EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 5 P.M., EDT, SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 1997
September 1, 1997, Tip Sheet
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians (ACP), more than 100,000 physicians trained in internal medicine. The following highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information. For a copy of an article, call 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656 or 215-351-2656. The full text of selected articles can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/annaltoc.htm
* * * Is Ethnicity a Key to the Biology of Human Disease?
Two new studies address questions about ethnic differences in disease-related traits. A study of 144 healthy Chinese and white adults found young Chinese adults appear to be less susceptible than white persons to cigarette smoke-related endothelial dysfunction. (Brief Communication, p. 372.)
About half of certain Asians have a deficiency of an enzyme that metabolizes acetaldehyde. This deficiency results from inheritance of ALDH2*2, a mutant allele. A new double-blind, crossover study of 35 healthy Asian-American men found blood acetaldehyde levels rather than blood alcohol concentrations may mediate enhanced alcohol sensitivity among Asian men with ALDH2*2 alleles. (Brief Communication, p. 376.)
An accompanying editorial discusses whether race is a biologically tenable concept and if it is appropriate to consider ethnicity when making treatment decisions. (Editorial, p. 401.)
* * * No Association Found Between Blood Transfusions and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
A population based case control study of 361 patients found no evidence to support an association between blood transfusions and the risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (Article, p. 365.)
* * * Advances Made in Cardiology Over the Past Year
A paper reviews important advances made in cardiology in the past year. (Update, p. 388). Advances were made in three disease categories: congestive heart failure, acute chronic coronary artery syndromes, and chronic coronary artery syndromes.
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