Illicit drugs take still another toll - death or injury from vehicle-associated trauma

Article Abstract:

While the association between alcohol intoxication and vehicular fatalities has received much attention, researchers are just beginning to examine the role of illicit drug use in automobile accidents. Data are being collected from hospital emergency departments and trauma centers concerning drug test results of patients treated for injuries sustained in accidents. The most recent study found that, out of all injured drivers admitted to a shock trauma center, 7.1 percent had used cocaine and 4 percent tested positive for phencyclidine. Of the injured motorcycle drivers admitted, 10 percent had cocaine in their system, and 10 percent were positive for phencyclidine. A study of 643 New York City drivers, who died within two days of a car accident, showed that 18.2 percent had used cocaine. Of the 379 drivers that lived for less than two hours after the crash, 8 percent tested positive for cocaine only, 11 percent for alcohol and cocaine, and 50 percent for alcohol only. One study of patients, who were brought directly to a trauma center from the accident scene, revealed that out of approximately 1,000 individuals, one third had used marijuana and the same percentage tested positive for alcohol. The National Transportation Safety Board conducted a study of 182 accidents involving large trucks in which a total of 210 people died. Of the truck drivers tested for drug use, 13 percent had used marijuana, another 13 percent had consumed alcohol, and 7 to 9 percent had used cocaine, stimulants and amphetamines. Researchers are just beginning to define the problem of drug use and vehicular accidents. Some of the issues that need to be addressed are the nature of the impairment caused by various combinations of drugs; ways of preventing individuals from driving while using drugs; and how best to treat the chemical dependency of trauma patients who are recovering from their injuries. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Crash injuries, Mandatory drug testing, Drug testing, Drug abuse, Traffic accidents, Drunk driving, Driving while intoxicated, Drinking and traffic accidents

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Novel anticancer therapies for decade ahead may prove to be more specific, less toxic

Article Abstract:

Receptors (molecules) on the surfaces of some cells play an important role in cancer, according to researchers. If antibodies that occupy and inactivate such receptors can be developed, powerful new tools for fighting cancer will emerge. Modern techniques also allow the identity of genes that code for, or manufacture, many of these receptor proteins. One such is the 'neu' gene, found in a tumor that attacks the nervous system. This gene makes the p185 receptor protein and an antibody has been created that reduces the levels of p185 and makes the cells appear normal. Other factors are involved when cells are transformed, and non-toxic molecules that bind to the relevant receptors must be developed before treatment in humans could begin. Approaches such as these are more specific for the tumorigenic agent than traditional therapies, which are associated with toxicity to the patient, since they act against all replicating (dividing) cells in the body. Other approaches include designing subunits of antibody molecules to interfere with replication of cancerous cells, and the use of RNA or DNA (genetic material) that binds to and inactivates the genetic material of the cancerous cell. Both approaches rely on agents that 'see' only cancerous cells. Many technical obstacles remain before new drugs and treatments will emerge, but these approaches promise better results and fewer side effects. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cancer, Molecular biology, Tumors, Chemotherapy

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