MEDICAL DISCOVERIES

Gene discovery could lead to male contraceptive
A newly discovered genetic abnormality that appears to prevent some men from conceiving children could be the key for developing a male contraceptive, according to University of Iowa Health Care researchers (American Journal of Human Genetics online (April 2, 2009). Although female oral contraceptives were developed over 40 years ago, no similar pharmacological contraceptive has been developed for males. The research team, which included scientists in Tehran, Iran, discovered the male infertility gene while studying the genetics of families from Iran—a population that has relatively high rates of disease-causing gene mutations. Richard Smith, MD, led the UI research team.

'Evolved' virus may improve gene therapy for CF
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and University of Iowa Health Care have turned a relatively benign virus into a highly infectious form that is ideal as a carrier for gene therapy (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences online, February 2009). In its first gene therapy test, it completely cured human cystic fibrosis lung tissue in culture. This success overcomes a major problem of earlier virus-based gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, and sets the stage for further, more advanced tests using a new pig model of cystic fibrosis developed last year by UI pulmonologist Joseph Zabner, PhD.

FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE

Many hospitalized patients overestimate their chance of surviving an in-hospital cardiac arrest and do not know what CPR really involves, a University of Iowa Health Care study shows. Further, this lack of understanding might affect a patient's choice about being resuscitated if they are dying. The study, published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, indicates that doctors need to do more to help patients understand CPR and 'do not resuscitate' orders," said Lauris Kaldjian, MD, PhD. "Our study showed that after people were asked about their goals of care and then informed about the chances of survival and good brain function after CPR, nearly one in five said their preferences about CPR had changed." Placing these discussions in a wider context of goals of care, he said, may make it easier for patients to understand whether CPR is preferable.

Take the 'CPR quiz' (answers below)

1. What does CPR stand for?
2. What is CPR?
3. What percentage of hospitalized patients will survive or be discharged from the hospital as a result of CPR?
4. What are the odds a hospitalized patient will survive CPR and still have good brain function?

ANSWERS

1. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
2. An emergency procedure performed on people suffering cardiac arrest.
3. 18 percent
4. 14 percent

TRIALS OPEN TO PATIENTS
Click here.