It is concluded that MEN-1 leads to premature death, and that neoplasia rather than peptic ulcer disease is the main cause of death. Deaths from pituitary tumor or malignant endocrine tumors within the thorax were just as common or more common than deaths from pancreatic malignant neoplasms.

A one in two alternate sample (N = 200) from a population-based register of 411 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) was studied. Out of this sample, 147 people with MS and 34 people with rheumatoid arthritis were interviewed at home and completed a battery of neuropsychological tests. Cognitive impairment was found in 46 per cent of those with MS, with memory impairment in 34 per cent and failure on tests of frontal lobe function in 33 per cent. Physical disability was associated with cognitive impairment. Memory impairment was more common in those who had had MS for 10 years or more. A significant minority of people with mild physical disability and some who had had MS for less than a decade nevertheless had cognitive impairment. Relationships between cognitive impairment, other disease variables and psychosocial factors were examined. Counselling and rehabilitation programmes for people with MS and their families should take account of cognitive deficits that may be present.

ObjectiveTo explore the support needs and experiences of patients who had received publicly or privately funded bariatric surgery and the importance of this support in mediating outcomes of surgery.MethodsSeven semi‐structured focus groups were conducted. A broad interview schedule guided the discussions which were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically.ResultsTwenty‐six women and 15 men with a mean age of 54 years (range 24–72) participated in the study. Participants described support needs from health professionals, significant others (family and friends), peers (bariatric surgery recipients) and the general community. Peer, dietetic and psychological support were identified as important factors influencing the outcomes (e.g. weight reduction or health improvement) or experience of bariatric surgery but were identified as infrequently received or inadequately provided. Psychological support was proposed as one of the most significant but commonly overlooked components of care. Support needs appeared higher in the first year post‐surgery, when subsequent related or unrelated surgeries were required and following significant life change such as worsening health. For some participants, deficits in support appeared to negatively influence the experience or outcomes of surgery.ConclusionProviders of bariatric surgery should discuss support needs and accessibility regularly with patients especially in the first year post‐surgery and following significant change in a patient's life (e.g. declined health or childbirth). Nutrition, psychological and peer support (e.g. through support groups) may be especially important for some patients.

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This paper discusses the exploitation argument against commercial surrogacy: the claim that commercial surrogacy is morally objectionable because it is exploitative. The following questions are addressed. First, what exactly does the exploitation argument amount to? Second, is commercial surrogacy in fact exploitative? Third, if it were exploitative, would this provide a sufficient reason to prohibit (or otherwise legislatively discourage) it? The focus throughout is on the exploitation of paid surrogates, although it is noted that other parties (e.g. 'commissioning parents') may also be the victims of exploitation. It is argued that there are good reasons for believing that commercial surrogacy is often exploitative. However, even if we accept this, the exploitation argument for prohibiting (or otherwise legislatively discouraging) commercial surrogacy remains quite weak. One reason for this is that prohibition may well 'backfire' and lead to potential surrogates having to do other things that are more exploitative and/or more harmful than paid surrogacy. It is concluded therefore that those who oppose exploitation should (rather than attempting to stop particular practices like commercial surrogacy) concentrate on: (a) improving the conditions under which paid surrogates 'work'; and (b) changing the background conditions (in particular, the unequal distribution of power and wealth) which generate exploitative relationships.

Yearly increases in admissions for DSH to hospitals in England reversed in 1998/99 and stabilized in 1999/ 2000. These changes were most noticeable for the 16-24 years age group. The use of paracetamol decreased, whereas other means of self-harm increased. Regional differences and the relationship between rates of DSH in the community and hospital should be explored further.

In both families there is evidence of autosomal dominant inheritance of PTC. The association of PTC with MNG suggests a possible role for MNG in tumor pathogenesis in hereditary PTC. The majority of the patients were diagnosed with PTC before commencement of prospective screening, indicating clinically relevant disease in the families described.

Mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs