Democrats Praise President's Speech

The Hill reports: "Despite months on intraparty bickering -- for one night at least -- Obama allowed nearly all congressional Democrats to believe he was speaking directly to them.

With All Eyes On Swine Flu, Thousands Of Parents Ask President Obama 'How Much Longer' Until Autism Gets Similar Attention

Just since midnight, over 50,000 letters have gone to President Barack Obama and others as part of a new campaign to bring attention to the rising numbers of autism cases.

RCN Discusses Recession In Its First Podcast

The Royal College of Nursing has urged the Government to "look to the lessons of history" when considering health spending cuts, in its first podcast which went live today.

Nano-Related Research Has Strong Multidisciplinary Roots

The burgeoning research fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology are commonly thought to be highly multidisciplinary because they draw on many areas of science and technology to make important advances.

Basil Plants Have Anti-Arthritic Properties

Two varieties of Basil that are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine have been scientifically shown to reduce inflammation and swelling, suggesting that they could have potential in arthritis treatment.

Nano Research Has Strong Multidisciplinary Roots

The burgeoning research fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology are commonly thought to be highly multidisciplinary because they draw on many areas of science and technology to make important advances.

Treating OSA in Diabetes Could Have Big Payoff

SEATTLE â€" Treating obstructive sleep apnea in patients with type 2 diabetes could improve glycemic control as much as using common antidiabetic drugs, according to the results of an observational study.

Bipolar Disorder Ups Risk for Lipid Disorders

HOLLYWOOD, FLA. â€" Bipolar disorder is an independent risk factor for lipid disorders among patients without other known risk factors, according to a large, retrospective, managed care claims database study.

Severity, Duration of Rheumatoid Arthritis Predict CVD

COPENHAGEN â€" Rheumatoid arthritis patients with higher disease severity and longer disease duration had the highest risk for developing cardiovascular disease during 15 years of follow-up in a study with 107 patients.

Treatments For Overactive Bladder Syndrome In Women Produce Modest Results

Drug therapy and behavior interventions produce modest results in reducing overactive bladder symptoms in women, according to a new evidence report by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Believing Is Seeing

Folk wisdom usually has it that "seeing is believing," but new research suggests that "believing is seeing," too - at least when it comes to perceiving other people's emotions.

AMCP Submits Comments To CMS On E-Prescribing Incentives, Requirements For Recognized Compendia

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy has submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on a proposed rule addressing changes to Medicare Part B payment policy.

$10M Grant To Tackle Alzheimer's Disease Mystery

A researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine has been awarded more than $9.8 million to head a five-year National Institute on Aging Program Project Grant.

NIH Study Reveals New Genetic Culprit In Deadly Skin Cancer

Drawing on the power of DNA sequencing, National Institutes of Health researchers have identified a new group of genetic mutations involved in the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma.

Preventative Health Taskforce Report: AMA Supports National Strategic Approach To Prevention, Australia

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that the AMA supports a national strategic approach to prevention as set out in the report of the National Preventative Health Taskforce.

Sequencing Work Points To New Target For Melanoma Treatment

Drawing on the power of DNA sequencing, National Institutes of Health researchers have identified a new group of genetic mutations involved in the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma.

'Hedgehog' Pathway May Hold Key To Anti-Cancer Therapy

Scientists in Switzerland have discovered a way to block the growth of human colon cancer cells, preventing the disease from reaching advanced stages and the development of liver metastases.

High Bariatric Surgeon Volume Predicts Low Adverse Event Rate

GRAPEVINE, TEX. â€" Even for experienced bariatric surgeons operating at recognized centers of excellence, the adverse event rate for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass declines by 10% for every additional 10 cases performed annually.

Chan Calls For Additional H1N1 Vaccines For Poor Countries During WHO Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting

During the WHO Asia-Pacific regional meeting Monday, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan discussed the organization's efforts to ensure that poor nations have access to H1N1 vaccines, VOA News reports (Bayron, 9/21).

MagForce Nanotechnologies Completes Patient Recruitment For Pivotal Glioblastoma Study

MagForce Nanotechnologies AG (FWB:MF6) has successfully completed patient recruitment for its study on recurrent glioblastoma, which is of critical importance for demonstrating the efficacy of its proprietary Nano-Cancer® therapy.

CMS Proposes New Prospective Payment System For Renal Dialysis Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today proposed a new prospective payment system (PPS) for facilities that provide dialysis services to Medicare beneficiaries who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

New TAU Drug Cuts Off Blood Supplies To Starve Cancer Tumors

Like vampires, cancer tumors require an ample supply of blood to stay alive. Without fresh blood for sustenance, cancer cells shrivel up like raisins and die. To that end, Dr.

Early Diagnosis And Treatment Of Hip Conditions Is Focus Of New Center

Recent improved understanding of hip abnormalities, combined with advances in diagnostic imaging techniques and minimally invasive surgical treatments are giving many patients new hope for relieving chronic, misdiagnosed hip pain.

Amgen To Present Pivotal Data From Four Phase 3 Studies At The ECCO 15 ESMO 34 Congress

Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) announced it will present detailed data from four Phase 3 studies as well as other data at the ECCO 15 - ESMO 34 European Multidisciplinary Congress, September 20 24, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.

How HIV Cripples Immune Cells

In order to be able to ward off disease pathogens, immune cells must be mobile and be able to establish contact with each other. The working group around Professor Dr.

CEL-SCI To Commence First Clinical Study With Hospitalized H1N1 Infected Patients

CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE Amex: CVM), a developer of vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and a late-stage oncology company, announced today that the U.S.

Psychologists Set To Discuss The Psychosocial Impact Of The Internet

The internet now plays a major role in many people's lives. Over the last 20 years psychologists have built up a substantial body of knowledge about people's social interactions in cyberspace.

Cytori Reports Preclinical Results That Suggest Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells May Reverse Periodontal Disease

Cytori Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CYTX) reported results from their preclinical study on the use of uncultured adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) in the treatment of critical periodontal defects in a rat model.

Eighth Annual BIO Investor Forum To Feature Distinguished Clinical Investigators And Industry Executives

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced the distinguished clinical investigators and industry experts participating on Therapeutic Workshops at the Eighth Annual BIO Investor Forum in San Francisco on October 28-29, 2009.

New Baylor University Professor Wins Award For Child Obesity Research

A study by new Baylor business professor Dr. Brennan Davis was selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as "the most influential child obesity research for the past year." Dr.

Component Of Green Tea May Help Preserve Stored Platelets, Tissues

In two separate studies, a major component in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), has been found to help prolong the preservation of both stored blood platelets and cryopreserved skin tissues.

Facing Brain Cancer, Professor Works To Find Cure

Faced with a life-threatening illness, an organic chemist at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is determined not only to beat the odds but to help others do the same. Daniel J.

For Young Adults, Health Care Not Political Priority

"Young voters helped put Barack Obama in the White House, but they're not proving to be much help when it comes to the biggest push of his presidency," Politico reports.

U.K. Regulators Delay Review Of New Rules For Abortion, Condom TV Ads

Broadcast and advertising regulators in the United Kingdom have delayed a decision until next year on whether to relax television advertising restrictions for abortion and condoms, the Daily Mail reports.

Effects Of Chemotherapy Drugs Unravelled By Yeast

Until now, the mode of action of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (N-BP) cancer drugs, used to relieve bone pain and to prevent skeletal complications in bone metastasis, has been almost entirely unknown.

NPA To Continue Market Development Program In China Through 2010

The Natural Products Association (NPA) has announced that it will continue its participation in the U.S. Department of Commerce's (USDOC) China Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) through fiscal year 2010.

Are Prostate Needle Biopsies Predictive Of The Laterality Of Significant Cancer And Positive Surgical Margins?

UroToday.com - In the online edition of the British Journal of Urology International, Dr. Rodrigo Frota presents the single surgeon laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) experience of Dr. Inderbir Gill.

An Examination Of Medicare Cost And Quality Issues

Chronic conditions and readmission to the ER trigger significant costs to the hospital system and Medicare while efforts are underway to save Medicare money by preventing hospital infections and falls.

Ground-Breaking Robotic Surgery Guide Scoops First Prize At BMA Medical Book Awards

The first complete sourcebook covering developing techniques in robotic surgery won first prize at the 2009 BMA Medical Book Awards hosted last night (Tuesday, 8th September 2009) at BMA House in London.

Impact Of The Economic Crisis On Children Investigated In Special Issue Of Global Social Policy

As the economy continues to unravel, a series of papers just published assess the effects of the crisis on children's health, education, and rights in East Asia and the Pacific.

Link Between Undergrad Academic Performance And Neural Signals

Students will have to use their brains to get good grades at school this year, according to new University of Toronto research that relates brain activity to undergraduate academic performance.

Obama Hopes To Reconquer High-Stakes Health Debate

President Obama is hoping to give a boost to congressional Democrats who are reconvening after a recess beleaguered by harsh criticism, plummeting public opinion, and divisions within the majority party.

South East Asian Ministers Gather At WHO Regional Meeting

South East Asian health ministers met on Monday in Kathmandu, Nepal, for their 27th meeting during the 62nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for South East Asia, Republica reports.

Schools Failing When It Comes To Bullying, Violence Prevention

Key to a child's successful education is an environment in which he or she can learn safely. According to a report released today by the University of Michigan C.S.

Technology Is Key For The Future Of Drug Delivery, Says Panel Of Industry Experts

There is growing market potential for the integration of electronic functionality into devices which will improve patient outcomes, says a panel of industry experts in an influential report launched today.

Medieval Apple Pips Modern Rivals For Healthy Eating

A 12th century organically grown apple called Pendragon has higher levels of health- giving plant compounds than modern non organically grown rivals, such as Golden Delicious, Royal Gala and Cox.

New Professional Leadership Body Launches Commitment To Membership, UK

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPSGB) will announce its vision for the pharmacy's new professional leadership body (PLB) by launching a series of commitments, against which members can measure its performance.

Day Care Doubles Early Respiratory Problems, Does Not Prevent Later Asthma And Allergy

New research hints that the common belief that kids who go to daycare have lower rates of asthma and allergy later in life might be nothing more than wishful thinking.

Daycare Doubles Early Respiratory Problems, Does Not Prevent Later Asthma And Allergy

New research hints that the common belief that kids who go to daycare have lower rates of asthma and allergy later in life might be nothing more than wishful thinking.

Pulmonary Embolism Rises With BMI in Women: âThere is a strong, independent, positive, linear association between BMI and incident PE.â

BOSTON â€" The more women weigh, the greater their risk for incident pulmonary embolism, according to an analysis of prospective data from more than 85,000 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study.

Registry Shows 63% Response Rate to TNF Inhibitor in AS

COPENHAGEN â€" Treatment with a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor produced a 63% clinical response rate in 842 ankylosing spondylitis patients who were treated for a median of more than a year in Denmark.

Oseltamivir-Resistant Novel H1N1 Reported

Oseltamivir-resistant novel influenza A(H1N1) virus infection has been identified in the United States for the first time, in two severely immunosuppressed patients treated for leukemia in Seattle hospitals.

No Convincing Evidence Reflexology Works, Australia

An extensive review has failed to find good evidence which convincingly demonstrates reflexology (a practice involving applying pressure to, or, massaging feet) is an effective treatment for any medical conditions.

Opinion: Local Drug Production In Developing Countries; Obama's PEPFAR Changes

Local Drug Production Doesn't Increase Access, Undermines Quality The international community focuses on lowering drug prices as a means of improving access and "today its idea is local pharmaceutical production ...

Results From The European CRT Survey

The European cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) Survey is a joint initiative taken by the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the European Society of Cardiology.

Geneuity Releases Biomarker Assays For Early Detection Of Kidney Damage

Geneuity Clinical Research Services announces the recent validation and use in clinical trials of two human biomarker assays that play a key role in the early detection of kidney damage.

TransEnterix Announces Positive First-in-Man Results With New Laparoscopic Surgical Platform

Officials with TransEnterix announce that surgeons from the United States and Paraguay have successfully performed first-in-man studies of its revolutionary single-incision, single-port, four-channel laparoscopic surgical platform called the SPIDERâ„¢ System.

The Effect Of Economic Recessions On Population Health

Paradoxically, mortality rates during economic recessions in developed countries decline rather than increase, according to an analysis http://www.cmaj.ca/press/cmaj090553.pdf in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

For Heart Patients Undergoing Angioplasty, Double Doses Of Clopidogrel Better Than Standard Doses

A landmark international study led by McMaster University researchers found high doses of the blood thinner clopidogrel (Plavix) significantly reduce complications in heart patients undergoing angioplasty to clear blocked arteries.

"Africa Is Mismanaging Water Resources," Scientists Say At Conference; BBC Examines Effect Of Kenya's Drought On Kids

"Africa is mismanaging its water resources," according to scientists who are in Kenya at the Sustainable Water Conference, which is organized by the Pan Africa Chemistry Network, VOA News reports.

Stop Lab Testing Once Pandemic Flu Is Found

Countries with existing cases of pandemic virus influenza A(H1N1) should stop widespread laboratory testing and move to wider indicators of disease, a top World Health Organization official said.

Smoking Cessation Drugs Get Boxed Warning

Accumulating reports of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with the smoking cessation medications varenicline and bupropion have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to require new boxed warnings for the drugs.

Hair Loss Treatment for Women

For many women, hair loss can be very difficult to deal with.  More »

Improvement Is About High Clinical Standards Married To Basic Care

Responding to a report from the Patients' Association detailing poor care, deputy policy director Jo Webber said good care combines high clinical standards with basics such as hygiene and nutrition.

'How-To' Guide For Controlling The Structure Of Nanoparticles Produced By Engineers

Tiny objects known as nanoparticles are often heralded as holding great potential for future applications in electronics, medicine and other areas. The properties of nanoparticles depend on their size and structure.

New Genetic Research Indicates Jewish Priesthood Has Multiple Lineages

Recent research on the Cohen Y chromosome indicates the Jewish priesthood, the Cohanim, was established by several unrelated male lines rather than a single male lineage dating to ancient Hebrew times.

Ardian(R) Demonstrates Durable Blood Pressure Reduction In Hypertension Patients Treated With Symplicity(R) Catheter System(TM)

Data supporting the long-term safety and effectiveness of renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) in treating patients with chronic hypertension were presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference in San Francisco, California.

Quintiles Increases Capacity To Support European Clinical Trials

To enhance service offerings throughout Europe, Quintiles Transnational Corp. announced the opening of an expanded regional facility near Edinburgh, Scotland. The purpose-built facility consolidates three buildings into a single state-of-the-art complex.

Celldex Therapeutics Announces Dosing Of First Patient In Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial Of Its CDX-1401 Cancer Vaccine Candidate

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLDX) announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1/2 study of its vaccine candidate, CDX-1401, in patients with malignant solid tumors that express NY-ESO-1.

SonoSite Highlights New Patient Safety Technology And Other Advances For Vascular Access Applications

SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried and point-of-care ultrasound, announced today new patient safety technology, mobile power solutions and image quality advances for vascular access applications.

Further Evidence That Inflammatory Markers Are Associated With Poor Outcome After Stroke, But They Are Not A Useful Predictor

A new study provides additional support that inflammatory markers are associated with a poor outcome following stroke, according to a research article by William Whiteley (Western General Hospital, Edinburgh) and colleagues.

Appearance Of Health And Vitality Can Shroud Autoimmune Diseases In Men

The recent report out of the Annals of Internal Medicine profiling President John F. Kennedy's autoimmune disease surprised many Americans due to his appearance throughout his presidency of health and vitality.

Evidence On Pesticides Does Not Support Ban To Protect Bees

The NFU has today called for an independent and comprehensive assessment of the impact of neonicotinoids after Buglife issued a report implicating these insecticides in the decline of our honey bees.

Government Of Canada Takes Further Measures To Help Reduce H1N1 Transmission In Communities

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced further measures that the Government of Canada is taking to provide Canadians with the information they need to protect themselves against the H1N1 flu virus.

Abbott To Acquire Evalve, Inc., A Leader In Minimally Invasive Cardiac Valve Repair Technology

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced a definitive agreement to acquire the outstanding equity of Evalve, Inc., the global leader in the development of devices for minimally invasive repair of cardiac mitral valves.

Common Mental Disorders May Be More Common Than We Think

The prevalence of anxiety, depression and substance dependency may be twice as high as the mental health community has been led to believe. It depends on how one goes about measuring.

American Brain Tumor Association Calls For Discovery Research

The American Brain Tumor Association has launched a new Special Projects Discovery Grant program to support fresh and creative research ideas for solving the challenges of brain tumor diagnosis and treatment.

U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services Joins Ad Council And Warner Bros. Pictures To Combat Childhood Overweight And Obesity

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Ad Council today launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to address childhood overweight and obesity.

Personalities: Democrats Continue To Wrangle While GOP Seeks To Make Use Of Summer Momentum Gains

Top health care negotiators for a group of fiscally conservative Democrats are seeking to bolster their positions with key Democrats and Republicans ahead of the stretch run at health care reform.

Protein Partnership Leads To Pediatric Tumor Regression

Why are some pediatric cancers able to spontaneously regress? Prof. Michael Fainzilber and his team in the Weizmann Institute's Biological Chemistry Department seem to have unexpectedly found part of the answer.

Public Policy Should Promote Family Mealtimes, U Of I Scientist Says

In a new report, University of Illinois professor Barbara H. Fiese urges local, state, and federal governments, businesses, and community leaders to promote family mealtimes as a matter of public policy.

Experts Report Rise In Enquiries Related To Child Poisonings, UK

The Health Protection Agency commissioned National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) has reported an 11% rise in the number of telephone enquiries from health professionals relating to incidents involving children aged under 10 years.

Government Needs To Loosen Its Grip And Allow Primary Care To Take The Lead

The NHS needs to shift the focus from hospitals and secondary care waiting times on to primary care, if it is to survive the hard economic climate, says the NHS Alliance.

Cancer Safety Fears Of Most Common Heartburn Treatment Rejected By Major Clinical Study

Fears about the cancer causing effects of the second most prescribed group of drugs in the Western world have been put to rest, following the largest ever study into their use.

Capps Amendment 'Reasonable Compromise,' L.A. Times Editorial Says

"Since the Supreme Court's ruling in Roe v. Wade, every federal health insurance program has become enmeshed in the debate over federal funding for abortion," a Los Angeles Times editorial says.

Health Plan Problems? Most People Stay Quiet And Stay Put

Having problems with your health plan? If you speak up about it - or move on to another plan - you are a very unusual consumer, according to a new study.

"So Milk Doesn't Come From Bottles?" New Study Calls For More Farm Visits For Children

Farm visits are dispelling children's deep ignorance about where the food they eat comes from and helping teachers deliver a wide spectrum of the national curriculum, a new study has shown.

Insomnia Is Bad For The Heart

Can't sleep at night? A new study published in the journal Sleep has found that people who suffer from insomnia have heightened night-time blood pressure, which can lead to cardiac problems.

Abnormal Glucose Tolerance Tests May Be Seen After Gastric Bypass

GRAPEVINE, TEX. â€" Gastric bypass surgery's status as the gold-standard weight-loss procedure has come under question by new evidence that many recipients develop late, often-unrecognized glucose abnormalities contributing to significant weight regain.

Blood Pressure Increased By Insomnia

Can't sleep at night? A new study published in the journal Sleep has found that people who suffer from insomnia have heightened nighttime blood pressure, which can lead to cardiac problems.

HSE Warns Carers As BUPA Lands Fine For Training Failures, UK

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning carers and care home operators to ensure they follow the correct training and procedures for moving and handling elderly, frail or disabled patients.

New Computer Models Aim To Classify, Help Reduce Injury Accidents

Researchers are developing computer models to comb through thousands of injury reports in large administrative medical datasets or insurance claims data to automatically classify them based on specific words or phrases.

Eating Properly Is A Key Part Of Recovery

Responding to research from the University of Bournemouth comparing hospital food with prison food, deputy policy director Jo Webber warned against making superficial comparisons between two completely different types of organisation.

Changes In Age Distribution Of Dengue In Thailand Explained: New Study

Decreases in birth and death rates explain the shift in age distribution of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Thailand, according to a new paper in this week's open access journal PLoS Medicine.

Worse Patient-Doctor Communication With Blacks Who Have High Blood Pressure

Black patients with high blood pressure experience poorer communication with their doctors than white patients do, a study led by a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher has found.

First European Guidelines For Reducing The Cardiac Risks In Noncardiac Surgery

Cardiac events are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, and new guidelines issued by the European Society of Cardiology address this common and complicated challenge.

Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy In Atrial Fibrillation: Dabigatran Vs. Warfarin

The anticoagulant dabigatran is more effective than warfarin in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, according to results from the RE-LY study (Randomized Evaluation of Long-term anticoagulant therapY).

Abbott Launches Next-Generation XIENCE PRIME⢠Drug Eluting Stent In International Markets

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced at the European Society of Cardiology Congress the widespread availability of its next-generation XIENCE PRIMEâ„¢ Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System for the treatment of coronary artery disease.

Twelve Science And Technology Tours Being Held In Conjunction With Pittsburgh's G20 Summit

The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will be hosting 12 science and technology tours Sept. 21 in conjunction with the G20 Pittsburgh Summit Sept. 24-25.

Universal Coverage Could Trim Medicare Costs

MIAMI BEACH â€" Universal health care coverage for all adults aged 51 years and older would curb future increases in Medicare spending for beneficiaries after they reach age 65 years, a study has found.

Demand, Salaries Up for Primary Care Physicians

Although demand for many medical specialists remains strong, group practices and hospitals are focused on recruiting general internists, hospitalists, family physicians, pediatricians, and psychiatrists, according to a review of physician recruitment.

Shopping Around for Diabetes Meds Pays Off

NEW ORLEANS â€" Prescription plans offered by large discount stores could save diabetes patients at least $85 per month in out-of-pocket expenses compared with local chain or independent pharmacies, a cost analysis found.

New Markers for RA Could Aid Early Diagnosis

SAN FRANCISCO â€" The identification of 14 new target antigens and autoantibody markers for rheumatoid arthritis could help improve early diagnosis, especially in patients who are negative for conventional markers of the disease.

Two Problems, Many Solutions, Confederation Report Turns Spotlight On Dual Diagnosis - The NHS Confederation

NHS organisations need a mixture of improved training, greater awareness and partnership working to tackle the issues raised by patients with both a mental health condition and substance or alcohol misuse problems.

Tweeting Disability Charities Speed-Debate At Party Conferences

Disability charities Leonard Cheshire Disability, Mencap and the MS Society are moving away from the traditional political party conference fringe event this year by organising a 'speed-debating' event on adult social care.

NIDA's 2009 Avant-Garde Awards For Innovative HIV/AIDS Research Announced

Four scientists have been selected as this year's winners of the Avant-Garde Award for HIV/AIDS research, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health, announced today.

Top Cricketers Appear In The THINK WISE Campaign To Raise HIV Awareness

Some of the world's best-known cricketers will appear in the latest THINK WISE public service announcements, which have been released ahead of the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 in South Africa.

Medical Interpreters Break Language Barriers In Health Care

Language barriers in health care settings can decrease access to quality care and diminish comprehension for limited English proficient patients (LEP). These barriers compromise quality of care, and increase costs and inefficiencies.

Australian Medical Association Wins Key Changes To Medicare Audit Arrangements, Australia

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said that persistent AMA lobbying and working with Government had resulted in important changes to the Health Insurance Amendment (Compliance) Bill 2009, which was introduced in Parliament today.

ANA Reaffirms Commitment To Real Health Reform, Criticizes 'America's Healthy Future Act'

American Nurses Association (ANA) reaffirms its long standing advocacy for guaranteed, affordable, high-quality health care for all and is disappointed by today's release by the Senate Finance Committee of the Chairman's Mark.

Financial Times Articles Examine Global Health Issues

The Financial Times' health section published several global health reports that "focus on the diseases and healthcare issues that affect millions but are often absent from the health debate in rich countries.

Primary Care Shortage Could Worsen Under Reform

The shortage of primary care physicians could prove a major challenge to health reform. To make matters worse, some doctors are considering early retirement because of the high cost of practicing medicine.

Community Mitigation Lessons From Mexico's A(H1N1) Response

When the hitherto undetected A(H1N1) influenza attacked Mexico explosively in late April 2009, the world watched with critical attention as that country's leaders scrambled to manage the emerging public health crisis.

Spacelabs Healthcare Launches Sentinel Cardiology Information Management System With Patient Monitoring Integration In The United States

Spacelabs Healthcare is pleased to announce the U.S. launch of Sentinel, a sophisticated Cardiology Information Management Systems (CIMS), that will facilitate analysis and reporting while also improving efficiency and eliminating errors.

Restricting Salt Intake Should Be A Major Public Health Priority

Reducing sodium intake is a major public health priority that must be acted upon by governments and nongovernmental organizations to improve population health, states an article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Symbicort(R) Turbuhaler(R) SMART Improves Asthma Symptom Control And Reduces Risk Of Severe Exacerbations, Regardless Of Maintenance Dose

European Respiratory Society Congress 2009, Vienna, Austria, 15 September 2009: Symbicort® (budesonide/formoterol) Turbuhaler® Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (Symbicort SMART®) provides effective symptom control and reduces the risk of severe exacerbations in symptomatic asthma patients

Health Experts Unite In Support Of Soda Tax

Presenting a united front in the war on obesity, diabetes and other nutrition-related disorders, seven of America's leading public health and economics experts are urging passage of taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB).

Key Brain Receptors Linked To Learning And Memory Decrease With Age

Scientists studying cognitive decline that accompanies aging have been interested in nicotinic receptors, part of a key neural pathway that not only enhances learning and memory skills but reinforces addictions as well.

New Uninsured Number: Up To 46.3 Million In 2008

The Associated Press: "The Census Bureau reports that the number of people lacking health insurance rose to 46.3 million in 2008. That's up from 45.7 million in 2007, due to a continuing erosion of employer-provided insurance.

Emergency Room Follow-up Trends In Urolithiasis: Single-center Report

UroToday.com - Two Mid-Western studies on the emergency department (ED) management of patients with renal colic suggest that our ED colleagues would benefit from an educational update on this clinical problem.

Holography Developed To Aid Student Speech Therapists

A unique holographic teaching resource which captures mouth shapes in 3D has been developed by experts at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester and could become a vital tool for speech therapists.

American Medical Association Sends Letter To President Obama And Congress Outlining Critical Elements Of Health Reform

As part of continued health-reform efforts, AMA President J. James Rohack, M.D. sent a letter to President Obama and members of Congress urging action on reforms that will benefit all Americans.

African Health Ministers Adopt Resolutions To Improve Health As WHO Regional Meeting Closes

At the conclusion of the 59th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, African health ministers agreed on four resolutions that aim to improve health on the continent, the Guardian reports.

Cochlear Americas Announces FDA Approval Of The Nucleus(R) 5 System, The Newest And Most Advanced Cochlear Implant System

Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Nucleus((R) )5 System for adults and children with severe-to-profound hearing loss.

40 Percent Increase In Blindness In Nigeria By 2020 Predicted By Study

By 2020, 1.4 million Nigerians over age 40 will lose their sight, and the vast majority of the causes are either preventable or treatable, according to the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Study Group.

How Do Doctors Really Feel About Surrogate Decision Making?

A growing number of hospitalized adults are incapable of making their own health decisions, but little research has explored how doctors feel about making medical decisions with a patient's surrogate decision maker.

Athletes Should Be Screened For Heart Abnormalities To Prevent Sudden Death

Young athletes should be routinely tested for heart abnormalities to prevent sudden cardiac death that is triggered by vigorous exercise, using a simple protocol, which includes a heart trace (electrocardiogram or ECG).

Ankylosing Spondylitis Score Shows Promise

COPENHAGEN â€" A new way to assess disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients showed good correlation with the Bath score and good responsiveness as patients improved with treatment in an analysis of 60 patients.

Has the regulation of physician-industry relationships gone too far?

DR. GONZALEZ-CAMPOY is an endocrinologist in Eagan, Minn., a charter member of the Association of Clinical Researchers and Educators, and a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists board of directors.

Breast Cancer: Discovery Leads To Rapid Mouse 'Personalized Trials'

One person's breast cancer is not the same as another person's, because the gene mutations differ in each tumor. That makes it difficult to match the best therapy with the individual patient.

Was The Public Health Response To Swine Flu Alarmist?

The public health measures taken in response to swine flu may be seen as alarmist, overly restrictive, or even unjustified, says a US expert in a paper published on bmj.com today.

Despite Health Reform Efforts, Milwaukee Clinic For Low-Income Patients May Close

A clinic in a low-income Milwaukee neighborhood has filled a need for 23 years, but people running it worry that it may not be helped by any changes to the health care system.

Cincinnati HIV Agency Receives Delayed Federal Funds

Cincinnati HIV services provider STOP AIDS, last week "received $170,000 in federal money from the state that was delayed for six weeks because of problems with the Ohio budget," the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Compliance With NICE Recommendations For The Management Of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Now Made Easier

NICE guidelines now recommend testing for anti-CCP, a highly specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in the management of patients with suspected RA where tests for rheumatoid factor (RF) are negative (ref 1).

Are Teaching Hospitals Always Better?

Teaching hospitals are well-known for having cutting edge technology and specialty services for highly complex illnesses. They are household names you consider when a loved one is facing a difficult health issue.

Union Leaders Hope To Restore Relevance In Push For Health Reform

The Associated Press: "The man expected to become the AFL-CIO's next president said Monday that lawmakers would pay a political price if they abandon a government-run option in any health care overhaul.

Study: Retail Clinics Offer Quality Care

Retail walk-in medical clinics offer quality care, according to a new study. U.S. News & World Report reports: "Writing in the Sept. 1 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, study author Dr.

One Medicaid Program Struggles With 'Financial Tsunami', California Confronts Medical Wait Times, And More

State Medicaid programs are facing trouble and looking for solutions. Meanwhile, California regulators face down medical wait times and local political candidates face the health care issue during their short campaign season.

Heart Failure And Renal Impairment PROTECT Study

Despite the promising findings of the PROTECT Pilot study, the larger PROTECT trial found no difference with rolofylline versus placebo with respect of the primary and main secondary end-points of the study.

University Of Florida Scientists Construct 'off Switch' For Parkinson Therapy

A common antibiotic can function as an "off switch" for a gene therapy being developed for Parkinson's disease, according to University of Florida researchers writing online in advance of September's Molecular Therapy.

Ovarian Cancer Risk: Scientists From University Of Hawaii At Manoa Find Genetic Marker

A new genetic marker associated with ovarian cancer risk was recently discovered by an international research group, led by scientists from the Cancer Research Genetic Epidemiology Unit in the United Kingdom. Drs.

PsychoGenics And AstraZeneca Enter Agreement To Identify New Treatments For Central Nervous System Disorders

PsychoGenics Inc. and AstraZeneca have entered into a drug discovery and development agreement to identify compounds that are likely to be useful for the treatment of certain Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders.

Results From A Global Registry Of Acute Coronary Events Study

Launched in 1999, the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) is the world's largest international database tracking outcomes of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS),including myocardial infarction or unstable angina.

HSE Publishes Its Response To Ministers On The Explosion At ICL Plastics And Launches Consultation On LPG Regime, UK

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its preliminary formal response to the official Inquiry, led by Lord Gill, into the fatal explosion at the ICL factory in Maryhill, Glasgow, in 2004.

Nation's Pioneering Eating Disorder Treatment Facility Expands Services Internationally

The Renfrew Center, the country's leading authority on eating disorder treatment and research, recently announced the expansion of its services into Central America through a partnership with the Guatemala-based AKASA treatment center.

First-Line Methotrexate Upheld by Euro Panel

COPENHAGEN â€" Methotrexate is the “anchor drug” for treating rheumatoid arthritis, and treatment should start at the time of diagnosis, according to the first European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for managing the disease.

Surgery Unfounded for Tarsal Navicular Stress Fracture

KEYSTONE, COLO. â€" For patients with tarsal navicular stress fractures, healing rates and return-to-activity times are similar, regardless of whether they are managed with non-weight-bearing cast immobilization or surgery, according to a meta-analysis.

Are TB screening and prophylaxis necessary in rheumatoid arthritis patients?

DR. OFFER, of the University of British Columbia, Penticton, is chair of the BC PharmaCare Arthritis Biologics Committee. He disclosed that he is a consultant and speaker for Abbott, Amgen, and Schering-Plough.

Scientists Construct 'Off Switch' For Parkinson Therapy

A common antibiotic can function as an "off switch" for a gene therapy being developed for Parkinson's disease, according to University of Florida researchers writing online in advance of September's Molecular Therapy.

HIV Subtype Linked To Increased Likelihood For Dementia

Patients infected with a particular subtype of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are more likely to develop dementia than patients with other subtypes, a study led by Johns Hopkins researchers shows.

New Zealand Officals Share Lessons With Their HSE Counterparts

A Senior Manager from the Department of Labour (DoL) in New Zealand has been in Great Britain this week to learn lessons from, and share knowledge with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Dems Court Snowe For Key 60th Vote

Democrats are courting Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Me., the Republican most likely to provide the key 60th vote that Democrats need to pass a health care overhaul package without the use of budget reconciliation.

BSD Medical Corporation Reports FDA Review Of BSD-2000 Hyperthermia System Continues

BSD Medical Corporation (NASDAQ: BSDM) reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues its review of the Company's Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) marketing submission for the Company's BSD-2000 Hyperthermia System.

Poll Finds Obama's Approval Rating Remains High, But Concerns Exist About Health Care Reform's Effect On The Economy

A new poll finds President Barack Obama's job-approval rating and favorability remain high - 56 and 61 percent, respectively - despite deep divides over his health care proposal and handling of the economy, Bloomberg reports.

Scientists Uncover New Potential For Targeted Cancer Treatment

Breakthrough Breast Cancer scientists have discovered that a new cancer treatment could be used for more types of cancer than previously thought, potentially helping thousands of cancer patients in the UK each year.

Eyewitness Accounts Dramatically Altered By Fake Video

Researchers at the University of Warwick have found that fake video evidence can dramatically alter people's perceptions of events, even convincing them to testify as an eyewitness to an event that never happened.

Mpex Reports Positive Phase II Results With Aeroquin, Delivered By PARI Pharma's EFlow Technology

Mpex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported positive top line results from a Phase 2b clinical trial with Aeroquin, a novel aerosol formulation of levofloxacin delivered by an optimized Investigational eFlow Nebulizer System from PARI Pharma.

Competition Between Proteins Maintains Cellular Balance

Dieter Wolf, M.D., and colleagues at Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham) have illuminated how competition between proteins enhances combinatorial diversity during ubiquitination (the process that marks proteins for destruction). Using S.

Drought, Food Shortages Lead Guatemala To Declare 'State Of Public Calamity'

"Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom declared 'a state of public calamity' late Tuesday to help mobilize funds and resources to confront a food shortage that will affect thousands of families," the Associated Press reports (9/9).

Study In Asia Finds Monkey Malaria Strain More Widespread In Humans Than Previously Thought

"Researchers in Malaysia have confirmed that a form of malaria thought to primarily affect monkeys can infect and kill humans, according to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases journal," Agence France-Presse reports.

Baucus Aims For Health Agreement In Advance Of Obama Speech Tonight

Democrats are promising to send President Obama a health reform plan this year as Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus continues to try to get key Republicans on board with a new proposal.

Health Biotech Firms With Developing Country Partners Better Postitioned To Innovate, Prosper

Collaboration with health biotech companies in developing countries represents a major opportunity for companies in developed countries to strengthen their market reach and innovation potential, acording to the results of a new study.

New Insights Into Memory Without Conscious Awareness

Scientists may have discovered a way to glean information about stored memories by tracking patterns of eye movements, even when an individual is unable (or perhaps even unwilling) to report what they remember.

St. Jude Experts Available To Discuss H1N1 Influenza

As home to the only World Health Organization (WHO) collaborating center focusing on the transmission of animal influenza viruses to humans, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is closely monitoring the H1N1 pandemic.

OSA May Be Independent Diabetes Risk Factor

SEATTLE â€" The risk of type 2 diabetes increased with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, even after obesity was taken into account, researchers reported at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.

Small Changes Can Add Up for Obese Teens

SAN ANTONIO â€" Recommend only one or two changes at a time in diet and physical activity to help severely obese adolescents improve their health and quality of life, Dr. Mary L. Brandt advised.

H1N1 Vaccination Guidance Available From CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted on its Web site guidance on novel influenza A(H1N1) vaccination of interest to clinicians, as well as to state and local governments.

Yoga Relieves Chronic Lower Back Pain, Study Suggests

US researchers studying people with chronic lower back problems found that those who did Iyengar Yoga were better at overcoming pain and depression than those who followed conventional treatments for lower back pain.

Two-Year SYNTAX Data Show Comparable Safety Outcomes For Complex Patients Treated With TAXUS(R) EXPRESS(R) Stents And Bypass Surgery

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announced two-year data from its SYNTAX clinical trial comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the TAXUS(®) Express(®) Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent System to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Tighter Controls Needed On 'Stem Cell Tourism' Say European And Chinese Experts

Vulnerable patients who travel abroad for unproven and potentially unsafe stem cell treatments need to be better protected says a report published by a team of expert researchers from Europe and China today.

How Cells Fight Pathogens Probed In Large-Scale Study

Scientists have deciphered a key molecular circuit that enables the body to distinguish viruses from bacteria and other microbes, providing a deep view of how immune cells in mammals fend off different pathogens.

Clinical Trials That Address The Problem Of Antimicrobial Resistance Funded By NIAID

Scientists are addressing the threat of antimicrobial drug resistance by launching two new clinical trials aimed at prolonging the effectiveness of currently available antibacterial drugs. The concept underlying both studies: Less is more.

Pharmacy Self Care Supports Adult Learners' Week, Australia

Community pharmacies that are members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Pharmacy Self Care program are this week getting behind Adult Learners' Week through educational material and fact sheets available from the pharmacies.

Gawande On "Rationing": Provokes Fear, But Won't Happen In U.S. Health Care

Atul Gawande, the New Yorker staff writer and cancer surgeon, spoke with NPR's Morning Edition about the how the word "rationing" has been used - and misused - in the health care debate.

From Fat To Chronic Inflammation

Researchers may have found a key ingredient in the recipe that leads from obesity to chronic low-grade inflammation, according to a report in the September issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press publication.

New Study Compares After-Hours And Daytime Surgery Success Rates

Patients who have after-hour orthopaedic surgeries risk a slightly higher rate of necessary follow-up surgeries, according to a study published in the September 2009 issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS).

LIVALO(R) Demonstrates Sustained, Long-Term Efficacy And Tolerability In Patients With Primary Hypercholesterolemia Or Mixed Dyslipidemia

New data presented showed that in patients treated with LIVALO (pitavastatin), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations increased, and nearly three-fourths of patients attained low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets, with results sustained over 52 weeks.

POZEN Announces FDA Acceptance Of NDA For VIMOVOâ¢

POZEN Inc. (NASDAQ:POZN), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for VIMOVOâ„¢ (enteric-coated naproxen / immediate release esomeprazole magnesium, formerly know as PN 400).

Media Examine Kennedy's Catholicism, Stance On Abortion-Rights Issues

Following the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) on Tuesday night, newspapers and magazines published features discussing his Catholicism and how his faith intersected with his stance on abortion rights and other issues.

MI Risk Starts Rising 1 Year After Arthritis Dx

COPENHAGEN â€" The increased risk for myocardial infarction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis starts to become apparent a year after rheumatoid arthritis is first diagnosed, based on a case-control study with more than 45,000 people.

Concussion Outcomes Tied to Specific Symptoms

KEYSTONE, COLO. â€" For high school athletes who recently had a mild concussion, the symptom that's the single most potent predictor of a prolonged and complicated recovery is “fogginess,” according to a prospective study.

Children's Hospital Of Pittsburgh Of UPMC Recognized For Deepest Use Of Electronic Health Records For A Pediatric Hospital In Nation

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has been recognized by KLAS, an independent healthcare research organization, as the leader in its use of healthcare information technology among pediatric hospitals in the United States.

First Human Immunology Challenge Symposium Announced By NIH's National Heart, Lung And Blood Institute's (NHLBI) Center For Human Immunology (CHI)

NIH's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's CENTER FOR HUMAN IMMUNOLOGY (CHI) announces the first Meeting the Human Immunology Challenge Symposium. This two-day meeting will be held September 3-4, 2009 on the NIH Campus.

Early Administration Of Aggrenox® Is Effective And Safe After Acute Ischaemic Stroke Or TIA

Early secondary prevention with Aggrenox® (extended-release dipyridamole [200 mg] plus ASA [25mg]) is at least as effective and safe as initial treatment with ASA 100 mg alone after an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

African Leaders Malaria Alliance Launched At U.N. General Assembly

On the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday, African heads of state formed a 20-member African Leaders Malaria Alliance with the goal of eliminating deaths from malaria by 2015, the Associated Press writes.

Major Disasters Tax Surgical Staff But May Reduce Costs For Routine Operations

New research published in the September issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons offers important insights into the long-term impact of a major disaster on routine surgical services in a hospital.

Global Cities And Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Denver To Barcelona

Denver released the largest amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) and Barcelona the smallest amount in a new study documenting how differences in climate, population density and other factors affect GHG emissions in global cities.

New Stove Dramatically Improves Lung Health In Mexican Women

Women in Central Mexico who used a vented stove instead of the traditional indoor open fire, experienced improved respiratory health on par with a pack-a-day smoker kicking the habit, according to a recent study.

Toshiba Introduces Low-Contrast Vascular Imaging

To continue its commitment to advancing medical imaging technology and improving diagnosis, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. introduces Low-Contrast Imaging (LCI) for Toshiba's InfinixTM-i systems with mid (12" x 12") and large (12" x 16") flat-panel detectors (FPD).

ARIAD Announces Clinical Data From Phase 1 Study Of Its Investigational MTOR Inhibitor, Ridaforolimus, In Combination With Bevacizumab

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARIA) today announced data from a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating oral ridaforolimus, its investigational mTOR inhibitor, in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin®) in heavily pretreated patients with refractory metastatic solid tumors.

1994 Group Welcomes CBI's Higher Education Funding Proposals But Warns Of 'Valley Of Death' Ahead For University Finances

The 1994 Group welcomes the CBI report published yesterday (Monday) which backs the 1994 Group's proposals (set out in a speech on the 23rd June) to maintain the quality of the UK's universities through enhanced funding.

NCPA: Patient Survey Finds Widespread Problems With Mail Order Pharmacies

Many patients go without their prescribed medicine due to the slow or ineffective service of mail order pharmacies, according to a survey of just over 400 patients conducted by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA).

Scientists Make Paralyzed Rats Walk Again After Spinal-Cord Injury

UCLA researchers have discovered that a combination of drugs, electrical stimulation and regular exercise can enable paralyzed rats to walk and even run again while supporting their full weight on a treadmill. Published Nov.

New Leader For Northern Ireland Junior Doctors Pledges To Work To Protect Health And Safety Of Doctors And Patients

Dr David Farren, the new leader of junior doctors in Northern Ireland called for workforce shortages to be tackled head-on so that patients across the province continue to receive the best quality of care.

URMLHN: Climate Change The Origin Of Bacterial, Viral And Parasitic Pathologies

With acute respiratory infections continuing to be the major cause of acute illnesses worldwide, an impending flu pandemic and a rise in environmental concerns, the first European Congress on Environmental Pathologies is highly topical.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency To Reconsider The 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standard For Ozone

American Lung Association Applauds Decision by EPA to Reduce Threat from Dangerous Air Pollutant Statement of Charles D. Connor, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Lung Association Today the Administrator of the U.S.

Bioheart Inc. Announces Positive Results In The MARVEL Phase II/III Clinical Trial

Bioheart, Inc. (OTCBB:BHRT), presented positive efficacy data from part 1 of its Phase II/III clinical trial at the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. Thomas Povsic, MD, Ph.D.

University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine Rheumatologist Receives Scleroderma Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award

Thomas A. Medsger Jr., M.D., Gerald P. Rodnan Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, received the Scleroderma Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his service to the scleroderma community.

QUMAS Announces The Launch Of A New Biotechnology Package For Growing Biotech Organizations

QUMAS, the leading provider of Compliance Solutions to highly regulated industries, announced the launch of the QUMAS Biotechnology Package, a complete web-based electronic document management system (eDMS) for Biotechnology companies preparing for regulatory submission.

Urology Meeting Proactive Prostates Initiative -- Establishing The Facts

As prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in European men with more than 300,000 men being diagnosed every year, society needs to commit to changing the way the disease is viewed.

$11.16 Million NIH Grant Received By Center For AIDS Intervention Research Medical

The Medical College of Wisconsin's Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR) received a five-year, $11.16 million grant from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to continue its HIV prevention research.

Washington Post Examines HIV/AIDS Rights, Responsibilities Questions

The Washington Post examines how African countries are "grappling with debates over what rights and duties to give those living with [HIV/AIDS] -- a growing segment of the population that remains largely hidden.

Enrollment Completed In Regeneron And Bayer HealthCare Phase 3 Studies Of VEGF Trap-Eye In Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD)

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: REGN) announced the completion of patient enrollment in two randomized, double-masked, Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating VEGF Trap-Eye in the treatment of the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).

Study Identifies Genetic Variation Associated With Increased Risk Of Liver Disease For Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic analysis indicates that a certain gene variation in patients with cystic fibrosis may significantly increase their risk of developing severe liver disease, according to a study in the September 9 issue of JAMA.

Swine Flu: Early Results From Clinical Trials Of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccines In Healthy Adults

We are encouraged by reports that are now emerging from various clinical trials of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines, conducted by various vaccine manufacturers. We expect additional companies to announce their preliminary trial results shortly.

Launch Of Musculoskeletal Guidelines For GPs In Australia

A lack of evidence-based clinical musculoskeletal guidelines has prompted the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) to develop guidelines for GPs and other primary health care professionals covering musculoskeletal prevention and early treatment.

Personal View: Should I Have An H1N1 Flu Vaccination After Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

A doctor who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome will consider having the swine flu jab when she returns to work this autumn, despite claims that the vaccine is linked to an increased risk of the disease.

Better Use Of Medicines Needed In Palliative And End-Of-Life Care

A report into appropriate, safe and effective medicines use in palliative care will be launched by the National Prescribing Service (NPS) and Palliative Care Australia at the 10th Australian Palliative Care Conference in September.

APA Supports Reauthorization Of Juvenile Justice Act On Law's 35th Anniversary

The American Psychological Association is calling on Congress to re-examine the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act based on findings from psychological research pointing to the importance of treatment and rehabilitation for young offenders.

HSE At TUC Conference To Get More Workers Health And Safety Involved, UK

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is using its presence at this month's TUC conference in Liverpool (14-17 September) to promote plans to get more employees involved in health and safety where they work.

St. Jude Medical Receives CE Mark Approval For World's Smallest, Longest-Lasting Rechargeable Deep Brain Stimulator For Parkinson's Disease

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ) announced CE (Conformité Européenne) Mark approval of the Brio™ neurostimulator, the world's smallest, longest-lasting rechargeable deep brain stimulation (DBS) device for treating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Green Tea Promotes Weight Loss, New Research Finds

New research from China has found that regular consumption of green tea - which is rich in naturally-occurring tea actives called catechins - can significantly and positively effect body composition in moderately overweight individuals.

The Key To Overcoming Shame Is Making Connections

It would be difficult to find someone who has never felt shame in their life. Shame is a common reaction when someone feels that they have fallen below social norms or their own standards.

Pancreatic Tumor Rejection Can Be Induced By Autoimmune Response

Immune responses are capable of killing tumors before they can be directed toward normal body tissue, according to new scientific findings published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Are We In For A Repeat Of The Killer Flu Pandemic Of 1918?

In 1918, the Spanish flu raced around the globe, ending the lives of an estimated 40 million people in less than a year. Epidemiologists believe one in four Americans became infected during that pandemic with 750,000 dying.

Drug Detection Technology Developed By University Of Leicester Team

University of Leicester researchers have combined crime research and space-age technology in ways that could lead to the quick detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in a black market currently worth an estimated $40billion per year.

Malignant Signature Identifies Possible Response To Therapy

A molecular signature that helps account for the aggressive behavior of a variety of cancers such as pancreatic, breast and melanoma may also predict the likelihood of successful treatment with a particular anti-cancer drug.

Dr. Francis S. Collins Begins As NIH Director

Dr. Francis S. Collins, former director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, become director of the National Institutes of Health on Aug. 17 after being approved unanimously by the Senate earlier in the month.

XenaCare Holdings Announces National Print Advertising Campaign For Cobroxin, A Treatment For Moderate To Severe (Stage 2) Pain

XenaCare Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: XCHO), a company specializing in the marketing and retail distribution of consumer healthcare products, has announced today that it will begin its national print advertising campaign for Cobroxin in November.

Unlicensed Intravenous Form Of Relenza Helped Save Life Of Swine-Flu Infected Woman Who Had Just Had Chemotherapy

A 22-year-old woman, whose immune system was impaired due to recent chemotherapy, has survived a serious case of swine-flu after being treated with the unlicensed intravenous form of relenza, in combination with high-dose corticosteroids.

Otamixaban Is Promising New Treatment For Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes (SEPIA-ACS1 TIMI 42 Study)

An Article published Online First and in an upcoming edition of The Lancet shows that otamixaban is a promising new agent for patients with acute coronary syndromes (heart attacks or sudden worsening of angina).

ASGE Recognizes 10 Endoscopy Units For Quality As Part Of Its Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has recognized 10 endoscopy units as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy, in all settings where it is practiced in the United States.

First Genetic Link Between Reptile And Human Heart Evolution Discovered By Gladstone Scientists

Scientists at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (GICD) have traced the evolution of the four-chambered human heart to a common genetic factor linked to the development of hearts in turtles and other reptiles.

Senate Republicans Prepare Robust Objections To Stall Democrats' Health Reform Efforts

Republicans are preparing a spate of procedural objections to use in the event Senate Democrats try to employ budget reconciliation rules to advance their health reform proposals. The Hill: Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.

Population Growth In Cities Exacerbates Transmission Of Dengue

"The rapid growth of crowded cities has helped spread and increase the transmission of dengue around the world, health experts said on Tuesday, warning up to 3 billion people were already at risk," Reuters reports.

FDA Advisory Committee To Discuss Genzyme's Clolar For Adult AML On September 1

Genzyme Corporation (Nasdaq: GENZ) announced that its supplemental New Drug Application for Clolar® (clofarabine) will be discussed Tuesday, September 1 at a public meeting of the FDA's Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd.: FDA Accepts For Review The Complete Response Submission To Ceftobiprole NDA

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SWISS: BSLN) announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the response submitted by the sponsor Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. (PRD) as complete.

Status Of Ryan White Program Examined

KHOU.com examines the Ryan White Program, which expires on Sept. 30: "If Congress doesn't reauthorize it, patients in cities across the country may go without access to their medications, doctors and case management." KHOU.

Soweto Township Gays Experience High HIV Infection Rate

New research from UCSF examining HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the township of Soweto in South Africa has found that a third of gay-identified men are infected with HIV.

Health Experts Appeal For Vaccines To Be Added To National Immunization Programs

During a recent three-day Asian Vaccine Conference, health experts appealed to countries to add "under-utilised vaccines such as those of pneumococcal, haemophilus influenzae type-b (Hib), and rotavirus" into national immunization programs, the Nation reports.

Mp3 Fetal Heart Monitor

A new type of fetal heart monitor could save the lives of unborn infants in complicated pregnancies, according to a study published in the International Journal of Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation. A.K.

Frailty Markers Tied to Postop Death

INDIAN WELLS, CALIF. â€" Elderly patients with at least four of six markers of frailty before elective major surgery were significantly more likely to die within 6 months after surgery, a prospective study of 110 subjects showed.

Link Between Feelings Of Hopelessness and Stroke Risk In Healthy Women

Healthy middle-aged women with feelings of hopelessness appear to experience thickening of the neck arteries, which can be a precursor to stroke, according to new research out of the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Moderate Drinkers Less Likely To Develop Dementia

People who drink light to moderate amounts of alcohol in later life are less likely to develop dementia than people who abstain from alcohol consumption, a study from The Australian National University has found.

Active Biotech's Prostate Cancer Project TASQ Featured In British Journal Of Cancer

British Journal of Cancer (doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605322) releases an article covering Active Biotech's (NASDAQ OMX Nordic: ACTI) prostate cancer project TASQ, where TASQ was studied as a single agent in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Among Resident Physicians, Higher Levels Of Fatigue, Distress Associated With Self-Perceived Medical Errors

Internal medicine residents who reported higher levels of fatigue and distress were more likely to report a medical error, according to a study in the September 23/30 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on medical education.

Nutrition Emergency In Central African Republic

The southwestern area of Central African Republic (CAR) is facing a severe nutritional emergency, with more than 1,000 children at grave risk, said the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) today.

New Chemically-Activated Antigen Could Expedite Development Of HIV Vaccine

Scientists working to develop a vaccine for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) report they have created the first antigen that induces protective antibodies capable of blocking infection of human cells by genetically-diverse strains of HIV.

Appeals Court Panel Overturns Campaign Finance Rules In Lawsuit By EMILY's List

On Friday, a federal appeals court panel ruled to overturn 2005 Federal Election Commission regulations that limited how independent political groups can raise and spend so-called "soft money" to advocate for candidates, the Washington Post reports.

HSE Warns Employers To Maintain Equipment And Provide Training After Forklift Injury, UK

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning employers that machinery and equipment need to be properly maintained and adequate training provided, after a Staffordshire apprentice suffered serious foot injuries when a forklift truck overturned.

New Research Shows Direct Link Between Soda And Obesity

While health officials have long suspected the link between obesity and soda consumption, research released provides the first scientific evidence of the potent role soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages play in fueling California's expanding girth.

How Older Americans Are Faring In The Recession

Older Americans have weathered the financial crisis relatively well, although many now expect to work longer than they did just a year ago, according to a University of Michigan study released on Capitol Hill Sept. 16.

Blind Woman's Tooth Helped Restore Her Sight

For the first time in the US surgeons used a rare procedure to help a blind woman regain her sight: they implanted her own tooth in her eye to hold a prosthetic lens in place.

Society Produces Good Dispensing Guidelines To Help With Today's E-Technology

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has launched Good Dispensing Guidelines for England to help pharmacists focus on the ways IT systems will affect their current practices as the profession moves increasingly towards the electronic pharmacy age.

Link Between Brain's Response To Seeing Food And Weight Loss Maintenance

A difference in brain activity patterns may explain why some people are able to maintain a significant weight loss while others regain the weight, according to a new study by researchers with The Miriam Hospital.

State News Round-Up: Insurance Coverage, Infection Reporting, Immigrant Health

News outlets report on a range of state health stories including infections in New Hampshire, children's insurance in Michigan, increased insurance coverage in North Carolina, immigrant health in Texas and long-term financial planning on Florida.

NPA Responds To Scottish Government Consultation On Diabetes Care

The NPA has responded to the Scottish Government's Better Diabetes Care by calling for the inclusion of community pharmacists in the Diabetes Managed Clinical Network as well as adding diabetes to the Chronic Medication Service.

National Institutes Of Health Launches 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Trial In Pregnant Women

The first trial testing a candidate 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in pregnant women is launching this week, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, announced today.

JHSPH To Lead Extremity Trauma Clinical Research Consortium

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has been awarded $18.4 million by the Orthopaedic Extremity Trauma Research Program (OETRP) of the U.S. Department of Defense to establish an Extremity Trauma Clinical Research Consortium.

New Study Confirms - Sight Loss Is An Emotional Trauma But Support Is Seriously Neglected

The need for emotional support for people losing their sight is great but the question of how best to provide it is under researched, underfunded, and remains seriously neglected, says a new study published today.

Psychological Reasons Why Diet Drug Works

Psychologists are set to reveal the results of a study into obese people's behavioural responses to a prescription weight loss drug at the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology annual conference today, 11th September 2009.

Researchers Discover Clues About PML Infection

Research published today in the New England Journal of Medicine has described how progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) infection may occur in people taking Tysabri, a drug licensed for use in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).

H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Trial In Pregnant Women Launched By NIAID

The first trial testing a candidate 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in pregnant women is launching this week, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, announced today.

Vocally Anti-Choice Scranton Bishop Resigns

Joseph Martino -- a Scranton, Pa., bishop who gained national attention for his condemnations of President Obama, Vice President Biden and other politicians who support abortion rights -- resigned his post on Aug. 31, Time reports.

Scotland Should Call Time On Alcohol Promotion Says British Medical Association Scotland

In a bid to tackle the soaring cost of alcohol-related harm in Scotland, particularly among young people, the BMA is calling for a total ban on alcohol advertising, including sports events and music festival sponsorship.

1,200 RNs Gather In San Francisco Tuesday: Take Next Step To Form Nation's Largest Ever Union Of Nurses

Nurses to March for Employee Free Choice, Unmask Insurance Industry "Death Panels," and Hear from RNs in Single-Payer Systems With the approaching formation of the largest union and professional association of nurses in U.S.

Terrence Higgins Trust Brings Chlamydia Testing To The Streets Of Shropshire, UK

To mark Sexual Health Week 2009 (14-20 September), HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be taking to the streets of Shropshire to encourage local people to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Warning About Flammable Mobility Scooters, UK

Users of Days Healthcare UK Ltd 'Strider' mobility scooters are being warned that their scooter could overheat and catch fire, potentially causing serious injury to the driver or other people, as well as damaging property.

Easy Smoking Cessation May Signal Lung Cancer

SAN FRANCISCO â€" An unusual pattern of sudden, effortless smoking cessation in long-term smokers may herald the onset of lung cancer in a small subgroup of patients, researchers reported at the World Conference on Lung Cancer.

Relationship Between Doctors And Pharmas Must Be More Transparent, Australia

Australian doctors must be more transparent about their relationships with the pharmaceutical industry, including disclosing details of remuneration received and potential conflicts of interest, according to an article published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Immunologic Therapies Show Promise In Combating Cancer But Research Support Is Lacking, A Expert Says In Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences

Despite fast-growing evidence that immunologic therapies can be effective cancer treatments, research support for this field hardly matches its potential, a leading expert says in the latest Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.

Australia's First National Primary Health Care Strategy - Building On What Works

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) warmly welcomes the draft national primary health care strategy and supports the Government in its ongoing efforts to develop and maintain a strong primary health care system.

Antibiotic Used To Treat Trachoma Reduces Child Mortality In Ethiopia, Study Finds

The antibiotic used to treat trachoma, "the world's leading preventable cause of blindness," may also protect children living in Ethiopia from death from of other diseases, according to a recent study, the Associated Press reports.

Nutrition Experts Welcome Preventative Health Taskforce Report, Australia

Australia's peak nutrition body has welcomed the release of the Government's National Preventative Health Taskforce report - 'Australia: The Healthiest Country by 2020', which outlines a series of proposals to improve the health of Australians.

Preventing Breast Cancer: Largest-Ever Review Completed

The largest review of research into lifestyle and breast cancer ever conducted has confirmed that women can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, drinking less alcohol and breastfeeding their children.

The Increasing Vascular Drama Of Childhood Obesity

Obesity is one of the most important health problems in industrialized countries irrespective of socio-economic status, age, sex or ethnicity. The prevalence of childhood obesity in children has reached alarming levels, even in developing countries.

Democrats Appeal For Health Legislation To Honor Kennedy

Democrats "evoked memories" of Sen. Edward Kennedy to urge health care reform, as many acknowledged that his absence leaves a leadership gap. The Associated Press: "One longtime Kennedy friend and ally, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

When It Comes To Sports, Children Are Not The Only Ones In The Game

Parents who sign their children up for sports as part of an educational experience and to learn about teamwork may be learning some of the same lessons themselves, according to new research from Purdue University.

Scientists Develop A New Approach For Cancer Treatment

A new paradigm in the way we look at cancer with important implications on how we treat it is about to be published in the British Journal of Cancer 1 by Portuguese, Belgian and American researchers.

Brain Region Responsible For Our Sense Of Personal Space Discovered By Caltech Neuroscientists

In a finding that sheds new light on the neural mechanisms involved in social behavior, neuroscientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have pinpointed the brain structure responsible for our sense of personal space.

Revealing The Anti-Diabetic Effects Of Sodium Tungstate

The molecular mechanisms of tungstate activity in diabetes have been uncovered. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Genomics have identified the pathways through which sodium tungstate improves pancreatic function and beta cell proliferation.

Contraceptive Types Don't Differ In Effect on Atherogenic Lipids

BOSTON â€" The route of hormonal contraceptive administrationâ€"transdermal or oralâ€"does not make a difference in terms of the hormone's effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins, according to the findings of a randomized crossover trial.

Maternal Bariatric Surgery Yields Healthier Kids

GRAPEVINE, TEX. â€" Obese women who have bariatric surgery prior to pregnancy have less complicated gestations and their children are markedly less obese than are siblings born prior to mom's surgery, according to a Canadian study.

âJ Curveâ Persists Despite Intensive Lipid Control

SAN FRANCISCO â€" Bringing blood pressure levels too far down increased the risk for cardiovascular events in a post hoc analysis of data on 10,001 patients with coronary artery disease in a trial of aggressive lipid-lowering therapy.

RDAA Encourages Rural Residents And Health Professionals To Blog The Prime Minister, Australia

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) is calling on everyone who lives and works in rural and remote Australia to have their say on the Prime Minister's Remote and rural health care system blog.

St. Jude Medical Announces Opening Of European Advanced Learning Center For Continuing Physician Education In Heart Disease Therapies

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ) announced the official opening of the St. Jude Medical Advanced Learning Center, in Brussels, Belgium, offering education and training in advanced, evidence-based therapies for physicians who treat heart disease.

UCLA Breathmobile Hits The Road To Help Kids With Asthma

Children in Southern California may soon be breathing a little easier, thanks to the UCLA Breathmobile, an asthma clinic on wheels that provides free diagnosis, treatment, medication and education at school sites for children with asthma.

NEVO⢠Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent Associated With Significantly Less Chest Pain At Six Months Than Taxus(R) Liberte(R) Stent

At six months, patients receiving the NEVO™ Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent reported significantly less chest pain (also known as angina) than those receiving the Taxus® Liberte® Stent. Patients also reported improvements in their overall quality of life.

Genetic Variation Discovery Could Improve Hepatitis C Treatment

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers are part of an international team that has discovered a genetic variation that could identify those people infected with hepatitis C who are most likely to benefit from current treatments.

HHS Secretary Sebelius Announces Senate Confirmation Of Carmen Nazario As Assistant Secretary For Children And Families

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Carmen Nazario as Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. In that role, she will oversee the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS.

New Heart Surgery Method Raises Questions For Reformers

A new method for performing cardiac catheterizations may be more comfortable, shows a lower chance of complications such as severe bleeding, and allows patients to be discharged more quickly, potentially saving money, the Washington Post reports.

California's Physician Groups Offer Congress Model For Key Component Of National Health Reform

Leaders from California's physicians groups are in Washington DC this week meeting with key members of Congress to offer their experience at the forefront of a key health care reform element - Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).

In Children, 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Works Like Seasonal Flu Vaccine - Early Results

Early results from a trial testing a 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in children look promising, according to the trial sponsor, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Increases Risk Of Death From Lung Cancer

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using oestrogen and progestin increases the risk of death from lung cancer. This finding should be incorporated into risk-benefit discussions for women considering HRT, especially those at high risk of lung cancer.

Tesco Staff Keep Wheels Turning Day And Night For Charity, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

Staff from Tesco stores across Yorkshire are getting ready to spend an impressive 24 hours in the saddle for a mass charity bike-a-thon to raise vital funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, Tesco Charity of the Year 2009.

Invatec Launches The Maris Plus Self-Expanding Peripheral Stent System At CIRSE 2009

Invatec, a comprehensive innovator of interventional products, launched their latest self-expanding peripheral stent system, Maris Plus. The Maris Plus stent has a "lesion-specific" design with larger sizes to meet the clinical requirements of the iliac region.

Abbott Expands Use Of Sustainable Packaging As Part Of Global Environmental Efforts

Abbott today reported further progress in meeting its goal of a 5 percent reduction in the amount of packaging used in its key products by 2013, part of a multi-faceted effort to minimize its impact on the environment.

The Majority Of Unintended Incidents In The ER Are Caused By Human Error

Sixty percent of the causes of unintended incidents in the emergency department that could have compromised patient safety are related to human failures, according to a study published in the open access journal BMC Emergency Medicine.

Topical Erectile Dysfunction Therapy Shows Promise

An innovative drug-delivery system nanoparticles encapsulating nitric oxide or prescription drugs shows promise for topical treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), according to a new study by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

Yes-Associated Protein: Early Diagnosis Of Gastric Carcinoma

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a type of cellular adaptor protein and transcriptional co-activator. In recent years, some investigators have found YAP to be overexpressed and highly activated in hepatic cancers and mammary cancers, suggesting its tumorigenicity.

Defining A GPs' Gut Feeling

'Gut feelings' experienced by GPs play a substantial role in their diagnostic reasoning process, but always in combination with analytical reasoning. Gut feelings can be separated into the sense of alarm and the sense of reassurance.

Planned Parenthood President Richards Links Abstinence-Only Sex Education, High Teen Birth, STI Rates In Texas

In a speech Monday on sex education in Texas, Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards said that grassroots support is essential to making improvements in reproductive health and education, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Alabama's Infant Mortality Rate Decreases In 2008

The Alabama Department of Public Health announces a decline in Alabama's infant mortality rate in 2008, with a rate of 9.5 deaths per 1,000 live births and a total of 612 infant deaths. In 2007 Alabama's infant mortality rate was 10.0. Dr.

Link Found Between Prison Gambling And Crime, Substance Abuse When Offenders Re-Enter Community

Parolees with a gambling habit may resort to criminal activities and substance abuse when they are released from prison if there are few community supports to help them re-integrate, a University of Alberta study has concluded.

Qatar Home To World-Class Biomedical Research Program

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and Weill CornellMedical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) have unveiled a major initiative to establish a world-class biomedical research program, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Parental Physical Discipline Through Childhood Linked To Behavior Problems In Teens

Two new studies explore how discipline changes during childhood and adolescence, and what family factors affect those changes. They conclude that when parents use physical discipline through childhood, their children experience more behavior problems in adolescence.

HHS Sec. Sebelius Discusses Health Reform, Support For Abortion Rights In Washington Post Interview

In an interview published in Tuesday's Washington Post, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that she supports President Obama's comment in his recent health reform speech that a health overhaul will not include federal funding for abortion.

Schizophrenia: 22nd Congress Of The European College Of Neuropsychopharmacology, Sept. 14, 2009, Istanbul, Turkey

Schizophrenia is a major public health problem. Affecting almost 1% of the world's population, it takes an enormous economic and social toll in addition to the distress, dysfunction, disability and mortality for those afflicted with this disease.

Nonprofits Seek Financial Relief In Health Legislation

The New York Times reports: "Nonprofit organizations say they are upset that Congress and the Obama administration have not addressed their rising health care costs in the various health care proposals being floated on Capitol Hill.

Treating Bone Loss In Breast Cancer Survivors

Osteoporosis is a growing concern among breast cancer survivors and their doctors, because certain cancer drugs can cause bone loss. Many breast cancer patients also experience secondary causes of bone loss, such as vitamin D deficiency.

Extremophile Yields A Key Cog In Life's Protein Factory

Peering at single molecules within an organism that makes its home near thermal vents, Yale University scientists have discovered the structure of a key player in the creation of protein-making factories in humans. In the Sept.

Eight-year Study Shows Tubal Reversal Surgery Results In Higher Pregnancy And Live Birth Rates And Is Less Costly Than IVF

Dr. Gary S. Berger, Medical Director of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center, released the most comprehensive study ever performed of tubal reversal surgery and its resulting outcomes. The Tubal Reversal Pregnancy Report 2009 involved more than 5000 women.

Study Identifies Causes, Rates Of Death Among Young People Worldwide

"Road accidents, pregnancy and childbirth complications, suicide, violence, the AIDS virus and tuberculosis are the biggest killers of young people across the world," according to a paper published on Friday in the journal Lancet, Reuters reports.

U.S. Food And Drug Administration Clears Vermillion's OVA1(TM) Test To Determine Likelihood Of Ovarian Cancer In Women With Pelvic Mass

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the OVA1(TM) Test, the first blood test that, prior to surgery, can help physicians determine if a woman is at risk for a malignant pelvic mass.

Risk Of High Blood Pressure Increased By Noisy Roads

Traffic noise raises blood pressure. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Environmental Health have found that people exposed to high levels of noise from nearby roads are more likely to report suffering from hypertension.

Health Care In EU Law

Health tourism and the rising costs of funding health care and providing 'free at the point of delivery' healthcare are among the issues to be addressed at an international conference on Health Care in the EU.

Co-Workers, Families And Friends 'Step Out' To Stop Diabetes

This year, thousands of people in communities across the country will come together to demonstrate their support in the fight against diabetes by participating in the American Diabetes Association's Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes ® event.

Winners Of Glaxosmithkline International Achievement Award Announced At BPC

Professor Barry Potter, Professor of Medicinal & Biological Chemistry at the University of Bath, and the late Professor Michael Reed, Professor of Steroid Biochemistry at Imperial College, London, have won the prestigious 2009 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) International Achievement Award.

Also In Global Health News: India Drug Patent Rejection; Iranian Female Health Minister; Hunger In North Korea; Rape In The Congo; More

Indian Health Officials Welcome Patent Rejections Of HIV/AIDS Drugs Reuters examines Indian health officials' positive reaction to the recent decision by the country's patent office to reject patent applications on two "life-saving HIV/AIDS drugs.

STD Confirmed To Be Associated With Increased Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Researchers confirmed previous findings that the sexual transmitted infection known as Trichomonas vaginalis is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in a study published online September 9 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Can Increased Utilization Of Active Surveillance Rescue The Survival Benefits Of PSA Screening?

UroToday.com - In the lay press and in Washington, prostate cancer has emerged as a litmus test for our health care conundrum of overtreatment and soaring costs in the setting of limited evidence regarding benefit.

Small Businesses Would See Lower Costs, More Comprehensive Coverage From Health Reform

Small business owners and employees are among those who stand to benefit the most from provisions in some of the current health reform proposals under consideration by Congress according to a Commonwealth Fund report just released.

Psychologists Meet In Birmingham To Focus Minds On Health, UK

Around 250 top psychologists from the UK and beyond will gather at Aston University from today, 9th September 2009, to discuss current psychological issues surrounding our health, at the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology annual conference.

Reform Measures Target Health Insurance Practices Such As Dropping Coverage

Health reform legislation seeks to eliminate practices used by insurance firms known as "rescissions," which firms defend as fraud control. The Washington Post reports in a story headlined "When Your Insurer Says You're No Longer Covered.

Sleep For Women With Hot Flashes Enhanced By Seizure Drug

Gabapentin, a drug initially used to treat seizures, improves sleep quality in menopausal women with hot flashes, University of Rochester Medical Center researchers report online and in the September issue of the Journal of Women's Health.

Dementia Mysteries Unveiled By Largest Ever Alzheimer's Gene Study

The results, from the largest ever Alzheimer's genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 16,000 individuals, are published in Nature Genetics. They are the first new genes found to be associated with the common form of Alzheimer's disease since 1993.

Brain Defect Implicated In Early Schizophrenia

In the first functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study of its kind, neurologists and psychiatrists at Columbia University have identified an area of the brain involved in the earliest stages of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.

NIH-Pharma Collaboration Urged to Advance Drug Pipeline

WASHINGTON â€" The National Institutes of Health needs to partner more with the pharmaceutical industry in order to create a better pipeline for new drugs, Dr. Francis Collins said at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society.

Shoulder Chondrolysis Can Be a Complication of Arthroscopy

KEYSTONE, COLO. â€" Iatrogenic chondrolysis in young athletes has emerged in the past several years as a devastating complication of shoulder arthroscopy, shoulder specialists said at the annual meeting of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Novel H1N1 Presents High Risks in Pregnancy

Pregnant women who contract the H1N1 influenza virus are much more likely to develop severe disease than the general population, and should receive antiviral treatment as soon as possibleâ€"preferably within 48 hours of symptom onset.

U.N. Calls On Israel To Ease Gaza Embargo To Enable Water, Sanitation Service Repairs

U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian Territories Maxwell Gaylard "urged Israel to ease its embargo of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip and allow in materials urgently needed to repair water and sanitation services," Agence France-Presse reports.

ACNM And Contemporary Insurance Services, Inc. Unite To Provide Home Birth Practice Coverage For 11,000 CNMs And CMs In The U.S.

Effective immediately, American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and its longstanding partner Contemporary Insurance Services, Inc. and Lexington Insurance Company, which offers the insurance protection, have created an insurance plan for home birth coverage in all 50 states.

Chemicals Management Plan Moves Into New Phase With Release Of Draft Screening Assessments For Batch 7 Substances, Canada

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister, today released the draft screening assessment reports and risk management scopes for 14 substances assessed in Batch 7 of the Chemicals Management Plan.

Society Publishes Second Fitness To Practise Annual Report

In its second year of operation under the new regulatory framework implemented by the Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Order 2007, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has published its second Fitness to Practise Annual Report for 2008.

An Already-Changing Insurance Market May Face More Transformation

The Wall Street Journal: "Insurers are increasingly setting up brick-and-mortar retail stores that peddle individual and sometimes small-group health plans, with companies including Humana Inc., Aetna Inc. and Health Net Inc. so far trying the concept.

Florida Report Looks At HIV/AIDS Cases, Death Rates Among Men

A new Florida State Department of Health report (.pdf) "shows that for the first time since 1999, Florida has seen a significant decline in AIDS-related deaths," among black, white and Hispanic men, the Orlando Sentinel reports (Quintero, 9/1).

Canada's H1N1 Vaccine Plan Too Slow - Canadian Medical Association Journal Suggests Policy Change To Fast-track Vaccine

Canada must change its H1N1 vaccine policy to fast-track the vaccine to high-risk groups such as pregnant women, children and youth and people with chronic diseases, states an editorial in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) .

Active Implants Announces CE Class III Medical Device Approval

Active Implants Corporation (AIC) today announced that it has received a CE Class III Certificate for its TriboFit® Hip System. The TriboFit® Hip System employs the only pliable, medical grade polycarbonate-urethane (PCU) acetabular implant available today.

Anticoagulant Plays Unexpected Role In Maintaining Circulatory Integrity

Protein S, a well-known anticoagulant protein, keeps the blood flowing in more than one way, discovered researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The protein contributes to the formation and function of healthy blood vessels.

MADIT-CRT Trial

Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cardiac patients randomised to an implanted cardiac resynchronisation device with defibrillator (CRT-D) have a 34% lower risk of heart failure or death than those receiving a standard implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD-only) (HR 0.66, p=0.

Yoga Benefits Back-pain Patients

People with chronic low-back problems who do yoga also do better at overcoming pain and depression than people treated conventionally for back pain, a West Virginia University study funded by the National Institutes of Health shows.

Sudden Death During Sport: Education To Improve Survival Rates

More widespread availability of defibrillators and education of the general public could boost survival rates fourfold amongst athletes suffering cardiac arrest, a study has found. In less than half of cases, a bystander initiated cardiopulmonary reanimation.

University Of Southern California Study Shows Persistence Of Metabolic Syndrome May Predict Type 2 Diabetes In Obese Hispanic Teenagers

A study by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) found that obese Hispanic teenagers with persistent metabolic syndrome had progressively increasing risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time.

Prevent Cancer, Heart Attacks And Global Warming By Eating Less Red Meat

Raising livestock also accounts for around 18% of greenhouse gases. It is therefore possible to act against climate change and reduce cardiovascular and cancer deaths, by cutting the production and consumption of 'red meat' from these animals.

Acute Impact On Brain Function In Earthquake Survivors

New research has found that the Wenchuan, China earthquake that occurred on 12 May 2008 had an acute impact on the brain function of physically healthy survivors and poses a risk to the mental health of these survivors.

Implementation Strategy And The Utilisation Of The Allied Health Workforce Key To Primary Health Care Success - Australian Psychological Society

The success of the Government's primary health care strategy, released yesterday, will depend on the way in which it is implemented and the effective utilisation of the allied health workforce, according to the Australian Psychological Society.

Award Of $1.4 Million For GenoCAD Development From National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a three-year $1,421,725 grant to Jean Peccoud, associate professor at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech, to develop GenoCAD - a web-based Computer Assisted Design environment for synthetic biology.

Clemson Research Nets $2 Million From NSF To Mimic Nature's Probes

The National Science Foundation has awarded Clemson University researchers $2 million to study ways to mimic the suction mechanism used by butterflies and moths to feed so that the same method can be used in medical diagnostics.

Siemens Exhibits Innovative Solutions For Cardiovascular Medicine At ESC 2009

Siemens Healthcare exhibits its innovations for cardiology at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2009. In addition to the latest imaging systems, this also includes laboratory diagnostics and clinical IT systems for patient management.

Counseling Outcome Research And Evaluation: New Journal For 2010

SAGE and the Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education, a division of the American Counseling Association, are pleased to announce the 2010 launch of a new journal, Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (C.O.R.E.).

Myths Connect Hypertension and Headaches

SAN FRANCISCO â€" Hypertension causes headaches. Treating hypertension decreases headaches. Headaches increase the risk for stroke and heart disease. Really? Not quite, Dr. Dara G. Jamieson said at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hypertension.

Obesity Rates Continue to Increase Nationwide

Not a single state showed signs of a decline in adult obesity rates in the past year, according to the annual obesity report released by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Families Of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Receives FDA Orphan Drug Designation For Quinazoline495 For The Treatment Of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Libertyville, IL) announced that the Office of Orphan Products Development of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to Quinazoline495 for the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Certain Cancers More Common Among HIV Patients Than Non-HIV Patients

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that non-AIDS-defining malignancies such as anal and lung cancer have become more prevalent among HIV-infected patients than non-HIV patients since the introduction of anti-retroviral therapies in the mid-1990s.

Health Reform Ads Confusing Public, News Outlets Try To Dispel The Fog

Advertising on the health care debate, more than $100 million of it spent so far, is offering little understanding on the issue as the dueling sides and media look to dispel myths about what's true and what's not.

Shedding Light On Cancer Cells

Scientists label cells with coloured or glowing chemicals to observe how basic cellular activities differ between healthy and cancerous cells. Existing techniques for labelling cells are either too slow or too toxic to perform on live cells.

Upheaval Leads To Less-Familiar Choices Where Comfort Food Is Concerned

You'd think in times of uncertainty, people would gravitate toward familiar favorites. But a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research shows that stress and upheaval actually lead people to choose less-familiar foods over "comfort foods.

Amnesty International Report Highlights Maternal Mortality 'Emergency' In Sierra Leone

"One in eight women in Sierra Leone risks dying of pregnancy and childbirth complications exacerbated by a combination of poverty, discrimination, inequality and government mismanagement," according to an Amnesty International report, released Tuesday, Reuters AlertNet reports (Fominyen, 9/22).

Women's Health And Wellness Discussed At Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus Briefing

More than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements each year, with a large percentage of these users being women who are often concerned about how to keep themselves healthy and how to keep their families and friends well.

Minimal Training Required For Insertion Of Life-Saving Airway Mask

Virtually anyone has the skills to safely insert a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) to keep a patient's airway open during resuscitation, and medical expertise isn't required - perhaps just a familiarity with ER, House or Grey's Anatomy.

Angina Patient Benefits From Noninvasive EECP Therapy

At age 76, Jackie Guild, a survivor of multiple heart attacks and strokes, has a new spring in her step and blush on her cheeks, thanks to the persistence of her daughter and ardent medical advocate, Donna Dellaganna.

Ipsen: AZZALURE(R) Approved In Spain For Aesthetic Use In The Treatment Of Glabellar Lines

Galderma, the leading pharmaceutical company in dermatology, and Ipsen (Euronext: IPN), an international innovation-driven specialty pharmaceutical group, announced that Azzalure® (botulinum toxin type A manufactured by Ipsen), a local muscle relaxant specifically developed for aesthetic use, has

New Micro-Bland Embolization Technique With Embozene(TM) Microspheres To Be Presented At The International Medical Conference In Lisbon, Portugal

CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. announced that Franco Orsi, MD, PhD, will make two presentations at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe (CIRSE) conference about "micro-bland embolization" which has demonstrated excellent clinical results in treating liver cancer.

Shedding Light On Venom Composition: Study Of Isolated Snakes

While studying a way to more safely and effectively collect snake venom, University of Florida researchers have noticed the venom delivered by an isolated population of Florida cottonmouth snakes may be changing in response to their diet.

Study Finds Increased Risk Of Death For Patients With Celiac Disease-Related Disorders

New research indicates that patients with lesser degrees of celiac disease-related symptoms, such as intestinal inflammation or latent celiac disease, have a modestly increased risk of death, according to a study in the September 16 issue of JAMA.

More Chest Compressions During CPR Mean More Saved Lives

The chance that a person in cardiac arrest will survive increases when rescuers doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) spend more time giving chest compressions, according to a multi-center study reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Failure To Tackle Climate Change Spells A Global Health Catastrophe

An editorial and letter, published simultaneously by the BMJ and Lancet, warn that failure to agree radical cuts in carbon dioxide emissions at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen this December spells a global health catastrophe.

Rabies Cases Among Cats On The Rise

While reported cases of rabies in the United States dropped in 2008, veterinarians and public health officials warn that an increase in the number of reported cases in cats poses a health risk to both animals and people.

Device Makers, Late To The Table, Object To New Fees In Health Bills

"The $100 billion medical-device industry is scrambling to reverse billions of dollars in fees proposed by the Senate Finance Committee, but it faces trouble because its reluctance to offer concessions alienated some lawmakers," the Wall Street Journal reports.

New Research May Aid Earlier Detection Of Ovarian Cancer

Two recent studies may provide improved insight into detecting ovarian cancer, one of the most deadly forms of the disease because it is difficult to catch in its earliest, most curable stages, the Wall Street Journal reports.

NanoBio Presents Key Data On The Use Of Nanoemulsions To Treat Burn Wound Infections

NanoBio Corporation announced compelling preclinical data for NB-201, a nanoemulsion-based topical lotion for the treatment of burn wounds. In preclinical studies, NB-201 dramatically reduced the severity of burn wound infections as well as inflammation following thermal injuries.

MethylGene Presents Preclinical Data For Its Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor, MG96077, At The 49th Annual ICAAC Meeting

MethylGene Inc. (TSX:MYG) disclosed preclinical data for MG96077, a novel, broad spectrum, non-beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor (BLI). MG96077 possesses a broad-spectrum inhibitory profile for both class A and class C beta-lactamase enzymes, including extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).

Daily Bathroom Showers May Deliver Face Full Of Pathogens, Says CU-Boulder Study

While daily bathroom showers provide invigorating relief and a good cleansing for millions of Americans, they also can deliver a face full of potentially pathogenic bacteria, according to a surprising new University of Colorado at Boulder study.

Burn Treatment Employing Nanoparticles Curbs Infection, Reduces Inflammation

Treating second-degree burns with a nanoemulsion lotion sharply curbs bacterial growth and reduces inflammation that otherwise can jeopardize recovery, University of Michigan scientists have shown in initial laboratory studies. U-M burn surgeon Mark R. Hemmila, M.D.

Chlorinated Pools Increase Risk Of Allergic Diseases

Chlorine is effective at killing pathogens in swimming pools, but it also irritates the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract of swimmers. Recent research has found swimming in outdoor or indoor chlorinated pools can increase asthma risks.

ExonHit Presents Promising First Patient Results For EHT 0202, Its Alzheimer's Candidate Drug

Top-line Phase IIa clinical data released demonstrate that EHT 0202, ExonHit's lead candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, is safe and generally well tolerated in patients and that it could potentially enhance cognition in Alzheimer's disease patients.

NHS Confederation Responds To Macmillan Report On Hospital Car Parking

Joe Farrington-Douglas, senior policy manager at the NHS Confederation said: "Ensuring hospitals and other NHS sites are accessible for patients, visitors and employees is an important part of the day to day running of the health service.

U.S., Australian Researchers Say Single H1N1 Vaccine Dose Protects Adults Against Virus

The results of clinical trials have shown one dose of the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine is enough to offer adults protection against the virus, U.S. and Australian researchers said Thursday, the Associated Press reports (Neergaard, 9/11).

Breakthrough Cancer Pain: First Results From Major European Patient Survey

The first results of the first European survey of cancer patients' experience of breakthrough pain were presented at the 6th congress of the European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain (EFIC).

Recent Releases: HIV And Nutrition; New Global Health Journal; Male Circumcision; Chagas Disease; Malaria Research Methods

Clinical Infectious Diseases Examines Relationship Between HIV, Nutrition, Food Insecurity "Despite calls from national and international organizations to integrate HIV and nutritional programs, data are lacking on how such programs can be effectively implemented in resource-poor sett

Electrical Nerve Stimulation May Be Effective Complement To The Pharmacological Management Of Neuropathic Pain

Nearly half of those suffering from a spinal cord injury (SCI) are at risk of developing neuropathic pain. This type of pain is often difficult to relieve and usually managed with drugs such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants.

Proposal Calls For Medicare Coverage Of HIV Screening

A new government proposal calls for Medicare beneficiaries to receive coverage for Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection screening. The Associated Press reports: "The government proposed Wednesday to have Medicare cover tests for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. ...

MHRA Unlicensed Medicines Consultation - Pharmacy Bodies Respond

The Association of Independent Multiple pharmacies (AIMp), Company Chemists' Association (CCA) and National Pharmacy Association (NPA) have responded to the MHRA informal consultation on the review of unlicensed medicines. The pharmacy bodies have emphasised three main areas: 1.

Faith Blinds People To Health Outcome

Belief in faith healing could jeopardise recovery from illness. This is the finding of a study presented today, 10th September 2009, at the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology annual conference being held at Aston University, Birmingham.

Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB) Proprietary Stem Cells Successfully Repair/Regenerate Damaged Intervertebral Disc Cartilage

Australia's regenerative medicine company, Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB)(PINK:MBLTY), today announced highly successful preclinical trial results of its adult stem cells in the treatment of degenerative intervertebral disc disease, the leading cause of low back pain.

New Zealand Medical Association Expresses Serious Concern Over Laboratory Situation

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) expressed the growing concern and frustration of its members over the laboratory services situation in Auckland during the transition of service provision from Diagnostic Medlab (DML) to the new contractor, Labtests.

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery Publishes Epizyme-authored Paper On Protein Methyltransferases

A paper underscoring the importance of protein methyltransferases (PMTs) in drug discovery is published in the September 2009 online issue of NATURE REVIEWS DRUG DISCOVERY. Scientists Dr. Robert A. Copeland and Dr. Victoria M. Richon from Epizyme, Inc.

Advocates Express Concern Over Reform Proposal's Changes To Low-Income Children's Coverage

Children's health advocates are concerned that a new health reform proposal by the Senate Finance Committee could jeopardize coverage of many low-income children now insured by the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which expires in 2013, Politico reports.

HSE Encourages Parents To Discuss Alcohol With Junior Cert Students To Ensure They Celebrate Safely

The HSE is encouraging parents of students receiving their Junior Certificate results tomorrow to take the opportunity to discuss the dangers of underage drinking with them. Research has consistently shown that 15 - 16 year olds are drinking alcohol.

Testing For Drug Safety Using Insects

Insects, such as some moths and fruit flies, react to microbial infection in the same way as mammals and so can be used to test the efficiency of new drugs, thereby reducing the need for animal testing.

UK Grant Facilitates Creation Of International Health Links Centre

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and Liverpool Associates in Tropical Health (LATH) have received a £560,000 grant from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) to set up and deliver a UK International Health Links Centre (IHLC).

Research Investigates Use Of Nasal Steroids To Treat Glue Ear In Primary Care

Research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme has found that the treatment of glue ear with a nasal steroid is not clinically or cost-effective in the primary care setting.

Large Database Defines Bariatric Surgery Trends

GRAPEVINE, TEX. â€" First data from the landmark Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database show that two types of surgeryâ€"Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and gastric bandingâ€"account for 93% of all primary bariatric procedures performed at U.S. centers of excellence.

Safety Net Hospitals Worry Health Reform Poses Threat

The Associated Press/San Jose Mercury News: "To all the knotty issues involved in health care overhaul, add one more: The proposals in Congress may threaten the funding and future of the nation's already-struggling safety net hospitals.

Concerns Raised About 'Telemedicine' Approach To Erectile Dysfunction, Australia

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has voiced concerns about the prescribing practices of erectile dysfunction clinics currently under review by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing, Roundtable on Impotency Treatments.

National Leadership Needed For Decisive Health Reform, Australia

Allowing nurses to work to their full scope of practice will vastly improve access to preventative and primary health care services for all Australians, the ANF said today following the release of two major health reform reports.

Circumcision Debate 'Complex,' U.S. News Blog Says

Deborah Kotz writes in the U.S. News & World Report blog "On Women" that the debate surrounding whether CDC will recommend newborn male circumcision as part of an effort to curb the spread of HIV is "complex.

Proposed D.C. Council Bill Would Mandate HIV Testing In Local Jails

A bill proposed by Washington, D.C., council member Marion Barry (D), which "has been stalled in committee since July," would mandate HIV testing and counseling for all district jail inmates upon admission, the Washington Post reports.

Major Milestone Achieved - Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatric IDE Study

Berlin Heart Inc. reported that it has completed enrollment in Cohort 1 of the Berlin Heart EXCOR(R) Pediatric IDE Study after having received unconditional approval of the study from the FDA in November 2008. The Principal Investigator, Dr.

In Obese Sedentary Adolescents, Exercise Alone Shown To Improve Insulin Sensitivity

A moderate aerobic exercise program, without weight loss, can improve insulin sensitivity in both lean and obese sedentary adolescents, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).

PREDICT Score Allows Personalized Antiplatelet Therapy

Studies from a growing body of convincing data show that responsiveness to antiplatelet therapy is real. This is a clinically important issue and there is a need to develop individual antiplatelet strategies particularly for patients at risk.

ASCO University Adds Breast Cancer Education Module To Maintenance Of Certification Program

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is extending the resources offered through ASCO Universityâ„¢, its online platform that supports the life-long learning needs of oncology professionals, by adding a "Maintenance of Certification" module for breast cancer.

Federal Agencies Provide Grants To State Organizations To Boost Health Info Tech For HIV/AIDS

The HHS department has awarded a $2.8 million grant to the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., "to create an electronic system to boost the care of women of color with HIV/AIDS," HealthcareITNews reports. S.

Today's Opinions And Editorials

Mr. Policy Hits A Wall The Washington Post Democracy and representative government are a lot messier than the progressives and their heirs, including Obama, want to admit. No wonder they are so often frustrated (David S. Broder, 9/24).

Malnutrition: Europe's Hidden Weight Problem - Medical Nutrition International Industry

In Europe today, malnutrition is not always recognised and often neglected which makes the problem of malnutrition as serious as the health threat of obesity according to the new short film entitled 'Malnutrition - Another Weight Problem'.

Medicare Proposal Would Boost Primary Care Pay

Increased pay for primary care physicians, decreased pay for specialists, and a potential way to get rid of the sustainable growth rate formula are addressed in the Obama Administration's proposed rule on the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Kids' Headaches, Migraines Increase As New School Year Begins

As children and teens begin school again, they are more susceptible to the pain and discomfort of headaches and migraines. The change in schedule, new teachers, new friends and schoolwork can increase stress and consequently, increase headaches.

Ankle Blood Flow Test Helps Identify Stroke Survivors Most At Risk For Future Strokes, Heart Attacks And Death

A simple test that measures blood flow through the ankle helps identify people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) before they start showing symptoms, a study led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers has found.

Stigma Of Mental Health Makes Finding Work In Recession More Difficult

A shocking 92 per cent of the British public believes that admitting to having a mental illness would damage someone's career [1]. The three careers most damaged were doctors (56 per cent), emergency services (54 per cent) and teachers (48 per cent).

'Back-Breaking' Work Beliefs Contribute To Health Workers' Pain

Whether from heaving, twisting, bending or bad lifting postures, it's well known that caring for the sick or elderly can lead to back pain. This often results in time off work or dropping out of caring professions altogether.

Gammaglobulin Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease To Be Tested By University Hospitals Case Medical Center

Researchers from the Memory and Cognition Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center will begin testing an intriguing new approach to slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) using Intravenous Immune Globulin (IGIV), also known as gammaglobulin.

Operation Rescue 'Has No Place' In Antiabortion-Rights Movement, Opinion Piece Says

Many are "questioning" whether the extremist antiabortion-rights group Operation Rescue is "on its last legs" after group President Troy Newman sent a fundraising letter "pleading for donations to save its life," Kansas City Star columnist Mary Sanchez writes.

Republicans Criticize Democrat's Direction, Finance Committee Timing

Just as Senate Finance Committee action is heating up, tempers on both sides of the aisle are flaring, as senators stake out positions and weigh political implications of their positions. The New York Times reports that Republican Sen.

AAP Policy: Caring For Children In The Emergency Department

Nearly 20 percent of visits to emergency departments in the U.S. are for children, yet only 6 percent of U.S. hospital emergency departments have all of the necessary equipment, medications and supplies to properly care for pediatric patients.

GOP Lawmakers Opposed To Reform Reflect On Their Own Experiences

Two Republican lawmakers with extensive personal interactions with the health care system warn of the dangers in health overhaul. The Associated Press reports on Rep. Sue Myrick, (R-NC), who has battled breast cancer, and her concerns about reform.

Racial Disparities In Diabetes Prevalence Linked To Living Conditions

The higher incidence of diabetes among African Americans when compared to whites may have more to do with living conditions than genetics, according to a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Scientists In Major Prostate Cancer Gene Discovery

Scientists have discovered nine new sites in the human genome that have variants that can increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer by three fold. Their findings were published in two papers in Nature Genetics* yesterday (Sunday).

Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis On The Rise In Victoria, Australia

Cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Victoria rose between 1998 and 2007, data published in the Medical Journal of Australia has revealed. A review of Victorian Department of Health data showed 31 people who resided in Victoria were diagnosed with MDR-TB.

Pediatric Strokes More Than Twice As Common As Previously Reported

Imaging studies along with diagnostic codes on medical charts show that the rate of strokes in infants and children is two to four times higher than commonly thought, researchers report in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

A Chip For The Eye: Artificial Vision Enhancers Being Put To The Test

Visually impaired or blind patients with degenerative retina conditions would be very happy if they were able to regain mobility, find their way around, be able to lead an independent life and to recognize faces and read again.

State News Round-Up: States Trim Budgets, Experiment With Reform Ideas

News outlets report on a variety of state health stories including the Connector in Massachusetts, mental health care in Texas, hospital payments in Vermont, increased health insurance coverage in California and Republican efforts with employer insurance in Florida.

New Online Tool Focuses On Improving Influenza Immunization Rates For Health Professionals

Recognizing that influenza infection in health care workers can lead to outbreaks with serious consequences for patients, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has launched an initiative for pharmacists to improve influenza immunization rates among healthcare workers.

Wyeth Presents Data From Five-Year Vertebral Fracture Prevention Study With Bazedoxifene

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), announces findings from a placebo-controlled Phase 3 study of bazedoxifene 20 mg extended to five years, which indicated a significant reduction versus placebo in new vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Migraine Patients Who Experience Aura May Have A Two-Fold Increased Risk For Ischemic Stroke

A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies finds that patients with migraine with aura have a two-fold increased risk for ischemic stroke compared to non-migraineurs. This association does not appear among migraineurs without aura[i].

Boston University Launches $10M, 5-Year Global Health Center

Boston University (BU) on Monday launched a five-year, $10 million global health initiative that aims to "bolster research and education" and "build a nationwide consortium of universities devoted to improving health in the Third World," the Boston Globe reports.

In Combination Treatment In Mice, Diabetes Drug Kills Cancer Stem Cells

In a one-two punch, a familiar diabetes drug reduced tumors faster and prolonged remission in mice longer than chemotherapy alone, apparently by targeting cancer stem cells, report Harvard Medical School researchers in the Sept. 14 advance online Cancer Research.

During Urgent Air-Medical Transport, 1 In 20 Patients Experience Critical Event

During air-medical transport of acutely-ill patients, 1 in 20 experience a critical event such as death, major resuscitation or blood pressure deterioration according to a new study http://www.cmaj.ca/press/cmaj080886.pdf in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Jefferson First In Philadelphia To Offer New, Incisionless Surgical Treatment For Acid Reflux Disease

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is the first hospital in Philadelphia, and the Delaware Valley, offering endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) an incisionless surgical treatment option to provide long-term elimination of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of the most common gastrointestinal

Obesity, Drinking, Smoking Contribute To Risk Of Second Breast Cancers

Obesity, smoking and alcohol use increase the risk that survivors of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer will develop the disease in the other breast, according to a study published this week in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Reuters reports.

Rep. Stupak Pledges Opposition To House Health Reform Bill Over Abortion Coverage

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) said he will vote against the House health care reform bill (HR 3200) if he is not allowed to offer a "more explicit" ban on federal funding for plans that cover abortion services, CongressDaily reports.

Virus Responsible For Deadly Brain Disease Found In MS Patients Treated With Natalizumab

The virus responsible for PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy), a rare brain disease that typically affects AIDS patients and other individuals with compromised immune systems, has been found to be reactivated in multiple-sclerosis patients being treated with natalizumab (Tysabri).

Medical Therapy To Facilitate The Passage Of Stones: What Is The Evidence?

UroToday.com - Results from this systematic review demonstrate evidence for a higher stone expulsion rate and a reduced time to stone expulsion using alpha-blocker or calcium channel blockers compared to a standard therapy or placebo control group.

High Fruit And Vegetable Intake Positively Correlated With Antioxidant Status, Cognitive Performance

Researchers at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany, investigated the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake, plasma antioxidant micronutrient status and cognitive performance in healthy subjects aged 45 to 102 years.

MassGeneral Hospital For Children Study Explains Some Mysteries Of Neonatal Seizures

A study led by MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) investigators is providing new insight into the mechanism of neonatal seizures, which have features very different from seizures in older children and adults. In their report in the Sept.

75% Would Consider Letting An Unsupervised Trainee Perform Their Operation If It Could Be Done Quicker

Three-quarters of surgical patients would consider allowing a competent unsupervised trainee junior doctor perform their entire operation if it meant they could have it done more quickly, according to a survey published in the September issue of BJUI.

Medicare Rights Center President Joseph Baker Explains Health Reform's Impact On People With Medicare To New York State Senate Committee On Aging

Medicare Rights Center President Joseph Baker testified today that people with Medicare stand to benefit from improved coverage of prescription drugs and preventive services if health reform legislation pending in the U.S. House of Representatives becomes law.

Nurses Echo Call For Action On Binge Drinking

Following the publication of the BMA's report Under the Influence - the damaging effect of alcohol marketing on young people, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) renewed calls for tighter regulation of the sale and promotion of alcohol.

Democrats Are Tightening The Belt For Health Reform

KHN reports: "Over the weekend, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., proposed a health care overhaul "framework" for committee consideration that would cost under $900 billion over the next decade, according to a source close to the negotiations.

Yale Researchers Repair Brain Damage Caused By Chronic Stress Work Has Implications For Bipolar Disorder, PTSD

Damage to the brain caused by chronic stress or lead poisoning can be repaired by blocking a key molecular pathway, Yale University researchers report in the September 7-11 edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Will Parliamentary Question Time Provide Medical Students With Answers?, Australia

The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) RACGP National Leadership Development Seminar (NLDS) will continue today at Parliament House, Canberra. Yesterday, eighty carefully selected medical students were addressed by Health Minister Nicola Roxon, other political leaders and medical experts.

Algal Toxins Cleared From Drinking Water By Novel Bacterial Strains

Novel bacterial strains capable of neutralizing toxins produced by blue-green algae have been identified by researchers at Robert Gordon's University, Aberdeen. Aakash Welgama presented the group's findings during the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

Intensive Glucose Control Mortality Analyzed

NEW ORLEANS â€" A baseline hemoglobin A1c level that exceeds 8.5%, a prior clinical history of neuropathy, and/or use of aspirin may flag patients with type 2 diabetes who are at higher risk of mortality with intensive glycemia treatment.

Hydrogels Could Replace Animal Tissues In Drug Tests

Synthetic hydrogels could soon be used instead of animal tissue to test the sticking power of future medicines, if new materials described at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's annual event, the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester, are developed further.