The changing spectrum of group B streptococcal disease

Article Abstract:

The incidence of bacterial infection with group B streptococci among non-pregnant adults may be increasing. Infection with group B streptococci is the primary cause of meningitis among newborn infants and a significant cause of illness among pregnant women. In a 1992 study however, only 67 of 307 adults with group B streptococcal infections were pregnant. Another study found that the incidence had risen from 2.4 cases per 100,000 non-pregnant adults in 1982 and 1983 to 4.4 per 100,000 by 1990. This study also found that the death rate among the infected non-pregnant adults was 21%. Diabetes, cancer and HIV infection all appear to increase the risk of infection with group B streptococci. There are at least seven different strains of group B streptococci. One study that compared strains isolated from infants with those isolated from non-pregnant adults found that the strains that cause disease in adults may be different from those that affect newborns.

Health aspects, Editorial, Streptococcal infections, Streptococcus agalactiae

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Molecular basis of the neurodegenerative disorders

Article Abstract:

Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by abnormalities in protein metabolism and transport. These diseases include Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. All of these diseases are caused by gene mutations, and the gene mutation causes an abnormal protein to be formed. The abnormal protein cannot be metabolized or transported normally and this in turn damages the brain. Brain cells most likely die through a process called apoptosis.

Physiological aspects, Nervous system, Nerve degeneration, Nervous system diseases

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In whose best interest? Breaching the academic-industrial wall

Article Abstract:

All medical schools should adopt strict policies prohibiting faculty researchers from having any financial investment in companies that make the product or service they are evaluating. Then doctors who oversee clinical trials can act in the best interests of the patient, rather than the best interests of the company.

Research, Ethical aspects, Medical research, Medical colleges, Medical schools

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