On the US Healthy Steps for Young Children Program, JAMA 291 (2004), 3081-91, 3136+.
The best interests of children and interracial
marriages are discussed in Harvard Law Review 117 (2004), 2129-68. Parental involvement in French and American
neonatal ICUs is compared in SSM
58 (2004), 2009-22. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that a doctor
violated the rights of a 12 year old disabled boy when treating
against the wishes of his parents, BMJ
328 (2004), 661. Children often say they are not involved enough in treatment
decisions, BMJ 328 (2004), 600.
There are a rising number of complaints against child protection officers, BMJ 328 (2004), 601. Parents also need protection, BMJ 328 (2004), 775. UNICEF has issued a report on
sexual exploitation of children, Lancet 362 (2003), 1556. There are gender differences in the long term
consequences of physical abuse of children, AJPH 94 (2004), 599-604. The cancer survival rates for
teenagers are not improving in the past 25 years in the UK, BMJ 328 (2004), 540.
Genetic Disease Markers
A new book is Keynes, M., et al., eds., A Century
of Mendelism in Human Genetics (ISBN
0-415-32960-4, 161pp, 12 chapters, Galton Institute, CRC Press 2004. The question
of whether former US president FDR had Guillain-Barre syndrome is discussed in Science 302 (2003), 981. There are multiple genes involved
with coronary artery disease, Nature Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 4.
A mutation in AKT2 has been linked to diabetes, Science 304 (2004), 1325-8. Two new asthma genes have been
identified, Science 302 (2003),
185-6. Genetic variation in DLG-5 is associated with inflammatory bowel
disease, NatGen 36 (2004),
476-80. s-Nitrosylation of Parkin regulates ubiquitination and alters its
protective function, Science 304
(2004), 1328-31. On sex differentiation and identity, NEJM 350 (2004), 2204-6.
Mapping complex disease loci is reviewed in Nature 429 (2004), 446-52. Mental illness genes are being
identified more, Science 302 (2003),
2039.
Mismatach repair for DNA damage signaling is
discussed in NatGen 36 (2004),
432-4. Epigenomics is reviewed in Nature
Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 446-55; and on
epigenetic therapy, Nature 429
(2004), 457+.
Genetic Screening Methodology
Colorectal cancer screening in US Japanese persons is
reported in AJPH 94 (2004), 815-22.
Integrating genetics as a primary care practice is discussed in SSM 59 (2004), 223-33. Cancer chemotherapy will be more
targeted to genotype, Science 304 (2004), 658-9; Nature 429 (2004), 469+.
DNA Fingerprinting & Privacy
The Icelandic database project has been shelved as the Supreme Court
judged privacy was in peril, Nature 429
(2004), 118. Governing UK biobank is discussed in TIBTECH 22 (2004), 284-5. DNA banking is called for in Science 304 (2004), 1445. When asking people questions in a census
many do not answer the questions that they see to be too private, Science 304 (2004), 1452-3. On the
ethics of public health surveillance, Science 304 (2004), 681-4.
Constructing ethical guidelines for biohistory is called for in Science 304 (2004), 215-6.
Privacy is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 1265. A review paper is Schwartz, PM.
"Property, privacy and personal data", Harvard Law Review 117 (2004), 2056-128. The US is still considering laws
against genetic discrimination, NatGen.
36 (2004), 429-30. Fingerprint sensors may protect personal data, SA (June 2004), 80. A review of professional and hospital
discrimination in US Court of Appeals cases is AJPH 94 (2004), 710-21. Microsoft is offering some marketers
ways to bypass spam filters if they follow guidelines, NS (15 May 2004), 5. The genetic association database is
reviewed in NatGen. 36 (2004), 431-2.
Ethics & Genetic Screening
Culture
is important to consider when introducing genetic services, SSM 59 (2004), 235-48. Discussion of immigration ethics
in Italian is in Bioetica e Cultura
XIII (2004), 125-46. A paper analyzing eugenic ideas is H.G. Wells The
Time Machine and George Bernard Shaw Man
and Superman is in Galton
Institute Newsletter 51 (June 2004), 1-16.
An exhibition review on eugenics is in Lancet 363 (2004), 1741-2. The nature-nurture debate is
discussed in Science 304 (2004), 397-9. Some autistic persons can joke
and break the stereotypes, SA
(June 2004), 24-5; BMJ 328
(2004), 1139.
Gene Therapy
An
interview with Gregory Stock is in Lancet
363 (2004), 1560. Gene therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta is reported in NEJM 350 (2004), 2302-4. Side effects have halted a
hemophilia gene therapy trial in California after 7 patients have had minor
signs of toxicity, Science 304
(2004), 1423-4. Targeted lung cancer therapy is reported in Science 304 (2004), 1458-61; NEJM 350 (2004), 2191-3. A review of RNAi is NatGen, 36 (2004), 435. Awakening silenced genes may be a strategy
for cancer therapy, JAMA 291
(2004), 2301-2. Digitoxin mimics gene therapy with CFTR in cystic fibrosis, PNAS 101 (2004), 7693-8; and reversal of CF phenotype has
been achieved in a cell line, PNAS
101 (2004), 8150-5. Dendritic cell immunotherapy is reviewed in NatMed. 10 (2004), 475-80. L1 retrotransposon can disrupt
transcription, Nature 429 (2004),
268-74. The blood-brain barrier is discussed in Neurobiology of
Disease 16 (2004), 1-13. Norway has
approved 7 gene therapy trials, Nature 429 (2004), 129; to add to the global trial data in Nature 427 (2004), 779-81.
Human Genome Project (HGP)
Ethics
guidelines for population genetic research from Quebec are discussed in Nature
Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 408. Global public goods and genomics and
equity is discussed in Bulletin WHO 82 (2004),
385-9. The HapMap strategy is discussed in Science 304
(2004), 671-2. The guidelines for naming populations in the HapMap
project are available on the hapmap website, www.hapmap.org. The use of genomes
to make medicines is discussed in Nature
429 (2004), 440-81; and pharmacogenomics in Nature 429 (2004), 464-8.
The quality assessment of the human genome is
discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 365-8.
Ultraconserved elements in the human genome are reviewed in Science 304 (2004), 1321-5. Genomic complexity is discussed
in Science 302 (2003), 1401-4; Nature 429 (2004), 133; Nature Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 456-65. On Alu elements, Nature
Reviews Genetics 5 (2004), 406-7. A protein
interaction map of Drosophila melanogaster is in Science 302 (2003), 1727-36. Neurogenomics is discussed in Nature
Neuroscience 7 (2004), 429-33. Japan has
launched the Genome Network, to study the function of all genes, Nature 429 (2004), 332. Germany also has established
networks to focus on diseases, Nature 429 (2004), 232. On bioinformatics software, Nature 429 (2004), 241.
TIGR will
stay as it is, rather be reorganized, Science 304 (2004), 1426. The USDA is helping
to sequence the cow genome, which
includes USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, Science 302 (2003), 2048-9. On the rat genome, NatGen. 36 (2004), 441-2. The dog genome is discussed in Science 304 (2004), 1093-5. Sequencing centers may be able
to sequence more genomes at lower coverage, Science 304
(2004), 1227, 1445-6. The genome sequence of the lignocellulose degrading fungus
Phanerochaete chrysosporium strain RP78 has been finished, NatBio 22 (2004), 695-700, 679-8. A parasite has also been
sequenced, Cryptosporidium parvum, Science 304 (2004), 441-5. Syngenta donated 48,000 mutant
Arabidopsis plants to a stock center with no fees, Science 304
(2004), 1426. The genetic evolution of men is discussed in NS (8 May 2004), 11.
General Medical Ethics
Two
volumes of conference proceedings on Turkish medical ethics and international
issues in Turkish and English are
Erdemir, A.D. et al., eds., Third National Congress of Medical Ethics
Congress Proceedings Book (Bursa: F. Ozhan Matbaacilik, 2003;
1232pp.). A comment on global bioethics and European culture by Christian Byk is in BME 196
(2004), 24. Balancing traditional values with those of academic medicine is
discussed in Croatian Medical J. 45
(2004), 259-63. On cross cultural medicine, NEJM 349 (2003), 1878; and bioethics, JAMA 291 (2004), 2131-2; and interdisciplinary innovation,
JAMA 291 (2004), 1005-6. Ethics
for national responsibility are discussed in Ethics 114 (2004), 215-300. Disclosure of details in policy
decisions is discussed in Science 304 (2004), 1447-9.
Democracy
and Confucian values are discussed in Philosophy East & West 53 (2003), 39-63. Spirituality and medicine is
discussed in JAMA 290 (2003),
3008; NEJM 350 (2004), 1176-8. A
discussion of who is our neighbour and moral distance is in The
Monist 86 (2003), 327-515. Compassion is
discussed in Lancet 362 (2003),
1682, 1944; 363 (2004), 1654; MJA
179 (2003), 569-70; Bo Mou, "A reexamination of the structure and content
of Confucius' Version of the Golden Rule", Philosophy East &
West 54 (2004), 218-48. Ethics in ICU is
discussed in JAMA 290 (2003),
3191-2. Dignity is criticized in BMJ
327 (2003), 1419-20. Narrative and ethical reasoning in the clinic is discussed
in SSM 58 (2004), 1635-45.
A
discussion and debate over use of 4 principles of medical ethics is in JME 29 (2003), 267-309. A report
from the CMA ethicist and ombudsman is in CMAJ 169 (2003), 674-5. Patient satisfaction is discussed in NEJM 350 (2004), 69-75; BMJ 328 (2004), 54, 416-7; SSM 57 (2003), 2465-70. Professional-patient
relationships are discussed in BMJ
327 (2003), 401, 1114; 328 (2004), 57, 864-7, 1227-9; JAMA 290 (2003), 2543-4; 291 (2004), 2359-66. A case of
informed consent is seen in the 1845 Edgar Allen Poe story, The facts
of the case of M. Valdemar, Lancet 362 (2003), 1504. On informed consent, BMJ 327 (2003), 1159-61; SSM 58 (2004), 2313-24. The tyranny of choice
is discussed in SA (April 2004), 42-7.
Cancer patients refusals of treatment is discussed in SSM 58 (2004), 2325-36; also pp. 379-90, 2445-57.
Consent
in clinical trials in the EU is under
debate, Lancet 363 (2004), 785; BMJ 328 (2004), 140-1. India is relaxing rules on clinical trials, Lancet 363 (2004), 1528-9; NatMed. 10 (2004), 440. Statistics in clinical trials is
discussed in Science 303 (2004),
784-6. Placebos are discussed in Science & Engineering Ethics 10 (2004), 23-8; SSM 58 (2004), 811-24. Ethics in medical research in
developing countries is discussed in JME 30 (2004), 68-72; Science
302 (2003), 2056; NatMed. 10
(2004), 321; Nature 429 (2004),
491; and on vulnerable populations, Lancet 362 (2003), 1857-8; Science
303 (2004), 1142-3. A survey of public attitudes to the use of primacy care
public patient record data in medical research without consent is JME 30 (2004), 104-9. It is impractical to gain informed
consent in some research, as seen in the Registry of the Canadian Stroke
Network, NEJM 350 (2004),
1414-21. Controversy over phase 3 trials of PolyHeme and lack of consent are in
NatBio 22 (2004), 372; NS (24 April 2004), 20-1. Drug companies should publish
results of all trials, NS (6
March 2004), 19. Also on ethics of clinical trials, BMJ 327 (2003), 1041-3, 1280-2; 328 (2004), 121-2; SSM 58 (2004), 1689-97; MJA 180 (2004), 63-6, 336-8; Science 304 (2004), 1009-1111.
On
discrimination against women in science and medicine, Science 303 (6 Feb. 2004). Language is a
barrier for Chinese Americans seeking mental health, AJPH 94 (2004), 809-14. Research in medical psychiatry is
discussed in Lancet 362 (2003),
1732. Decision models in Japanese psychiatry are reviewed in SSM 59 (2004), 83-91. Self-reports in research with
non-English speakers may be a problem if the research is done in English, BMJ 327 (2003), 352-3. Use of socioeconomic evidence in
clinical practice guidelines is discussed in BMJ 327 (2003), 1283-5. US doctors have requested
payment for email communication with patients, BMJ 328 (2004), 1155.
Discussion
of medical ethics teaching is in BMJ
327 (2003), 1306; Lancet 362 (2003),
1859. In general on medical education, BMJ 327 (2003), 1362; Lancet
363 (2004), 1395; JAMA 291
(2004), 2181-2. Patient education is important also, BMJ 328 (2004), 441-4, 444-6, 723-4. A call to focus
attention of bioethics on serious medical ethics questions of practice and not
mind games is made in BMJ 328
(2004), 175. A paper extending bioethics of V.R. Potter is American
J. Bioethics 3 (Fall 2003), W26-31.
Law & Medical Ethics
A study of 15th century medical law practices in
Dubrovnik is in Croatian Medical J. 45
(2004), 220-5. The white coat ceremony for graduation is discussed in JME 29 (2003), 364-6; and on swearing the Hippocratic
Oath, NEJM 350 (2004), 2026-9,
2111. On bioethics and politics, NEJM 350 (2004), 1379-80; BMJ
328 (2004), 1212-5. The WMA and Israeli Medical Association are discussed in BMJ 327 (2003), 1107-8. The US president7s Bioethics
Council politics are discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 509-10.
Abuses of medical research are discussed in BMJ 327 (2003), 1172, 1207; NatMed. 10 (2004), 450. The use of forcible medication for
courtroom competence is debated in NEJM 350 (2004), 2297-301. Mentally ill persons are often wrongly held in
prisons, BMJ 328 (2004), 1095.
Medical error is discussed in Lancet
362 (2003), 2011.
Scientific Ethics
An analysis of truth in science and the Galileo
Affair is Science & Christian Belief
16 (2004), 13-26. On NIH consulting rules, Science 302 (2003), 2046; 304 (2004), 1091, 1222. US trade
policy to embargo certain countries (e.g. Iran, Burma, Sudan, Cuba) can confuse
authorship issues, Science
304 (2004), 187, 1422; as well as inhibit the practice of research, Nature 429 (2004), 227, 343. The question of whether
reviewers' names should be published is raised in BMJ 328 (2004), 1267. A study of authorship and country
characteristics in collaborative studies is in BMJ 328 (2004), 1229-32. Secrecy in academic research
funded by the military is discussed in Science 304 (2004), 500.
The importance of international and global research
is stressed in Science 304 (2004), 1211.
Peer review is discussed in Science
303 (2004), 15. Sharing of data globally on Earth observation was pledged by 47
nations, Science 304 (2004), 661.
A whistleblower in the USA who uncovered the way drug companies
funded government agencies has been removed from his job, BMJ 328 (2004), 1153. The importance of putting
scientific knowledge into cultural context is made in Science 302 (2003), 1683-4. On scientific teaching, Science 302 (2003), 510; 304 (2004), 521-2.
Euthanasia & Terminal Care
Hungarian nurses attitudes to euthanasia are reported in BME 196 (2004), 23.
Ethics and end of life is discussed in NEJM
350 (2004), 2029-32. On assisted suicide, BMJ 327 (2003), 1355; 328 (2004), 1088-9; JAMA 291 (2004), 2432; Nursing Times 99 (25 Nov. 2003), 20-2. An obituary to the Dutch
Supreme Court judge who was an advocate of euthanasia, BMJ 328 (2004), 1204. Withholding artificial feeding
from severely demented persons is considered in JME 29 (2003), 208-12. Intravenous fluids for seriously
ill children is debated in Lancet
363 (2004), 241; NEJM 350 (2004),
1752-62. A discussion of the Florida artificial feeding case is BMJ 328 (2004), 1154. Cardiac arrest policies in
Australian hospitals are discussed in MJA 179 (2003), 470-4. Resuscitation can sometimes jeopardize survival, NEJM 350 (2004), 1708-9. Ancient Greek euthanasia is
reviewed in SSM 58 (2004),
975-85; and in ancient Israel, pp. 987+. Preferences on place of death in
cancer patients is discussed in SSM
58 (2004), 2431-4.
Despite lower overall health, US blacks have less
mental depression than whites, Science
302 (2003), 1145. The Israeli kibbutz may be a venue for reduced disability in
old age, SSM 59 (2004), 389-403; AJPH 93 (2003), 1945-52. Caring for elderly persons is
discussed in BMJ 327 (2003),
1175; Lancet 363 (2004), 579. On
chronic pain, JAMA 290
(2003), 2435-42. Palliative care for patients with heart failure is discussed
in JAMA 291 (2004), 2476-82; and
care for acutely ill patients in Lancet 363 (2004), 913, 970-7. On palliative care, BMJ 328 (2004), 544; CMAJ 169 (2003), 300-1; Nursing Times 99 (2 Dec. 2003), 24-5. The methods to ask patients
in palliative care if they are depressed are questioned in BMJ 327 (2003), 372-3. A book review of The
Anatomy of Hope is JAMA 291 (2004), 2381. Variations exist in the UK on
hospital management of persons admitted for self-harm, BMJ 328 (2004), 1108-9. On the making of suicide
bombers, NS (15 May 2004), 34-7.
Delirium is a predictor of mortality in mechanically ventilated patients, JAMA 291 (2004), 1753-62.
Informal care giving for disabled stroke survivors is very important, BMJ 328
(2004), 1085-6. A calculation of the costs of family caregiving for patients
with Alzheimer's disease is in NEJM 349
(2003), 1891-2. France has made plans this year in event of heat waves, Lancet 363 (2004), 1708. Mortality certification and cause
of death reporting in developing countries is discussed in Bulletin
WHO 82 (2004), 83. On aging research, Science 303 (2004), 1276-9.
Organ Transplants & Brain
Death
The way to assign priority to patients waiting for organs is discussed in NEJM
350 (2004), 2095-6. Default donation may save lives, Science 302 (2003), 1338-9. In general on ethics
of transplants, Lancet 363 (2004), 1656.
Four Moscow doctors were convicted of planning to kill a patient
for his kidneys, BMJ 328 (2004),
1092. The European Commission has
questioned any benefits from commercial blood banks, NatMed. 10 (2004), 441.
A study of the best timing for early Cochlear implantation is discussed in JAMA 291
(2004), 2378-80; Arch. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 130 (2004), 634-8. Full recovery after hematopoietic
cell transplantation for leukemia can take 3-5 years, JAMA 291 (2004), 2335-43. On cord blood transplants, NEJM 350 (2004), 1960-9. Islet transplants may develop as
a treatment for diabetes, NEJM
350 (2004), 2104. Prediction of lung transplant rejection can be made by
hepatocyte growth factor, Lancet
363 (2004), 1487, 1503-8.
The use of stem cells for heart repair is progressing, NatMed. 10 (2004),
445-6. Growth of new brain cells in stroke is discussed in Nature 429 (2004), 338-9.
Health Costs
The question of whether to pay physicians for
high quality care is discussed in NEJM
350 (2004), 406-10. A study of patient preferences for paying for docetaxel
treatment is in Pharmacoeconomics 22
(2004), 375-87.
Internet
Electronic
communication and health care is discussed in BMJ 328 (2004), 265-8, 564-7, 1143-50, 1205-8; EJAIB 14 (2004), 147-8. WHO is boosting internet access to
clinical trials, Lancet 363
(2004), 1206. The value of open access publishing on the Internet is discussed
in Lancet 362 (2003), 1510,
1578-80; NEJM 350 (2004), 966-8; BMJ 328 (2004), 1-3; JAMA 290 (2003), 2255-8.
Journals
can enhance health research in developing countries, Bulletin WHO 82 (2004), 163; NS (7 Feb. 2004), 44-7. Free access journals are
important, NS (1 Nov. 2003),
46-9.
Prepared by Darryl
Macer
Go back to EJAIB
14 (July 2004)
Go back to EJAIB
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