Volume 191 - Issue 10
In Other Journals
Author: Ann Gregory
Med J Aust 2009; 191 (10): 569. || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb03315.x
Published online: 16 November 2009
Published online: 16 November 2009
Excess of eggs
A study linking high consumption of eggs with an increased risk of mortality in men, particularly diabetics, has caused interest and some controversy.1 Based on data from the large, long-term US Physicians’ Health Study, the researchers found an association between the consumption of eggs and mortality, but not with the risk of cardiovascular disease. The association was stronger among diabetic subjects consuming more than seven eggs per week. An accompanying editorial comments that data on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, important dietary factors, and other significant covariates were lacking in the study, leading the author to speculate that the results should be interpreted with caution.2
1. Am J Clin Nutr 2008; 87: 964-969
2. Am J Clin Nutr 2008; 87: 799-800
Gene links to breast cancer
The tumour suppressor gene NRG1, which when functioning normally is instrumental in stopping cancer from spreading, has been implemented in a significant number of beast cancers, say researchers from the United Kingdom. The study of breast cancer samples and normal breast tissue showed that NRG1 was expressed much less frequently in the breast cancer cells. The mechanism of silencing the gene appeared to be related to methylation of a site on NRG1. They also showed that reducing NRG1 expression in cell lines in vitro increased cell proliferation. The authors suggest that NRG1 may be a principal tumour suppressor gene involved in the development of breast cancer and possibly other epithelial malignancies. The implications for treatment are positive, with research directed at re-methylation and “switching on” of the gene being an exciting direction for the future.
Oncogene 2009; Oct 5 [Epub ahead of print]
Jaundice in babies
Visual assessment of the cephalocaudal progression of jaundice in hospitalised newborns is not necessarily an accurate estimation of actual bilirubin concentration, according to the results of a US study. The extent of neonatal jaundice was assessed visually by nurses on a five-point scale on the night before discharge, and compared with transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement. Infants with high TcB had total serum bilirubin performed. The nurses’ assessment of jaundice was only moderately correlated with bilirubin concentration, with similar results in both black and white infants. The correlation was poorer still for babies of less than 38 weeks’ gestational age. Despite these findings, a complete absence of jaundice by visual assessment had a high sensitivity and good predictive value for ruling out significant hyperbilirubinaemia. The authors comment that a visual estimation of extent of jaundice progression should not be used to estimate bilirubin levels, particularly in infants born prior to 38 weeks’ gestation.
Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2009; 94: F317-F322
A pain in the neck
If you or your patients suffer from neck and arm pain due to cervical radiculopathy, be advised that rest and a cervical collar, or physiotherapy appear to be more effective than the “wait and see” approach.1 Dutch researchers conducted a randomised trial with over 200 patients with recent onset cervical radiculopathy, treating three groups using a semi-hard collar and 3 to 6 weeks’ rest; 12 twice-weekly sessions of physiotherapy and home exercise for 6 weeks; or continuation of normal routine (control group). The collar and rest group and the physiotherapy group had significantly reduced neck and arm pain compared with the controls, prompting the authors to recommend that treatment with a semi-hard collar and rest is a cost-effective and efficient method of management. An accompanying editorial comments that the best approach might be to allow the patient to decide which approach suits them best, and to be open to a change of treatment depending on the clinical response.2
1. BMJ 2009; 339: b3883
2. BMJ 2009; 339: b3952
Dr Tanya Grassi, MJA