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Science News for May 3, 2004


Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, May 4, 2004

The US task force recommends targeted screening of healthy women over 70 with mammography and Pap tests, as there is limited evidence to support universal screening for lung cancer. Meanwhile, a study reveals that managing drug care for older adults requires improvement, with failures in educating patients on medication use and underus...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Prevalence of HIV among childbearing women has declined in New York

Between 1988 and 2000, New York State's HIV prevalence among childbearing women decreased steadily, with a 49% decrease in NYC and a 24% decline statewide. This decline was largely attributed to the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy and targeted efforts aimed at minority populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Staying close to mother helps baby dolphins swim

A study published in Journal of Biology reveals that young dolphins adopt an ideal position to get a 'free ride' in their mother's slipstream, reducing energy required for swimming. This drafting phenomenon helps the calf stay with its mother, but can be disrupted by fishing vessels, potentially impacting dolphin populations.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateMay 3, 2004

First target for childhood malaria vaccine

Researchers have identified a new protein target for a universal childhood malaria vaccine, which causes infected red blood cells to stick inside blood vessels. This protein is expressed on the surface of red blood cells during severe childhood malaria but not during adult infections, making it an ideal candidate for vaccination.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Flagellation in Crohn disease

Researchers have identified a key antigen underlying Crohn disease, bacterial flagellin, which triggers an immune response. Studies found high reactivity against specific flagellins in CD patients, but not in controls or ulcerative colitis patients, providing new leads for causal antigens.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004

Painstaking work targeting TRPV1

Scientists successfully deleted primary afferent neurons expressing vanilloid receptor 1, leading to potential breakthroughs in pain management. The study aims to provide new avenues for treating chronic pain by targeting the TRPV1 receptor.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004

Caffeine consumption associated with increases in blood pressure in adolescents

A study found that caffeine consumption is associated with increased systolic blood pressure in adolescents, particularly those who consume more than 100mg of caffeine per day. The researchers suggest that high caffeine intakes may be a marker for unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices that increase the risk of hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Pap smears, mammography should be targeted at healthy elders, study says

A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that healthy older women are more likely to be screened for cancer, while those in poor health are less likely. The study analyzed data from over 4,700 women aged 70 and above, revealing a significant gap in screening rates among healthy versus unhealthy individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Unnatural light-dark cycles expose duelling circadian clocks

The study reveals two locomotor activity rhythms originating from separate areas within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), highlighting a network of multiple oscillators. This finding suggests that uncoupling of oscillators within the central pacemaker itself can cause symptoms like jet lag and rotating work schedules.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2004

REI medical/research briefs

Despite a growing need for new antibiotics, only six are being developed out of 506 drugs, with FDA approvals declining by 56% over the past 20 years. Researchers have identified a novel structural signature in antimicrobial peptides that could accelerate development of new treatments.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 3, 2004

Health care providers should be prepared for high prevalence of co-occurring disorders

A study published in American Journal of Psychiatry found that healthcare providers should be aware of the associative nature of drug abuse and mental illness. The research compared patients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, finding no significant diagnostic differences between groups.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2004

Link between caffeine consumption, high blood pressure found in adolescents

A new study has found a significant link between caffeine consumption and increased blood pressure in black adolescents. Adolescents who drank the most caffeinated beverages had higher systolic pressures, with black adolescents showing a greater impact. The researchers suggest that further research is needed to explore this relationship.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004