Bankix Systems News Network

Internet-Based Intervention May Improve Insomnia

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:45:06 CDT

An online insomnia intervention based on established face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy techniques appears to improve patients’ sleep, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of...

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Reduced-Dose Schedule for Pneumococcal Vaccine in Infants Shows Effectiveness

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 8 Jul 2009 22:04:23 CDT

Infants who received two or three primary doses of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) both had a decreased rate of carrying pneumococcal microorganisms that can cause pneumonia and...

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Online Computer Games Could Encourage Children to Eat Healthy Foods

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 7 Jul 2009 21:56:00 CDT

Children who play an online game promoting healthy foods and beverages appear more likely to choose nutritious snacks than those who play a game promoting unhealthy products, according to a report in...

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Sugar Substitute Appears to Prevent Early-Childhood Cavities

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 22:56:35 CDT

Children given an oral syrup containing the naturally occurring sweetener xylitol may be less likely to develop decay in their baby teeth, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of...

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Compared to Conventional Risk Factors, Certain Biomarkers May Have Limited Added Benefit For Predicting Cardiovascular Events

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 21:18:25 CDT

Use of several older and newer biomarkers appears to offer minimal added benefit in the prediction of cardiovascular events compared to conventional risk factors such as high cholesterol and high...

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Findings of Genetics Study Does Not Support Causal Association of C-Reactive Protein With Coronary Heart Disease

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 16:10:34 CDT

An analysis of the association between genetic variations of the inflammation biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) with coronary heart disease failed to support a causal association, according to a...

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Boys With Intermittent Eye Deviation Appear More Likely to Develop Mental Illness

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:44:52 CDT

Children and especially boys diagnosed with intermittent exotropia, a condition in which the eye turns outward (away from the nose) only some of the time, appear more likely to develop mental illness...

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An Estimated 4 Percent of Older U.S. Men Have Dry Eye Disease

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:46:34 CDT

Dry eye disease is common among American men older than 50 and increases with age, high blood pressure, benign prostate disease and the use of antidepressants, according to a report in the June issue...

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Heart Electrical Conduction Abnormality Believed Not to be Serious May Pose Cardiovascular Risks

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:54:43 CDT

New research indicates that a finding on a routine electrocardiogram that signals a disorder of the electrical conducting system in one part of the heart and previously believed to be benign is...

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Migraines With Aura in Midlife Associated With Increased Prevalence of Brain Lesions in Older Age

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:25:33 CDT

Middle-aged women who had migraine headaches with aura (sensory disturbances, such as with vision, balance or speech) had a higher prevalence of brain lesions when they were older, compared to...

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Being Overweight, Obese During Early Adulthood Associated With Greater Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:16:48 CDT

Young adults who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and being obese at an older age is associated with a lower overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic...

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Therapy Helps Improve Outcomes for Patients With Severe Sepsis

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:32:10 CDT

A preliminary study suggests that a therapy for severe sepsis or septic shock that included the use of an antibiotic-based “hemoperfusion” device to remove toxic products of bacteria from the blood...

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Study Compares Less Invasive CT-Scan Based Screening Method To Colonoscopy For Patients at Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:19:17 CDT

Computed tomographic (CT) colonography may offer patients at increased risk of colorectal cancer an alternative to colonoscopy that is less-invasive, is better-tolerated and has good diagnostic...

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Topical Application of Chemotherapy Drug May Improve Appearance of Aging Skin Through Wound-Healing Response

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:05:18 CDT

Topical application of the chemotherapy medication fluorouracil appears to reduce potentially precancerous skin patches and improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, according to a report in the...

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Psoriasis Associated With Cardiovascular Disease and Increased Mortality

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:58:31 CDT

The skin disease psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries) characterized by an increased prevalence of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease,...

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Cognitive Impairment Associated With Reduced Survival Among Both African-American and White Older Adults

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:37:04 CDT

Alzheimer’s disease and its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, appear to be associated with an increased risk of death among both white and African American older adults, according to a report in...

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Dose-Reduction Techniques Associated With Decreased Amount of Radiation Exposure From Cardiac Scans Without Impairing Image Quality

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:09:10 CDT

An intervention that includes techniques to reduce the amount of radiation from cardiac computed tomography angiography (scanning used to diagnose coronary artery disease) was associated with...

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Donor Stem Cell Transplantation Associated With Survival Benefit For Patients With Leukemia

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:58:44 CDT

An analysis of previous studies indicates that allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) (stem cells from a compatible donor) is associated with significant overall and relapse-free survival benefit...

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Genetically Elevated Levels of Lipoprotein Associated With Increased Risk of Heart Attack

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:54:03 CDT

A genetic analysis of data from three studies suggests that genetically elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, according to a study in the June 10...

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Easier Access to Media By Children Increases Risk For Influence on Numerous Health Issues

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:58:14 CDT

With children having easier access to media and a wider variety of content, the possible negative influence on health issues such as sex, drugs, obesity and eating disorders is increased, and...

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Study Redefines Roles of Alcohol, Smoking in Risk for Pancreatitis

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:47:59 CDT

Although alcohol consumption is known to be associated with chronic pancreatitis, new evidence indicates that a threshold of five or more drinks per day is required to significantly raise risk;...

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Less Sleep Associated With High, Worsening Blood Pressure in Middle Age

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 9 Jun 2009 12:43:29 CDT

Middle-aged adults who sleep fewer hours appear more likely to have high blood pressure and to experience adverse changes in blood pressure over time, according to a report in the June 8 issue of...

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Plant-Based, Low-Carb Diet May Promote Weight Loss and Improve Cholesterol Levels

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 17:54:15 CDT

Overweight individuals who ate a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet high in plant-based proteins for four weeks lost weight and experienced improvements in blood cholesterol levels and other heart...

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Childhood Health Disparities Can Have Life-Long Health Effects

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 14:13:09 CDT

Starting Health Promotion, Disease Prevention Early In Life Important Research indicates that physical and mental stress in childhood may have life-long adverse health effects and policy initiatives...

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TV Noise Associated With Fewer Verbal Interactions Between Infants and Parents

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 4 Jun 2009 16:07:14 CDT

For every hour they spend in the presence of an audible television, parents speak fewer words and infants are less likely to make vocalizations in response, according to a report in the June issue of...

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Changing Residences Associated With Increased Risk of Suicidal Behavior Among Children

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 3 Jun 2009 14:03:42 CDT

Danish children who move frequently appear to have an increased risk of attempted or completed suicide between ages 11 and 17, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of General...

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Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Helps Prevent Depression Among At-Risk Teens

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 2 Jun 2009 16:28:10 CDT

Adolescents at an increased risk of depression who participated in a group cognitive behavioral intervention significantly reduced their symptoms and episodes of depression compared to teens who...

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Antidepressant Does Not Appear to Reduce Repetitive Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 18:02:25 CDT

The antidepressant citalopram does not appear to reduce the occurrence of repetitive behaviors in children and teens with autism spectrum disorders, according to a report in the June issue of...

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Use of Acid-Suppressive Medications Associated With Increased Risk of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:01:05 CDT

Hospitalized patients who receive acid-suppressive medications such as a proton-pump inhibitor have a 30 percent increased odds of developing pneumonia while in the hospital, according to a study in...

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Intervention Helps Reduce Pain and Depression

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:48:01 CDT

For patients who experience pain and depression, common co-existing conditions, an intervention that included individually tailored antidepressant therapy and a pain self-management program resulted...

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Inner Ear Balance Disorders Common, Associated With Falls Among Older Americans

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:55:30 CDT

An estimated 35 percent of U.S. adults age 40 and older have vestibular dysfunction (inner ear balance disorders), and those who do may have a higher risk of falling, according to a report in the May...

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Evidence Supports Use of Web- and Computer-Based Programs to Help Adults Quit Smoking

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 25 May 2009 17:07:19 CDT

Available evidence supports the use of online or other computer-based smoking cessation programs for helping adults quit smoking, according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies...

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Vaccine Records of Internationally Adopted Children May Not Reflect Protection Against Disease

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:51:42 CDT

Children adopted from countries such as Russia, China and Guatemala may not be protected against polio, measles or other diseases despite records indicating they have been immunized, according to a...

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Policies on Organ Donation After Cardiac Death Vary Considerably Among Children’s Hospitals

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:24:37 CDT

Although a large number of children’s hospitals have developed or are developing policies regarding organ donation after cardiac death, there is considerable variation among policies, including the...

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Low and High Levels of Hormone in Men With Heart Failure Associated With Increased Risk of Death

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:58:27 CDT

Men with systolic chronic heart failure who have low or high levels of estradiol, a form of the hormone estrogen, have an increased risk of death compared with men with moderate levels of this...

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Diet and Exercise Intervention Helps Older, Overweight Cancer Survivors Reduce Functional Decline

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:45:11 CDT

A home-based diet and exercise program reduced the rate of functional decline among older, overweight long-term survivors of colorectal, breast and prostate cancer, according to a study in the May 13...

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Eating Fish, Nuts and Olive Oil May Be Associated With Reduced Risk of Age-Related Blindness

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:22:22 CDT

Regularly eating fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-three fatty acids and avoiding trans fats appears to be associated with a lower risk for the eye disease age-related macular...

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Women Who Follow Blood Pressure–Lowering Diet Have Reduced Risk for Heart Failure

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:00:31 CDT

A diet designed to prevent and treat high blood pressure also may be associated with a lower risk of heart failure among women, according to a report in the May 11 issue of Archives of Internal...

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Real and Simulated Acupuncture Appear More Effective Than Usual Care for Back Pain

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:09:33 CDT

Three types of acupuncture therapy—an individually tailored program, standard therapy and a simulation involving toothpicks at key acupuncture points—appear more effective than usual care for chronic...

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Complication and Death Rate No Better at Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence than at Other Hospitals

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 8 May 2009 17:43:01 CDT

Patients who undergo bariatric surgery at hospitals designated as centers of excellence do not appear to have lower mortality rates or lower rates of complications than those whose procedures are...

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Episode of Rapid, Irregular Heart Rhythm Before or After Cardiac Catheterization Associated With Increased Risk of Death Within 3 Months

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 7 May 2009 17:14:45 CDT

Certain heart attack patients who experience a rapid, abnormal heart rhythm before or after a coronary artery intervention or stent placement have a significantly higher risk of death within 90 days...

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Elevated Level of Certain Protein in Urine Linked to Increased Risk for Blood Clots

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 6 May 2009 17:46:12 CDT

Preliminary research suggests that higher than normal levels of the protein albumin in urine is associated with an increased risk for blood clots in the deep veins of the legs or lungs (venous...

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Program Helps Reduce Hospital and Emergency Department Use Among Homeless Adults With Chronic Illnesses

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 5 May 2009 17:27:40 CDT

An intervention that provided housing and case management to homeless adults with chronic medical illnesses reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits, according to a study in the May 6...

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Computerized Organization of Patient’s Medications Associated With a Lower Risk of Adverse Drug Events

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 1 May 2009 17:23:46 CDT

An intervention that included computerized identification of medications a patient is taking to help create a more accurate medication list for patients checking in or out of a hospital was...

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Interventions Appear Related to Reduced Risk of Adverse Drug Events

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:46:44 CDT

Interventions that included enhanced communication between a pharmacist and patients and physicians and computerized organization of a patient’s medications appear to be associated with a decreased...

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High Co-Payments Associated With Delay in Starting Drug Therapy in Patients with Chronic Diseases

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:00:21 CDT

High co-payments are associated with delayed initiation of medication in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension, diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels, according to a report in the April 27...

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Lifestyle Factors Related to Risk of Diabetes Among Older Adults

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:09:09 CDT

Even for older adults, lifestyle factors such as physical activity, dietary habits, tobacco and alcohol use and the amount of body fat are associated with risk of new-onset diabetes, according to a...

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Study Examines Outcomes of Gastric Bypass Surgery in Morbidly Obese and Superobese Patients

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:23:54 CDT

Superobese gastric bypass patients appear to have improvements in quality of life and obesity-related co-existing conditions, and despite losing weight remain obese after surgery, according to a...

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Radiation Exposure Associated With More Aggressive Thyroid Cancer, Worse Outcomes

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:26:39 CDT

Patients with thyroid cancer who have previously been exposed to radiation—for example, in the workplace, through environmental exposure or for treatment of acne or another condition—appear to have...

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Psoriasis Associated With Diabetes and High Blood Pressure in Women

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:28:49 CDT

Women with psoriasis appear to have an increased risk for developing diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure), according to a report in the April issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the...

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Aspirin and Similar Drugs May Be Associated With Brain Microbleeds in Older Adults

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:58:32 CDT

Individuals who take aspirin or other medications that prevent blood clotting by inhibiting the accumulation of platelets appear more likely to have tiny, asymptomatic areas of bleeding in the brain,...

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Former Inmates Have Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:33:43 CDT

Young adults who have been incarcerated appear more likely to have high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy, an enlarging of the heart muscle that is a common consequence of hypertension,...

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Review Identifies Dietary Factors Associated With Heart Disease Risk

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:20:39 CDT

A review of previously published studies suggests that vegetable and nut intake and a Mediterranean dietary pattern appear to be associated with a lower risk for heart disease, according to a report...

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Exercise Training Improves Health Status of Heart Failure Patients

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:36:20 CDT

Patients with heart failure who participated in aerobic exercise training had modest improvements in self-reported health status compared to those patients who did not have exercise training,...

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Studies Indicate Exercise Training May Provide Some Benefit for Patients With Heart Failure

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 9 Apr 2009 17:28:32 CDT

Aerobic exercise training appears safe for patients with heart failure and was associated with a modest reduction in the risk of death and hospitalization, with some improvement in quality of life,...

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Studies Investigate Childhood Obesity, Diabetes and Related Conditions

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 8 Apr 2009 17:25:35 CDT

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine theme issue examines risk factors and interventions Factors identified early in childhood could predict obesity in the teen years and beyond, and...

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Children With Low Self-Control More Likely to Become Overweight Pre-Teens

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 7 Apr 2009 22:06:22 CDT

Young children who do not display an ability to regulate their behavior or to delay gratification in exchange for a larger reward appear predisposed to gain extra weight by their pre-teen years,...

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Program That Emphasizes Housing for Homeless Persons with Alcoholism Associated with Reduced Alcohol Use and Health Care Costs

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 2 Apr 2009 18:05:54 CDT

An intervention that provides housing for homeless persons with severe alcohol problems without requiring abstinence from drinking was associated with reduced health care use and costs and a decrease...

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Higher Hospital Safety Rating Not Associated With Lower Risk of In-Hospital Death

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 15:29:54 CDT

Hospitals that reported higher scores on measures of safe practices did not have a significantly lower rate of in-hospital deaths compared to hospitals that reported lower scores on these measures,...

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Use of Antibacterial Associated With Reduced Risk of Catheter-Related Infections

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:13:53 CDT

For critically ill patients in intensive care units, use of a sponge containing the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine gluconate as part of the dressing for catheters reduced the risk of major...

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Family History Associated With Increased Risk of Blood Clots

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:02:58 CDT

Children and siblings of those with venous thrombosis, or blood clots in the veins, appear to have more than double the risk of developing the condition than those without a family history, according...

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Increasing Number of Americans Have Insufficient Levels of Vitamin D

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:23:35 CDT

Average blood levels of vitamin D appear to have decreased in the United States between 1994 and 2004, according to a report in the March 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the...

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Program Helps Improve Management of Chronic Pain

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:42:00 CDT

Patients with chronic pain who took part in a collaborative care intervention that included patient and clinician education and symptom monitoring and feedback to the primary care physician had...

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Smokers May Have Increased Risk of Pancreatitis

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:28:19 CDT

Smoking appears to be associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis, according to a report in the March 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives...

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Eating Red and Processed Meat Associated With Increased Risk of Death

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:50:04 CDT

Individuals who eat more red meat and processed meat appear to have a modestly increased risk of death from all causes and also from cancer or heart disease over a 10-year period, according to a...

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Narcolepsy Drug Being Used to Improve Cognitive Performance Affects Brain Dopamine Activity, Suggesting Potential For Abuse and Dependence

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:30:26 CDT

Preliminary research in healthy men suggests that the narcolepsy drug modafinil, increasingly being used to enhance cognitive abilities, affects the activity of dopamine in the brain in a way that...

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Use of Religious Faith to Cope With Advanced Cancer Associated With Receiving Intensive Medical Care Near Death

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:26:21 CDT

Patients with advanced cancer who used their religious faith to help cope were more likely to receive intensive life-prolonging medical care such as mechanical ventilation or cardiopulmonary...

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Medication Does Not Appear to Reduce Progression of Atherosclerosis

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:06:50 CDT

Compared to placebo, the drug pactimibe did not effect certain measures of atherosclerosis for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels), but these patients did have an...

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New Type of Botulinum Toxin Appears to Be Well Tolerated and May Help Reduce Forehead Wrinkles

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:57:40 CDT

Injections with a new type of botulinum toxin appears to be well tolerated and may help to improve the appearance of moderate to severe forehead lines with no evidence of diminishing treatment...

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Vitamin C Intake Associated With Lower Risk of Gout in Men

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:20:29 CDT

Men with higher vitamin C intake appear less likely to develop gout, a painful type of arthritis, according to a report in the March 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives...

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Parkinson Disease Treatment Strategies Appear to Have Similar Long-Term Effects on Disability

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:32:56 CDT

Patients with early Parkinson disease appear to have similar overall levels of disability and quality of life six years after beginning treatment with either levodopa or a dopamine agonist, according...

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Insomnia Often Appears to Be a Persistent Condition

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:25:53 CDT

About three-fourths of individuals with insomnia report experiencing the condition for at least one year and almost half experience it for three years, according to a report in the March 9 issue of...

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Metabolic and Neurological Disorders May Share Common Risk Factors

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:20:55 CDT

Archives of Neurology theme issue examines relationships between obesity, diabetes and dementia Metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes appear to share risk factors with and may influence...

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Statement of Anthony S. Fauci. MD, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, March 10, 2009.

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 4 Mar 2009 17:11:07 CST

The fourth annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day reminds us of the special risks that HIV/AIDS poses for women and girls. In response to the unique issues they face, we renew our...

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Swimming lessons do not increase drowning risk in young children.

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 3 Mar 2009 14:07:30 CST

Study Allays Concern that Lessons Could Increase Risk by Reducing Parental Vigilance Providing very young children with swimming lessons appears to have a protective effect against drowning and does...

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Genetic Identification of Marker in Lymph Nodes Appears Associated With Risk of Colorectal Cancer Recurrence

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:45:44 CST

A preliminary report suggests that genetic testing may help identify a marker in lymph nodes that is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer recurrence among patients in whom...

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Male Infertility Associated With Testicular Cancer

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:43:06 CST

Men who are infertile appear to have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer, according to a report in the February 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives...

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Women With Diabetes Before or During Pregnancy At Significantly Increased Risk of Experiencing Depression

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:05:03 CST

Low-income pregnant women and new mothers with diabetes have nearly twice the risk of experiencing depression during and after pregnancy than women without diabetes, according to a study in the...

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Calcium Associated With Lower Risk of Cancer in Women

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:16:38 CST

Women with higher intake of calcium appear to have a lower risk of cancer overall, and both men and women with high calcium intakes have lower risks of colorectal cancer and other cancers of the...

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Demonstration Projects of Coordinated Care Programs for Medicare Beneficiaries With Chronic Illnesses Find That Most Do Not Show Benefit

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:32:09 CST

Only 2 of 15 Medicare programs designed to improve care and costs for patients with chronic illnesses resulted in reduced hospital admissions, and none of the programs generated net savings,...

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New Surgical Technique Shows Promise for Improving Function of Artificial Arms

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:34:20 CST

A surgical technique known as targeted muscle reinnervation appears to enable patients with arm amputations to have improved control of functions with an artificial arm, according to a study in the...

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Mediterranean Diet Associated With Lower Risk of Cognitive Impairment

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:08:39 CST

Eating a Mediterranean diet appears to be associated with less risk of mild cognitive impairment—a stage between normal aging and dementia—or of transitioning from mild cognitive impairment into...

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Ongoing Statin Therapy Associated With Lower Risk of Death

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:40:57 CST

Patients with high cholesterol levels who continually take statins appear to have a lower risk of death over four to five years, regardless of whether they already have diagnosed heart disease,...

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Obesity During Pregnancy Associated With Increased Risk of Birth Defects

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:39:40 CST

For women who are obese during pregnancy there is an associated increased risk of certain birth defects, such as spina bifida and neural tube defects, although the absolute increase in risk is likely...

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Study Examines Association Between Mental Illness and Violent Behavior

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 5 Feb 2009 11:42:59 CST

Violence appears to be more common among those with mental illness only when they also report substance abuse or dependence, according to a report in the February issue of Archives of General...

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Hormone Level During Pregnancy May Identify Women at Risk for Postpartum Depression

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 16:04:53 CST

Women who have higher levels of a hormone produced by the placenta midway through their pregnancy appear more likely to develop postpartum depression, according to a report in the February issue of...

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Teen Media Exposure Associated With Depression Symptoms in Young Adulthood

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 3 Feb 2009 16:56:45 CST

Exposure to more television and other electronic media during the teenage years appears to be associated with developing depression symptoms in young adulthood, especially among men, according to a...

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Many Women Who Survived Childhood Cancer Do Not Undergo Recommended Breast Cancer Screening

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:36:14 CST

Despite recommendations and being at an increased risk of breast cancer, most young women who were treated with chest radiation for a childhood cancer do not undergo appropriate mammography...

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Weight loss in overweight and obese women reduces urinary incontinence.

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:15:49 CST

Reducing urinary incontinence can now be added to the extensive list of health benefits of weight loss, according to a clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and...

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Nutritional Supplementation Program Helps Prevent Weight Loss Among Children in African Country

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:31:56 CST

Children in Niger who received a daily nutritional supplement for three months had a lower rate of weight loss and a reduced risk of wasting compared to children who did not receive the...

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Medication May Provide Some Benefit for Older Adults With Anxiety Disorder

BANKIX@BANKIXSYSTEMS.COM — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:22:56 CST

Preliminary research suggests that use of the drug escitalopram provided some improvement in symptoms for older adults with generalized anxiety disorder, although the overall benefits were diminished...

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Abnormal Heart Function Associated With Reduced Capacity For Exercise

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:51:13 CST

Patients with abnormal diastolic function (when the heart is relaxed and expanded) in the left ventricle of the heart have a substantially lower maximum capacity for exercise, according to a study in...

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Study Compares Two Non-Surgical Treatments for Reflux Disease

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:26:40 CST

Two non-surgical, non-pharmacological treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) both appear effective in reducing medication use and improving voice and swallowing symptoms, according to...

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Retinoid Cream Associated With Death in Clinical Trial, but Relationship Does Not Appear Causal

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:55:47 CST

Patients using a cream containing tretinoin, a retinoid commonly used to treat acne and other conditions, appeared more likely to die than those using a placebo in a clinical trial that was halted...

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Use of Antidepressants Associated With Improvement in Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:13:03 CST

The use of antidepressant medications by patients with fibromyalgia syndrome is associated with a reduction in pain, sleep disturbances and depressed mood and improvement of health-related quality of...

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Treadmill Exercise Improves Walking Endurance For Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:31:38 CST

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can include symptoms such as pain in the legs, who participated in supervised treadmill exercise improved their walking endurance and quality of...

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Job Strain Associated With Stroke in Japanese Men

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:20:59 CST

Japanese men in high-stress jobs appear to have an increased risk of stroke compared with those in less demanding positions, according to a report in the January 12 issue of Archives of Internal...

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Elderly May Have Higher Blood Pressure in Cold Weather

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:26:26 CST

Outdoor temperature and blood pressure appear to be correlated in the elderly, with higher rates of hypertension in cooler months, according to a report in the January 12 issue of Archives of...

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Getting Less Sleep Associated With Lower Resistance to Colds

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:33:21 CST

Individuals who get less than seven hours of sleep per night appear about three times as likely to develop respiratory illness following exposure to a cold virus as those who sleep eight hours or...

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Not All Antipsychotics Created Equal: Analysis Reveals Important Differences

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:28:30 CST

An analysis of studies on antipsychotics reveals multiple differences among the newer, second-generation antipsychotics as well as the older medications, and suggests the current classification...

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Treatment Involving Deep Brain Stimulation for Patients With Advanced Parkinson Disease Provides Benefits

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 16:05:24 CST

But Treatment Also Associated With Increased Risk of Serious Adverse Events Patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD) who received deep brain stimulation treatment had more improvement in...

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Brain Circuit Abnormalities May Underlie Bulimia Nervosa in Women

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 8 Jan 2009 16:42:52 CST

Women with bulimia nervosa appear to respond more impulsively during psychological testing than those without eating disorders, and brain scans show differences in areas responsible for regulating...

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Childhood Trauma Associated With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:31:43 CST

Individuals who experience trauma during childhood appear more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome as adults, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one...

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Teens Frequently Mention Risky Behaviors on Social Networking Sites

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 5 Jan 2009 16:38:44 CST

About half of teens reference sex, substance use or other risky behaviors on their publicly available online profiles, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of Pediatrics &...

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New Tool Developed to Predict Colorectal Cancer Risk

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 1 Jan 2009 11:52:00 CST

A new online tool for calculating colorectal cancer risk in men and women age 50 or older was launched today, based on a new risk-assessment model developed by researchers at the National Cancer...

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Psychiatric Patients Have Greater Usage of Mental Health Services With Insurance Plans That Provide Equal Cost Sharing

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:58:59 CST

Following a psychiatric discharge, Medicare patients in insurance plans that provide equal cost sharing for mental health services have higher use of those services compared to patients in plans that...

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Among Older Adults, Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Are Commonly Used Together

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:11:16 CST

A survey suggests that nearly half of older adults in the U.S. use prescription and over-the-counter medications together, and that about 4 percent of older adults are potentially at risk of an...

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Longer Sleep Duration Associated With Lower Incidence of Calcification in Coronary Arteries

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:06:24 CST

Participants in a study who slept on average an hour longer per night than other participants had an associated lower incidence of coronary artery calcification, which is thought to be a predictor of...

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Certain Factors Associated With Attrition During Graduate Medical Education Training

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:50:26 CST

Graduates from a single medical school who began graduate medical education (residency) programs appear more likely to change specialty or discontinue graduate medical education training if they are...

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Study Examines Association of Race and Insurance Status With Presentation and Surgical Treatment of Diverticulitis

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:32:09 CST

Among patients undergoing surgery for diverticulitis, race was associated with a complicated presentation and in-hospital mortality, but not with receiving a colostomy, whereas insurance status was...

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Higher Levels of Obesity-Related Hormone Found in Patients With Psoriasis

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:30:25 CST

Patients with the skin disease psoriasis appear more likely to have higher levels of leptin (a hormone produced by fat cells that may contribute to obesity and other metabolic abnormalities) than...

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Allergies Alone Not Associated With Increased Risk of Nighttime Breathing Problems

BANKIX@BANKIXSYSTEMS.COM — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:31:53 CST

Allergic rhinitis does not appear to be associated with snoring or daytime sleepiness, but individuals with obstructed nasal passages are likely to experience both regardless of whether they have...

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Breathing Problems During Sleep Associated With Calories Burned at Rest

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:01:11 CST

Individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders appear to burn more calories when resting as their conditions become more severe, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of...

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Use of Steroid Medication to Reduce Nausea and Vomiting Following Tonsillectomies Associated With Increased Risk of Post-Operative Bleeding in Children

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:39:04 CST

Use of the steroid medication dexamethasone is effective in reducing nausea and vomiting after tonsillectomies for children, but also is associated with an increased risk of postoperative bleeding,...

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Financial Incentives Appear Effective For Short-Term Weight Loss

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:27:46 CST

A preliminary study suggests that economic incentives appear to be effective for achieving short-term weight loss, according to a report in the December 10 issue of JAMA.

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Unintentional Overdose Deaths Associated With Nonmedical Use of Prescription Pain Relievers

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:12:06 CST

An examination of unintentional overdose deaths in West Virginia, a state that has experienced one of the highest increases in the rate of drug overdose deaths, finds that the majority of these were...

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Neither Vitamin C or E Associated With Reduced Risk of Prostate Cancer, or Other Cancers

banki35@yahoo.com — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:00:44 CST

In a major cancer prevention study, long-term supplementation with vitamin E or C did not reduce the risk of prostate or other cancers for nearly 15,000 male physicians. This study, along with...

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Supplementation With Vitamin E or Selenium Does Not Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 9 Dec 2008 15:34:37 CST

In perhaps the largest cancer chemoprevention trial ever conducted, researchers have found that supplementation with vitamin E or selenium, alone or in combination, was not associated with a lower...

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Flu Vaccine Associated With Reduced Illness, Less Impairment of Academic Performance Among College Students

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:52:01 CST

College students who are vaccinated against influenza appear less likely to develop flu-like illnesses, require related health care visits or experience impairments in academic performance during flu...

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Symptoms of Depression Associated With Increase in Abdominal Fat

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 4 Dec 2008 12:52:53 CST

Older adults with symptoms of depression appear more likely to gain abdominal fat, but not overall fat, over a five-year period, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of General...

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Psychiatric Disorders Common Among College-Age Individuals; Few Seek Treatment

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 3 Dec 2008 14:09:10 CST

Psychiatric disorders appear to be common among 18- to 24-year-olds, with overall rates similar among those attending or not attending college, according to a report in the December issue of Archives...

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Childhood Social Program Leads to Better-Functioning Young Adults

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 2 Dec 2008 11:58:03 CST

A social development intervention administered in elementary school appears to have positive effects on mental health, sexual health and educational and economic achievement assessed 15 years after...

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One-Third of Farm Workers’ Children Lack Health Insurance

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 1 Dec 2008 16:55:32 CST

Children of farm workers are three times as likely as all other children and almost twice as likely as other poor children to be uninsured, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of...

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Gene Variation For Persons With Diabetes Associated With Increased Risk of Coronary Artery Disease

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:53:31 CST

Patients with type 2 diabetes who have poor glycemic control and a certain genetic variation have an increased risk of coronary artery disease, according to a study in the November 26 issue of JAMA.

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Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids For COPD Does Not Appear to Improve Survival, But May Increase Risk For Pneumonia

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:49:09 CST

An analysis of randomized trials indicates that use of inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) does not improve the rate of survival after one year,...

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Under New Liver Transplantation Allocation System, Improvement Seen Regarding Disparities For Black Patients, But Not for Women

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:20:41 CST

Following introduction of a new system in 2002 to determine the allocation of donated livers, black patients no longer are less likely to receive a liver transplant, but disparities for women remain,...

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Diabetes Medications in Same Class Carry Different Risks of Heart Failure, Death

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:30:53 CST

Older adults who take the diabetes medication rosiglitazone appear to have a higher risk of death and heart failure than those taking the related medication pioglitazone, according to a report in the...

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High Blood Pressure in the Doctor’s Office May Not Predict Heart Risks

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:46:47 CST

Continuously measuring blood pressure may help predict heart disease and related deaths among individuals with treatment-resistant hypertension, while blood pressure readings taken in a medical...

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Mammograms May Detect Some Cancers That Would Have Otherwise Regressed

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:59:26 CST

Breast cancer rates increased significantly in four Norwegian counties after women there began undergoing mammography every two years, according to a report in the November 24 issue of Archives of...

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Widely-Used Cancer Drug Associated With Significantly Increased Risk of Blood Clots

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:15:46 CST

An analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates that use of the cancer drug bevacizumab is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the deep veins of the legs...

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Gingko Biloba Does Not Appear to Prevent Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:09:58 CST

Use of the herb Ginkgo biloba, claimed to have beneficial effects on memory and cognition, was not effective in reducing the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease among more than 1,500 elderly...

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Immediate Breast Reconstruction More Common Among Residents of Wealthier, Better-Educated Communities

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:14:59 CST

Patients appear more likely to have immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy if they live in communities with higher household incomes, lower population density and more individuals who have...

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Study Helps Identify Beachgoers at Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:24:23 CST

Identifying the sun-protection practices and risk profiles of beachgoers may help determine those who would benefit from targeted interventions intended to reduce the risk of skin cancer, according...

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Indigo Ointment May Help Treat Patients With Psoriasis

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:20:21 CST

An ointment made from indigo naturalis, a dark blue plant-based powder used in traditional Chinese medicine, appears effective in treating plaque-type psoriasis, according to a report in the November...

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Rates of Psychosis Higher Among Minority Groups in Britain

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:55:32 CST

Both first- and second-generation immigrants to the United Kingdom appear to have a higher risk of psychoses than white British individuals, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of...

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PTSD Symptoms Associated With Increased Risk of Death After Heart Events

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:19:42 CST

Individuals who receive implantable cardiac defibrillators after a sudden heart event appear more likely to die within five years if they experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder,...

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Living With Smokers May be Associated with Inadequate Access to Food

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:27:14 CST

Children and adults living with adult smokers appear less likely to have daily access to enough healthy food compared with those living with non-smoking adults, according to a report in the November...

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Parents’ Wartime Deployment Associated With Children’s Behavior Problems

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:32:05 CST

Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent deployed to a war zone appear to exhibit more behavior problems than their peers whose parents are not deployed, according to a report in the November issue of...

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Precipitation Levels May Be Associated With Autism

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:50:46 CST

Children living in counties with higher levels of annual precipitation appear more likely to have higher prevalence rates of autism, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of...

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Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death Appears Increased Within 30 Days of Heart Attack

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 15:19:19 CST

The risk of sudden cardiac death following a heart attack has declined significantly in the past 30 years, although patients appear to be at elevated risk for sudden cardiac death for the first month...

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Folic Acid, B Vitamins Do Not Appear to Affect Cancer Risk

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:59:16 CST

A daily supplementation combination that included folic acid and vitamin B6 and B12 had no significant effect on the overall risk of cancer, including breast cancer, among women at high risk of...

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Extended-Treatment With Combination Medication for Opioid-Addicted Youths Shows Benefit

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 16:32:54 CST

Adolescents addicted to opioids who received continuing treatment with the combination medication buprenorphine-naloxone had lower rates of testing positive or reporting use of opioids compared to...

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Diabetes Treatment Becomes More Complex, Costly

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:48:06 CDT

A progressively more complex and expensive array of treatments for type 2 diabetes is being prescribed to an increasing number of adults, according to a report in the October 27 issue of Archives of...

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Statins Associated With Lower Risk of Death from Pneumonia

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:52:18 CDT

Individuals who take cholesterol-lowering statins before being hospitalized with pneumonia appear less likely to die within 90 days afterward, according to a report in the October 27 issue of...

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Collaboration Between States, Federal Government Key to Health Care Reform

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:40:33 CDT

In order to achieve comprehensive health care reform, states cannot do it alone. States and the federal government must partner and collaborate to overcome barriers and challenges to create...

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Comprehensive Tax Reform Could Play Important Role In Creating Health Care Reform

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:59:12 CDT

A proposal to implement a value-added tax for universal health insurance vouchers would also provide for significant decreases in other taxes, according to the authors of a commentary in the October...

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High Number of Children and Teens in U.S. Uninsured Despite Having a Parent With Health Insurance

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:36:04 CDT

Approximately 4 percent of U.S. children and adolescents have a gap in health insurance coverage at some point during the year, even though they have at least one parent who is insured, according to...

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Chest Scans May Help Monitor Spread of Head and Neck Cancer in High-Risk Patients

bankixsystems.com — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:24:27 CDT

Among high-risk patients with head and neck cancer, chest computed tomography (CT) may help detect disease progression involving the lungs, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of...

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Study Compares Results of Allergy Patch Tests Between Children and Adults

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:59:25 CDT

Adults and children who are referred for patch testing of allergens appear equally likely to have allergic contact dermatitis, although they tend to react to different allergens, according to a...

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Study Documents Safety Problems for Biological Products

bankix@bankixsystems.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:09:21 CDT

Approximately one in four biological medicinal products (such as antibodies, enzymes and insulin) approved since 1995 in the U.S. and Europe have had at least one safety-related regulatory action...

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