Medications Often Not Taken and Clinicians Unaware: Antipsychotic medication adherence was determined over 3 consecutive months with (1) the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS(R)) cap and (2) the Clinician Rating Scale. Non-adherence was defined as daily adherence of <70% during any one of three monthly evaluations for MEMS(R) and ratings of </=4 (scale of 1-7) on the Clinician Rating Scale. Non-adherence was detected in 12 of 25 patients (48%) by MEMS(R) and 0% by the Clinician Rating Scale. Clinician assessment dramatically underestimated antipsychotic non-adherence. A comparison of electronic monitoring vs. clinician rating of antipsychotic adherence in outpatients with schizophrenia. Byerly M, Fisher R, et al. University of Texas Southwestern. Psychiatry Res. 2005 Feb 28;133(2-3):129-33. v

GRIN 2A Repeat of NMDA Glutamate Receptor Subunit Increases Risk of Schizophrenia: Dysfunction of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) type glutamate receptor has been proposed as a mechanism in the etiology of schizophrenia. In a large case-control study of 672 schizophrenics and 686 controls, there was an allelic association between the repeat polymorphism and the disease (P=0.011) with an over-representation of longer alleles in schizophrenia. Extended analyses support the association of a functional (GT)(n) polymorphism in the GRIN2A promoter with Japanese schizophrenia. Iwayama-Shigeno Y, et al. RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan. Neurosci Lett. 2005 Apr 18;378(2):102-5. For more, see Genetics of Schizophrenia.

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Increased Diabetes Risk; Ziprasidone (Geodon) Decreased It: In 191 randomly selected patients who were being treated with ziprasidone or olanzapine, significant differences on QTc interval were not observed. Weight gain was observed with olanzapine (P<0.001) but not with ziprasidone (P>0.05). Adverse metabolic changes associated with olanzapine on total cholesterol (P=0.01), triglycerides (P=0.05) and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) (P<0.05) were seen, whereas favourable metabolic effects were observed in ziprasidone for total cholesterol (P<0.05), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P<0.01), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P<0.05) and HbA1c (P<0.05). Comparison of the metabolic effects observed in patients treated with ziprasidone versus olanzapine. Brown RR, Estoup MW. Veterans Affairs, Portland, Oregon. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2005 Mar;20(2):105-12.

Vitamin E Didn't Help Cancer or Heart: In the very large DB PC HOPE study of 9541 adults over age 54 with vascular disease or diabetes, 3994 agreed to continue in HOPE-TOO for a total of 7 years taking vitamin E 400 IU/d or placebo. There were no significant differences for cancer (vitamin E 11.6% vs. placebo 12.3%), cancer deaths (156 vs. 176), or major cardiovascular events, 1022 (21.5%) vs 985 (20.6%). Patients in the vitamin E group had a slightly higher risk of heart failure (RR, 1.13; P = .03). Effects of long-term vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular events and cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Lonn E, Bosch J, et al. McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. JAMA. 2005 Mar 16;293(11):1338-47. For more, see Vitamin E.

Harvard Says Diabetes Type 2 Could be Nearly Eliminated by Healthy Living: "Recent studies have also suggested a potential role for coffee, dairy, nuts, magnesium, and calcium in preventing diabetes. Overall, a healthy diet, together with regular physical activity, maintenance of a healthy weight, moderate alcohol consumption, and avoidance of sedentary behaviors and smoking, could nearly eliminate type 2 diabetes." PRIMARY PREVENTION OF DIABETES: What Can Be Done and How Much Can Be Prevented? Schulze MB, Hu FB. Harvard. Annu Rev Public Health. 2005 Apr 21;26:445-467. For more, see Diabetes.

Cancer: Liver Cancer Linked to Low Selenium: In a nested case-control study comparing the Se content in toenail clippings of 166 adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to 394 healthy controls in Haimen City, China, where HCC is a leading cause of mortality, the median toenail Se was lower for HCC cases than controls (p = 0.03). HCC mortality by increasing quartile of toenail Se were 1.00 (reference), 0.58 , 0.83 and 0.50 (p for trend = 0.06). Toenail selenium and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma mortality in Haimen City, China. Sakoda LC, Graubard BI, et al. National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD. Int J Cancer. 2005 Feb 9. For more, see Selenium.

Thrombolytic Therapy for Strokes Might Kill More People than It Saves: Thrombolytic therapy after a stroke has shown substantial benefits in neural outcomes. However, in a meta-analysis of DB PC study of acute ischemic stroke patients, eleven studies involving 3709 patients found thrombolytic therapy was associated with an insignificant 7% increase in mortality (OR 1.07; P = .3) or an increased risk of mortality of 11 per 1000 persons (P = .3) or one in 84 patients. Is thrombolytic therapy associated with increased mortality?: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ergin A, Ergin N. Tulane University. Arch Neurol. 2005 Mar;62(3):362-6. Ed: I'm not a neurologist, but thrombolytic therapy doesn't sound that good.  I thought it was supposed to be a miracle from heaven. For more, see Stroke.

Calcium Supplement May Be Safe for Men, Too: In a 4-year DB PC study of 672 men with a 12 year follow-up, there were 33 prostate cancer cases in the calcium 1200mg/d group and 37 with placebo [RR 0.83; not significant]. Most cases were not advanced; during the first 6 years, there were significantly fewer cases in the calcium group (RR 0.52). The calcium risk ratio for conversion to PSA >4.0 ng/mL was 0.63. Baseline dietary calcium intake, plasma 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D and 25-(OH) vitamin D levels were not materially associated with risk. Risk of prostate cancer in a randomized clinical trial of calcium supplementation. Baron JA, Beach M, et al. Dartmouth. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005 Mar;14(3):586-9. Ed: Uncontrolled studies suggested that supplements or increased calcium intake might increase prostate cancer. For more, see Prostate Cancer.

Policosanol Now Has 29 Studies and Very Favorable Results for Cholesterol Problems: In a meta-analysis of all published scientifically controlled studies through June, 2003, researchers included a total of 4596 patients from 52 eligible studies. LDL bad cholesteral decreased 11.0% for plant sterol and stanol esters 3.4 g/day (range 2-9 g/day [893 patients]) vs. 2.3% for placebo (769 patients) in 23 eligible studies, compared with 23.7% for policosanol 12 mg/day (range 5-40 mg/day [1528 patients]) vs. 0.11% for placebo (1406 patients) in 29 eligible studies (p<0.0001 for both). LDL reduction was greater with policosanol than plant sterols and stanols (-24% versus -10%, p<0.0001). Policosanol also affected total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglyceride levels more favorably than plant sterols and stanols. Plant sterols and stanols and policosanol are well tolerated and safe; however, policosanol is more effective. Meta-analysis of natural therapies for hyperlipidemia: plant sterols and stanols versus policosanol. Chen JT, Wesley R, et al. Purdue University. Pharmacotherapy. 2005 Feb;25(2):171-83. For more, see Policosanol.

Clopidogrel Said Cost-Effective for Unstable Angina: In the 9-month DB PC Clopidogrel in Unstable angina to prevent Recurrent Events (CURE) study of 12,562 patients in 28 countries, clopidogrel (300-mg load followed by 75 mg/day) was compared to placebo, both in addition to aspirin, excluding clopidogrel costs, average costs of hospitalizations alone were 325 dollars less for the clopidogrel arm using diagnosis-related group-based Medicare reimbursement rates. When including clopidogrel costs (766 dollars greater for the clopidogrel arm), average total costs were 442 dollars higher for the clopidogrel arm. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) on the basis of the Framingham Heart Study was 6,318 dollars per life-year gained (LYG) with clopidogrel, with 94% of bootstrap-derived ICER estimates <50,000 dollars/LYG; based on Saskatchewan, the ICER was 6,475 dollars/LYG with 98% of estimates <50,000 dollars. Long-term cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel given for up to one year in patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation. Weintraub WS, Mahoney EM, et al. Emory University. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005 Mar 15;45(6):838-45. Ed: I don't know where Emory buys their medicines, but on 3/21/05 9 months of clopidogrel costs $1143 at Walgreens, America's largest pharmaceutical chain.  This raises the cost to about $12,000 per year of life saved.  Of course these industry-sponsored trials are often tilted in favor of the medicine, no one ever knows how. For more, see Coronary Heart Disease Treatment.

Kidney: Microalbuminuria Less With Higher Carotenoid Levels: Microalbuminuria may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. In 9,575 US adults in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, after adjustment for age, sex, race or ethnicity, education, smoking status, cotinine concentration, physical activity, alcohol use, fruit and vegetable intake, vitamin or mineral use during the past 24 hours, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein concentrations, concentrations of beta-cryptoxanthin (odds ratio for quartile of highest concentration compared with quartile of lowest concentration, 0.56), lutein/zeaxanthin (OR 0.59), lycopene (OR 0.64), and total carotenoids (OR 0.54) were associated inversely with microalbuminuria. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium concentrations were not significantly associated with microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria and concentrations of antioxidants among US adults. Ford ES, Giles WH, et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. Am J Kidney Dis. 2005 Feb;45(2):248-55. For more, see Vegetables.

D-Serine Helped Zyprexa and Risperdal Schizophrenic Patients: In a DB PC 6-week study of 39 risperidone- or olanzapine-treated schizophrenia patients, 30 mg/kg/day D-serine added to their antipsychotic medication resulted in (p < .001) improvements in negative, positive, cognitive, and depression symptoms, as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. For approximately one third of the sample, D-serine treatment resulted in significant (>20%) reductions in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale total scores. D-serine was well tolerated, and no detrimental changes in clinical laboratory parameters were noted. D-serine efficacy as add-on pharmacotherapy to risperidone and olanzapine for treatment-refractory schizophrenia. Heresco-Levy U, Javitt DC, et al. Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel. Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Mar 15;57(6):577-85. Ed: While D-serine isn't available, glycine is and has very similar effects at a moderate cost. For more, see Glycine and D-Serine.

Amlodipine, Calcium Channel Blocker, No Help for Cocaine Dependence: In a 12-week, DB PC study of 116 cocaine dependent adults, only about 20% completed all 12 weeks of treatment. Both groups showed comparable levels of medication compliance and therapy attendance. In the end, amlodipine was no more effective than placebo in reducing craving or measured levels of cocaine use. A controlled trial of amlodipine for cocaine dependence: A negative report. Malcolm R, Larowe S, et al. Medical University of South Carolina. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2005 Mar;28(2):197-204. For more, see Stimulant Dependence.

Donepezil (Aricept) No Benefit as Schizophrenia Add-on: In an 8-week DB PC study of 36 patients with schizophrenia, the addition of donezezil 10 mg/d was of no benefit for cognition or psychopathology. Added donepezil for stable schizophrenia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Freudenreich O, Herz L, et al. Harvard-MGH Schizophrenia Program. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2005 Mar 19. v

Hyperoxygenated Fatty Acid Helped Prevent Pressure Ulcers: In a DB PC study of 331 patients, Mepentol, a hyperoxygenated fatty acid preparation, had a pressure-ulcer rate of 7.3% vs. 17.4% for placebo (p 0.006)(NNT = 9.95). The average cost of Mepentol during the study was 7.74 Euro. The effectiveness of a hyperoxygenated fatty acid compound in preventing pressure ulcers. Torra i Bou JE, Segovia Gomez T, et al. Advanced Wound Care Division, Smith & Nephew, Spain. J Wound Care. 2005 Mar;14(3):117-21. For more, see Wound Healing.

Vitamin E Helped Painful Periods in Girls: In a 4-month DB PC study of 278 girls ages 15-17 with primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods), vitamin E 200 IU twice a day starting 2 days before expected onset of menstruation and for the first three days lowered pain at two months (median VAS score 3 vs 5, P > 0.001) and four months (0.5 vs 6, P > 0.001), and blood loss assessed by PBLAC score was lower at two months (54 [31] vs 70 [40], P > 0.0001) and at four months (46 [28] vs 70 [37], P > 0.0001). A randomised controlled trial of vitamin E in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. Ziaei S, Zakeri M, et al. Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran. BJOG. 2005 Apr;112(4):466-9. v

Vitamin K and D and Calcium Reduced Fractures by 86% in Alzheimer’s: Deficiency of vitamins D and K1 causes reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in female AD patients. In a DB PC 2-year study of 200 AD patients, those who received 45 mg menatetrenone (K-2), 1000 IU ergocalciferol (vitamin D) and 600 mg calcium daily for 2 years had BMD in the second metacarpals increased by 2.3% in the treated group and decreased by 5.2% in the untreated group (P < 0.0001). Serum levels of vitamin K2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased by 284.9% and 147.9%, respectively, in the treated group. Twenty-two patients in the untreated group sustained nonvertebral fractures (15 with hip fractures, two fractures each at the distal forearm and the proximal femur, each one fracture at the proximal humerus, ribs, and pelvis), and three fractures (2 with hip fractures, one fracture at the proximal femur) occurred among the treated patients (P = 0.0003; odds ratio = 7.5). Menatetrenone and vitamin D2 with calcium supplements prevent nonvertebral fracture in elderly women with Alzheimer's disease. Sato Y, Kanoko T, et al. Japan . Bone. 2005 Jan;36(1):61-8. For more, see Osteoporosis.

Comfrey Cream Helped Sprained Ankles: In a 7-day DB PC study of the topical comfrey (Traumaplant: 10% active ingredient of a 2.5:1 aqueous ethanolic pressed juice of freshly harvested, cultivated comfrey herb corresponding to 25 g of fresh herb per 100 g of cream; n = 104) was tested against a 1% product (corresponding to 2.5 g of fresh comfrey herb in 100 g of cream; n = 99) in 203 patients with sprained ankles. With the high concentration, decrease of the scores for pain on active motion, pain at rest and functional impairment was highly significant and clinically relevant on days 3-4 as well as day 7 (p < 0.001). Reduced swellings as compared to placebo was occurred by day 3-4 (p < 0.01). Efficacy was judged good to excellent in 86% of cases vs. 66% of cases with reference on day 3-4. Overall tolerability was excellent. Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: results of a randomized controlled clinical double blind study. Kucera M, Barna M, et al. Charles University Prague , Czech Republic . Wien Med Wochenschr. 2004 Nov;154(21-22):498-507 . Ed: Comfrey teas are toxic and can cause liver failure and death.  However, the ointment is inexpensive and this is the second study showing benefit for ankle sprains. The risk of toxicity would appear very remote for short-term topical treatment. v

Testosterone Deficiency Common in Huntington's Disease: Testosterone and LH levels of the 42 patients were significantly lower compared to the levels of 44 age-matched (mean age 49) healthy men. Severity of illness was negatively related to plasma testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels were associated with dementia but not with depression or psychotic features. Clinical studies with selected HD patients are needed to evaluate possible beneficial effects of androgen substitution therapy on cognitive functions, depression, muscle mass and strength, general well-being, and, eventually, neuroprotective effects. Plasma testosterone in male patients with Huntington's disease: Relations to severity of illness and dementia. Markianos M, Panas M, et al. Athens University, Greece. Ann Neurol 2005;57:520-525. For more, see Huntington's.

Head Trauma from Falls in Elderly Increases Dementia: 325 elderly with MMSE of over 25 were followed-up for 9 years. Then, 152 persons (81% of survivors) were examined for dementia. Eight persons sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 34 developed dementia. Brain injury was associated with a 180% increased risk of younger age at detection of dementia even when adjusted for sex and educational status (low educational status significantly associated with dementia); HR = 2.8. In a population scoring > or =28 points in the baseline MMSE an apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon4 phenotype was also associated with a 256% increased risk of younger age at the time of detecting dementia; HR=3.56, and the effect of brain injury and ApoE epsilon4 phenotype was synergistic; HR=7.68. Fall-related brain injuries and the risk of dementia in elderly people: a population-based study. Luukinen H, Viramo P, et al. University of Oulu, Finland. Eur J Neurol. 2005 Feb;12(2):86-92.

Being Overweight Increases Risk of Dementia 25 Years Later: In a study of 7402 men ages 47-55 followed for 27 years, 3.4% developed dementia. The relationship between BMI and dementia was J-shaped, and men with a BMI between 20 and 22.5 had the lowest risk. After adjustment for smoking, blood pressure, serum cholesterol level, diabetes mellitus, and social class, the risk increased 73% in men who had a BMI of 22.5-25, 93% for 25-27.5, 130% for 27.5-30, and 154% for those who were obese (BMI 30.00 or greater)(P = .03). Men with a BMI less than 20.00 had a nonsignificantly 119% elevated risk. Overweight and obesity could be major preventable factors in the development of dementia. Body mass index, other cardiovascular risk factors, and hospitalization for dementia. Rosengren A, Skoog I, et al. Sahlgrenska University, Goteborg, Sweden. Arch Intern Med. 2005 Feb 14;165(3):321-6. For more, see Causes of Dementia.

Cholinesterase Activity Decreased in Early Alzheimer's: Cholinesterase (ChE) activity was measured in lymphocytes, erythrocytes and platelets. Both early-AD and AD patients had lower AChE activity in lymphocytes compared to control subjects (p < 0.0001). Erythrocyte AChE activity was higher in patients with vascular dementia (p = 0.004). Low ChE activity in lymphocytes was the best discriminator for AD. Blood Cells Cholinesterase Activity in Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia. von Bernhardi R, Alarcon R, et al. Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2005 Jan 25;19(4):204-212. For more, see Dementia Risk Factors.

Low Folate Linked to Cognitive Decline: Elevated homocysteine blood level is a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. In a 7-year follow-up study of 499 high-functioning community-dwelling elderly ages 70-79, after adjusting for multiple covariates, including homocysteine, B-6, and B-12 levels, those in the bottom quartile of folate had a 1.6 fold increased risk (P =0.04) of being in the worst quartile of 7-year cognitive decline. Low folate levels largely accounted for a trend towards greater cognitive decline with elevated homocysteine level. The risk of developing cognitive decline might be reduced through dietary folate intake. Homocysteine versus the vitamins folate, B6, and B12 as predictors of cognitive function and decline in older high-functioning adults: MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging. Kado DM, Karlamangla AS, et al. University of California Los Angeles. Am J Med. 2005 Feb;118(2):161-7. For more, see Vitamins to Prevent Dementia.

Exercise Linked to Less Dementia: In a 5.4 year follow-up study of 3,375 men and women over age 64 and free of dementia at baseline (the Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study), 480 developed dementia. Those in the highest quartile of physical energy expenditure had a 15% lower risk of dementia (RR 0.85) and participants engaging in at least 4 activities had a 49% lower risk of dementia (RR 0.51) compared with those engaging in 0-1 activity. These associations were more marked in apolipoprotein E genotype (APOE) epsilon4 allele noncarriers and were absent in carriers. A similar pattern was observed for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Physical Activity, APOE Genotype, and Dementia Risk: Findings from the Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study. Podewils LJ, Guallar E, et al. Johns Hopkins. Am J Epidemiol. 2005 Apr 1;161(7):639-51. For more, see Alzheimer's.

Statin Use Not Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk at Follow-up: In a 3-5 year prospective study of dementia among 5092 elderly over age 64 of Cache County, statin use was inversely associated with dementia (OR 0.44). Three years later, 185 new cases of dementia developed among 3308 survivors at risk. Statin use at baseline did not predict incidence of dementia or AD (HR for dementia, 1.19), nor did statin use at follow-up (OR for dementia, 1.04; OR for AD, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-1.88). Do statins reduce risk of incident dementia and Alzheimer disease? The Cache County Study. Zandi PP, Sparks DL, et al. Johns Hopkins. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Feb;62(2):217-24. Ed: This is the third large study not finding any link between taking statin cholesterol lowering medication and avoiding dementia. For more, see Treatments of Alzheimer's.

Home Massage Did Not Help Bed-ridden Elderly: In a random assignment study of 53 bed-ridden elderly over age 64 with no dementia, home massage rehabilitation therapy for 30 minutes by a massage practitioner 2 or 3 days a week for three consecutive months made no statistical difference between the intergroup changes over time in Barthel Index, Subjective Satisfaction and Refreshment Scale, Apathy Scale or Self-rating Depression Score (p = 0.35, 0.08, 0.70 and 0.55, respectively). Effects of home massage rehabilitation therapy for the bed-ridden elderly: a pilot trial with a three-month follow-up. Hirakawa Y, Masuda Y, et al. Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan. Clin Rehabil. 2005 Jan;19(1):20-7. v

Chlamydia Infection May Be Protective Against Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis: Researchers studied 1211 children for a Chlamydia pneumoniae respiratory tract infection. Those with an infection and a similar control group were followed for 22 months. The incidence of asthma (0/55 vs. 5/54, p = 0.03) and allergic rhinitis [3/53 vs. 10/52, p = 0.04] as well as prevalence of asthma [1/56 vs. 9/58, p = 0.02] and allergic rhinitis [6/56 vs. 16/58, p = 0.03] were lower in the Chlamydia children. Inverse association between Chlamydia pneumoniae respiratory tract infection and initiation of asthma or allergic rhinitis in children. Schmidt SM, Muller CE, Wiersbitzky SKW. Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2005 Mar;16(2):137-44. For more, see Asthma.

Anti-oxidants Help Certain Men Stop Prostate Cancer: In a study of over 1,000 men, the 25% carrying the AA gene variant of MnSOD gene were more susceptible to prostate cancer if their antioxidant levels were low. If these men get adequate antioxidants from food and possibly from supplements, they seem to be even more likely to benefit from the nutrients' cancer fighting properties than other men. Increased levels of selenium, vitamin E and the tomato pigment lycopene greatly reduced prostate cancer risk. The effect was weak in men who carried other variants (VV or VA) of the MnSOD gene, however. Previous research in breast cancer has linked similar interactions between variations in the MnSOD gene and dietary antioxidant. Haojie Li, Harvard, Cancer Research 4/05. For more, see Prostate Cancer.

Cancer of the Prostate: PSA Rise Markedly Slowed by Vitamin D: When local treatments for prostate cancer fails, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) rises in the absence of symptoms. Calcitriol has been shown to prolong the doubling time of PSA using near-toxic doses. Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) 2,000 IU/d, a biochemical precursor of calcitriol, in 15 patients resulted in 9 of the patients having PSA levels decreased or unchanged  for as long as 21 mo. The rate of PSA rise slowed after administration of cholecalciferol (P = 0.005) compared with that before cholecalciferol: a doubling time of 14.3 months prior to 25 mo after starting cholecalciferol. Only 1 failed to have an increase in PSA doubling time. There were no side effects reported Pilot study: potential role of vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) in patients with PSA relapse after definitive therapy. Woo TC, Choo R, et al. Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Canada. Nutr Cancer. 2005;51(1):32-6. For more, see Vitamin D.

Quetiapine (Seroquel) Didn't Help Visual Hallucinations in Parkinson's: In a DB PC 12 week study of 31 Parkinson's patients with prominent visual hallucinations and MMSE >21, those on up to 200 mg daily of quetiapine did no better on hallucinations or BPRS scores and no worse on Parkinson's symptoms.  Double-blind, placebo-controlled, unforced titration parallel trial of quetiapine for dopaminergic-induced hallucinations in Parkinson's disease. Ondo WG, Tintner R, et al. Baylor, Houston, Texas. Mov Disord. 2005 Mar 30. For more, see Parkinson's Disease.

Vitamin C-E-Carotene-Selenium-Zinc Helped Only Those with Normal PSAs: In the SU.VI.MAX DB PC 8-year study of 5,141 men, nutritional doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium and zinc were linked only to non-significant decrease in prostate cancer risk (HR=0.88). During the follow-up, 103 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed. However, among men with normal PSA, there was a 48% reduction in the rate of prostate cancer with the supplements (hazard ratio = 0.52). In men with elevated PSA at baseline, the supplementation was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer of borderline statistical significance (HR = 1.54). The supplementation had no effect on PSA or IGF levels. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation and prostate cancer prevention in the SU.VI.MAX trial. Meyer F, Galan P, et al. Laval University, Quebec, Canada. Int J Cancer. 2005 Mar 30. Ed: Carotene and vitamin E now have some negative research. Vitamin D appears a better choice. For more, see Prostate Cancer.

Suicide Attempts Not Increased in Placebo Groups in Mania or Bipolar Relapse Prevention Trials: In a review of 11 DB PC studies acute manic episodes, including 1,506 patients (117 person-years) in the combined active compound group and 1,005 patients (71 person-years) in the combined placebo group, no suicides and no suicide attempts occurred. In four placebo-controlled studies of the prevention of manic/depressive episode, including 943 patients (406 person-years) in the combined active compound group and 418 patients (136 person-years) in the combined placebo group, two suicides (493/100,000 person-years of exposure) and eight suicide attempts (1,969/100,000 person-years of exposure) occurred in the combined active compound group, but no suicides and two suicide attempts (1,467/100,000 person-years of exposure) occurred in the combined placebo group. Suicide risk in placebo-controlled trials of treatment for acute manic episode and prevention of manic-depressive episode. Storosum JG, Wohlfarth T, et al. Den Haag, The Netherlands. Am J Psychiatry. 2005 Apr;162(4):799-802.

Raloxifene May Lower Dementia Risk: In the 3-year DB PC MORE study of 5,386 post-menopausal women, compared to placebo, women on 120 mg/day of raloxifene had a 33% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (RR=0.67) and lower risks of Alzheimer's disease (RR=0.52, not statistically significant). Those taking 60 mg/day of raloxifene did not do better than controls. Effect of Raloxifene on Prevention of Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in Older Women: The Multiple Outcomes of Raloxifene Evaluation (MORE) Randomized Trial. Yaffe K, Krueger K, et al. University of California, San Francisco. Am J Psychiatry. 2005 Apr;162(4):683-90.

Lactobacillus Protects Against HIV: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In a study of 203 vaginal samples from women with BV and 203 without BV, multivariate analysis found lactobacilli bacterial counts (P=.006; inverse association), M. hominis bacterial counts (P=.0001; positive association), Candida vaginitis (P=.007), and HSV (P=.03) were significantly associated with HIV RNA levels. Female genital-tract HIV load correlates inversely with Lactobacillus species but positively with bacterial vaginosis and Mycoplasma hominis. Sha BE, Zariffard MR, et al. University of Illinois at Chicago. J Infect Dis. 2005 Jan 1;191(1):25-32.

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