/home/medblogs/public_html/feed.xml Medblogs is a news site covering health, medicine, disease and nutrition. Topics include cancer, diabetes, diet, exercise, cardiac, pulmonsary, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals en-us Copyright 2008 2009-07-10T16:22:46+01:00 admin News, Articles and Posts http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123549 Bigger government. Tax the rich. Tax health insurance premiums. Tax liquor. Tax snack food. Tax tobacco.All in the name of free health care for everyone.Sounds wonderful.At least to some.According to the Dallas News, it appears there is a hitch in Obamaman's lofty plans.Since 1997, U.S. medical school graduates in family medicine and general internal medicine programs have fallen by nearly 50 percent, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.This doesn't bode well when you want to http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123549 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123548 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the blood-thinning drug Effient tablets (prasugrel) to reduce the risk of blood clots from forming in patients who undergo angioplasty, a common procedure to unblock a clogged coronary artery. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123548 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123547 A drug first found in the soil of Easter Island in the South Pacific may hold the elusive key to slowing the aging process. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123547 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123546 According to a new study by researchers in Florida (home to more than a few potential Alzheimer #39;s candidates): "Three large cups of coffee a day could help to slow the progress of Alzheimer €™s disease and even reverse the condition, researchers say. " read more http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123546 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123545 Engineer and surgeon Catherine Mohr gives a dynamic lecture on the surgery #8217;s history and its potential future. d Posts:To da Vinci or notPosted at KevinMD.com. Stay updated and subscribe or follow me @KevinMD on Twitter. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123545 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123544 For years the Shriner's association has supported crippled children and never charged a dime nor billed insurance for treatment.That is about to change.The Shriners say they will keep a presence in all 22 cities where they provide care for children, but some of the facilities may be downgraded to outpatient surgical centers.Shriners Hospitals for Children also will begin accepting insurance.Even not for profit organizations cannot operate forever on donations. I wonder if other organizations, li http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123544 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123543 The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against Quality Formulation Laboratories, Inc., American Sports Nutrition Inc., Sports Nutrition International LLC and Mohamed S. Desoky, who oversees operations at all three companies. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123543 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123542 Athletic injuries can derail any player's ability to compete, but for a baseball pitcher his shoulder strength and control is critical. A new study suggests that testing a pitcher's shoulder strength through a series of exercises during the preseason may help create a focused strength training program to prevent serious injury during the season. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123542 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123540 Etanercept is a safe and effective adjunct to, or a replacement for, sulfasalazine in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients showing an inadequate response to treatment with sulfasalazine alone, researchers report in the July issue of Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123540 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123539 Anemia in patients with a recent acute myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality, according to a report in the June issue of the European Heart Journal. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123539 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123538 Ultrasound-guided aspiration and sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol is effective for treating recurrent ovarian endometriomas, according to a report in the June issue Fertility and Sterility. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123538 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123537 Treatment with etanercept in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes lowers A1C and increases endogenous insulin production, according to findings published in the July issue of Diabetes Care. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123537 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123536 Preoperative staging with PET-CT and cranial imaging can identify more lung-cancer patients with mediastinal and extrathoracic disease than conventional staging, and many clinicians are already turning to this modality. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123536 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123535 Specialists can improve the health of patients with chronic illnesses by using electronic health records to prompt consultations and develop treatment plans with primary care physicians. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123535 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123534 Dietary composition may affect the progression of cirrhosis and liver cancer, according to results of a large cohort study. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123534 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123533 Public health officials and delegations from 54 states, tribes, and territories at the H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit discussed a 4-pronged approach to preparation for the fall 2009 influenza season. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123533 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123532 Study found more than half of patients reported improvement http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123532 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123531 No increased psychological risk for subsequent child: study http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123531 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123530 Replacing a joint in any part of the body often leads to a long recovery process and the possibility of not being able to return to a sport or activity. However, a new study shows that even an older individual who receives a total shoulder joint replacement can return to full participation within approximately six months of surgery. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123530 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123529 Researchers have discovered and analyzed several new compounds, collectively called the ''EUK-400 series,'' which could someday be used to prevent radiation-induced injuries to kidneys, lungs, skin, intestinal tract and brains of radiological terrorism victims. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123529 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123528 For years researchers have been searching for a way to treat diabetics by reactivating their insulin-producing beta cells, to no avail. Now, they may be one step closer. A protein, whose role in pancreatic development has long been recognized, has been discovered to play an additional and previously unknown regulatory role in the development of cells in the immature endocrine system. These cells ultimately give rise to pancreatic islet cells, which include beta cells. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123528 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123527 A study just published on bmj.com concludes that the defects in a particular gene known as the filaggrin gene are linked to a considerably amplified risk of developing allergic disorders such as eczema, rhinitis, and asthma. Over the past years, allergic diseases have increased. In economically developed countries, those diseases now affect up to one in three children. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123527 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123526 Scientists studying a strain of Ebola virus found in domestic pigs in the Philippines last year suggest that although the particular strain is not one linked to disease in humans its emergence in the human food chain is cause for concern. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123526 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123525 Oral health is a crucial part of overall health. The implications of untreated dental disease are serious and can be permanent: significant tooth decay, pain, or infection can inhibit eating, speaking, learning and working. Nationally, more than 51 million school and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental-related illnesses. Fortunately, dental disease [...] http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123525 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123524 Sweeping healthcare legislation in Congress includes money for walking paths, streetlights, jungle gyms, and even farmers' markets. While supporters cite their importance for preventative health, critics see the billions of dollars for such provisions in the Senate and House versions as pure pork. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123524 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123523 Real estate agent Lisa DeWaal serves coffee at a Starbucks outlet for 4 hours every morning before she goes to the office to start her "day job." Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123523 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123522 India, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the only countries where transmission of wild poliovirus (WPV) has never been interrupted. However, repeated rounds of mass immunization have eliminated polio from all but two northern states in India, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123522 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123521 The results of a study conducted in Japan and published in Respiratory Research suggest there is an association between high soy consumption and low risk of COPD and breathlessness. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123521 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123520 Rescue angioplasty is superior to conservative treatment or repeat thrombolysis in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) who received thrombolysis as their initial reperfusion therapy, Australian and UK researchers report in the July 7th issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123520 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123519 Cervarix, the cervical cancer vaccine by GlaxoSmithKline, has won a green light from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for use in developing countries, although how the shot will be paid for has yet to be resolved. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123519 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123518 The addition of probiotic bacteria and prebiotic functional food to the diet of children with severe, acute malnutrition does not improve outcomes, according to a clinical trial conducted in Malawi. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123518 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123517 Smoking tobacco and, to a lesser extent, consuming alcohol are associated with an increased risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis, according to the results of a study conducted in rural south India. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123517 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123516 ECT works better combined with an antidepressant, and high-dose unilateral ECT may be better than standard bilateral ECT. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123516 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123515 Single people have twice the risk for cognitive decline later in life compared with married or cohabiting people, a new study suggests. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123515 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123514 A new review has found that lowering blood pressure below the "standard" target of 140/90 mm Hg is not beneficial in terms of reducing mortality or morbidity. Heartwire http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123514 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123513 A retrospective study shows that patients with biliary dyskinesia and high biliary ejection fraction have diminished abdominal pain after cholecystectomy. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123513 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123512 Researchers have completed genomewide studies of schizophrenia that identify an array of gene variants that together account for more than 30% of the genetic risk for schizophrenia. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123512 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123511 (Via Peter Robinson) Today on Uncommon Knowledge, Thomas Sowell, author of "The Housing Boom and Bust," argues the Obama administration is a great deal less intent on reviving the economy than on forever altering the relationship of Americans to the federal government. The leading instance? Health care, of course . What urgent reason is there to believe that the government of all institutions can make healthcare less expensive? If you want something cheaper, you can always get something che http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123511 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123510 Cultivating positive emotions can help ward off stress and depression, study says http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123510 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123508 Cookie Dough E. Coli Doesn't Match Outbreak Strain: FDA Pentagon Looks to Crack Down on Tobacco Use Heart Patient Death Rates Vary Widely in U.S.: Study/li http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123508 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123507 Depression Sleep in Osteoarthritis Project Overactive Bladder (Females) Keratoses Liver Cancer Alzheimer's Disease /div http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123507 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123506 President Obama on Wednesday nominated Francis Collins, a physician and genetics researcher, to be NIH director, the Washington Post reports (Brown, Washington Post, 7/9). Collins worked at the agency during the administrations of former Presidents Clinton and George W. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123506 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123505 Senators working feverishly to pass health reform ahead of Congress' August recess raised doubts Wednesday on whether they will be able to pass reform on schedule, The Boston Globe reports. "Republicans called on Democrats to slow the pace of deliberations, and Democratic leaders sounded decidedly less confident about speedy approval amid festering divisions. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123505 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123504 Sweeping healthcare legislation in Congress includes money for walking paths, streetlights, jungle gyms, and even farmers' markets. While supporters cite their importance for preventative health, critics see the billions of dollars for such provisions in the Senate and House versions as pure pork. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123504 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123503 A new Medicare analysis by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found a "double failure" at U.S. hospitals. Its release comes as the White House and Congress seek ways to reward quality over quantity of care in health care reform. USA Today reports that "Too many people die needlessly at U.S. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123503 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123502 "Long second shrift to other medical training, nursing education has taken on new relevance as the country faces a drastic shortage of nurses and a thin job market overall," The Dallas Morning News reports. "Colleges are quickly expanding their programs to encompass lengthy waiting lists. And (Texas) Gov. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123502 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123501 Fair Pay For Caregivers New York Times Further delay in rescinding a measure that denies caregivers fair pay raises the danger that their plight will get mired in the broader debate over health care costs (7/8). http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123501 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123500 The most recent statistics on programs funded in 140 countries through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria released Wednesday reveal "[m]ore than 2 million people living with HIV have been reached with life-saving treatment," the UN News Centre reports (7/8). http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123500 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123499 Changing Humanitarian Messaging Could Save More People In a New York Times opinion piece, columnist Nicholas Kristof says G8 leaders are "collectively so far behind in meeting humanitarian aid pledges," and asks why it is easier "to try to assist a stranger before us" than "to donate to try to save strangers from malaria half a world away. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123499 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123498 The Baltimore Sun's blog "Picture of Health" features comments from Allison Agwu, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, who discussed HIV awareness and testing among teenagers. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123498 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123497 On the heels of the publication today of a landmark, five city US study of gonorrhea and Chlamydia infections and related testing protocols among populations of at-risk men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)-a clinical participant in the research trial component in Los http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123497 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123496 BioAlliance Pharma SA (Paris:BIO), the specialty pharmaceutical company focused on therapy and supportive care in cancer and AIDS, announced Europe-wide approval for embossing its Loramyc® mucoadhesive buccal tablet, developed for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123496 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123495 Sciele Pharma, Inc., a Shionogi Company, announced the availability of Ulesfia (Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5%), the first and only prescription medication that kills head lice by asphyxiation without potential neurotoxic side effects. Approved by the U.S. Food Drug Administration (FDA), Ulesfia is indicated for the topical treatment of head lice infestation in patients 6 months of age and older. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123495 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123494 A new study shows that patients who use workplace primary care and pharmacy services have higher adherence rates to medications for chronic conditions, suggesting that by investing in integrated workplace health and pharmacy programs companies can realize health care savings while also improving patient outcomes. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123494 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123493 Aperio Technologies, Inc., (Aperio), a global leader in digital pathology for the healthcare and life sciences industry, is pleased to announce the launch of a digital pathology solution for Immunohistochemistry (IHC) designed specifically for the clinical market. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123493 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123492 OptumHealth Inc. announced that it is partnering with Prevent Blindness America, the nation's oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, to donate 50,000 eyeglass frames worth more than $2 million to residents in Ohio who participate in the Prevent Blindness Ohio Vision Care Outreach program. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123492 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123491 Foresight Biotherapeutics, Inc. announced data from a pre-clinical study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the topical administration of FST-100 in a highly regarded Ad5 NZW rabbit model of adenoviral conjunctivitis. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123491 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123490 Osmetech plc (LSE:OMH), the fast growing international molecular diagnostics company announces that it has received US Food Drug Administration ('FDA') 510(k) clearance for its eSensor® Cystic Fibrosis Genotyping Test for use on the eSensor® XT-8 System. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123490 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123489 Revance Therapeutics, Inc. ("Revance") announces that RT001, a topical botulinum toxin type A, under investigation for the treatment of crow's feet wrinkles, demonstrated efficacy and safety in a US Phase 2b clinical study. The randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, dose-finding study showed efficacy versus placebo at primary and multiple secondary endpoints. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123489 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123488 Food advertising on television increases automatic snacking on available foods in children and adults, according to a series of experimental studies conducted by researchers from Yale University. The http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123488 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123487 The American Orthopaedic Society presented a study at a recent annual meeting, suggesting the ever-common knee injury in football players and other professional athletes may not hinder a career if the http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123487 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123486 Leadership training for senior and middle management in the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is one of several initiatives being tested to improve the psychological and physical health of QPS staff. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123486 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123485 Researchers from the Nordic Cochrane Centre in Copenhagen have published a study in the BMJ (subscription required for anything more than the abstract) concluding that "one in three breast cancers detected in a population offered organised screening is overdiagnosed." Dartmouth's Gil Welch writes in an accompanying editorial that "the question is no longer whether overdiagnosis occurs, but how often it occurs." This Cochrane review concluded that about one in three of all breast cancers detect http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123485 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123484 How it may affect your health Source: HealthDay http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123484 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123483 Choose foods that are easier to digest Source: HealthDay http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123483 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123482 U.S. taking steps to handle virus' anticipated return in the fall Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123482 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123481 Patients who had first period before age 12 are at increased risk of death, study shows Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Menstruation, Ovarian Cancer http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123481 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123480 Monkey study is best evidence yet that fewer daily calories boost lifespan Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: Nutrition http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123480 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123479 Hispanic men and women needing heart-bypass surgery are about 50 percent more likely than white patients to undergo an operation by lower quality surgeons, according to research conducted in Massachusetts. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Topics: Health Disparities, Heart Surgery, Hispanic-American Health http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123479 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123478 For women there may be one good thing about having migraines: a reduced risk of breast cancer. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Topics: Breast Cancer, Migraine http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123478 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123477 Many can be modified, treated to improve odds, experts say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: Stroke http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123477 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123476 U.S. study finds pricetag hits $42 million a year Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: Stroke http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123476 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123475 Doctors need to recognize challenges these patients face, researchers say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123475 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123474 Problems related to low birth weight continue into adulthood, study shows Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Infant and Toddler Health, Lung Diseases http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123474 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123473 Early interventions can improve everyday memory in patients with mild memory difficulties, investigators in Australia report. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Topic: Memory http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123473 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123472 As early as kindergarten, kids who are overweight feel more lonely and anxious than their normal-weight peers, new research shows. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Topics: Child Mental Health, Depression, Obesity in Children http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123472 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123471 Genetic mutation increases likelihood of eczema and asthma, study finds Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Allergy, Eczema, Genes and Gene Therapy http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123471 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123470 Experts stress, though, that screenings remain vital Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Breast Cancer, Mammography http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123470 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123469 As more doctors are blogging, using Twitter, or are on Facebook, minding their online reputation becomes more important. I #8217;ve written and cited several pieces on this issue in the past, and it cannot be stressed enough that what you write or say online stays there forever. Over at his blog at White Coat Underground, internist PalMD writes about the many potential pitfalls of physicians maintaining an online presence. For instance, citing HIPAA patient privacy laws, he notes that it #8217;s http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123469 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123466 "As Congress wrangles with overhauling the health care system, there is one population not being discussed. No proposal for a national health plan would cover the nation's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants," NPR reports. But "analysts say the notion that illegal immigrants drain the health system is overblown. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123466 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123465 Dr. Francis S. Collins, the Yale-educated, guitar-strumming physician and geneticist who led the Human Genome Project, was nominated Wednesday to head the National Institutes of Health, the New York Times reports. "Dr. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123465 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123463 National Cancer Institute: Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Mortality Are Not Driven by Estrogen Receptor Status Alone -- "Black women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher probability of dying from the disease than white women, regardless of their estrogen receptor status," a study p http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123463 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123461 The World Food Programme (WFP) issued an urgent appeal on Tuesday for $23 million in "financial support from international donors for food aid to Yemen specifically targeted at women and children," AFP/Google.com reports. The agency said that the "figure represents 42 percent of the 55 million dollars that it needs for the current year to improve the nutrition of more than 1. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123461 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123460 The Washington Post examines one of INOVA Juniper Program's six clinics serving those with HIV/AIDS located "[t]wo blocks down the road" from the old Whitman-Walker clinic, which "served the Northern Virginia HIV/AIDS community for more than a decade, [and] closed this year because of financial constraints." As of late last month the new Arlington, Va. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123460 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123459 This marks the 50th Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) National Convention, which is the largest medical student conference in the southern hemisphere. The event runs from Monday July 6 to Sunday July 12 and includes an array of lectures, workshops, debates, an emergency challenge and social events. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123459 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123458 New data presented by BD Biosciences, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 7th Annual Meeting in Barcelona, Spain, highlights two novel flow cytometry-based sorting and analysis methods for neural and embryonic stem cell research. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123458 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123457 Using a nicotine patch before quitting smoking can double success rates, according to Duke University Medical Center researchers. They say their latest data suggest changes should be made to nicotine patch labeling. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123457 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123455 A new mental health unit for children and young people in north Wales will be officially opened by Health Minister Edwina Hart. The £15 million Assembly Government-funded, purpose-built unit has been developed on the site of Abergele Hospital due to its central location in Conwy, north Wales. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123455 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123453 Athletic injuries can derail any player's ability to compete, but for a baseball pitcher his shoulder strength and control is critical. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123453 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123452 Replacing a joint in any part of the body often leads to a long recovery process and the possibility of not being able to return to a sport or activity. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123452 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123451 A group of chemicals found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as tea, cocoa and red wine, could protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease, a dementia expert will tell scientists at a conference today (Friday). http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123451 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123450 Pioneering new research to try to stop dementia developing in people who have experienced a stroke has been given a new research grant. The 'PODCAST' study hopes to find out whether intensive treatment a few months after a stroke can help combat dementia. One in six people have a stroke and thirty percent of stroke survivors develop dementia. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123450 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123449 EpiCept Corporation (Nasdaq and OMX Nordic Exchange: EPCT) today announced the start of a post-approval clinical study with Ceplene® (histamine dihydrochloride) following Ethics Committee and Competent Authority approvals in Sweden, Belgium, and France. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123449 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123447 Scientists at Mayo Clinic have invented a quick new way to diagnose a puzzling digestive condition that has rocketed from a virtually "unheard of " disease to one that, in less than a decade, http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123447 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123446 They are a group of drugs which millions of people rely on to keep pain at bay but they can have unwanted side-effects which are sometimes more serious than the original health problem. Now scientists in England are taking part in the largest-ever study on the safety of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) that has ever been performed. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123446 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123445 Dental disease may be a wake-up call that your diet is harming your body. "The five-alarm fire bell of a tooth ache is difficult to ignore," says Dr. Philippe P. Hujoel, professor of dental public health sciences at the University of Washington (UW) School of Dentistry in Seattle. Beyond the immediate distress, dental pain may portend future medical problems. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123445 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123444 A cohort study finds that community-dwelling, ambulatory men 65 years and older with moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms are at increased risk of falling. Reuters Health Information http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123444 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123443 In a prospective, population-based study, paternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy appeared to be a risk factor of excessive infant crying. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123443 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123442 A prospective cohort study suggests that routine use of chest radiography for children with wheezing but without fever should be discouraged. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123442 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123440 Clinical trials €” new data as well as examination of issues with running those trials €” are among featured presentations at the upcoming Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease 2009. Medscape Medical News http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123440 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123439 When it comes to major illness, even the most benefit-laden medical plans don't pay for everything (which is not necessarily bad); for example, there are often travel and lodging expenses, even home upgrades that can get expensive, but aren't covered. There is, however, an insurance product to manage this risk.Called Critical Illness plans, they've been around quite a while. Basically, these plans pay a lump sum upon the diagnosis of one (or more) of a list of conditions (such as cancer or a str http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123439 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123437 Published on July 1 of this year at The American Spectator, Peter Ferrara, who served in the White House Office of Policy Development under President Reagan and as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States under the first President Bush, has an extensive discussion on what he calls "Cap and Trade Dementia" that addresses the real truth about global warming and exposes the truth about what President Obama calls "a jobs bill will do to our economy and the cost of living of all Americ http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123437 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123435 Changing the way misoprostol is administered and introducing oral antibiotics into the pill regimen for medical abortion greatly decreased the risk of a rare infection, according to a study published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine, the New York Times reports (Grady, New York Times, 7/9). http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123435 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123434 Blacks receiving treatment equal to whites are more likely to die of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers but not many other types of cancer, according to a study published online Wednesday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the Washington Post reports. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123434 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123433 The cells of humans and other animals have likely evolved to reduce the chance of triggering cancers and other diseases, according to research published in the journal Science. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123433 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123432 The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is urging elderly adults who use canes and walkers as walking aids to be properly assessed and fitted by a physical therapist to avoid fall-related injuries. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123432 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123431 The Medical Research Council is to invest £28 million over five years in a partnership with the University of Glasgow to fund a new multidisciplinary centre of excellence in virology research. The University of Glasgow will contribute an additional £10m. It is expected that the Centre will be located in a new building on the University's Garscube Campus. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123431 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123430 As more specific legislative language emerges on health care, "small business organizations are encouraging members to make their views known through e-mails, letters, phone calls and personal visits" to members of Congress, but "the message is a decidedly mixed one," Kaiser Health News reports. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123430 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123429 White House health reformers have pressed over the last month for payment reforms that would reward doctors and hospitals for spending less and delivering higher quality care, rather than simply providing a higher volume of services. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123429 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123428 "In what is becoming an annual ordeal for policyholders, Regence BlueShield is raising premiums for 135,000 individual health-plan members in Washington [state] by an average 17 percent on Aug. 1," the Seattle Times reports. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123428 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123427 The GMC and PMETB have announced that the fees for trainee doctors completing specialty/GP training - and those seeking certification via the equivalence routes - will be frozen at the current levels for 2010/11. The Government announced that PMETB would be merged with the GMC following an independent inquiry into 'Modernising Medical Careers' led by Sir John Tooke. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123427 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123426 Connecticut: The Associated Press/Hartford Courant reports, "Gov. M. Jodi Rell has vetoed two health insurance bills he said were "well-intentioned" but "would cost the state billions of dollars before any economic recovery is complete." Unions and health care advocates had pressured the Republican governor to sign the measures. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123426 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123425 Francesca Dominici, PhD, a biostatistican whose work has affected air pollution regulation, has joined the faculty of the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) as professor of biostatistics. Dominici comes from Johns Hopkins University, where she was a professor in the Department of Biostatistics. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123425 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123423 Giovanni Parmigiani, PhD, a noted leader in applying bioinformatics tools to cancer studies and medical decision-making, has been appointed professor of biostatistics at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and as chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123423 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123421 WHO Launches International Network To Take On Noncommunicable Disease The WHO on Wednesday launched an international network of leading health organizations and experts from around the world in an effort to "unite" and "scal[e] up world action to combat noncommunicable diseases, which cause some 38 million deaths annually," Xinhua/People's Daily Online reports (7/9). http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123421 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123420 William Gerwick is quite happy to tell you about his scientific expeditions to Fiji. He can expound on the amazing explorations his group has led to Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, and other destinations in search of exotic molecules that could one day lead to new treatments for human diseases. But broach the subject of Panama and it's time to get comfortable in your seat. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123420 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123419 City council members and health officials in Washington, D.C., are asking "health care providers to make HIV testing part of routine patient treatment," the Washington Examiner reports. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123419 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123418 The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warned property owners to ensure that they keep accurate records of asbestos in their buildings and pass any information on to contractors. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123418 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123417 The Obama Administration sent a strong message to the nation today that it is time to start planning and preparing for the fall flu season and the ongoing H1N1 flu outbreak and that the federal government is prepared to commit resources, training, and new tools to help state and local governments and America's families get ready. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123417 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123416 Important new information was added today to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services' (CMS) Hospital Compare Web site that reports how frequently patients return to a hospital after being discharged, a possible indicator of how well the facility did the first time around. The site is http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123416 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123415 Dental disease may be a wake-up call that your diet is harming your body. "The five-alarm fire bell of a tooth ache is difficult to ignore," says Dr. Philippe P. Hujoel, professor of dental public health sciences at the University of Washington (UW) School of Dentistry in Seattle. Beyond the immediate distress, dental pain may portend future medical problems. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123415 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123414 Is your head where your heart is? It may be now. A strong connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been suggested in recent clinical studies. As many as 75 percent of adults in the United States have been affected by periodontal disease and an estimated 80. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123414 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123413 Dental disease may be a wake-up call that your diet is harming your body. "The five-alarm fire bell of a tooth ache is difficult to ignore," says Dr. Philippe P. Hujoel, professor of dental public health sciences at the University of Washington (UW) School of Dentistry in Seattle. Beyond the immediate distress, dental pain may portend future medical problems. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123413 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123412 WHO Launches International Network To Take On Noncommunicable Disease The WHO on Wednesday launched an international network of leading health organizations and experts from around the world in an effort to "unite" and "scal[e] up world action to combat noncommunicable diseases, which cause some 38 million deaths annually," Xinhua/People's Daily Online reports (7/9). http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123412 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123411 The cells of humans and other animals have likely evolved to reduce the chance of triggering cancers and other diseases, according to research published in the journal Science. Dr Rune Linding at http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123411 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123410 We haven #8217;t talked much about how the pharmaceutical company markets through advertising to providers in academic journals.  But a new wide-spread ad highlights the issue with industry funding continuing medical education (CME).  This ad counters reports and recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, Medpac and several other authoritative bodies to [...] http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123410 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123409 Researchers are producing topographical maps of people's healthy and schizophrenic brains in an effort to develop the first scientific tool for early and more definite diagnosis of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. The scientists have already found differences in the hippocampus in people who have schizophrenia. Diagnosing the beginning stage of mental disorders remains elusive, although this when they are most treatable. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123409 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123408 Elevated insulin levels in the blood appear to raise the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Their findings are published in the online version of the International Journal of Cancer. Increased breast cancer risk for postmenopausal women has previously been linked to obesity and diabetes. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123408 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123407 "These 12 NIH-supported PECASE winners are a source of great pride for the agency. Early in their research careers, these individuals have already shown exceptional potential for scientific leadership. We can only look forward to greater discovery and contribution by these gifted biomedical researchers." http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123407 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123406 Having watched President Obama and the Democrats in Congress essentially shred the Constitution and the rule of law in what appears to be obvious attempts to destroy our capitalist system and our individual freedoms, I find Nancy Morgan's warning in her piece, "Demise of the Rule of Law" to be right on target; we all should be very scared, indeed:[...] With Obama's ascension to the highest office in the land, America is quickly turning into two separate and unequal factions - the elites who dec http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123406 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123405 Government study finds gains and losses http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123405 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123404 Total joint replacement doesn't keep most people sidelined for long, study shows http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123404 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123403 Identifying shoulder weakness, preseason training could prevent damage during play, study finds http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123403 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123402 Suggestions to help your child http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123402 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123401 Information for parents http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123401 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123399 Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ECTE), a diabetes management company developing the needle-free Symphony(TM) tCGM System as a non-invasive, wireless, transdermal continuous glucose monitoring (tCGM) system, announced that Patrick T. Mooney, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the "Innovations in Diabetes" Conference on, Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 5:30 pm ET. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123399 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123398 ZyGEM Corp. Ltd., a provider of innovative enzyme-based products for DNA extraction and other life sciences applications, today announced the availability of a new application note documenting that its prepGEM(R) Bacteria DNA extraction kit is capable of producing high quality, ready-to-analyze DNA from a broad range of bacterial species, including mixed or unknown sample types. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123398 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123397 Elevated insulin levels in the blood appear to raise the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Their findings are published in the online version of the International Journal of Cancer. Increased breast cancer risk for postmenopausal women has previously been linked to obesity and diabetes. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123397 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123396 Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have devised a laboratory test for predicting whether microbicides against HIV are safe for human use. The researchers have also discovered why several supposedly "safe" microbicides made women more susceptible to HIV infection. The study appears today in the online version of the Journal of Infectious Diseases. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123396 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123395 The International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and the World Heart Federation (WHF) called today on the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to take immediate action to avert the fastest growing threat by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to global health. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123395 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123394 The Government of Canada announced changes to reduce regulatory burden and encourage innovation and competitiveness in the seed sector. Amendments to the Seeds Regulations will create a more flexible variety registration system with reduced regulation while continuing to maintain the integrity of seed certification and environmental, food, and feed safety. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123394 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123393 The California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee announces that it filed a complaint with the California Department of Public Health (DPH), calling for an urgent investigation into the ongoing use of dozens of narcotic infusion pumps at the University of California Irvine Medica http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123393 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123392 The American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists, announces that nominations are now being accepted for the APhA scientific awards and honors that will be presented at the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, DC, March 12-15, 2010. Nominations must be received at APhA headquarters by September 15, 2009. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123392 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123391 The American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists, announces that nominations are now being accepted for the Association's practitioner awards and honors. Presentation of these awards is scheduled for the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, DC, March 12-15, 2010. Nominations must be received at APhA headquarters by September 15, 2009. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123391 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123390 Pharmaceutical firm Biogen Idec announced that the American drug watchdog the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for its multiple sclerosis (MS) drug PEGylated interferon beta-1a (BIIB017). http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123390 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123389 Researchers working in Cambridge and San Francisco have discovered clues about how stem cells promote myelin repair. The study, published earlier this week in the journal Genes and Development, was partly funded by the MS Society and took place at the MS Society Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123389 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123386 Health Canada is informing Canadians of an ongoing safety review of the potential association between the diabetes drug Lantus (insulin glargine) and an increased risk of developing cancer. A similar review was recently announced by the U.S. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123386 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123385 In a bid to reduce levels of undiagnosed HIV, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), Positive East and NHS Tower Hamlets are encouraging people who may have been at risk to attend a local service offering fast HIV testing. A 'Fastest' clinic runs at Mile End Road every Tuesday from 6pm-9pm and there is also a monthly mobile clinic at venues across the borough. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123385 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123384 A three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Wednesday unanimously ruled to lift an injunction blocking Washington state officials from penalizing pharmacists who refused to dispense the emergency contraception pill Plan B, the Los Angeles Times reports (Williams, Los Angeles Times, 7/9). http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123384 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123383 As part of its Patient Voices series, The New York Times website is featuring the stories of people from across the country who are affected by lupus. Using audio interviews and photos, Patient Voices seeks to give a glimpse into the life of someone living with lupus. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123383 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123382 In recent news reports, there was a statement made that abuse experienced as a child can later lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, including lupus. There is no scientific evidence to support this statement, either in humans or animal models of lupus. Stress is sometimes listed as a "trigger" for a lupus flare in a patient that has lupus. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123382 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123381 Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) on Tuesday signed into law a bill (HB 517) that expands health care provider "conscience" protections beyond abortion to also include refusals to provide emergency contraception or participate in certain other procedures, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123381 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123379 "In the face of mounting Republican opposition to its healthcare agenda, the Obama administration received a boost Wednesday, winning a preliminary agreement with leading hospital groups to cut federal payments to the industry over the next decade," The Los Angeles Times reports. "Under the plan, negotiated primarily by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123379 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123378 White House staff and administration officials are trying to maintain their visibility on health care reform this week with public events and meetings as President Obama travels, Roll Call reports. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123378 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123377 Health Canada is informing Canadians of an ongoing safety review of the potential association between the diabetes drug Lantus (insulin glargine) and an increased risk of developing cancer. A similar review was recently announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency in light of four recently published studies that looked at the use of Lantus and the development of various types of cancer in patients with diabetes. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123377 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123376 Elevated insulin levels in the blood appear to raise the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Their findings are published in the online version of the International Journal of Cancer. Increased breast cancer risk for postmenopausal women has previously been linked to obesity and diabetes. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123376 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123375 Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ECTE), a diabetes management company developing the needle-free Symphony(TM) tCGM System as a non-invasive, wireless, transdermal continuous glucose monitoring (tCGM) system, announced that Patrick T. Mooney, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the "Innovations in Diabetes" Conference on, Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 5:30 pm ET. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123375 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123374 Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMLN) announced positive results from a 28-week dose-ranging study of pramlintide/metreleptin, a combination treatment comprising pramlintide, an analog of the natural hormone amylin, and metreleptin, an analog of the natural hormone leptin, in overweight and obese patients. This Phase 2 study successfully characterized patients who responded best to treatment and also provided important information to inform dose selection. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123374 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123371 The implementation of the Siemens hospital information system is a significant part of the Gauteng DoH's overall objective to create a single electronic health record for patients across the province and to eliminate paper-based workflow. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123371 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123369 The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is notifying consumers about a voluntary recall announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recalled Jaloma Pacifiers were sold in retail stores in New Jersey and New York from February 2008 through March 2009, for approximately $1.00. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123369 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123368 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY) announced that Alnylam will contribute more than 1500 issued or pending patents on its RNA interference (RNAi) technology patent estate to the patent pool established by GSK earlier this year. Alnylam is the first company to add its patents to the approximately 800 patent filings GSK provided to populate the pool in March. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123368 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123367 SunTech Medical, a leading manufacturer of blood pressure monitors and OEM non-invasive blood pressure (OEM NIBP) modules, is pleased to announce the inclusion of their clinical-grade blood pressure technology in ExpressMD's Electronic House Call „¢ remote patient monitoring device for telemedicine. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123367 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123366 Red wine (resveratrol) pills appear to be the rage these days and a local group of cardiologists wants to lead the way for patients and consumers to learn more about them. They may be among the first U.S. cardiologists to do so. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123366 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123365 Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) announced that Schering-Plough K.K., the company's country operation in Japan, has received marketing approval for ASMANEX TWISTHALER (mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler) for the treatment of bronchial asthma in adults.(1) "We are pleased to announce the approval of the ASMANEX TWISTHALER in Japan," said Thomas P. Koestler, Ph.D. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123365 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123364 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. announced the successful treatment of the first patient of its IDE feasibility trial. The case, which was performed at The Ohio State University Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, marks the first natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedure involving the company's investigational devices. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123364 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123363 Approximately ninety-one percent of dentists say patients complaining about dry mouth are taking multiple medications, according to a nationwide member survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in salivary function. It affects approximately one in four Americans, placing more than 25 percent of people at risk for tooth decay. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123363 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123362 MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAPP) announced that it has received a notice of termination of the license agreement with AstraZeneca related to the company's Unit Dose Budesonide (UDB) product candidate. The termination was received on July 8, 2009, effective immediately. All rights licensed to AstraZeneca in the agreement now revert to the company. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123362 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123361 Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMLN) announced positive results from a 28-week dose-ranging study of pramlintide/metreleptin, a combination treatment comprising pramlintide, an analog of the natural hormone amylin, and metreleptin, an analog of the natural hormone leptin, in overweight and obese patients. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123361 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123360 Human Genome Sciences, Inc. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123360 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123359 Like clothing and hairstyles, oral piercings give teens and adults a way to express themselves. While trendy, this fashion statement poses a number of potential oral and overall health care risks. It's also important to note that oral piercings most commonly involve the tongue, and also the lips, cheeks, uvula or a combination of sites. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123359 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123358 PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PIP), a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its review of the Company's proposed development plan for SparVax(TM), PharmAthene's next generation recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123358 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123357 Life Spine announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) marketing clearance to the FS3 Minimally Invasive Spinal System. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123357 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123356 In response to a recent increase in media interest in lupus, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is providing a fact sheet about the disease. What is lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually any tissue or organ in the body. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123356 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123355 Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) announced that Schering-Plough K.K., the company's country operation in Japan, has received marketing approval for REMERON(R) /Reflex(R) (mirtazapine)15 mg Tablets for the treatment of major depressive disorder.(1) The product was developed jointly with Meiji Seika Kabushiki Kaisha, Ltd. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123355 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123354 Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disease affecting approximately 10,000 people in the United States. HAE causes recurrent attacks of intense localized edema involving the skin, airway, and visceral organs. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123354 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123353 Specialty care physicians can improve the health of high-risk patients by reviewing electronic health records and proactively providing e-consultations and treatment plan recommendations with primary care physicians, according to a Kaiser Permanente paper published online in the British Medical Journal. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123353 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123352 Prevention is receiving more attention nationwide as a successful strategy to improve the quality and lower the cost of health care. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, care for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease account for 75 percent of medical care costs in the United States. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123352 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123351 US scientists found that when rhesus monkeys were kept on a nutritious but reduced calorie diet for 20 years they led a longer and healthier life with delayed onset of diseases of aging such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123351 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123350 US researchers have recently confirmed the findings of an earlier smaller study they published last year that suggested women with a history of migraine are likely to have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123350 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123349 US scientists found that when rhesus monkeys were kept on a nutritious but reduced calorie diet for 20 years they led a longer and healthier life with delayed onset of diseases of aging such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123349 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123348 Prevention is receiving more attention nationwide as a successful strategy to improve the quality and lower the cost of health care. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, care for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease account for 75 percent of medical care costs in the United States. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123348 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123347 US scientists found that when rhesus monkeys were kept on a nutritious but reduced calorie diet for 20 years they led a longer and healthier life with delayed onset of diseases of aging such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123347 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123346 Inpatients at Southampton's teaching hospitals are to be offered advice on lifestyle and weight management as part of a radical new project. Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust's pharmacy team has invented an innovative plan to tackle obesity during routine risk assessments for venous thromboembolism (VTE), better known as blood clots. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123346 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123345 The pharmaceutical industry has been vilified by its close association with physicians. With reforms having distanced these two groups, it appears they are moving onto trying to influence reporters. As journalist professor Gary Schwitzer writes in a recent blog entry, Pfizer is offering journalism fellowships on cancer issues. The program, not unlike Pharma-sponsored CME for doctors, includes an all-expense paid trip for the 4-day seminar. Professor Schwitzer has a problem with the Society http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123345 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123344 David Limbaugh writes that there is still time to stop the legislative monstrosity known as the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill before the Senate approves it - but for that to happen, Americans must learn how bad it is: Let's briefly review the basics: The bill is ostensibly designed to curb man-caused carbon emissions (presumably without outlawing breathing) to retard global warming. , for purposes of argument, the assumptions of radical, hysterical leftist environmentalists that man-caused g http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123344 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123342 Common condition can cause menstrual woes, infertility, researchers note http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123342 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123341 Nocturia Spinal Cord Injuries Depression Memory Loss or Alzheimer's Disease Congestive Heart Failure Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)/ http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123341 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123340 Heart Patient Death Rates Vary Widely in U.S.: Study Michael Jackson's Use of White Glove Linked to Lupus: Report Nicotine Patch Before Quitting Smoking Ups http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123340 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123339 Many can be modified, treated to improve odds, experts say http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123339 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123338 Doctors need to recognize challenges these patients face, researchers say http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123338 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123337 Elsevier, a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, is pleased to announce that PM R - The journal of injury, function and rehabilitation, the official scientific journal of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM R), has been accepted for coverage by MEDLINE, just six months after its launch in January 2009. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123337 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123336 John Csernansky wants to take your measurements. Not the circumference of your chest, waist and hips. No, this doctor wants to stretch a tape measure around your hippocampus, thalamus and prefrontal cortex. OK, maybe not literally a tape measure, but he does want to chart the dimensions of the many structures in the human brain. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123336 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123334 One-in-five (21%) primary care trusts (PCTs) do not offer 'clinical assessment and treatment services' (CATS) for people with musculoskeletal conditions, denying them services deemed a 'keystone' of the government's 2006 musculoskeletal services strategy1. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123334 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123333 Inpatients at Southampton's teaching hospitals are to be offered advice on lifestyle and weight management as part of a radical new project. Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust's pharmacy team has invented an innovative plan to tackle obesity during routine risk assessments for venous thromboembolism (VTE), better known as blood clots. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123333 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123332 This year, one hundred years since the discovery of Chagas disease, the medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is launching its campaign "Chagas: it's time to break the silence." MSF calls on endemic countries to end neglect of Chagas sufferers and support diagnosis and treatment for affected people, rather than focusing solely on vector control. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123332 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123331 The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Parkinson's Disease has released a shocking new report that documents severe inequalities in access to Parkinson's services in the UK. More than 350 people with Parkinson's and health and social care organisations gave evidence to the Inquiry. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123331 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123330 Hospital doctors must learn the basics of NHS finance to help drive greater efficiency and better outcomes for patients, according to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the Audit Commission. The organisations have joined together to launch a new Guide to Finance for Hospital Doctors. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123330 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123328 The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has licensed the University of Utah's Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and Department of Biomedical Informatics as a cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG®) Support Service Provider in the category of Training Materials and Services. The distinction is the first to be awarded to an academic medical institution. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123328 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123327 The Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services (CMS) has again granted The Joint Commission deeming authority for the accreditation of critical access hospitals. The CMS designation means that critical access hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission may choose to be "deemed" as meeting Medicare and Medicaid certification requirements. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123327 http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123325 The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) said that the nomination by President Obama of Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., to be the next Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), represents "an excellent choice to provide leadership to the NIH." Peter Saltonstall, President and CEO of NORD, said: "Dr. http://www.medblogs.org/articles.php?entry=123325