Health News from Medical News Today

Lundbeck Starts Clinical Phase IIa With Lu AA24493 (cEPO) In Friedreich's Ataxia In A Study Also Assessing Efficacy Via Biomarkers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

H. Lundbeck A/S strengthens its pipeline of pharmaceuticals in clinical development by initiating phase IIa clinical studies with the innovative project Lu AA24493 in order to evaluate safety and tolerability and to explore theoretical efficacy parameters of the drug in humans. Lundbeck expects to enrol 35-40 people suffering from Friedreich's ataxia in this study.

Novartis Receives Regulatory Approval In Germany For Celtura®, A Cell Culture-based Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic Vaccine

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Novartis announced that it received approval from the German regulatory authorities for its adjuvanted cell culture-based Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine, Celtura®. Novartis continues to pursue registration in other major countries, including Japan and Switzerland.

A Step Forward In Cell Reprogramming

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

There are increasingly more research groups that try to discover the mechanisms of cell differentiation in order to reprogramme differentiated cells. On this occasion, investigators from the CRG have described a process of cell reprogramming which results in morphologically and functionally distinct cells with a 100% efficiency rate.

Hard Training Reduced Fertility

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Are you a female athlete or just someone who likes challenging workouts -- who also wants to get pregnant? It may make sense to ease off a bit as you try to get pregnant. New research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) shows that the body may not have enough energy to support both hard workouts and getting pregnant.

Blood Test Identifies Women At Risk From Alzheimer's

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Middle-aged women with high levels of a specific amino acid in their blood are twice as likely to suffer from Alzheimer's many years later, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. This discovery this could lead to a new and simple way of determining who is at risk long before there are any signs of the illness.

DNA Molecules In Moss Open Door To New Biotechnology

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Plasmids, which are DNA molecules capable of independent replication in cells, have played an important role in gene technology.

1930S Drug Slows Tumor Growth

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Drugs sometimes have beneficial side effects. A glaucoma treatment causes luscious eyelashes. A blood pressure drug also aids those with a rare genetic disease. The newest surprise discovered by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is a gonorrhea medication that might help battle cancer.

Possible Help In Fight Against Muscle Wasting Disease

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

A compound already used to treat pneumonia could become a new therapy for an inherited muscular wasting disease, according to researchers at the University of Oregon and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York.

New Finding Suggests Prostate Biopsy Is Not Always Necessary

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered that some elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men may be caused by a hormone normally occurring in the body, and are not necessarily a predictor of the need for a prostate biopsy.

PET Imaging Response A Prognostic Factor After Thoracic Radiation Therapy For Lung Cancer

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

A rapid decline in metabolic activity on a PET scan after radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer is correlated with good local tumor control, according to a study presented by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital at the 51st ASTRO Annual Meeting.

Researchers Find New Way To Attack Inflammation In Graves' Eye Disease

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease experienced rapid improvement of their symptoms and improved vision following treatment with the drug rituximab. Inflammation around their eyes and damage to the optic nerve were significantly reduced. The same patients had not previously responded to steroids, a common treatment for Graves' eye disease. Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.

Oncolytics Biotech(R) Inc. Collaborators Present Positive Phase II Sarcoma Trial Results At CTOS Annual Meeting

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX:ONC, NASDAQ:ONCY) ("Oncolytics" or the "Company") announced updated results from a Phase II study of intravenous REOLYSIN(R) in patients with sarcomas metastatic to the lung in a poster presentation at the 15th Annual Connective Tissue Oncology Society Meeting held in Miami Beach, Florida, from November 5th to 7th.

Novexel Starts Phase II Clinical Trial With NXL103 In Adults With Acute Bacterial Skin And Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSI)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Novexel, a speciality pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel antibiotics designed to overcome the significant global problem of microbial resistance, announces that its most advanced oral antibacterial NXL103 (flopristin/linopristin), has started a Phase II clinical trial in adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI).

CEL-SCI To Conduct First Clinical Study Of Investigational LEAPS-H1N1 Treatment For Hospitalized H1N1 Infected Patients

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE Amex: CVM), a developer of vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and a late-stage oncology company, announced today that an Institutional Review Board of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Johns Hopkins) has given clearance for the Company's first clinical study to proceed.

$11 Million NIH Grant For Stem Cell Research Awarded To Rhode Island Hospital

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Rhode Island Hospital has received an $11 million grant to fund research that will lead to a general understanding of stem cell biology and identify unique approaches to tissue regeneration in lung and marrow diseases.

Stimulus Grant To Help MSU Team Improve Drug Development From Plants

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST

Scientists at Michigan State University are receiving nearly $3 million from the National Institutes of Health to uncover how several popular plants make medicinal compounds.

Grand Opportunity Grant Funds Rapid Saliva Test Using Lab-On-A-Chip

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded researchers in Rice University's new BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC) a $2 million Grand Opportunity (GO) grant to develop a fast, inexpensive test for oral cancer that a dentist could perform simply by using a brush to collect a small sample of cells from a patient's mouth.

Studies Geared To Improving HIV Care And Prevention Supported By Federal Stimulus Funds

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

UCSF HIV researchers have received two NIH grants of $1 million each to study the use of web-based, patient controlled personal health records to improve health and HIV prevention outcomes for HIV positive patients. Both studies are funded through the federal stimulus bill, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Insights Into The Molecular Basis Of Tumor Cell Behavior

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

A new study by a team of researchers led by Crislyn D'Souza-Schorey, associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame, sheds light on the molecular basis by which tumor cells modulate their surroundings to favor cancer progression.

What Is A Dental Abscess? What Causes Dental Abscesses?

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

A dental abscess, or tooth abscess, is an accumulation of pus that forms inside the teeth or gums. The abscess typically originates from a bacterial infection, often one that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth. Bacteria exist in plaque, a by-product of food, saliva and bacteria in the mouth which sticks to the teeth and damages them, as well as the gums.

Lactose Intolerance Rates May Be Significantly Lower Than Previously Believed

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Prevalence of lactose intolerance may be far lower than previously estimated, according to a study in the latest issue of Nutrition Today. The study, which uses data from a national sample of three ethnic groups, reveals that the overall prevalence rate of self-reported lactose intolerance is 12 percent - with 7.72 percent of European Americans, 10.05 percent of Hispanic Americans and 19.

EMBL Scientists Take New Approach To Predict Gene Expression

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Embryonic development is like a well-organised building project, with the embryo's DNA serving as the blueprint from which all construction details are derived. Cells carry out different functions according to a developmental plan, by expressing, i.e. turning on, different combinations of genes.

JÃ¼lich Neutron Scientists Inaugurate Unique Device In The US

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

A unique large-scale research device from JÃ¼lich has gone into operation in the USA. At the strongest neutron source in the world, the spallation source SNS in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Forschungszentrum JÃ¼lich inaugurated a so-called neutron spin echo (NSE) spectrometer. The NSE spectrometer enables detailed observations to be made of the motion of proteins and polymers.

The Role Of Parental Control In Western And East Asian Countries

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Many parents like to meddle in their children's lives. Sometimes this can be beneficial, if the meddling is in the form of parental guidance or setting rules. However, numerous studies have found that in Western countries, when parents are very controlling and dominating over their children, the children suffer psychologically.

Compelling Rotavirus Burden Data And Critical Need For Access To Vaccines In High-Burden Regions Outlined In Journal Of Infectious Diseases

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Journal of Infectious Diseases has released a special edition, Global Rotavirus Surveillance: Preparing for the Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccines. This special edition provides a significant contribution to the understanding of rotavirus disease burden and the impact of rotavirus vaccines, which have the potential to save an estimated 228,000 lives annually.

Advanced Leukemia Successfully Treated With First Use Of Antibody And Stem Cell Transplantation

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

For the first time, researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the use of a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant, to successfully treat a group of leukemia and pre-leukemia patients for whom there previously had been no other curative treatment options.

The STOP ALD Foundation Applauds Gene Therapy Success In Severe Brain Disorder

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

The Stop ALD Foundation has applauded the investigators who are reporting in the current issue of Science successful results from the pioneering use of gene therapy for adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a potentially crippling and fatal brain disorder in young boys.

Low-Cost Sequencing Of 3 Human Genomes

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Complete Genomics, a third-generation human genome sequencing company, has announced publication of a report in the journal Science describing its proprietary DNA sequencing platform, including analysis of sequence data from three complete human genomes.

Neural Stem Cells In Mice Affected By Gene Associated With Longevity

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

A gene associated with longevity in roundworms and humans has been shown to affect the function of stem cells that generate new neurons in the adult brain, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The study in mice suggests that the gene may play an important role in maintaining cognitive function during aging.

How Plants And Bacteria 'Talk' To Thwart Disease

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

When it comes to plants' innate immunity, like many of the dances of life, it takes two to tango. A receptor molecule in the plant pairs up with a specific molecule on the invading bacteria and, presto, the immune system swings into action to defend against the invasion of the disease-causing microbe.

Unique Human Microbe Communities Have Wide Implications For Human Health

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

A University of Colorado at Boulder team has developed the first atlas of bacterial diversity across the human body, charting wide variations in microbe populations that live in different regions of the human body and which aid us in physiological functions that contribute to our health.

Kidney Function Decline Increases Risk Of Heart Failure And Premature Death

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Declining kidney function is linked to a higher risk of heart failure, heart attack, peripheral arterial disease, and early death in individuals with or without kidney disease, according to a pair of studies appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN).

Human Health To Benefit From The Unveling Of The Genome Sequence For The Domestic Horse

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

The whole genome sequence of the domestic horse has been completed by the genome-sequencing center of The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, in collaboration with an international team of researchers that includes scientists at the University of California, Davis.

Excessive Antibiotic Prescription Caused By Perceived Parent-Pressure

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Antibiotic over-prescription is promoted by pediatricians' perception of parents' expectations. Research published in the open access journal BMC Pediatrics shows that pediatricians are more likely to inappropriately prescribe antibiotics for respiratory tract infections if they perceived parents were expecting a prescription.

The First Casualty Of War

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Researchers reporting in BioMed Central's open access journal Conflict and Health found that the discrepancy in media reporting of casualty numbers in the Iraq conflict can potentially misinform the public and contribute to distorted perceptions and gross underestimates of the number of civilians killed in the armed conflict.

Lives Saved In Sept. 29 Samoan Tsunami By Community Education And Evacuation Planning

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Community-based education and awareness programs minimized the death toll from the recent Samoan tsunami, though there are still ways to improve the warning and evacuation process, according to a team of researchers that traveled to Samoa last month. The team, funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, collected data Oct. 4 through Oct. 11 to document the impacts of the 8.

University Of Central Florida Med Students Volunteer To Help Sick Kids, Families In Community On Saturday

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:00:00 PST

Twenty medical students from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine will cook and serve meals to families of ill children Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Ronald McDonald House on the campus of Arnold Palmer Medical Center. It will be the first official community service event for the 41-member charter class, which began classes in August.

SAVI Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Is A 'Unique Solution,' Study Finds

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:00:00 PST

The SAVI™ 6-1Mini breast brachytherapy applicator is the only brachytherapy solution for patients with small breasts, hard-to-reach lumpectomy cavities, or cavities close to the skin surface, according to a new study.

ERYtech Pharma Starts Its Pivotal Clinical Trial For GRASPA(R) In Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:00:00 PST

ERYtech Pharma announces the start of its pivotal clinical trial for GRASPA®, its lead product in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. This phase III trial has begun in France and will be enlarged to a European scale. Up to 80 patients with relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, aged from 1 to 55 years old will be enrolled.

Guided Therapeutics Non-Invasive Cervical Cancer Detection Device Trial Confirms Current Tests Miss Disease; Create High False Positive Rates

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 PST

Results of the FDA pivotal clinical trial for the LightTouch™ Non-invasive Cervical Cancer Detection Device conducted by Guided Therapeutics, Inc. (GT) (Pink Sheets: GTHP), indicated that the current system for diagnosing cervical disease missed the same amount of disease as a landmark study carried out by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Electronic Cigarette Association Urges Unbiased Evaluation Of E-cigarettes As Debate Intensifies Around These Devices

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 PST

As the debate heats up concerning the use of electronic cigarettes, Electronic Cigarette Association (ECA) President Matt Salmon today encouraged those involved in this discussion to carefully and honestly study how these devices work and recognize that the more than one million adult committed smoke

Entest BioMedical, Inc. Sees Substantial Opportunities In Treatment Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 PST

David Koos, Chairman and CEO of Entest BioMedical, Inc. (OTCBB: ENTB), stated that the Company's unique treatments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), currently in development, can lead to substantial revenue opportunities. According to Koos, "Current treatment for COPD is aimed at improving quality of life, not curing the illness. It is Entest's goal to reverse the damage from COPD.

New Support Showing Immunoglobulin Supplementation Enhances Immune System

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 PST

A new study provides evidence that ImmunoLin®, an all natural and GRAS approved source of immunoglobulin, will provide immediate benefit to the function of the immune system and the gut. Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, are specialized proteins found in blood that the immune system naturally produces for immunity.

FDA Approves Gloucester Pharmaceuticals' ISTODAX(R) For Patients With Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 PST

Gloucester Pharmaceuticals announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ISTODAX® (romidepsin) for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who have received at least one prior systemic therapy.

FDA Approves Labeling Update For REYATAZ(R) Capsules To Include 96-Week Data For Previously Untreated HIV-1 Infected Adult Patients

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:00 PST

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a labeling update for REYATAZ® to include long-term data from the CASTLE Study.

HHS Orders Intravenous Antiviral Flu Medication To Help Patients Hospitalized With 2009 H1N1

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 PST

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced contract awards for up to 120,000 treatment courses of intravenous (IV) antiviral drugs to help treat hospitalized 2009 H1N1 influenza patients.

Ossulin™ Oral Insulin Data To Be Presented At The San Francisco Diabetes Congress On November 6, 2009

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 PST

The first public data on Ossulin™ a new oral insulin product, will be presented today at the 9th Annual Diabetes Technology Meeting in San Francisco, CA. Ossulin™ is being developed by Puredel Limited, a joint-venture between the European pharmaceutical specialty company CM&D Pharma Limited and Natreon Inc., New Brunswick, NJ.

Collaborative Arrangements To Have Central Role In New Nurse Practitioner And Midwife Legislation, Australia

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 PST

RACGP welcomes news that the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon MP, has support the introduction of collaborative arrangements between nurse practitioners, midwives and medical practitioners.

Publication Of An Integrated Workforce Planning Strategy For The Health Services, Ireland

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:00:00 PST

The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive, today 6th November 2009, published the Integrated Workforce Planning Strategy for the Health Services. The strategy has been designed and developed to ensure integration of workforce planning activity with the broader objectives of financial and service planning in the Irish healthcare and social care system.

Theravance And Astellas Announce The Commercial Launch Of VIBATIVTM (telavancin) In The United States

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 PST

Theravance, Inc. (NASDAQ: THRX) and Astellas Pharma US, Inc. announced today the commercial launch of VIBATIV™ (telavancin) in the United States. On September 11, 2009, the U.S.

Ag Biotech Industry Stands Behind IRM Program

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:00 PST

The agricultural biotechnology industry maintains that the Insect Resistance Management (IRM) Plan has been one of the most successful industry stewardship programs implemented since pest-tolerant biotech crops were introduced more than a decade ago.

Patient Deaths In Hospitals Cost Nearly $20 Billion

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 PST

One of every three people who died in 2007 in the United States were in the hospital for treatment at the time of their deaths, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The cost of their hospital stays was about $20 billion.

Variation In Bacterial Populations From Person To Person Surprises Researchers

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:00 PST

A team of US scientists that has developed the first map of bacterial diversity across nearly 30 sites of the human body from hair, to ears, nostrils, mouth, armpits, intestines, navels, backs of knees and soles of the feet, was surprised to find big person to person differences in variously sited bacterial populations among healthy individuals.

Air Pollution Increases Infants' Risk Of Bronchiolitis

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:00 PST

Infants who are exposed to higher levels of air pollution are at increased risk for bronchiolitis, according to a new study. The study appears in the November 15 issue of the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. "There has been very little study of the consequences of early life exposure to air pollution," said Catherine Karr, M.D.

New Statement Outlines ATS Positions On Research, Education, Advocacy

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:00 PST

The ATS has issued an official statement that outlines the Society's position on research, training, education, patient care and advocacy. The statement, which appears in the November 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, also makes specific recommendations on how elements of the organization can make these policies a part of new and ongoing projects. Lee K.

Progress Towards 'Optical Biopsy' For Breast Cancer

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

Most biopsies following mammograms reveal benign abnormalities, not cancer. But women may not have to endure the medical costs, stress and potential complications that accompany such invasive biopsies forever.

Real-Time Observation Sheds New Light On Multiple Sclerosis

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

In diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cells of the immune system infiltrate the brain tissue, where they cause immense damage. For many years, it was an enigma as to how these cells can escape from the bloodstream. This is no trivial feat, given that specialized blood vessels act as a barrier between the nervous system and the bloodstream.

Record Number Of Researchers, Advocates, Parents Drawn To Autism Consortium Symposium For Autism Update

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

The Autism Consortium, an innovative collaboration of researchers, clinicians, funders and families dedicated to catalyzing research and enhancing clinical care for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), held its fourth annual symposium on October 28th, 2009, at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Physical Education Key To Improving Health In Low-Income Adolescents

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

School-based physical education plays a key role in curbing obesity and improving fitness among adolescents from low-income communities, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Berkeley.

TAU's Smart I.V. Device To Save Lives At Disaster Sites

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST

When paramedics rush to the scene of a multi-car pileup or a terror attack, their first task is to assess who needs immediate care. But blood hemorrhaging can obscure damage, and the gruesome mess means paramedics can't always determine who should be treated first.