CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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Biography Historical Article
Making sense of shadows: Dr. James Third and the introduction of x-rays, 1896 to 1902.
The discovery of x-rays was announced by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in December 1895. This review of the introduction of the use of x-rays in Kingston, Ont., shows the rapidity of their adoption in Canadian medicine. By February 1896 "x-ray photographs" were being taken by Captain John Cochrane of the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston. ⋯ He published, in 1902, the first comprehensive review of the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of x-rays by a Canadian physician. Third's writings reveal his technical knowledge, his organized approach to the application of radiography to clinical medicine and his cautious attitude. Like other physicians who have witnessed the introduction of new diagnostic techniques, Third feared that the new technology would usurp the physician's clinical skills.
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To estimate the costs (in 1993 dollars) associated with gunshot wounds in Canada in 1991. ⋯ Costs associated with gunshot wounds were $235 per capita in Canada in 1991, as compared with $595 in the United States in 1992. The differences in these costs may be due to differences in gun availability in the two countries. This suggests that increased gun control may reduce Canada's costs, especially those related to suicide.
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A Toronto psychologist has conducted a 50-year follow-up study of the psychologic problems faced by Canadian troops who landed on the beaches of Dieppe, France, in 1942. Lynne Beal says many of the men have suffered in silence, never realizing that they were experiencing the widespread condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder. The veterans hope her work will help them win greater official recognition of their condition.
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Biography Historical Article
Creation of first malaria vaccine raises troubling questions about "intellectual racism". Interview by Kirsteen MacLeod.
Some of the problems caused by malaria, which places a huge roadblock in front of economic progress in the Third World, may be solved by a new vaccine created by Dr. Manuel Patarroyo, a Columbian physician and researcher. "Imagine how things would be if Canadians had malaria," he says. "Episodes last 10 days, then there are 10 days of recovering. ⋯ Then imagine killing the population of Toronto each year, and you can see the huge toll in terms of the number of yearly deaths globally from malaria." His discovery also raises the issue of "intellectual racism" because of criticism of Patarroyo's methods by Western scientists. Patarroyo, meanwhile, turned down a $60-million offer for his vaccine, and instead donated the patent to the World Health Organization.
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Even though an estimated 3.5 million Canadians are affected by hypertension, speakers at a World Conference on Hypertension Control questioned whether it is generally cost effective to treat younger men and women who have mild hypertension. Nonpharmacologic treatment via weight loss and lifestyle modification should be the first-line treatment, speakers stated. They looked at the basic principles for evaluating the economics of hypertension management and made recommendations on the cost effectiveness of treating various patient groups according to age and severity of their hypertension, and on the selection of diagnostic-evaluation procedures and antihypertensive medications.