BMJ  2004;329:1254 (27 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7477.1254

News

In brief

Genetic test standard approved: The World Health Organization has approved the first international standard for a genetic test, that for factor V Leiden, a genetic mutation that limits anticoagulation and increases the risk of blood clots. It could help detect air travellers most at risk of deep vein thrombosis. WHO intends to issue similar standards for other genetic tests in the future. See www.who.int

Deprived areas become pilot sites: Some of the most deprived areas of England are to be pilot sites for initiatives contained in the public health white paper, published earlier this month ( BMJ 2004;329: 1201[Free Full Text], 20 Nov). Eighty eight primary care trusts, including those in major cities such as London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham, will run smoking cessation services and introduce health trainers, as outlined in the paper.

Long term obesity is linked to cerebral atrophy: A 24 year study of 290 Swedish women born between 1908 and 1922 showed that women with a high body mass index at each of four examinations were much more likely to have atrophy of the temporal lobe, an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, on a computed tomography scan done at the last examination ( Neurology 2004;63: 1876-81[Abstract/Free Full Text]).

Charity collects old mobile phones: Marie Curie Cancer Care, a UK charity that provides free care to terminally ill people in their own homes, is collecting rejected mobile phones and computers to raise funds. Phones can be worth up to £30, says the charity. See www.recyclingappeal.com/mariecurie or tel 08712 50 50 50.

Birth rate among young US teenagers is lowest in years: The birth rate among young teenagers in the United States has fallen to the lowest level since 1946, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The birth rate in 2002 per 1000 females aged 10-14 was 0.7 live births, half that of two years before (1.4 per 1000).

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WHO's limited assessment is misleading

Helen M Wallace
bmj.com, 27 Nov 2004 [Full text]