eMJA: In Other Journals, 4 February 2008

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and PAF acetylhydrolase have been identified as important mediators of anaphylaxis in humans, according to Canadian researcher Vadas and colleagues.

Facing up

The world’s first full facial transplant could finally happen in the United Kingdom this year, according to a feature article in the BMJ.

BMJ 2008; 336: 18-19

Fallout follows deluge

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on 29 August 2005, the city’s hospital staff struggled to care for patients for several days afterwards, without power (and air-conditioning), fresh water or functional sanitation.

N Engl J Med 2008; 358: 1-5

Be a doctor in 3 years?

How long does it take to become a doctor? How long should it take? For about 30 years, two universities in Canada — McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and the University of Calgary — have been training people to become doctors in just 3 years, whereas all the other medical schools in Canada offer a 4-year program.

CMAJ 2008; 178: 11

Obesity and gum disease

Researchers in the United States have shown that obesity interferes with the ability of the immune system to respond to bacterial infection.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104: 20466-20471

Dr Ann Gregory, MJA

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