JAPhA: November/December 2004 Issue
Journal of the American Pharmacists Association Nov-Dec 2004 tipsheet. Highlights include tardive dsykinesia risks and metaclopromide use before and after U.S. market withdrawal of cisapride, pharmacist workforce research 1998-2000, and pharmacist-managed tobacco cessation. (Embargo expired on 15-Nov-2004 at 00:10 ET)
J. of the Am. Pharmacists Association, Nov/Dec-2004
—American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

Brain Inflammation Found in Autism
Inflammation in the brain is clearly a feature of autism, according to a new study. (Embargo expired on 15-Nov-2004 at 00:00 ET)
Annals of Neurology, 15-Nov-2004
—American Neurological Association (ANA)

Recommendations for Monitoring Adverse Events Related to Dietary Supplements
The Life Sciences Research Office (LSRO) has released its latest scientific review. The new report is entitled, “Recommendations for Adverse Event Monitoring Programs for Dietary Supplements.” (Embargo expired on 15-Nov-2004 at 07:00 ET)
—Life Sciences Research Office (LSRO)

Birth Control Pill May Reduce Knee Injury
McGill researchers have shown that oral contraceptives affect joint flexibility. Women who take such pills have more stable knee joints. These new findings suggest that women taking contraceptives may be at a reduced risk for joint injury.
Clinical J. of Sports Medicine
—McGill University

Research Findings Unveiled on Asthma, Immunology and Rhinitis
Investigators are presenting abstracts on preliminary findings in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis and other immunologic disorders at the ACAAI Annual Meeting, Nov. 12-17, in Boston. Following are highlights of some key investigations. (Embargo expired on 13-Nov-2004 at 08:00 ET)
2004 ACAAI Annual Meeting
—American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)

Research Findings Unveiled on Common and Unusual Allergies
Investigators are presenting abstracts on preliminary findings in disease management for allergies to drugs, food, insect stings and other immunologic disorders at the ACAAI Annual Meeting, Nov. 12-17, in Boston. Following are highlights of some key investigations. (Embargo expired on 13-Nov-2004 at 08:00 ET)
2004 ACAAI Annual Meeting
—American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)

Female Sterilization Technique Not Only Quicker, Easier, but Cheaper
Mayo Clinic gynecologists have discovered that hysteroscopic sterilization, a new method of plugging the fallopian tubes to prevent conception, will save patients money compared to laparoscopic tubal ligation, the most commonly used method of sterilization for women. (Embargo expired on 12-Nov-2004 at 15:00 ET)
Amer. Assoc. of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
—Mayo Clinic

Researchers Identify Genetic Cause of Rare Eye Disease in Utah Family
Vision researchers at the University of Utah’s John A. Moran Eye Center have discovered a gene mutation responsible for causing a rare disease in four generations of a single Utah family.
Am. J. of Ophthalmology, Nov-2004
—University of Utah Health Sciences Center

Hardening of the Arteries in the Leg Is a Red Flag for Vascular Disease
JVIR publishes comprehensive review article for medical management of peripheral arterial disease: National awareness of peripheral arterial disease among patients and caregivers is critical to prevent premature death and impaired quality of life for millions of Americans.
J. of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Nov-2004
—Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR)

Red Tide Toxin Research Yields Potential Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis
Researchers working with Florida red tide discovered two new compounds that may treat mucus build-up associated with cystic fibrosis and similar lung diseases. Preliminary studies show these compounds improve the flow of mucus through the respiratory tract, allowing airways to clear more quickly and efficiently.
Am. J. of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jan-2005
—National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Winter Woes and Vitamin D
Most Americans don’t get enough bone-strengthening vitamin D, especially in winter, says registered dietitian Beth Kitchin, R.D., of UAB’s Osteoporosis Treatment and Prevention Clinic.
—University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chapped Lip Loop
Chapped, peeling lips are a cold-weather woe.
—University of Alabama at Birmingham

Effective Treatment for Fever Syndrome Caused by Cold Exposure
A small number of people have a condition called familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, in which individuals are afflicted by rash, fever, joint pain and flu-like symptoms after exposure to cold conditions as mild as an air-conditioned room. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 13-Nov-2004
—University of California, San Diego

Lessons Learned from Complex Emergencies
The first of a series of articles looking at public health in complex emergencies (such as famine, population movement arising from civil conflicts and associated health problems) is published. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 13-Nov-2004
—Lancet

Uncoupling Proteins in Human Heart
Results of a study suggest that respiratory uncoupling and reduced substrate availability might lead to energy deficiency in heart failure. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 13-Nov-2004
—Lancet

Results from Vaccine Trial to Reduce Cervical Cancer
A randomised trial shows how a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection could potentially reduce the global incidence of cervical cancer. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 13-Nov-2004
—Lancet

Poor Communities Should Decide Their Own Priorities for Aid
Allowing poor communities to decide their own health priorities avoids inappropriate aid, says a senior doctor. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:10 ET)
BMJ, 13-Nov-2004
—British Medical Journal

Can Poor Countries Help Rich Countries Contain Drug Costs?
Rich countries could follow the lead of poor countries and adopt a more systematic way of selecting medicines for reimbursement, according to a paper. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:10 ET)
BMJ, 13-Nov-2004
—British Medical Journal

HIV "Higher than Expected" Among London's Drug Users
Levels of hepatitis C virus and HIV among injecting drug users in London are higher than expected, according to a study. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:10 ET)
BMJ, 13-Nov-2004
—British Medical Journal

Affluent Countries Should Embrace 'Kangaroo' Care
A simple technique used to care for premature babies in poor countries is a safe and effective alternative to incubator care and should be encouraged in wealthy countries too, say researchers. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:10 ET)
BMJ, 13-Nov-2004
—British Medical Journal

HPV Vaccine Shown to “Substantially” Reduce Cervical Cancer
As published in the Lancet, an international clinical trial directed by Dr. Diane Harper of Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Medical School has shown extremely promising results for a vaccine against the most common causes of cervical cancer. (Embargo expired on 11-Nov-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 13-Nov-2004
—Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Generic Anti-inflammatory Causes Fewer Gastrointestinal Complications
The generic anti-inflammatory etodolac causes 60% fewer GI complications than similar, branded drugs, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and the Dallas VA have found.
Gastroenterology, Nov-2004
—University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

New RNAi Library to Help Fight Disease
The NIEHS is undertaking a $3 million, three-year effort to see how specific genes might contribute to environmentally-related disease. NIEHS will develop a new RNAi library to help fight disease through its National Center for Toxicogenomics.
—National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Genetics’ Role in Vaccine Response
UAB has received a five-year, $12 million contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study genetic factors that influence how well individuals respond to the anthrax vaccine.
—University of Alabama at Birmingham

Team Approach to Reproductive Disorders Provides Efficient Diagnosis, Treatment
With the launch of the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles is rounding out its comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of women’s reproductive disorders.
—Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

New Director of Comprehensive Transplant Center Brings Additional Expertise
Andrew Scott Klein, MD, MBA, is the new director of the Comprehensive Transplant Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
—Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

New, Timely Nurse Educator and Patient Safety Academies
Johns Hopkins Nursing offers two new week-long education programs: one addresses the need for nursing faculty to educate the nurses of tomorrow and the demand for staff to educate today’s practicing nurses; the other prepares nurses to lead interdisciplinary initiatives that will increase patient safety.
—Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing