Male injecting-drug users at greater risk of drug-related death
Male injecting-drug users are at greater risk of drug-related death than females. Older users (over 34 years) are two to six times more likely to die than younger users.
The Lancet
Have the police hijacked our DNA?
The use of DNA fingerprinting in criminal cases is a growing concern due to its potential for misidentification. In New York City, the DNA itself will be charged with an offense, ignoring the statute of limitations and raising questions about fairness and accuracy.
Study suggests life insurance should cover people treated for HIV
A study published in The Lancet found that people with HIV who are successfully treated with HAART and hepatitis C negative have a mortality rate similar to those with cancer. This preliminary actuarial evidence supports the idea that life coverage could be considered under specific conditions.
Detection of glycoprotein could indentify ovarian and uterine cancers with poor prognosis
A new biomarker for ovarian and uterine carcinomas has been identified, associated with poor clinical outcome. L1 glycoprotein was found in 46 of 58 ovarian cancers and 20 of 72 uterine cancers, indicating a bad prognostic factor for patient survival.
Nearly 5 million deaths worldwide caused by smoking
A study by Harvard and Queensland universities found that 4.8 million deaths in 2000 were caused by smoking, affecting both developed and developing countries. The majority of these deaths were among men, especially in less-developed nations.
Afghanistan's health challenge
Afghanistan's Ministry of Health has made significant strides in healthcare delivery and policy planning, achieving 94% national coverage in measles vaccination. The country's example is seen as a potential blueprint for post-conflict reconstruction in other nations.
Further evidence for effectiveness of nevirapine in reducing mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission
A single-dose nevirapine regimen significantly decreased the risk of HIV-1 transmission from mother to child by 47% compared to a zidovudine regimen. The regimen was found to be safe and effective in all study mothers up to six weeks after delivery and for all babies up to 18 months of age.
Organ-transplant patients at particluar risk from low MMR vaccine uptake
A study found that organ-transplant patients are particularly vulnerable to measles due to their compromised immune systems. Low MMR vaccine uptake in southeast London poses a significant threat to these individuals, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance.
New directions for cardiovascular medicine
The Lancet presents six randomized controlled trials of heart disease drug interventions, highlighting potential benefits for patients in poor countries. The World Trade Organization's decision to allow poor nations to import low-cost generic drugs is seen as a game-changer for effective treatment accessibility worldwide.
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder could have similar genetic causes
Research suggests that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share similar genetic causes, with key oligodendrocyte-related and myelin-related genes showing reduced expression in patients. This finding has implications for understanding the underlying mechanisms of these complex mental health conditions.
Study shows no deaths from living liver donors in Japan
A study of 1841 living liver donors in Japan found no perioperative mortality, but serious complications were reported. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing donor safety in organ transplantation to minimize morbidity and mortality.
Controlled study after Dutch café fire highlights teen mental-health problems after disasters
A controlled study after the Dutch café fire found a 75% increase in clinical overall mental-health symptom scores among Volendam adolescents compared to other students. These scores were significantly higher for girls than boys, indicating that post-disaster healthcare should focus on psychosocial consequences.
6 months after treatment start could be optimum time for making prognosis in HIV/AIDS
Researchers found that a 6-month mark after starting antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can be used to predict disease progression in HIV/AIDS patients. Patients with higher CD4 cell counts and lower viral loads have lower risks of AIDS or death at this stage, suggesting that initial response to treatment is crucial for determining prognosis.
Nanomedicine: Grounds for optimism and a call for papers
The Lancet calls for increased investment in nanomedicine research, citing its potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment. The field's benefits include novel means of imaging and delivery systems for drugs and gene therapies.
Treating depression important for reducing death after bypass surgery
A study of 817 patients who underwent bypass surgery found that treating depression could significantly reduce mortality rates. Patients with moderate to severe depression at baseline and those with mild depression sustained from initial to six-month assessment were more than twice as likely to die than patients who were not depressed.
Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?
A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found a close to 50% risk reduction in sudden death among losartan-treated diabetic patients compared to those treated with atenolol. Lars Lindholm comments that the results are exploratory and require confirmation.
A wake-up call for environmental health
The US is responsible for 23% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. The editorial emphasizes the need for changes in law and tax incentives to persuade citizens to use fewer fossil fuels and adopt recycling initiatives.
Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?
A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found that losartan significantly reduced sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to atenolol. The results showed a nearly 50% risk reduction in sudden death for losartan-treated patients.
Early detection of lung cancer possible with CAT and PET scans
Researchers found that a combination of low-dose spiral CT and selective use of PET can effectively detect early-stage lung cancer in high-risk individuals. The study showed that lesions up to 5mm can be safely followed up after 12 months without major risks of progression.
Delaying chemotherapy could be best option for certain type of non-hodgkin lymphoma
A study found that delaying chemotherapy until disease progression was equivalent to immediate treatment in overall survival and specific survival rates. Patients aged over 70 had a higher chance of not requiring chemotherapy after 10 years.
Did rats spread SARS in Amoy Gardens?
The rat vector hypothesis suggests that rats may have spread SARS in the Amoy Gardens apartment block. Epidemiological case-control studies could be undertaken to identify behavioural risk factors and possible mechanisms for rat-to-man infections. This hypothesis is a strong possibility that needs to be further explored.
Increased prevalence of diabetes - not all bad news
A recent study found that diabetes prevalence increased globally between 1993 and 1999. However, mortality rates from diabetes decreased by 3% during this period. The researchers suggest that earlier treatment and improved healthcare may contribute to the decline in mortality rates.
Smoking causes half the tuberculosis deaths in Indian men
A major study in India found that smoking causes half the tuberculosis deaths among men, with most cases linked to respiratory disease. The research highlights the deadly risks of tobacco use and emphasizes the need for proper treatment and prevention measures.
Hope for South Africa - at last
A new grant of US$41 million from the Global Fund will support HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in South Africa over 2 years. Generic antiretrovirals will be developed and produced locally, offering affordable access to life-saving medications.
Meningococcal C vaccine could increase relapse for children with kidney disease
A new study published in The Lancet found that the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MCCV) may increase relapse rates of nephrotic syndrome in children with kidney disease. The vaccine was introduced to all UK children under 18 years old in 1999, but subsequent monitoring revealed a 30% increase in relapses post-vaccination.
Oestrogen-replacement therapy from skin patches not associated with venous blood clots
A multicentre hospital-based case-control study found that transdermal estrogen replacement therapy is not associated with an increased risk of venous blood clots in postmenopausal women. In contrast, oral estrogen replacement therapy was linked to a significantly higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism.
Substantial increase in breast cancer risk from combination hormone replacement therapy
A substantial increase in breast cancer risk is associated with combination hormone replacement therapy, particularly oestrogen-progestogen therapy. Current users of HRT have a 22% increased risk of death from breast cancer compared to never-users.
European study highlights frequency of medical end-of-life decisions in terminally ill pts
A European study of over 20,000 deaths in six countries found that end-of-life decisions were common, with administration of drugs to hasten death varying significantly between countries. The study highlights the need for further exploration of end-of-life care practices and attitudes towards physician-assisted death.
Haemophilia carriers have a reduced risk of ischaemic heart disease
A study by Frits Rosendaal and colleagues found that haemophilia carriers have a significantly lower risk of ischaemic heart disease, with a 36% decrease in overall mortality. This reduction in blood clotting may offer protection against heart attacks and has implications for future prevention strategies.
Risk of Hepatitis E from consumption of deer?
A study in Japan found that consuming raw Japanese deer meat may transmit Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a rare liver disease. The infected deer meat tested positive for HEV RNA, suggesting an animal route of transmission. This discovery adds the Sika deer to the list of foods with a risk of transmitting HEV.
Gene test could reduce unnecessary treatment for women with breast cancer
A new gene expression profile test could identify which breast cancer patients are likely to respond to chemotherapy, helping reduce unproductive treatment and toxicity. The test uses biopsy samples from primary tumors before treatment and measures the tumor's response to docetaxel.
Is science stuck in the middle ages?
Innovation in biomedical research is being stifled by pharmaceutical companies' increased risk aversion. Small biotech firms, often spun off from universities, are taking on more risk to develop new drugs.
Interferons for treatment of SARS?
Researchers found that recombinant interferons were effective against SARS-CoV replication, with interferon beta showing prophylactic protection and antiviral potential. Interferon alpha was less effective but could be a potential drug of choice in combination with other antiviral drugs.
WHO leader backs call to action for child survival programmes
The WHO leader highlights three key priorities for action: reinstating health as a focus of organizational agendas, scaling up effective interventions to reach more dying children, and building capacity at the district level. Collaborative partnerships are necessary to achieve these goals and reduce child mortality worldwide by two-thi...
Tackling major risk factors simultaneously key to improving global health
The study estimates that elimination of major risk factors would reduce disease burden by over 90% for diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, and ischaemic heart disease. Global healthy life expectancy would increase by over nine years, with the largest gains in sub-Saharan Africa.
Novel coronavirus confirmed as causative agent of SARS
A novel coronavirus has been confirmed as the primary causal agent of SARS, according to a study. The virus was found to infect the lower respiratory tract, leading to severe lung damage and disease symptoms. The discovery was made through laboratory studies of patients and experimental infections in macaques.
UK study underlines safety of contraceptive pill for non-smokers
A UK study found no overall increased risk of death among women who used oral contraceptives, suggesting a potential lower mortality rate compared to non-users. Smoking was associated with a higher risk of death from all causes, particularly in heavy smokers.
WHO 2003-2008: A programme of quiet thunder takes shape
The WHO 2003-2008 programme focuses on controlling HIV/AIDS, with a goal of 3 million people in developing countries receiving antiretroviral treatment by 2005. The initiative also aims to strengthen health systems and secure political backing for investment.
Young children main priority for prevention of blinding trachoma
A study found that 90% of trachoma infections occur in children under 10 years old in Tanzania and The Gambia. The SAFE strategy, which includes surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements, is key to eliminating trachoma by 2020.
Research methodology could mask association between high fat intake and breast cancer
A study found that food diaries were more accurate than questionnaires in measuring fat intake, which could explain why no association was found between increased fat intake and breast cancer risk. However, the results highlight the importance of using reliable dietary assessment methods in nutrition research.
Plea to lower age for mammography screening in the UK
Researchers Peter Sasieni and Jack Cuzick argue that starting mammographic screening at age 47 can save more life-years than current guidelines. They claim that the incidence rate of breast cancer is as great in women aged 48-49 years as it is in those aged 50-54 years, making earlier screening a viable option.
Radiotherapy best option after surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ
A study of 1700 women found that radiotherapy significantly reduced the risk of recurrent ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the same breast by over 60%. However, tamoxifen had no effect on reducing invasive cancer risk. The results suggest that radiotherapy may be beneficial for younger patients with DCIS detected by mammography.
A landmark in the understanding of thyroid disease
Researchers at FIRS Laboratories have identified a monoclonal autoantibody responsible for hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' disease. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of new agents controlling the action of autoantibodies and treating related hormonal disorders.
Pharmaceutical interests versus AIDS in Africa
The Lancet appoints Dr. Tobias to a $15 billion programme tackling AIDS in African and Caribbean countries most devastated by the pandemic. Critics argue that his lack of knowledge about Africa and connections to the pharmaceutical industry may compromise his credibility.
A global strategy for reducing catastrophic health-care payments
A global strategy aims to protect households from catastrophic health-care payments. By reducing out-of-pocket spending, financing through general taxes and social insurance can provide access to needed services.
Sustained reduction in AIDS since introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy
A study of 9800 patients in Europe, Israel, and Argentina found that HAART significantly reduced AIDS incidence by 50%, with a 40% reduction in deaths among patients with low CD4 counts. Long-term follow-up is essential to observe changing causes of morbidity and mortality.
Prenatal diagnosis could aid treatment of beta thalassaemia
Researchers found that prenatal HLA typing can identify compatible donors, enabling early treatment for affected fetuses. The technique has the potential to save thousands of lives by treating a common blood disorder with bone marrow transplantation.
A victory for affirmative action
The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of affirmative action policies in medicine, with the editorial highlighting the importance of a diverse physician workforce. In medicine, racial inequalities persist despite increased diversity among junior doctors, with only 20% of consultants from ethnic minorities.
The definitive beta-blocker for heart failure?
A study published in The Lancet found that carvedilol significantly reduces mortality and improves average life-expectancy by eight years compared to metoprolol. Additionally, carvedilol shows promise in improving ventricular function for patients with heart failure due to coronary artery disease.
DDT in mother's blood predicts delays in daughters' pregnanies
Researchers found a clear association between increased DDT concentrations in maternal blood and decreased chance of pregnancy in daughters. The opposite effect of DDE concentrations was unexpected, but may explain the lack of large changes in human reproductive performance after DDT introduction.