Health News from Medical News Today

AHIP Statement On The Letter Regarding Health Care Costs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 PST

Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), released the following statement on the letter regarding health care costs: "We welcome the opportunity to address the issue of soaring health care costs. We look forward to providing information about how, where, and why costs are rising.

AHIP Statement On The Release Of Proposed Senate Legislation

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 PST

Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), released the following statement today on the release of proposed Senate legislation: "The promise of health care reform is that it will provide all Americans coverage, allow them to keep their coverage if they like it, and bends the cost curve to put the system on a sustainable path.

Blocking Tissue Stiffening Enzyme Could Be Key To Preventing Aggressive Cancers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 PST

A team of scientists from the US and the UK have shown that blocking an enzyme called lysyl oxidase (LOX) that causes tissue to stiffen reduces the likelihood of abnormal but non-malignant breast tissue turning into tumors, suggesting that LOX and similar enzymes could be new targets for effective anti-cancer drug therapies.

International Operation Combats The Online Supply Of Counterfeit And Unlicensed Medicines

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 PST

An international week of action targeting the online sale of counterfeit and illicit medicines has highlighted the dangers of buying such medicines online.

AMA Urges Safety And Common Sense In Schoolies Week, Australia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 PST

AMA Vice President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that Schoolies Week is a traditional celebration for students after a tough year, but it is also a time of high health risk for young people. Dr Hambleton, a Brisbane GP, said the focus has been on preventing the risks of alcohol and binge drinking but students should be equally careful and cautious about their sexual health.

Stopping Tissue Stiffening Is Key To Preventing Aggressive Cancers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 PST

Scientists have identified an enzyme that is crucial for turning abnormal but non-malignant breast tissue into tumours, according to a study published today in Cell online. Blocking the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) reduced the chance a tumour would form, and also meant tumours that did develop were smaller and less aggressive.

Altair Therapeutics Announces Commencement Of A Multi-Center Phase IIa Clinical Trial Of Inhaled AIR645 To Treat Asthma

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

Altair Therapeutics, Inc., a privately-held, biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for respiratory diseases, announced the commencement of its IL-4 receptor alpha inhibitor bronchoprovocation trial.

Cardiovascular Systems Enrolls First Patient In CALCIUM 360 Degree Clinical Trial

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (CSI) (Nasdaq:CSII), announces the first patient enrollment in its prospective, randomized CALCIUM 360° clinical trial, part of the company's 360° Clinical Series.

Exome-Sequencing Might Help Identify Genetic Cause Of Thousands Of Disorders

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

For the first time, scientists have successfully used a method called exome sequencing to quickly discover a previously unknown gene responsible for a mendelian disorder. Mendelian disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease, are the result of one or more mutations in a single gene, typically a gene that makes a protein.

Potential Strategy To Help Generate HIV-Neutralizing Antibodies

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

WHAT: New discoveries about anti-HIV antibodies may bring researchers a step closer to creating an effective HIV vaccine, according to a new paper co-authored by scientists at the Vaccine Research Center of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.

A Risk Factor In Childhood Asthma Symptoms May Be Mother's Depression

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

Asthma symptoms can worsen in children with depressed mothers, according to research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center published online in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

Asthma A Significant Risk Factor For Complications In Children With H1N1

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

A new study on pediatric H1N1 influenza admissions has found that asthma is a significant risk factor for severe disease in children with pandemic H1N1 compared with the seasonal flu. The study (http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/rapidpdf/cmaj.091724), led by researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Ontario, is published online in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Yale Researchers Target Tick Saliva In Their Search For Lyme Disease

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

A protein found in the saliva of ticks helps protect mice from developing Lyme disease, Yale researchers have discovered. The findings, published in the November 19 issue of Cell Host & Microbe, may spur development of a new vaccine against infection from Lyme disease, which is spread through tick bites. Traditionally, vaccines have directly targeted specific pathogens.

Giant Snails Could Address Malnutrition

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

A nutritionist in Nigeria says that malnutrition and iron deficiency in schoolchildren could be reduced in her country by baking up snail pie. In a research paper to be published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, she explains snail is not only cheaper and more readily available than beef but contains more protein.

Laser Therapy Can Aggravate Skin Cancer

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

High irradiances of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) should not be used over melanomas. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Cancer studied the pain relieving, anti-inflammatory 'cold laser', finding that it caused increased tumour growth in a mouse model of skin cancer. Jan M.

Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus A Risk Factor For Gallbladder, Biliary And Pancreatic Cancer?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

There are minimal data assessing the relationship between diabetes and gallbladder, biliary and pancreatic cancer. Recent small studies have suggested an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer only in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). A research article published on November 14, 2009 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The research team, lead by Dr.

Terrence Higgins Trust Gets Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Involved In World AIDS Day

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to get involved in World AIDS Day (December 1) this year, either by attending an event, making a donation to support local HIV services, or wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness.

Op-Eds: HIV Travel Ban; Improving Sanitation; Counterfeit Drugs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

'Blot' On U.S. HIV/AIDS Leadership Removed A "blot" on U.S. HIV/AIDS leadership "ended last month when President [Barack] Obama lifted the prohibition" that kept HIV-positive foreigners from visiting the U.S. or seeking residency, according to a Washington Post editorial. "The process for eliminating the travel ban started under President George W.

For World Toilet Day, News Outlets Examine Poor Sanitation Conditions Around World

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

In light of World Toilet Day Thursday, several news outlets examine the impact of poor sanitation on health. Reuters examines the challenges of poor sanitation in Mumbai, India, "where more than half its 18 million residents live in slums and where the average ratio of people to toilets is 81:1.

World Summit On Food Security Wraps Up

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

The U.N. World Summit on Food Security ended Wednesday in Rome with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) head Jacques Diouf calling for the global community to shift the fight against global hunger from "words to action," Agence France-Press reports. Diouf said, "We must do this to have a more prosperous world, fairer, more equitable and more peaceful.

Lawmakers Call For Inquiry Into Pharmaceutical Company Price Hikes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

Reuters: "Congressional Democrats are seeking government investigations into recent price increases of brand-name prescription drugs, as Congress finalizes an overhaul of the healthcare system.

Daschle Still Making Voice Heard On Health Care

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

The Hill reports that former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle helped Obama Administration officials strategize to win health care reform votes from Senators on Capitol Hill Wednesday.

Democrats Continue Efforts To Win Over Moderates

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

Wavering moderates, including Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., Ben Nelson, D-Neb., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., control the key votes needed to bring the health overhaul bill to the Senate floor, so securing their agreement to go forward has become a priority for the Democratic leadership. Before releasing the bill, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Reid Advances Dems' Health Reform Effort With Release Of Senate Bill

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid set the stage for a climactic debate in the Senate over health care by unveiling a 10-year, $848 billion bill that would extend insurance to 31 million Americans without coverage," The Wall Street Journal reports. The proposed measure, which totals 2,074 pages in length, "is the Senate's answer to a bill that narrowly passed the House Nov. 7.

Baltimore Bill Requiring CPCs To Post Disclaimers Provides Women With 'Key Information,' Opinion Piece Says

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

There is "crystal clear" evidence that family planning "is one of the best -- and perhaps the very best -- strategy for women in the United States and across the world to improve their health and well-being, as well as that of their offspring," write Eva Moore, a fellow in adolescent medicine at John

Antiabortion-Rights Groups Announce Plan To Oppose Proposed Nevada 'Personhood' Ballot Measure

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

The leaders of four antiabortion-rights groups on Tuesday announced that they will band together to oppose a proposed ballot measure that seeks to amend Nevada's Constitution to define people as "everyone possessing a human genome" from the moment of conception, the AP/San Jose Mercury News reports.

Statement By Medicare Rights Center President Joe Baker On The House Vote To Repeal Medicare Pay Cuts For Doctors

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Today's vote by the House of Representatives is an important step toward repealing the 21.5 percent Medicare pay cut for doctors set to take effect next year, and moves to stabilize Medicare's payment system for doctors for the long term. People with Medicare must be able to maintain relationships with the doctors they trust.

Mathematical Abilities Examined In Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have a number of cognitive deficits, but mathematical ability seems particularly damaged. Little is known about the brain structures related to mathematical deficits in children with FASD.

Terrence Higgins Trust Gets Bristol Involved In World AIDS Day

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for people in Bristol to get involved in World AIDS Day (December 1) this year, either by attending an event, making a donation to support local HIV services, or wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness. World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS.

Terrence Higgins Trust Gets Oxford Involved In World AIDS Day

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling for people in Oxford to get involved in World AIDS Day (December 1) this year, either by attending an event, making a donation to support local HIV services, or wearing a red ribbon to raise awareness. World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS.

American Nurses Association Backs New Report Describing Effects Of Coal Pollution On Health

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

The American Nurses Association (ANA) joined other health care groups to support the Physicians for Social Responsibility's (PSR) newly-released report, "Coal's Assault on Human Health." Registered nurses see the effects of coal-generated pollution on the health of newborns who have elevated mercury levels and on patients with lung or cardiac disease.

Multidisciplinary Meeting On Urological Cancers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Experts agree that the urological cancer patient will benefit greatly if the delivered treatment is the result of a combined effort. Collaboration of experts from various fields is, therefore, necessary to take cancer-related research and medical practice to the next level.

Economics, Neuroscience And Hormones Workshop

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

A workshop on "Neuroeconomics and Endocrinological Economics," being held Nov. 20 and 21 at UC Davis, will be the first to bring together experts in neuroscience, economics and hormone physiology in one event, according to organizers.

The Reid Proposal Makes Health Insurance Premiums More Affordable For The Middle Class

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced his health insurance reform bill that merges proposals that were adopted by the Senate Finance and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committees. The bill will serve as the basis for Senate floor action over the next weeks.

FDA Takes Action Against Maryland Veal Calf Dealer

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against William F. Nickle of North East, Md., for allegedly selling veal calves for human consumption that contained illegal drug residues in edible tissues. The complaint, filed Nov. 13, 2009, in the U.S.

Also In Global Health News: HIV/AIDS Grants; Africa's Water Resources; Sex Workers In Malawi

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Report Examines HIV/AIDS Grant Funding HIV/AIDS program grants made by U.S.-based foundations totaled $618 billion in 2008, an 11 percent increase from the previous year, according to a new report by Funders Concerned About AIDS, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reports.

Pfizer, DNDi Partner To Identify NTD Drugs; Sanofi-Aventis, Medicines For Malaria Launch Drug Study

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Pfizer and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) on Wednesday announced plans to team up in an effort to identify new drug candidates for the treatment of three tropical diseases, the Associated Press/Business Week reports. The scientists will test the efficacy of Pfizer drug candidates against sleeping sickness, visceral leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease.

Family Planning Drive Launched During Conference In Uganda

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Agence France-Presse examines a new U.S.-backed "12 million dollar family planning drive launched" Wednesday during a three-day conference on family planning in Kampala, Uganda.

A Selection Of Today's Opinions And Editorials

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

The Breast Brouhaha The New York TimesEveryone has been trying to come up with a good nickname for the 10 years we're concluding next month. Terror Era really sounds like too much of a downer.

Insurers Say They Won't Alter Mammogram Coverage Despite New Guidelines

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Insurance companies say mammogram coverage is unlikely to change despite the debate over the effectiveness of breast cancer screenings for women in their forties.

A Look At How Key Provisions Compare In The House And Senate Bills

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

The New York Times reports that "the health care proposals from the House and the Senate are broadly similar but differ on some major issues." It reports on five issues - the public plan, employer contribution, abortion, illegal immigrants and financing - and puts differences in bold type (11/19).

Senate Leaders Consider Timeline For Health Bill Votes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Roll Call reports: "Senators may keep slogging through debate on their health care overhaul until the day before Thanksgiving, according to an adjournment resolution the House approved Wednesday. That measure provided for the Senate to adjourn Friday - or next Wednesday. The House is set to break on Thursday or Friday of this week.

Political Cartoon: 'Heavy Reading'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Kaiser Health News provides a fresh take on health policy developments with John Cole's "Heavy Reading." This information was reprinted from kaiserhealthnews.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at kaiserhealthnews.org. © Henry J.

Columnists, Rep. Stupak Comment On Abortion Restrictions In House Health Reform Bill

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

Several newspapers recently published opinion pieces regarding an amendment sponsored by Reps. Bart Stupak's (D-Mich.) and Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) to the House health care reform bill (HR 3962) that would prohibit abortion coverage in private and public health plans that receive federal subsidies. Summaries appear below.

Federal Lawsuit Filed Over N.J. High School's Decision To Bar Student From Joining Antiabortion-Rights Protest

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST

A New Jersey public high school student last week filed a federal lawsuit alleging that her free-speech and religious-freedom rights were violated when her school's administrators prohibited her from participating in an antiabortion-rights protest last month, the AP/Google News reports.

FDA Issues 22 Warning Letters To Web Site Operators

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration completed a coordinated, weeklong, international effort, called the International Internet Week of Action (IIWA), intended to curb illegal actions involving medical products.

UNFPA Report Highlights Relationship Between Family Planning, Women's Health And Climate Change

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

"Providing access to contraception for 215 million women, mainly in developing countries, would help to stabilize population growth and significantly reduce the effects of climate change," according to a report released Wednesday by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Nature News reports (Gilbert, 11/18).

Goosby Says PEPFAR Remains Among 'Highest Priorities' Of Obama Administration, Welcomes Partnership With South African President Zuma

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

Eric Goosby, head of PEPFAR, on Wednesday reemphasized the U.S. commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS globally, the Associated Press reports.

Light And Color: Healthcare Lighting Presented By Siemens

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

At the RSNA 2009, the congress of the Radiological Society of North America, Siemens Healthcare presents "Healthcare Lighting", a concept for lighting design in medical facilities, aimed at creating a friendly and colorful environment instead of the common bland hospital atmosphere.

Kansas Pilot Program To Use Electronic Medical Records To Coordinate Care

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

A health information technology project "may revolutionize how health care is managed" by using medical records to coordinate patients' records. The Kansas City Star reports: "A pilot program is helping 13 area doctors' offices convert to doing that for their patients.

White House Backing Medicare 'Doc Fix' Bill

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

Reuters reports that the White House Wednesday "urged Congress to pass a bill to boost Medicare payments to doctors, a step that could shore up support" from the American Medical Association for health care reform. The bill, which would stop a scheduled 21 percent cut in doctor Medicare payments next year and implement a fee schedule that pays doctors more, has been endorsed by the AMA.

Senate Bill Draws Immediate Reactions From GOP, Interest Groups

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

Republicans quickly rebuked Senate Democrats' health overhaul bill after its release last night, Roll Call reports. They said it would result in higher insurance premiums, tax hikes, and Medicare cuts, and complained that it was drafted behind closed doors, and that they have not yet had a chance to read it. "It is my hope that Sen.

Sports Nutrition And Dietary Supplements Discussed At Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus Briefing

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

Sports nutrition continues to be a hot topic both in Congress and the news. Because the physical stress from intense exercise increases an athlete's nutrient needs and depletes electrolytes, vitamins and other supplements play a vital role for athletes. However, legal dietary supplements, which are used by more than 150 million Americans, should not be confused with illegal anabolic steroids.

CBO: Senate Health Bill Would Reduce Deficit $130 Billion Over A Decade

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

The Washington Post reports: "Democratic leaders were jubilant that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office determined that the Senate bill would cut federal deficits by $130 billion over the next decade.

Reid Tries To Balance Many Interests In Senate Health Bill

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

Kaiser Health News staff writers Mary Agnes Carey and Phil Galewitz write about last night's big news. "In one of the most anticipated events in the health reform debate, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., tonight released the bill expected to go to the Senate floor.

The American Optometric Association And Digital Healthcare, Inc. Sign Memorandum Of Understanding

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

The American Optometric Association (AOA) and Digital Healthcare, Inc. (DH) have joined together to assist optometrists in providing better care for patients with diabetes and other chronic diseases, and in promoting public health. Both parties recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Patients Win With Immediate Avastin Payment Reversal

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

Following efforts by the American Academy of Ophthalmology with the help of the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Macula Society, the Retina Society and Congressional allies, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said that it will retract an Oct. 1 payment policy for small doses of Avastin.

PSA Reconfirms Commitment To Government's Health Reforms, Australia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has welcomed comments by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, emphasising the role pharmacy can play in the Government's health-care reform agenda. Ms Roxon said at the Pharmacy Guild dinner in Canberra this week that pharmacy was in a unique position that was not lost on the Government.

QLD Pharmacy's Top Award Goes To Professor Beverley Glass, Australia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

Queensland pharmacy's most prestigious award, the Bowl of Hygeia Award, was presented to Professor Beverley Glass, Chair of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences, James Cook University. The award recognises pharmacists who have demonstrated a consistently high standard of professional practice in support of the principles of pharmacy service to the community.

Pharmacy Graduate Of The Year Announced, Australia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST

A Griffith University Masters of Pharmacy graduate has been announced as this year's PSA Qld Branch Pharmacy Graduate of the Year at a ceremony in Brisbane tonight. Lisa Goldsmith was presented the award by Branch President Dr Lisa Nissen during the annual President's Dinner and Awards.