BMJ  2006;332:1282 (27 May), doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7552.1282

Minerva

Minerva

Cancers of the lung are differentiated into small cell and non-small cell types on the basis of their histopathology, but scientists say lung cancers are diverse when it comes to their underlying molecular pathology, highlighting the need to establish different therapeutic targets for each. They used genomic hybridisation and gene expression profiling to identify at least 159 genes that are responsible for the differential pathogenesis of the two types of cancers (British Journal of Cancer 2006 May 16; doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603167).

Have researchers finally succeeded in creating an animal model of autism? Mutation in the PTEN gene is associated with behavioural changes—the mutants display reduced social interaction and heightened responses to sensory stimuli—and also with neuronal hypertrophy and macrocephaly. The proposal of a link with autism comes from rare human instances where mutations in this gene led to autism spectrum disorders (Neuron 2006;50: 343-5[Medline]).

Light or anti-depressant? A double blind randomised controlled comparison of these in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder in Canada reports that light therapy brought earlier responses and a lower rate of some side effects than did fluoxetine. However, there were no significant differences in outcome between the two treatments (American Journal of Psychiatry 2006;163: 805-12[Abstract/Free Full Text]). The authors say that patients' preferences should guide the selection of first line treatment.

Long term use of anti-epileptic drugs is associated with an increased risk of cancers, particularly in women, warn researchers. A case-control study examined more than 1000 patients taking anti-epileptics and 1800 matched controls. The odds ratio for cancer in people taking anti-epileptics for more than 12 years was 4.15 (95% CI 2.71 to 6.34). The risk estimates were higher in women. No differences in risk were associated with the capacity of the drugs to induce the hepatic P-450 enzyme system (Neurology 2006;66: 1318-24[Abstract/Free Full Text]).

Pakistanis are concerned with penis enlargement and bird flu, whereas Indians want information about condoms and metatarsals. South Africans concentrate on malaria and AIDS, and Singaporeans want to know about body odour and slimming. In Ireland, loneliness and facial hair top the bill, and in the UK we search for information about chips and chicken tikka masala. Google Trends, which reports which nations conduct the most internet searches for particular items, offers up cultural insights (Independent 2006 May 17(suppl): 8-9).

Minerva is intrigued about the possible biological basis of human sexual orientation. Swedish imaging studies tell us that heterosexual men and lesbian women process female odours in the same way—and differently from heterosexual women and gay men. While straight women and gay men merely "sense" female odours, these greatly enhance brain activity in the anterior hypothalamus of straight men and lesbians (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2006 May 16; doi: 10.1073/pnas.0600331103).

Relatively healthy HIV positive children in Africa do much worse with standard antibiotics recommended by WHO for severe pneumonia than children who are HIV negative, according to a study in the Bulletin of the World Health Organisation (2006;84: 269-75). Intravenous penicillin or amoxicillin fails in children with HIV-1, especially young babies, and the authors urge a review of WHO protocols for severe respiratory infections associated with HIV-1 infection.

In London or Tokyo we switch on a gas or electric stove to cook, but much of the world relies on burning dung, wood, crop waste, or coal. Inhaling acrid smoke is just one of the hazards associated with burning these solid fuels. The United Nations' Millennium Project aims to halve the number of people who live in "energy poverty" by 2015, but to achieve this, every day for the next 10 years 485 000 people will need to gain access to modern energy sources (Health Exchange 2006 May:4-7).

Memories of events that we feel have had a major impact on our life story or sense of identity downplay the negative and emphasise the positive, say the authors of a study in the Journal of Personality (2006;74: 812-45). Reflecting on such events, we tend to report less sadness and more pride than we recall feeling at the time the events took place. After all is said and done, we strive to maintain a positive and coherent sense of self in the face of adversity and opportunity.

Total alcohol consumption in Sweden has risen slightly over time, but deaths from liver disease have fallen considerably. Liver deaths increased between 1969 and 1976, coinciding with higher sales of spirits, but after this the sales of spirits fell, as did liver deaths. Sales of wine and beer remained the same (Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 2006;41: 459-64[Medline]).

Doctor's SupportLine is running out of money and needs life saving injections of cash to keep it afloat. This small independent organisation depends on volunteers to keep it going. Since its launch in 2002 it has dealt with more than 800 calls from distressed doctors who have needed support, some of whom have called more than once. If 800 doctors each gave £50 a year to the organisation, it would survive. For more information about how to support the service email deidre{at}doctorssupport.org

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Guidance at bmj.com/advice

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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Increased cancer in epilepsy, or is it fractures?

Josemir W. Sander, et al.
bmj.com, 27 May 2006 [Full text]

Anti-epileptic drugs and increased risk of fractures, NOT cancer

David M. B. Christmas
bmj.com, 27 May 2006 [Full text]

confused?Anti epileptic drug and cancer

tanweer hussain
bmj.com, 28 May 2006 [Full text]

?Error in Minerva report?

Helen S. Doss
bmj.com, 28 May 2006 [Full text]

Fractures - not cancers

Linda J Stephen
bmj.com, 29 May 2006 [Full text]

Anti-convulsants NOT linked to cancer.

Philip R Matthews
bmj.com, 8 Jun 2006 [Full text]