Medium isn't accurate 'ice age' message

Article Abstract:

Media advertisements to discourage the use of illegal drugs may actually have the opposite result, according to some. Exaggerating the potential adverse effects of drug use has resulted in a loss of credibility of many advertisements, creating a reaction similar to that seen in the 1970s to 'Reefer Madness', which became a popular cult film among marijuana users. This phenomenon is illustrated by the enormous popularity of the new 'designer drug,' Ice, a smokable, crystalline form of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride ('crystal meth'). In its attempts to issue strong warnings against the use of this drug, the media has perhaps promoted its use by increasing its visibility. Another reaction that has been seen is the popularity of T-shirts with sayings such as 'Egg-Free America', referring to a melodramatic anti-drug commercial sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug Free America in which a drug user's brain is compared to a frying egg. Those who are inclined to use or abuse drugs find the lure of a new, more powerful high very attractive. Ice has become popular among crack users, and has also spread to other populations, including high school students and business people. Users tend to go on Ice binges, taking the drug for four- to five-day periods, and then resting for two to three days. The drug is easily synthesized using common chemicals, which makes the supply of Ice impossible to control. Others have argued that many of these media messages are directed more toward the individual who has not yet used drugs, and may serve as a deterrent to young children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Evaluation, Drugs, Prevention, Media coverage, Drug abuse, Methamphetamine, Drugs and mass media

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Medical schools receive a message: reform yourselves, then take on health care system

Article Abstract:

Medical schools need to change their outlook to keep abreast of health care reform in the 21st century. The emphasis of medical education should be shifted away from acute care towards primary care. Medical schools need to recruit more students interested in primary care and provide them with opportunities to practice medicine outside the hospital. Medical schools should emphasize prevention rather than intervention with expensive technology to alleviate the cost of health care. Medical students should be taught the skills for lifelong learning to keep up with the fast pace of technological change. They should be equipped with decision-making skills and the ability to think independently. Universities need to increase their research efforts in the area of health care policy.

Planning, Innovations, Medical colleges, Medical schools, Medical education

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Superantigen molecule, T-cell interaction studied for clinical clues to defense against retroviruses

Article Abstract:

Retrovirus superantigens may protect against retrovirus infections. Retroviruses are a group of viruses that live inside the T cells of the infected individual. Superantigens interact with a unique part of the T cell receptor and stimulate T cell activity. They are produced from a gene that is incorporated into the genome, or genetic material, of T cells. Production of superantigens makes the infected individual immune to other infections caused by retroviruses. Research studies have found that a retrovirus that causes mammary, or breast, tumors in mice produces superantigens. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is another type of retrovirus that may produce superantigens. If it does, HIV superantigens could be used as a vaccine or treatment for HIV infection.

Physiological aspects, T cell antigen receptors, T cells, Retroviruses, Viral antigens, Retrovirus infections

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