Cadaver robber sentenced: The New York state Supreme Court judge John Walsh has sentenced the former dentist Michael Mastromarino, aged 44, to a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 54 years in prison. Mr Mastromarino pleaded guilty to stealing body parts from funeral homes in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania (BMJ 2006:332;507; doi: 10.1136/bmj.332.7540.507).
Cirrhosis incidence up 45% in past decade: At least 7000 new cases of cirrhosis are being diagnosed annually in the United Kingdom, and an estimated 30 000 people have the condition. Between 1992 and 2001 incidence rose 45% and prevalence rose 68%. “Cirrhosis represents a growing burden of morbidity and mortality in the UK,” say the authors (Journal of Hepatology 2008 Jun 25; doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.05.023).
Doctor drops appeal against extradition: Jayant Patel, a US doctor, has dropped his appeal against being extradited to Australia to face 14 charges, including three of manslaughter, from when he was a surgeon in Queensland. A US judge has rejected Dr Patel’s application for bail (BMJ 2008;336:634; doi: 10.1136/bmj.39520.479329.DB).
Dutch government clarifies screening rules: The Dutch government has agreed that each request for screening embryos through preimplantation genetic diagnosis must satisfy criteria that include whether an individual patient has a high risk of a serious genetic disorder. This follows a row over the technique’s extension to cases of patients who have a risk of hereditary breast cancer. A new national committee will establish guidelines and any further extension of the treatment (BMJ 2008;336:1270; doi: 10.1136/bmj.39598.672500.DB).
WHO introduces faster tuberculosis tests: The World Health Organization is to introduce a rapid test that will enable the diagnosis of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in two days in poor countries—much quicker than the two to three months needed at present. The DNA based test will cost €3.30 (£2.61; $5.20). It will be introduced in Lesotho in the next three months, then in Ethiopia, the Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cite this as: BMJ 2008;337:a625