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Health News
for 12/03/2009

(last updated 7:30am EST 12/03/2009)

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• Mammogram Task Forces Goes before Congre... Mammogram Task Forces Goes before Congress
12/03/2009
Lead Doctors behind Controversial Recommendations Say They Communicated Poorly, but Hold Firm on Advice (1 h ago)

• Video: Mammogram Guidelines Explained Video: Mammogram Guidelines Explained
12/03/2009
With the government-appointed task force holding firm on its recommendation that most women shouldn't have regular mammograms until age 50, some lawmakers and doctors remain concerned. Nancy Cordes reports. (1 h ago)

• Stem Cells Repair Heart Attack Damage Stem Cells Repair Heart Attack Damage
12/02/2009
'Off-the-Shelf' Stem Cell Product Safe, May Mend Hearts (2 h ago)

• Man Said to Control Robotic Hand with Mi... Man Said to Control Robotic Hand with Mind
12/02/2009
Scientists Say Amputee Could Feel Sensations in Artificial Limb and Control it with his Thoughts (4 h ago)

• First Taxpayer-Funded Stem Cell Study OK... First Taxpayer-Funded Stem Cell Study OK'd
12/02/2009
NIH Says 13 Batches of Master Cells are Available Now and Another 96 are Undergoing Review (4 h ago)

• Drug-laden Salad Kills Iran Whistleblowe... Drug-laden Salad Kills Iran Whistleblower
12/02/2009
Doctor who Exposed Torture of Jailed Protesters Died of Poisoning from Drug in Salad, Prosecutors Say (5 h ago)

• Alternatives to Mammograms Alternatives to Mammograms
12/02/2009
Dr. Holly Phillips Shares Breast Cancer Screening Options and What May Be the Right One for You (7 h ago)

• Video: Mammogram Alternatives Video: Mammogram Alternatives
12/02/2009
WCBS-TV's Dr. Holly Phillips discussed alternative screening procedures for breast cancer. (10 h ago)

• Video: The "Gold Standard" in Weight Los... Video: The "Gold Standard" in Weight Loss?
12/01/2009
At age 61, Chardelle Blasberg underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost approximately 160 lbs. Dr. Jennifer Ashton discusses the risks and benefits of obesity surgery. (1 d ago)

• South Africa Steps Up AIDS Fight South Africa Steps Up AIDS Fight
12/01/2009
After Decade of Neglect, New Testing, Treatment Policies Announced for Nation Where 5.7M People Live With HIV (1 d ago)

• China Activists Crash World AIDS Day Eve... China Activists Crash World AIDS Day Event
12/01/2009
Angry Over AIDS Infections Caused by Tainted Blood Infusions, Beijing Protesters Demand More Government Recognition, Help (1 d ago)

• Africa Fights AIDS With Male Circumcisio... Africa Fights AIDS With Male Circumcision
12/01/2009
Activists Promote an Ancient Tribal Ritual of Manhood to Cut HIV Infections, But Some Fear It Will Reduce Condom Use (1 d ago)

• Video: Scalding Water Dangers Video: Scalding Water Dangers
12/01/2009
If a home water heater is set too high, running hot water can be dangerous for young children. Susan Koeppen reports. (1 d ago)

• Health Leaders Gear For World AIDS Day Health Leaders Gear For World AIDS Day
12/01/2009
The Head of the U.N. AIDS Program Plans To Be In South Africa (1 d ago)

• Employers Play Dr. Mom to Control H1N1 Employers Play Dr. Mom to Control H1N1
11/30/2009
Companies Are Teaching Their Staffs About Hygiene, Distributing Info. and Advising Them to Stay Home If They Are Sick (2 d ago)

• H1N1 Flu Less Widespread, CDC Reports H1N1 Flu Less Widespread, CDC Reports
11/30/2009
But the Number of Children who Died with the Illness Rose by about 30 (2 d ago)

• Lessons Taught by the Dead Lessons Taught by the Dead
11/30/2009
Still Vital to Medical Students' Education, the Dissection of Cadavers Is Evolving as Clinical Training Progresses (2 d ago)

• Is Your Chicken Dinner Safe? Is Your Chicken Dinner Safe?
11/30/2009
Consumer Reports Study Reveals Two-Thirds of Tested Chickens Contaminated with Pathogens (2 d ago)

• Study: Autism Therapy Lessens Symptoms Study: Autism Therapy Lessens Symptoms
11/30/2009
Treatment in Children as Young as 18 Months can Improve Behavior, Research Finds (2 d ago)

• Heavy kids may suffer from severe back p... Heavy kids may suffer from severe back pain
12/03/2009
Add severe back pain and spine abnormalities to the list of problems overweight and obese adolescents can develop. (1 h ago)

• Hospitals speeding heart attack care, st... Hospitals speeding heart attack care, study says
12/02/2009
Hospitals are giving faster care to lots more heart attack patients, a speed-up sure to be saving lives. (1 h ago)

• Bewildered new moms hire baby planners Bewildered new moms hire baby planners
12/02/2009
With twins on the way, Stacey Blackmar and her husband were looking to be prepared first-time parents when they started researching baby products. Instead, they found themselves bewildered with all the choices and information available. (2 h ago)

• Breast-screening debate splits along par... Breast-screening debate splits along party lines
12/02/2009
Republican lawmakers pressed their case on Wednesday that new U.S. recommendations advising against routine mammograms for women in their 40s could be used to ration healthcare under reform legislation before Congress, a charge Democrats denied. (3 h ago)

• Newsweek: Can an electronic coach help y... Newsweek: Can an electronic coach help you sleep?
12/02/2009
A new $250 gadget claims you'll sleep better if you let it spy on your brain at night with a magic headband. The idea is that instead of visiting an expensive sleep clinic, you can have your rest quantified right from your own bed. (4 h ago)

• New stem cell lines OK'd for tax-paid re... New stem cell lines OK'd for tax-paid research
12/02/2009
A new era in embryonic stem cell research arrived as the U.S. government approved 13 batches of the master cells for a study using taxpayer dollars, with dozens more in the pipeline. (5 h ago)

• Orszag: Health efficiencies could take '... Orszag: Health efficiencies could take 'decades'
12/02/2009
White House budget director Peter Orszag says it may take decades for America to have an efficient health care system even if Congress passes a major overhaul this year. (6 h ago)

• Man controlled robotic hand with thought... Man controlled robotic hand with thoughts
12/02/2009
A group of European scientists say they have successfully connected a robotic hand to a man who had lost an arm, allowing him to feel sensations in the artificial hand and control it with his thoughts. (9 h ago)

• Newsweek: Is Princess Tiana bad for youn... Newsweek: Is Princess Tiana bad for young girls?
12/02/2009
A new study shows that even though young girls are inundated with images of thin actresses, and more recently, thin princesses in films, the media is not entirely to blame for young girls’ concerns about their body image. (9 h ago)

• Dark shadows loom over ‘facilitated’ tal... Dark shadows loom over ‘facilitated’ talk
12/02/2009
The communication technique touted last week as helping a Belgian man emerge from 23 years in coma-like isolation turned one Michigan family's life into a living nightmare. (10 h ago)

• Recalled cat food sickens 21 cats Recalled cat food sickens 21 cats
12/02/2009
A Missouri company said Tuesday its recalled dried cat food has sickened 21 cats and the pet food was distributed in multiple states in the South and along the East Coast. (22 h ago)

• U.N. chief warns of increasing HIV infec... U.N. chief warns of increasing HIV infections
12/02/2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is warning on World AIDS Day that new infections are outpacing the gains from treating HIV sufferers. (23 h ago)

• Constipation may be tied to Parkinson’s... Constipation may be tied to Parkinson’s
12/01/2009
People with a history of constipation may be at increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease down the road, research hints. (1 d ago)

• FDA cites unsafe conditions at Tyson pla... FDA cites unsafe conditions at Tyson plant
12/01/2009
U.S. health regulators have warned Tyson Foods about unsanitary conditions at a Texas plant that makes seafood soups. (1 d ago)

• Dying man robbed in ER waiting room Dying man robbed in ER waiting room
12/01/2009
Police say three people who noticed a man unconscious and dying in an emergency waiting room robbed him instead of going for help. (1 d ago)

• Newsweek: The comeback of AIDS activism Newsweek: The comeback of AIDS activism
12/01/2009
What was once an American crisis is now a national afterthought. But there may be new life in the AIDS movement. (1 d ago)

• U.S. to review disaster plan in wake of ... U.S. to review disaster plan in wake of H1N1
12/01/2009
Stung by the continuing struggle to make a vaccine against the swine flu pandemic, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said on Tuesday her department would review its approach to disaster preparedness. (1 d ago)

• S. Africa to treat all HIV-positive babi... S. Africa to treat all HIV-positive babies
12/01/2009
South Africa will treat all HIV-positive babies and expand testing, the president announced Tuesday, a dramatic and eagerly awaited shift in a country that has more people living with HIV than any other. (1 d ago)

• Loneliness can be contagious, new study ... Loneliness can be contagious, new study finds
12/01/2009
We’re used to hearing about people spreading colds and flu. But according to a new study, there’s another human condition that’s equally contagious: loneliness. (1 d ago)

• AARP backs Dems in Senate health care fi... AARP backs Dems in Senate health care fight
12/02/2009
With a Senate showdown looming, the politically potent AARP rode to the rescue of Democrats on Wednesday, supporting $460 billion in Medicare cuts to help pay for landmark health insurance legislation. Medicare - Health care - Health insurance - AARP - Insurance (1 h ago)

• Divided Senate opens health care debate Divided Senate opens health care debate
12/01/2009
The Senate begins over sweeping health care legislation that President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats have vowed to approve and Republicans have sworn to block. Barack Obama - Health care - United States Senate - Democratic - United States (1 d ago)

• Will you pay more for insurance after re... Will you pay more for insurance after reform?
11/30/2009
An analysis shows health insurance rates would generally hold steady or decline for most Americans — those covered by large employers — if the Senate health bill became law. Health insurance - United States Senate - Insurance - Business - United States (2 d ago)

• When doctors give patients the power When doctors give patients the power
11/30/2009
When patients are given the responsibility for medical decisions, they may be less willing to try a potentially risky treatment, a study published Monday suggests. Medicine - Health - Healthcare - Conditions and Diseases - Business (2 d ago)

• CDC: Swine flu cases may be declining CDC: Swine flu cases may be declining
11/30/2009
Swine flu infections seem to be dropping, but the number of children who died with the illness rose by about 30, according to a government report released Monday. Swine influenza - Government - Health - Infectious Diseases - Conditions and Diseases (2 d ago)

• 7 items you didn’t know were in the Sena... 7 items you didn’t know were in the Senate bill
11/30/2009
Little-publicized provisions in the Senate health care bill include breast-pumping rooms and bone scans. Health care - United States Senate - Health - United States - Senate (2 d ago)

• Reid: Senate to work weekends on health ... Reid: Senate to work weekends on health care
11/30/2009
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says lawmakers will work weekends to complete a sweeping health care bill because "nothing can be more important than this." Harry Reid - Majority leader - Health care - Health - Health Policy (2 d ago)

• Early treatment may help kids with autis... Early treatment may help kids with autism
11/30/2009
The first rigorous study of behavior treatment in autistic children as young as 18 months found two years of therapy can vastly improve symptoms, often resulting in a milder diagnosis. Autism - Mental health - Health - Autism spectrum - Disorders (2 d ago)

• Aspirin no help for sight loss in the el... Aspirin no help for sight loss in the elderly
12/02/2009
Aspirin “could stop you going blind”, according to the Daily Express, which reports that taking aspirin daily can cut the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by almost a fifth. Age-related macular degeneration is a common cause of visual loss in the elderly. It occurs when the cells in the centre of the retina become progressively damaged. This damage eventually causes the loss of central vision, making reading and writing impossible for some people. The research behind this study was robust and well-conducted, but the results have been incorrectly reported in the Daily Express. The large study, which lasted several years, found that aspirin had no significant effect on the risk of developing age-related macular generation, a point the researchers clearly highlight in their written results. Where did the story come from? This research was conducted by William Christen and colleagues from a number of institutions in the US, including the Harvard Schools of Medicine and Public Health, and the National Eye Institute. The study was funded by the US National Institutes of Health, and it was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal, Opthalmology. The findings of this research have been completely misinterpreted by the Daily Express, which has claimed that aspirin could prevent blindness, and that risk of developing age-related macular degeneration was significantly reduced when using aspirin. In contrast, the study found non-significant results, a point made clear by the researchers themselves. What kind of research was this? This was a large, double-blind, randomised controlled trial , which was designed to investigate whether taking low-dose aspirin on alternate days affects the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The condition is a major source of sight loss in the elderly, and it causes the gradual deterioration of the central field of vision. This was a well-designed piece of research, which has used the best study model to investigate this question. However, this study drew its data from a larger study on aspirin that was not looking specifically at outcomes of AMD. This may be a potential limitation of the study. What did the research involve? This piece of research used data on the population of another study, the Women’s Health Study. This study enrolled 39,876 healthy, female health professionals aged 45 years or older, and followed them for an average of 10 years. The trial was investigating how a low-dose of aspirin (100mg) taken every other day might lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. At the start of the study, women were given assessments of their medical history, family medical history and lifestyle. This included assessing the presence of AMD. Women were randomly entered into groups taking either aspirin or placebo pills. In this subsequent study, the researchers included all participants of the Women’s Health Study who had not been diagnosed with AMD at the study’s start (39,421; 99% of the total sample). Compliance in aspirin use and medical conditions, including AMD, were assessed by questionnaire at various times during follow-up. Those who responded “yes” to the development of AMD had this confirmed by checking medical and ophthalmology records. Risk of AMD was compared in those who received aspirin compared to placebo. Overall, across the 10-year study period, 73% of participants were followed-up. This is a good study design, and it has assessed a large number of women over 10 years. It has some drawbacks in that investigating AMD was not likely to have been a primary goal of the Women’s Health Study. Also, the earlier stages of AMD can be symptomless, but the condition was initially identified by self-report. Numbers may have been underestimated due to some women not knowing that they had AMD. What were the basic results? The researchers found that after 10 years of treatment and follow-up, there were more cases of AMD in the placebo group than the aspirin group (134 and 111 respectively). However, this difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 1.06). How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers concluded that their large, randomised trial of female health professionals with 10 years of treatment and follow-up has found no large beneficial or harmful effect of low-dose aspirin on the risk of AMD. Conclusion This is a well-designed and well-conducted study, the results of which have been incorrectly reported in the press. This study found that low-dose aspirin had no effect in preventing age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of sight loss in the elderly. There are a few points to note when interpreting this study: While the trial itself was well-conducted and followed a large number of women over a long-period of time, the research it was based on did not appear to be directly assessing AMD risk. It is likely that the study’s design may have had limitations in its ability to assess AMD. For example, AMD was initially identified by self-report. This may mean that it could have underestimated numbers of AMD cases because some women may not have been aware that they had the condition. The study findings are only applicable to women (although AMD is more common in women than men). When calculating risk, the researchers only adjusted for the influence of age and vitamin E and beta carotene use (which were given as part of the trial in addition to aspirin). Besides age and nutrition, other possible risk factors are family history, smoking and the eye’s exposure to sunlight. However, randomisation should have balanced these confounders, and other unidentified ones, between the groups. There are risks associated with taking daily or alternate-day aspirin, which should be weighed against the benefits. Elderly people, to whom this research will be most relevant, are most at risk of gastric irritation if they regularly use aspirin. Despite the news headlines, this research has found no evidence of that alternate-day aspirin affects the chances of developing age-related macular degeneration. Links To The Headlines ASPIRIN: HOW IT COULD SAVE YOUR SIGHT . Daily Express , December 2 2009 Links To Science Christen WG, Glynn RJ, Chew EY, Buring JE. Low-Dose Aspirin and Medical Record Confirmed Age-related Macular Degeneration in a Randomized Trial of Women . Ophthalmology 2009; 116: 2386-2392 (6 h ago)

• Why do women live longer? Why do women live longer?
12/02/2009
“Men have a detrimental effect on lifespan,” The Daily Telegraph reported. The Times also covered the story, saying that research suggests that “genes that are passed on by fathers may be shortening the lifespans of their offspring”. This study involved 13 genetically engineered mice that did not have any paternal DNA but had been engineered from egg cells from two female mice. On average, these mice had a longer lifespan than normal mice. The question of why women live longer than men was not answered by this study. All humans inherit DNA from both parents. If the mother’s DNA increases lifespan, or the father’s DNA decreases it, this should equally apply to male and female children. This is innovative research, but only in a small group of mice, which makes the results more likely to have occurred by chance. Also, the genetic modifications to the mice could be responsible for the differences in lifespan. In conclusion, the study has limited implications for understanding why women live longer than men. Where did the story come from? The research was carried out by Manabu Kawahara from Saga University and Tomohiro Kono from the Tokyo University of Agriculture in Japan. The study was supported by funding from the Grant-in-Aid for Research on Priority Area, and a Young Scientists grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. It was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal: Human Reproduction . What kind of research was this? This study in mice aimed to investigate why female mammals generally have a longer lifespan than males. In order to do this, the researchers used ‘bi-maternal’ mice, which do not have any paternal (male) DNA. These mice are created in the laboratory using egg cells from two female mice without the use of sperm. What did the research involve? The researchers engineered 13 bi-maternal mice by combining the DNA from adult mouse egg cells and egg cells taken from newborn mice (which had also been genetically engineered). Embryos that formed were then implanted into the uteruses of female mice. The 13 bi-maternal mice were compared with 13 control female mice conceived through normal mating. Both groups of newborns were nursed by the control mothers. All mice were then fed a standard diet and kept in similar conditions. The lifespan of the mice was documented, and blood samples were taken. What were the basic results? On average, bi-maternal mice survived 186 days longer than controls (maximum lifespan 1,045 days compared with 996 days in the control mice). The blood tests showed that eight weeks after birth, these mice had a higher count of one of their white blood cells (eosinophils). The body weight of bi-maternal mice was also significantly reduced compared to the controls at 20 months of age. How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers say that their findings demonstrate that DNA from the mother may play a role in the offspring’s longevity. They conclude that the findings imply that DNA from sperm has a detrimental effect on longevity in mammals. Conclusion This is innovative animal research, but it has limited implications for understanding why women live longer than men. All humans, both women and men, inherit DNA from both their parents. If DNA from the mother conferred an advantage to females, it should also apply to males. Other limitations of the study include: Genetically engineered mice are clearly very different from humans. It is unclear how applicable these results are to humans. Factors other than the lack of paternal DNA could explain the findings, including major differences between the bi-maternal mice and the control mice. While the control mice’s DNA came from two fully-grown animals, half the bi-maternal mice’s DNA came from a newborn animal that had also been genetically engineered. Comparing only 13 bi-maternal mice with 13 normal mice is too small a sample on which to base any firm conclusions. Any differences in lifespan in such small numbers are very likely to have occurred by chance. Also, the lifespan of the mice indicates little about their health. The study was not investigating whether being raised by two mothers, or having no father figure, can affect lifespan – something that may be implied by the news headlines. Instead, the study only investigated the theoretical scenario of an animal receiving no male DNA. The reason why women live longer than men has not been answered by this study. Genetics is only one factor that can affect lifespan. Medical illnesses, lifestyle, environment, and professional, social, and personal relationships (including child-parent) are all likely to have an impact. Links To The Headlines Men have a detrimental effect on lifespan: research. The Daily Telegraph, December 2 2009 How having two mothers may be the key to a longer lifespan. The Times , December 2 2009 Why women live so much longer than men (And, no, it's not because they have an easier life!). Daily Mail, December 2 2009 Links To Science Manabu Kawahara and Tomohiro Kono. Longevity in mice without a father. Hum Reprod 2009: Advance Access published online on December 1 (7 h ago)

• Skunk linked to psychosis Skunk linked to psychosis
12/01/2009
Smokers of the strong ‘skunk’ variety of cannabis are seven times more likely to experience psychosis, according to the Daily Mail. The news comes from research comparing 280 people being treated for new psychosis with 174 healthy people. It found that the same proportion of people in each group had used cannabis, but skunk users were seven times more likely to have psychosis than users of less potent varieties. The results of this research add further weight to the growing body of evidence on the dangers of cannabis use. However, while the study had a number of strengths there are also some issues that should be considered, such as the unusually high rates of cannabis use and unemployment in both groups. Ideally, this study should be followed by research that follows healthy cannabis users over time to see if they develop mental health issues. Where did the story come from? This research was carried out by Dr Marta Di Forti and colleagues from the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, London. The study was funded by the Maudsley Charitable Fund, and a grant from the National Institute of Health Research in the UK. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal, The British Journal of Psychiatry. Several other newspapers covered this research, most reporting that there is an increased risk of psychotic symptoms due to exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. Some say that other less potent forms of cannabis, such as resin, also contain substantial quantities of another chemical called cannabidiol (CBD), which researchers think might counteract the psychotic side effects of THC. What kind of research was this? This was a case-control study comparing the cannabis use of people with a first episode of psychosis (cases) with that of matched healthy people (controls). They specifically looked at whether people who developed psychosis were more likely to have used cannabis of high or low potency. The control group was carefully matched to the cases on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, educational qualifications and employment status. While the controls were not matched to cases in terms of cannabis use, the researchers found that around the same proportion of each group had used cannabis at some time in the past. Those that reported using cannabis had started at a similar age. What did the research involve? The researchers collected information on cannabis use from the case group, which comprised of 280 people presenting to the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust with a first episode of psychosis. They also obtained information from 174 healthy people (the control group), and recruited them through internet and newspaper advertisements, and leafleting at train stations, shops and job centres. Cannabis was not mentioned in these adverts. The researchers used a Psychosis Screening Questionnaire to exclude anyone with a current psychotic disorder or a previous diagnosis of psychotic illness. The participants were then asked about their use of illicit drugs. Those who reported ever using cannabis were interviewed using the Cannabis Experience Questionnaire. This asks detailed questions about lifetime patterns of cannabis and stimulant use, including age at first use, frequency and duration of use, and the specific type of cannabis used. The researchers report that the ‘skunk’ form of cannabis contains between 12% and 18% THC (the active ingredient) and less than 1.5% cannabidiol, a substance that is thought to be protective. In contrast, cannabis resin (hash) has an average THC concentration of 3.4% but a similar proportion of cannabidiol. As with all case control studies, it is important to ensure that the cases and controls are as closely matched as possible for all features that could conceivably influence the results. In this study, the researchers asked about age, gender, ethnicity, educational qualifications and employment status of the cases. They then made appropriate adjustments for these in their analyses. Questioning the groups revealed that: Cases and controls were similar in that they were young (average age of 25 and 27 years respectively), Cases and controls were mostly men (72% and 65% respectively), Cases and controls had a high proportion of unemployment (58% and 43%). Cases and controls had a high proportion of participants identifying as Black Caribbean (19% and 21%) or Black African ethnicities (16% and 22%). Forty-two per cent of cases and 44% of controls identified themselves as white. Although the study reported to have assessed the use of other stimulants, it is unclear which specific drugs were asked about or whether alcohol use was assessed. Among the 340 potential patients with first episodes of psychosis, 60 (17.6%) refused to participate. What were the basic results? The researchers say that their most striking finding is that patients with a first episode of psychosis preferred to use high-potency cannabis preparations, such as skunk, rather than the less potent cannabis resin. A similar proportion of cases and controls reported having used cannabis at some point in the past (56.9% of cases and 62.5% of controls). Users reported starting cannabis at a similar age, mostly before 17 years. After the researchers made statistical adjustments, those in the cases group were more likely to be current daily users (OR 6.4, 95% CI 3.2 to 28.6), and to have smoked cannabis for more than five years (OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.9 to 8.4). Of those who used cannabis in the cases group, 78% used skunk, compared with 37% of the control group (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.6 to 25.4). After adjustments, the chance of developing a psychosis when using skunk was reported as increasing almost seven-fold (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.6 to 25.4) compared with using less potent varieties. How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers say that their findings “are consistent with the hypothesis that THC is the active ingredient increasing risk of psychosis”. They say this has important public health implications, given the increased availability and use of high-potency cannabis, which contains high levels of THC. The researchers say they are not surprised by the similarly high rates of cannabis use in both groups. They say that other research has shown that 40% of adolescents aged 15–16 years in the UK have used cannabis at some point. Conclusion This study has strengths and limitations. Among its strengths are the researchers’ careful adjustments to account for the influence of age, gender, ethnicity, other stimulant use, level of education achieved and employment status (all factors known to influence the incidence rates of psychosis). This study is also large for its kind. The size of the effect seen was also large and statistically significant. However, because it is a case control study, it has the limitation of being unable to prove causation, i.e. that cannabis use causes psychosis. The researchers mention some further limitations: The proportion of controls who had ever used cannabis (62%) is higher than the national average, so it is possible that the recruitment strategy oversampled users of cannabis. However, it is likely that this would have actually reduced the strength of any association observed. It is possible that the recruitment of controls was biased towards selecting mild cannabis users, excluding heavy users who are perhaps more likely to use skunk. This sort of recruitment bias may have explained some of the differences between the groups. However, the researchers argue that this bias was not substantial enough to account for the large differences seen. The answers given in the questionnaire were not confirmed by objective measures of cannabis use, such as urine, blood or hair samples. This could have added to the reliability of the study, particularly the assertion that there is a dose-response effect (the suggestion that higher doses of THC lead to a greater risk of psychosis). Overall, this study has been well-conducted. As a case control study, it may lead to further studies of this important topic. If the 40% prevalence of cannabis use among young people is correct, it may be possible to launch a cohort study that follows a representative group of users over time to assess the development of psychosis or other mental health conditions. Links To The Headlines Skunk 'bigger psychosis risk' than other cannabis types . BBC News, December 1 2009 Skunk linked to huge increase in risk of psychotic disease . The Daily Telegraph , December 1 2009 Skunk cannabis smokers seven times more likely to suffer from psychosis . Daily Mail , December 1 2009 Skunk is seven times more likely to trigger psychotic illnesses than mild cannabis . Daily Mirror , December 1 2009 Links To Science Di Forti M, Morgan C, Dazzan P. et al . High-potency cannabis and the risk of psychosis . The British Journal of Psychiatry, December 2009 (1 d ago)

• Is loneliness contagious? Is loneliness contagious?
12/01/2009
Scientists have said that people who feel lonely can spread that feeling to others "like a cold", The Daily Telegraph reported. The newspaper said that “lonely people tend to spread their outlook on life to others, and over time the whole group of lonely, disconnected people move to the fringes of society”. This study will shortly be published in a journal, but drafts of the paper are already available online. The results may advance our understanding of loneliness in general, but the idea that loneliness is“contagious” will need further research. However, the authors’ suggestion that lonely people should be helped early on is a sound one: "Because loneliness is associated with a variety of mental and physical diseases that can shorten life, it is important for people to recognise loneliness and help those people connect with their social group." Where did the story come from? This research was carried out by Dr John T. Cacioppo from the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago, and colleagues from the University of California and Harvard. The study was supported by National Institute on Aging Grants. A draft was available online at the Social Science Research Network. A peer-reviewed version is due to be published in the medical journal: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The Daily Express also reported this research, and emphasised that loneliness is contagious. What kind of research was this? In this social network study, the researchers analysed data from two other cohort studies, called the Framingham Heart study and the Framingham Offspring study. These long-running studies are attempting to identify common factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease in a large group of participants. The researchers wanted to test the theory that an individual’s perceived social isolation (i.e. loneliness) is linked to the number of connections in their social network (i.e. the number of close friends they have). They particularly wanted to see whether a measure of loneliness within social networks could be seen to spread over time. What did the research involve? The researchers derived the social networks from the subjects of the two Framingham studies. The individuals at the centre of each network were called ‘focal participants’ (FP), and were selected from the Framingham Offspring study. The friends and relatives within this person’s network were called ‘linked participants’ (LP). Information about LPs was obtained from both the Offspring study and the original Framingham Heart study. In all, there were 12,067 individuals in the entire social network supplied by all cohorts in the Framingham Heart Study. Of these, 5,124 were FPs. Subjects in the Framingham study undergo multiple examinations at predetermined intervals. The measure of loneliness came from a questionnaire depression scale (CES-D) given between 1983 and 2001 at times corresponding to the 5th, 6th and 7th examinations. The participants were asked how often during the previous week they experienced particular feelings, one of which was loneliness. There were four possible answers (0-1 days, 1-2 days, 3-4 days and 5-7 days). This information was then analysed for associations between FP loneliness and LP loneliness. Influences that might affect this link were also assessed, including age, sex and relationships. Results were displayed as linked clusters on a map, giving a graphical representation of where clusters of loneliness might be occurring. What were the basic results? The average number of social contacts (friends and family combined) fell from about four for people who felt lonely 0-1 days a week, to about 3.4 for people who felt lonely 5-7 days a week. The researchers say that their results indicate that loneliness occurs in clusters within social networks. They say it extends up to three degrees of separation from the FP, meaning that it can be seen in friends of friends of friends. The idea that loneliness spreads like a contagion was based on the observation that, over time, scores of loneliness seemed to spread to the edge of a network. The spread of loneliness was found to be stronger than the spread of perceived social connections. It was stronger for friends than family members, and stronger for women than for men. When the researchers drew the connections between people in their ‘cluster map’ those who reported feeling lonely appeared towards the edge of the network. This was confirmed by statistical models discussed in the main text. How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers say that their findings show that loneliness is not only a function of the individual but also features among groups of people. They argue that the nature of the friendship matters as well, in that LPs who are friends with more than one lonely FP are themselves more lonely. They say that this makes it unlikely that their results were caused by some jointly experienced exposure (for example, a confounding factor). Conclusion This study has used a large amount of data from several long-running cohort studies, and re-examined them with the intention of improving our understanding of loneliness. Some of the results and conclusions seem intuitively correct. For example, it is not surprising that people who feel lonely have fewer social connections, and that this would account for their less connected position in the network towards the edge of the researcher’s social map. What appears to be new in this research is the idea that loneliness is contagious. This is based on the observation of how social relationships change over time. No clear statistics on this are offered in the draft version of the research appraised in this article. Overall, this study seems to support common assumptions about loneliness. The authors’ suggestion that better social cohesion of lonely people early on is a sound one: "Because loneliness is associated with a variety of mental and physical diseases that can shorten life, it is important for people to recognise loneliness and help those people connect with their social group." Links To The Headlines Loneliness spreads like a disease, claim scientists. The Daily Telegraph , December 1 2009 Loneliness: contagious 'like a bad cold'. Daily Express , December 1 2009 Links To Science Cacioppo JT, Fowler JH, Christakis NA, Alone in the Crowd: The Structure and Spread of Loneliness in a Large Social Network 2008. To be published in full in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Draft available at the social science research network. (1 d ago)

• Mushroom extract 'fights cancer' Mushroom extract 'fights cancer'
11/30/2009
“A mushroom popular in Chinese cooking can help shrink tumours and beat cancer”, according to the Daily Express . The newspaper says that tests on the maitake mushroom have shown that it can shrink tumours by 75%. The research behind this news is a lab study in which extracted human bladder cancer cells were exposed to a combination of a cancer treatment drug called interferon alpha and a mushroom extract called PDF. After 72 hours, combined treatment with PDF and interferon had a greater effect than either drug used in isolation. The researchers say that PDF possibly enhances the activity of the interferon alpha, and that clinical trials in humans are warranted. It will take more research to establish whether the PDF mushroom extract can enhance the effects of interferon treatment for bladder cancer. Until then, it is far too soon to suggest that this mushroom can cure cancer. It should also be noted that the study was only in extracted cells and not in ‘tumours’, as the Express has suggested. Where did the story come from? This study was carried out by Dr Brandon Louie and colleagues from the Department of Urology at New York Medical College in New York. The research was funded internally by the college and published in the British Journal of Urology International , a peer-reviewed medical journal. The Daily Express has reported this study poorly and has made claims that are not supported by this piece of research. The newspaper does not make it clear that this was a laboratory study, and its description of the study methods is not consistent with the research itself. What kind of research was this? In this study, researchers investigated an alternative therapy for bladder cancer by testing it on cancerous cells in a laboratory. There are a number of different treatments that can be used to fight bladder cancer. These include: Surgery, commonly for early-stage bladder cancer. Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) therapy. BCG is also used as a vaccine against TB, which also stimulates an immune response in the bladder. However, there can be severe side effects, including cystitis, fever or allergic reactions. Interferons, which are man-made substances similar to those produced by certain white blood cells as part of the normal immune response. Potential treatments using a combination of interferon alpha and BCG are being explored by research. In this study, the researchers investigated a chemical that might be used in immunotherapy, a type of treatment where substances trigger the immune system to attack cancerous cells in the body. They assessed how cultures of human bladder cancer cells were affected by a combination of a type of interferon and a substance called proteoglucan D-fraction (PDF). The chemical PDF is an extract of maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) which, according to the researchers, has been shown to have anti-tumour activities in previous research. The extract is also being tested in phase II studies on patients with advanced breast and prostate cancer. What did the research involve? Bladder cancer cells were extracted from a patient and grown in culture in a laboratory. The cultured samples were then mixed with either interferon alpha, PDF or a combination of the two. After 72 hours exposure the researchers assessed the effects each substance had on the number of cancerous cells in the culture. The effects of different doses were also investigated. They then extracted DNA from the cells and examined it for evidence of the cancerous cells dying or replicating. The effects of the substances individually and in combination were compared. The researchers also undertook further biochemical experiments to explore the mechanisms behind the substances’ effects, specifically looking to identify which enzymes might be involved, and which stage of cell growth the substances were affecting. Overall, the study seems well-conducted and well-described by the researchers. What were the basic results? Both interferon alpha and PDF reduced cell growth compared with placebo cultures. When a combination of the two was used, growth was further reduced, suggesting that they worked in combination to give a ‘synergistic’ effect. How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers say that compared with the amount of interferon alpha needed to be effective when used on its own, only a fifth of the dose is needed to achieve the same effect when combined with PDF. They say “it is plausible that PDF may not only help to [increase the effect of] interferon alpha activity, but may also reduce the cost of treatment”. Importantly, they say that clinical studies/trials are warranted. This puts these results in their correct context, i.e. very early research of substances that have yet to be tested in humans. Conclusion The findings of this study should be considered as preliminary ones that may lead to further research. The findings that a combination of interferon alpha (a common immunotherapy for bladder cancer) and the PDF extract can reduce bladder cancer cell growth in a laboratory setting are the first step towards future studies. However, the potential benefits of PDF as a combination treatment for bladder cancer will only be established through studies to fully assess toxicity and longer-term benefits and harms. Investigating new treatments in this way is often a lengthy process, usually beginning with animal studies and only later followed by human studies. It is too soon to claim, as the Daily Express has, that maitake mushrooms are a cure for cancer. The substance tested was only a chemical extract of the mushrooms, and this study provides no evidence that either the extract or the mushrooms themselves have health benefits in humans. People should resist the temptation for people to eat large amounts of mushrooms if they develop bladder cancer, as it is not clear from this research if any potentially active ingredients can even be absorbed through digestion. It is also unclear whether the effects of high doses in humans are harmful. According to Cancer Research UK, bladder cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the UK, with five-year survival rates of 66% for women and 57% for men. The risk increases with age, and established risk factors include smoking and occupational exposure to chemicals. Links To The Headlines CANCER CURE: MUSHROOMS CAN SHRINK TUMOURS . Daily Express . November 30 2009 Links To Science Louie B, Rajamahanty S, Won J, et al . Synergistic potentiation of interferon activity with maitake mushroom d-fraction on bladder cancer cells . BJU International , September 4 2009 (2 d ago)

• Arthritis claim over exercise Arthritis claim over exercise
11/30/2009
“Middle-aged men and women may be risking arthritis if they overdo their exercise regime,” the BBC reported. It said a study of people aged 45 to 55 found that those who did more exercise were also more likely to have knee damage. This story is from research presented at the annual conference of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). The study looked at MRI scans of the knees of more than 200 people, and found an association between knee abnormalities and reported levels of physical activity. The study has not been published yet, and this appraisal is based on the limited information available. However, it is known that this is a cross-sectional study, a type of study design that can only show an association, and not that one thing causes another. It also did not assess the type of exercise undertaken. The findings of an association are not surprising. The Arthritis Research Campaign has said: "We have known for years that certain high impact sports and jobs are associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee. But for the vast majority of people, exercise is good, not only for the cartilage but for total body health.” Where did the story come from? The study was carried out by Dr Christoph Stehling and colleagues affiliated to the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco, and the Department of Clinical Radiology at the University of Muenster, Germany. The study was recently presented at the RSNA annual conference. The research has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. This article is based on an abstract of the presentation and a press release by the RSNA. It is not a full critical appraisal. There is no indication of who funded the work. What kind of research was this? This was a cross-sectional study that assessed physical activity levels and knee health in a group of middle-aged individuals. What did the research involve? The conference abstract reports that the researchers ‘analysed’ 236 people aged between 45 and 55, 136 of whom were women. It is not clear how these people were recruited to the study, but the researchers note that they were all without knee pain and had a BMI between 19 and 27, i.e. none were overweight or obese. A questionnaire called the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was used to determine activity levels in all participants. Their knee health was assessed using different types of MRI scans. These images were then rated by two musculoskeletal radiologists who graded cartilage, meniscal, ligamentous and other knee abnormalities, using a scoring system known as the Whole Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS scores). What were the basic results? In 47% of the subjects, there was evidence of meniscal lesions (tears in one or both of the half moon-shaped pieces of cartilage/fibrous tissue), 75% had cartilage lesions, 40% showed evidence of bone marrow oedema (abnormalities in the central portion of the bone marrow), and 17% had evidence of damage to the knee ligaments. When the researchers analysed the damage relative to how much exercise the person said they had, they found an association between increasing levels of exercise and increasing incidence of knee damage. How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers concluded that middle-aged non-symptomatic individuals had a high prevalence of knee abnormalities, including cartilage and meniscus lesions. Those with higher levels of physical activity had a higher number and more severe grade of knee abnormalities. Conclusion The abstract has limited information on how the participants were selected or how the study was carried out. Until more detail is available, a full critical appraisal is not possible. However, it is possible to deduce the following: This is a cross-sectional study, a type of study that can only show associations and cannot prove causation. It can demonstrate how prevalent knee abnormalities were in a sample of middle-aged people, and can suggest that there is an association between levels of exercise and incidence and severity of knee injuries. However, it cannot prove that one causes the other. It’s possible that people with bad knees are simply less likely to exercise. It is also important to note that the participants in this study did not have knee pain. This suggests that while they seemed to have exercise-associated knee abnormalities, this was not affecting their quality of life. This study did not actually assess arthritis as an outcome. It looked at the association between knee abnormalities and exercise in people without knee pain. Linking the observed knee abnormalities to arthritis is an inappropriate extrapolation of these results, therefore conclusions cannot be drawn about a link between exercise and arthritis. In fact, there is some evidence that land-based therapeutic exercises reduce knee pain and improve physical function for people with knee osteoarthritis in the short term. Findings that higher levels of physical activity are associated with knee abnormalities are not surprising. Sports that have a high impact on the joints, such as running, are known to be linked to knee injury. However, there are alternatives such as swimming and cycling. The Arthritis Research Campaign said: "We have known for years that certain high-impact sports and jobs are associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee. But for the vast majority of people, exercise is good, not only for the cartilage but for total body health.” Links To The Headlines 'Arthritis risk' for middle-aged exercise addicts . BBC News, November 30 2009 ARTHRITIS THREAT TO MIDDLE-AGES FITNESS FANATICS . Daily Express , November 30 2009 Links To Science Radiological Society of North America: Press release Radiological Society of North America: Abstract (2 d ago)

• CT scans may predict colon cancer surviv... CT scans may predict colon cancer survival
12/02/2009
Doctors may be able use an advanced X-ray called a CT scan to see whether patients with advanced colorectal cancer are responding to treatment with Avastin and chemotherapy, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. Colorectal cancer - Cancer - Health - Conditions and Diseases - Bevacizumab (7 h ago)

• Kangaroo ‘dream cream’ may fight skin ca... Kangaroo ‘dream cream’ may fight skin cancer
11/30/2009
Understanding how kangaroos repair their DNA could be the key to preventing skin cancer, according to Australian and Austrian researchers. Health - Skin cancer - Cancer - Conditions and Diseases - Skin (2 d ago)

• Early treatment may help kids with autis... Early treatment may help kids with autism
11/30/2009
The first rigorous study of behavior treatment in autistic children as young as 18 months found two years of therapy can vastly improve symptoms, often resulting in a milder diagnosis. Autism - Diagnosis - Autism spectrum - Health - Mental health (2 d ago)

• Compulsive hoarders suddenly in the spot... Compulsive hoarders suddenly in the spotlight
11/30/2009
Books, movies and TV’s “Hoarders” have all brought the disorder out of its shame-filled past. But some experts worry the media makes solutions seem tidier than they really are. Television - Shopping - Art - Mental health - Publications (2 d ago)

• Infections are Common in ICUs World-Wide... Infections are Common in ICUs World-Wide According to Study
12/01/2009
The December 2 issue of JAMA reports on an international study which looked at how extensive infections are in intensive care units (ICUs). The study, involving more than 1200 ICUs in 75 countries, found that about 50 percent of the patients were considered infected. These infections are associated with an increased risk of death in the hospital. The December 2 issue of JAMA reports on an international study which looked at how extensive infections are in intensive care units (ICUs). Source: JAMA (1 d ago)

• Good Stress Response May Enhance Recover... Good Stress Response May Enhance Recovery From Surgery
12/01/2009
The right kind of stress response in the operating room could lead to quicker recovery for patients after certain surgeries. According to a study led by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers, the proper kind of stress response can lead to a much quicker recover for people who have had Source: Med News Stanford (1 d ago)

• Most Births Go Well, But Mistakes Can Be... Most Births Go Well, But Mistakes Can Be Made
12/03/2009
When a mistake is made during childbirth, lives can be changed irrevocably. If you or your child has been injured, seek the counsel of an experienced birth injury lawyer. (1 h ago)

• The Staggering Toll of Medical Errors The Staggering Toll of Medical Errors
12/02/2009
The leading cause of accidental death in America is medical mistakes. About 100,000 people die each year from preventable medical errors, and 100,000 patients die from hospital-acquired infections. (17 h ago)

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• Seen that? - Coping With Peanut Allergie... Seen that? - Coping With Peanut Allergies In School
12/03/2009
Coping With Peanut Allergies In School at Allergies My son suffers from peanut allergies. So far, except for minor mishaps, we've managed to eradicate peanuts from his immediate environment. When he was still a baby, and until he went to kindergarten, it was ... (1 h ago)

• More Babies are Being Born with Down Syn... More Babies are Being Born with Down Syndrome
11/30/2009
A new research released today reveals that the frequency of infants born with Down syndrome is increasing significantly. A growing number of children in the U.S. Source: MSNBC (2 d ago)

• Web site: Bankers seeking recession affa... Web site: Bankers seeking recession affairs
12/01/2009
Reviled by the public and spurned in private, bankers have been looking for solace in adultery, according to a dating Web site for people seeking affairs. Website - Adultery - United States - Relationships - Dating (1 d ago)

• Gluteoplasty Complications Claim Solange... Gluteoplasty Complications Claim Solange Magnano
12/01/2009
The former Miss Argentina of 1994, Solange Magnano, died on November 29 due to complications associated with a cosmetic surgery procedure called gluteoplasty. The 37-year-old mother of twins suffered a pulmonary embolism after the surgical procedure. The former Miss Argentina of 1994, Solange Magnano, died on November 29 due to complications associated with a cosmetic surgery procedure called gluteoplasty. Source: UPI, December 1, 2009 (1 d ago)

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