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£64bn NHS privatisation plan revealed - The Guardian 30/06/06
Adverts gaffe exposes move to hand over management role to companies
Private sector to 'help' NHS primary care trusts - The Independent 30/06/06
Stealth plan to 'privatise' NHS care - The Times 30/06/06
Medical profession will see move as a kick in the teeth - The Times 30/06/06
Children's mental health problems are not solely due to materialism - The Guardian 30/06/06
Factors such as diet and exercise also contribute to depression, says Andrew McCulloch
Government warns of flu vaccine delays and shortages - The Guardian 30/06/06
Britain faces delays in the supply of flu vaccine and possible shortages this winter because of a manufacturing problem, the government announced yesterday.
Millions face flu jab delay - Daily Mail 29/06/06
Patients warned of flu jab delay - BBC Health News 29/06/06
Why don't we drink more tapwater? - The Guardian 30/06/06
It's a lament that resurfaces regularly in this decadent western society, which, provided with some of the best tapwater in the world, obstinately refuses to drink it. Instead, 26 million British adults drank 1.7bn litres of bottled water last year, at a cost of £1.5bn. The growth charts for the industry are a veritable geyser: between 1993 and 2003, the UK market grew from 580 litres a year to two billion.
A little more conversation - The Guardian 30/06/06
It is hailed as a quick fix for depression, schizophrenia, ME - even infertility. Now the government sees it as the answer to Britain's widespread mental health problem. So what is cognitive behavioural therapy? And does it really work? Helen Pidd investigates
The latecomer's handbook - The Guardian 30/06/06
Britain, you may or may not have noticed, is running behind schedule - about a day and a half late per year. On average, it's said, we now leave colleagues and friends waiting for 47.2 minutes a week, although this statistic was obtained by surveying 2,000 people in the street, people whose willingness to stop and answer questions posed by a stranger with a clipboard shows a certain lax attitude to appointment-keeping.
Who will buy - The Guardian 30/06/06
Boo Armstrong, managing director of Get Well UK, imagines what the future may hold for her business
Letters: Big pharma's big sell to doctors - The Guardian 30/06/06
Sarah Boseley (Drug firms a danger to health, June 26) has helpfully drawn our attention to the report about breaches to the ethical marketing codes of the pharmaceutical industry. We have spoken out about many of these issues, having recognised the influence that marketing may have on medical practice. We have succeeded in reducing the drug company "sponsorship" of our work to less than 5%, and have clear guidelines addressing both corporate and individual relationships with the industry.
Pharmaceutical Industry Cannot Be Trusted To Deal With Biased Reporting Of Clinical Trials Without Stricter Regulation, Royal Society Of Medicine - Medical News Today 30/06/06
BMA votes to reverse policy on euthanasia - The Independent 30/06/06
The British Medical Association has voted to reinstate its policy of outright opposition to euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide, just a year after adopting a neutral stance on the issue.
Assisted dying - The Times 30/06/06
Cycle deaths rise as more beginners climb into the saddle - The Times 30/06/06
THE number of cyclists killed on the roads has risen to its highest level for six years, prompting concerns that the sharp increase in novice riders switching from four to two wheels may be responsible.
Three in hospital after being hit by chocolate bar salmonella bug - The Times 30/06/06
A BABY, a child and an adult have been admitted to hospital with food poisoning from the salmonella Monetevideo bug, the strain at the centre of the recall of a million suspect Cadbury’s chocolate bars.
Why Willy Wonka would have been in terror of the Food Standards Agency - The Times 30/06/06
Salmonella scare hits Cadbury's chocolate - The Telegraph 30/06/06
Cadbury salmonella strain put three in hospital - The Telegraph 30/06/06
Faiths that abuse children by ritual 'should face law' - The Times 30/06/06
RELIGIOUS leaders who brand children “witches” or claim that they are “possessed” should be prosecuted for inciting offences against young people, children’s rights campaigners said last night.
Quality of care is all - The Times 30/06/06
BUPA has long called for and welcomes the overhaul of the CSCI regulatory scoring system (report, June 29). The way in which the previous system was designed ensured that the majority of the UK’s care homes failed to meet the standards as assessed. Moving to a four-point scale, where zero stars brings enforcement action, will be an improvement but even this proposal looks flawed.
The scandal of restricted treatment for asbestosis - The Times 30/06/06
Once again, we are being hamstrung in treating a devastating disease
The workout - The Times 30/06/06
How cherries can keep you feeling fit
No nursing jobs for students at end of training - The Telegraph 30/06/06
Large numbers of student nurses due to graduate this year have been unable to find jobs, a survey has found.
Response To Council Of Deans Student Nurse Figures By Royal College Of Nursing, UK - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Sick - or simply eating too much? - The Telegraph 30/06/06
Britain is reaching - apparently - a crisis point on obesity. A new pill promises to help by controlling appetite but should fat people really be turned into patients? Judith Woods weighs up the issues
Family mealtimes - Marge is an inspiration - The Telegraph 30/06/06
It was with a certain amount of dread that I heard the news this week that the government is planning a campaign to encourage families to eat together. It's not that I'm against the idea of family meals - in theory, they're wonderful - but I am acutely aware of my failings in this matter, given that my own household dines in a rather more random manner.
21 of the best sun creams - The Mirror 29/06/06
BUYING sun lotion is about much more than SPF numbers. There are cooling ones, slimming ones, ones for children... so you need to narrow down your options.
Cannabis effects on MS trialled - BBC Health News 29/06/06
Patients are being recruited for a trial to determine whether chemicals in cannabis can slow the impact of multiple sclerosis.
Cancer cell research ‘discovery’ - BBC Health News 29/06/06
Experts say they have made a discovery which could help improve treatment of diseases like cancer.
Therapy ‘no cure for sex abusers’ - BBC Health News 29/06/06
Psychological therapy for sex offenders can reduce re-offending rates, but does not provide a cure, a study says.
Psycho-therapy may benefit sex offenders - study - Reuters 29/06/06
Fewer kick light cigarette habit - BBC Health News 29/06/06
People who smoke so-called light cigarettes are half as likely to quit than other smokers, research suggests.
Obesity pill now available in UK - BBC Health News 29/06/06
A drug which treats obesity by reducing the desire to eat has been launched in the UK.
Health trust boss stepping down - BBC Health News 29/06/06
The chief executive of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has resigned after 13 years in the post.
NHS Still World Leader In Care For Heart Attack Patients, UK - Medical News Today 30/06/06
The fifth public report from MINAP (the Myocardial Infarction National Audit Project), published today, shows that patients with heart attack are being treated at a level of excellence that is unsurpassed anywhere in Europe or beyond.
Parkinson's Disease Society Welcomes New Clinical Guideline But Calls For Its Implementation, UK - Medical News Today 30/06/06
The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) today welcomes the NICE (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence) Guideline on the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease, but calls for the Government to take action now to make it a reality. The PDS today airs its concerns over two priority areas from the Guideline: GP behaviour over diagnosis and treatment and the current instability of Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist posts within the insecure NHS financial climate.
Research Could Help Fight Infection Better - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Medical Research Council Scientists at Birmingham have overcome a key hurdle in working out how to maintain the body's immune system into older age.
Stem Cell Science - Hope Not Hype - Medical News Today 30/06/06
A public exhibition to help explain the science around stem cells is to tour the country. The health minister, Andy Burnham MP, joined parliamentarians, and scientists from the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council in Westminster to view the new exhibition and to discuss stem cell research in the UK.
Open MMR Letter By Leading Scientific Experts, UK - Medical News Today 30/06/06
The Health Protection Agency, UK, welcomes the open MMR letter which has been issued by leading scientific experts, two of whom are from the Agency.
Warner Receives Patent Challenge On Oral Contraceptive - Medical News Today 29/06/06
U.K. pharmaceutical company Warner Chilcott on Friday said Watson Pharmaceuticals has issued a patent challenge to the company for its oral contraceptive Loestrin 24 FE, the AP/MSNBC.com reports. According to the AP/MSNBC.com, Warner released Loestrin 24 FE in April and holds a patent that does not expire until 2014. Watson has given Warner notice that it is filing an application to make a generic version of Loestrin, which means that Watson is claiming either that it is not infringing on Warner's patent by producing a generic version of the drug or that the patent is invalid, the AP/MSNBC.com reports. Warner has 45 days to file patent litigation (AP/MSNBC.com, 6/23).
Edinburgh Researchers To Probe Memory Loss In People With Diabetics - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are aiming to pinpoint why diabetes can cause memory loss and mental decline. A thousand people will take part in the study, the largest of its kind ever undertaken in the UK.
UK Anaesthetists Need Urgent National Guidance On Patients Who Don't Want To Be Resuscitated - Medical News Today 29/06/06
UK anaesthetists could face accusations of euthanasia or assisted suicide if they follow Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) Orders duringaccording to an editorial in the July issue of Anaesthesia.
Breast Cancer Drug To Extend Lives Of Men With Late Stage Prostate Cancer - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Today, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), UK, releases guidance that recommends that all eligible patients have access to a prostate cancer drug[1] - a move that will affect the lives of thousands of men across the UK[2].
International News
Beating the Russian booze crisis - The Guardian 30/06/06
It's closing time, you're short of cash and have quite a thirst on you. Particularly hardened British drinkers might at this point reach for the mysterious liqueur from last summer's fortnight in Mykonos. But no, not so in Russia, where a recent shortage of foreign wine imports caused by a bureaucratic licensing foul-up has reminded the population of their incredibly resourceful ways of finding alternative sources of alcohol.
Mobiles as risky as drink-driving - BBC Health News 29/06/06
Chatting on a mobile phone is at least as dangerous as driving while over the legal alcohol limit, new research shows.
Cellphone talkers as bad as drunk drivers: study - Reuters 30/06/06
Launch Of New Nanomedicine Journal Is No Small Feat - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Future Medicine Ltd (http://www.futuremedicine.com) is delighted to announce the launch of its latest peer-reviewed title, Nanomedicine (ISSN 1743-5889), which will appear bimonthly from June 2006, and features an acclaimed editorial board of international experts.
Many Continue To Smoke While Seriously Ill - Medical News Today 30/06/06
About 4 of every 10 adults with emphysema - a serious, often fatal disease associated with smoking - said that they still smoked when surveyed by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
RealMentalHealth.com Announces First Social Networking Site Focusing On Treatment And Mental Wellness - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Real Mental Health, Inc. today announced the launch of the first social networking site focusing on mental health wellness and treatment. The Web site, RealMentalHealth.com, provides a supportive community environment where members affected by mental health conditions can share experiences. Membership to the site is free and available to anyone over 18 years of age.
Orphan Medicines Regulation For Rare Diseases On The Road To Success - Medical News Today 30/06/06
The European Commission has published its final evaluation (1) - following comments received from stakeholders (2) - on five years of the EU's Orphan Medicines Regulation (EC 141/2000). The report confirms the tangible benefits of the Regulation for patients with rare diseases and its contribution to growth and jobs by stimulating increased investment in R & D to meet a high unmet medical need, which in turn has also led to new start-up companies.
Aviation Guidelines For TB Prevention - WHO - Medical News Today 30/06/06
WHO today issued updated guidelines for the airline industry that will further minimise the risk of tuberculosis (TB) and other infectious diseases being passed from passenger to passenger on board aircraft. The 'Tuberculosis and Air Travel' guidelines stipulate that people with infectious TB must postpone long-distance travel, while those with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) must postpone any air travel.
Cholera In Sudan - 2007 Cases, Including 77 Deaths, Case Fatality Rate, CFR=3.8% - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Between 21 April and 18 June 2006, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) has reported a total of 2007 cases, including 77 deaths (case fatality rate, CFR=3.8%) of acute watery diarrhoea in 9 out of 15 states in northern Sudan. Of these cases 35.3% (CFR=4.9%) have occurred in Khartoum state, while 26% have occurred in North Kordofan state. The remaining cases have occurred in White Nile, South Darfur, South Kordofan, Kassala, Red Sea, Al Gezira and River Nile. The overall CFR during this period is 3.8%.
Cord Blood America CEO Matthew Schissler To Appear On New Cancer Awareness Program - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CBAI), the umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company which is focused on bringing the life saving potential of stem cells to families nationwide, announced today that CEO Matthew Schissler will appear on the "Your Cancer Today(TM)" show on Thursday, June 29, to discuss the accomplishments in using stem cells in the treatment of certain cancers and the enormous potential of this field.
Cephalon Receives Approvable Letter For FENTORA(TM) (fentanyl Buccal Tablet) For Management Of Breakthrough Pain In Patients With Cancer - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Cephalon, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEPH) announced today that it has received an approvable letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for FENTORA(TM) (fentanyl buccal tablet) [C-II]. The company submitted a new drug application (NDA) in August 2005, seeking to market FENTORA for the treatment of breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients with cancer.
FDA Gives Tentative Approval For Another First Time Generic Pediatric AIDS Drug In Association With The President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief - Medical News Today 30/06/06
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the tentative approval of the generic version of Abacavir Sulfate (a bak' a vir) Oral Solution, 20 mg (base)/mL manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma LTD. of Hyderabad, India.
DeCODE Submits IND On DG051 For The Prevention Of Heart Attack - Medical News Today 30/06/06
deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN) today announced that it has submitted an investigational new drug application (IND) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for DG051, the company's follow-on investigational compound for the prevention of heart attack. Pending clearance by the FDA, the company expects to begin Phase I clinical testing of the compound later this summer.
WellPoint To Cover Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine - Medical News Today 30/06/06
WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP) announced today that it will cover the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine, Gardasil(TM), designed to prevent the HPV infections that can cause cervical cancers and genital warts. Policyholders should confirm their specific benefits by calling the toll free telephone number listed on their insurance card.
ADVENTRX Presents Encouraging New Supplemental Results For The CoFactor Phase II Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Trial - Medical News Today 30/06/06
ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Amex: ANX) announced today encouraging results from a follow-up evaluation of the 50 patients who completed the CoFactor(R) plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) Phase II clinical trial.
Inhibitex Announces Results Of MSCRAMM(R) Platform Review - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Inhibitex, Inc. (Nasdaq: INHX) today announced plans for the future development of its MSCRAMM-based programs for the prevention and treatment of serious, life-threatening infections, and its intention to pursue late-stage opportunities to expand its near-term development pipeline.
European Sponsor Chooses To Standardize On The DATATRAK EClinical(TM) Unified Platform - Medical News Today 30/06/06
DATATRAK International, Inc. (Nasdaq: DATA), a technology and services company focused on global eClinical solutions for the clinical trials industry, today reported that its unified platform has been selected by a European pharmaceutical company with the objective of standardizing their international clinical trials on this single product suite.
Lexicon Genetics Files Application For LX6171 Phase 1 Trial For Cognitive Disorders - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Lexicon Genetics Incorporated (Nasdaq: LEXG) announced today that it has submitted a Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) filing to the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for LX6171, an internally- developed small molecule compound for cognitive disorders.
Auxilium Pharmaceuticals Announces Start Of U.S. Phase III Pivotal Trial Of Testosterone Transmucosal Film (AA2600) For Hypogonadism - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AUXL), a specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that it has begun enrolling patients with hypogonadism in a pivotal Phase III trial of AA2600, the Company's testosterone replacement transmucosal film product candidate. Hypogonadism is a condition that is estimated to affect approximately 20% of the U.S. male population over age 50 and is characterized by reduced or deficient secretion of testosterone which can lead to symptoms such as loss of libido, adverse changes in body composition, irritability and poor attention span.
Cytokinetics Announces Positive Phase I Clinical Trial Results For CK-1827452 - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Cytokinetics, Incorporated (Nasdaq: CYTK) announced positive results today from a first-in-humans Phase I clinical trial evaluating CK-1827452, a novel cardiac myosin activator, administered intravenously. The clinical trial was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation trial conducted to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic profile of a six-hour infusion of CK-1827452 in healthy volunteers.
Positive Final Results, Phase 2 Dose-Ranging Study Of Zerenex For Hyperphosphatemia Treatment In Patients With End-stage Renal Disease - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KERX) today announced positive final results from the Phase 2 multi- center study entitled: "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose ranging study of the effects of Zerenex(TM) on serum phosphate in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD)." This Phase 2 study was conducted under an IND (Investigational New Drug) sponsored by the Company's licensors in both the US and Taiwan.
Nabi Biopharmaceuticals Secures Agreement With Kedrion To Co-Develop And Commercialize Civacir(R) In Europe - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Nabi Biopharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: NABI) today announced that it has secured an agreement with Kedrion S.p.A., a global biopharmaceutical company, located in Lucca, Italy.
New Study Shows Cinnamon Extract Lowers Blood Sugar Levels In People With Type 2 Diabetes - Medical News Today 30/06/06
A water-soluble, cinnamon extract has been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study from the University of Hannover in Hannover, Germany published in a recent issue of the European Journal of Clinical Investigation. This was the first study evaluating the effect of a water-soluble cinnamon extract on glycemic control and the lipid profile of Western patients with type 2 diabetes. The results further add to a growing body of clinical evidence demonstrating supplementation with a water-soluble cinnamon extract may play an important role in managing blood sugar levels and improving insulin function
Manhattan Pharmaceuticals Doses First Patient Group In Phase IIa Trial For OE, Its Oral Obesity Drug Candidate - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Manhattan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Amex: MHA) today announced that it commenced dosing the first group of patients in its Phase IIa clinical trial of oral Oleoyl-estrone (OE), the company's novel drug candidate for the treatment of obesity. Patient recruitment is ongoing
NYU Scientists Begin Second Phase Of Project To Better Understand Disease - Medical News Today 29/06/06
A team of researchers at New York University's Center for Comparative Functional Genomics are embarking on the second phase of a collaborative research undertaking to predict structures of key proteins, which in turn shed light on their roles in diseases and offer pathways for cures. The inter-institutional project, which uses the IBM-backed World Community Grid, will focus on key human and malaria proteins, merging the biomedical and computation fields in carrying out the study.
Nurse Practioners Playing Growing Role In Health Care - Medical News Today 29/06/06
The number of nurse practitioners -- registered nurses with advanced degrees and training -- in the U.S. has risen from about 30,000 in 1990 to 115,000 today, the AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Nurse-managed primary care centers have increased to 250 nationwide from a small number 15 years ago.
Alzheimer's Pathology Related To Episodic Memory In Those Without Dementia - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Subtle memory deficits often ascribed to 'normal aging' appear to be early signs of Alzheimer's disease according to new research by the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago. Researchers studying older men and women who do not have dementia or mild cognitive impairment found that those with Alzheimer's pathology, or the brain changes associated with the disease, did score lower on tests of episodic memory. The study is published in the June 27 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Landfills, Chemical Weapon Debris Possibly A Good Match, Computer Model Suggests - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Putting building debris contaminated by chemical weapons into municipal landfills likely would pose only a minimal risk to nearby communities and the surrounding environment, according to a study scheduled for publication in the July 1 issue of the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology. The study's computer model, developed by environmental engineers at the Technical University of Denmark and North Carolina State University, could help policymakers and waste management officials determine what to do with these harmful materials if another terrorist attack occurs.
Radioactive Scorpion Venom For Fighting Cancer - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Health physicists are establishing safe procedures for a promising experimental brain-cancer therapy which uses a radioactive version of a protein found in scorpion venom. For many, this will conjure images of Spiderman's nemesis, the Scorpion. The purpose of this work is not science fiction, but rather to help to develop a promising new therapy for brain cancer. The venom of the yellow Israeli scorpion preferentially attaches to the cells of a type of essentially incurable brain cancers known as gliomas.
Tumour Development Actors ERK1 And ERK2 Found To Play Opposite Roles - Medical News Today 29/06/06
The proteins ERK1 and ERK2 may play opposite roles during tumour development. A study published today in the open access journal Journal of Biology shows that the phosphorylating enzyme, or 'kinase', ERK1 can inhibit cell proliferation by interfering with the action of the related kinase ERK2.
U Of M Study Examines Kidney Stone Prevention In Astronauts - Medical News Today 29/06/06
As the space shuttle Discovery prepares to launch on July 1, researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a way for astronauts to reduce their risk of developing kidney stones while in space.
Chinese Legislative Committee Drops Provision That Would Have Criminalized Fetal Gender Identification For Nonmedical Reasons - Medical News Today 29/06/06
The Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, the country's legislature, recently voted to remove a provision from an amendment to the country's criminal law that would have criminalized the act of identifying the gender of embryos and fetuses for nonmedical reasons, Xinhua/People's Daily Online reports (Xinhua/People's Daily Online, 6/26)
Preventive Treatment Reduces Risk Of Malaria In Infants - Medical News Today 29/06/06
A new study shows that giving 3, 4, and 9-month-old infants a single dose of a common anti-malarial drug significantly lowers their risk of contracting malaria. The research appears in the August 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online.
Children's Health Improves In Four Areas; Does Not Improve As Quickly As Previously Seen, Report Says - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Measures of health and income for U.S. children are no longer improving as much as they did in the 1990s, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual "Kids Count" report released Tuesday, AP/USA Today reports. The report measures each state's progress in 10 areas -- including infant mortality, poverty rates, single-parent families and infants born with low birthweights -- using the most recent data available from the Census Bureau.
Smoking And Obesity May Increase The Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction - Medical News Today 29/06/06
A prospective study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has found that obesity and smoking are strongly associated with a greater risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Meanwhile, regular physical activity appeared to have a significant impact on lowering the risk of ED. This is the first large-scale prospective study to examine the links between ED and smoking, obesity, alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle. The study will appear in the July 2006 issue of The Journal of Urology.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Appears More Effective Than Sleep Medication For Treating Insomnia - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Patients with insomnia who implemented cognitive behavioral therapy interventions such as relaxation techniques had greater improvement in their sleep than patients who received the sleep medication zopiclone, according to a study in the June 28 issue of JAMA.
Increased Nighttime Blood Pressure May Be Linked To Higher Risk For Congestive Heart Failure - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Having a relatively high blood pressure level at night may increase the risk for congestive heart failure, according to a study in the June 28 issue of JAMA.
Study Documents Outbreak Of Fungal Eye Infections Among Contact Lens Wearers In Singapore - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Researchers in Singapore have reported an outbreak of Fusarium keratitis (a fungal infection of the cornea) associated with soft contact lens wear and linked with use of certain contact lens cleaning solutions, according to an article in the June 28 issue of JAMA.
Blood Pressure Variability Increases Risk For Stroke Death - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Erratic blood pressure during the first hours after a stroke dramatically lowers the chances of survival. That's the finding of a Mayo Clinic study published in the current issue of the journal Neurology.
Vitamin B And Folate Combo Doesn't Sharpen The Mind - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Older people at higher risk of dementia do not benefit from a combination of vitamin B and folate, say researchers from the University of Otabo, Dunedin, New Zealand. Even after two years of taking the vitamins daily, volunteers did not better in cognitive tests than those who were given a placebo.
CHIP-Less Mice Accumulate Tau - Medical News Today 29/06/06
The accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, and in the case of FTDP-17 (frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism-linked to chromosome 17), tau mutations are sufficient to produce neurodegeneration
FDA Does Not Approve Wyeth Contraceptive, Lybrel - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Until certain concerns are addressed the FDA will not approve Lybrel, an experimental low dose, continuous, non-cyclic combination oral contraceptive, says Wyeth. According to Wyeth, they received an ‘approvable letter' from the FDA. However, they must submit more data concerning Lybrel's manufacturing process and more clinical details.
Bimanual Motor Learning - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Bays and Wolpert examined our ability to predict and oppose external forces in order to maintain limb or body position. They chose a bimanual task in which a force was applied to the left hand based on the velocity of the right hand
Will The Real Tip-Link Antigen Please Stand Up - Medical News Today 29/06/06
The tip link sits at the business end of a hair cell, linking the top of a shorter stereocilia on the hair bundle to its taller neighbor, and thus presumably gating the mechanosensitive channels.
Melinda Gates Says Buffett's Donation Could Be Used For HIV Vaccine Research, Other Projects - Medical News Today 29/06/06
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aims to use a portion of the donations totaling more than $30 billion from Berkshire Hathaway Chair Warren Buffett to fund HIV vaccine research and microbicides, Melinda Gates suggested on Tuesday during a news conference in New York City with Buffett and Bill Gates, the New York Times reports (McNeil/Lyman, New York Times, 6/27).
A Car's Middle Back Seat May Be Least Desirable, But It's The Safest - Medical News Today 29/06/06
In a full car, some poor soul is relegated to the middle of the back seat, the least desirable, most uncomfortable, most "un-cool" spot in the vehicle. It also happens to be the safest.
Helping Children In Earliest Years Is Most Cost-effective Use Of Public Funds, Authors Say - Medical News Today 29/06/06
With flashy toys, expensive classes and music compilations all promising to make your child smarter, it's hard to sort out the best way to help your child's brain thrive. A new policy paper helps put those worries to rest. The gist of the paper is this: what kids need is a secure relationship with adults who adore them.
New HIV Study Identifies High-risk Subgroups Of Adolescents - Medical News Today 29/06/06
A new study from the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center and Brown Medical School unveils profiles of adolescents at the greatest risk for HIV. Amongst a group of high-risk teens, researchers found that those at highest risk for the disease (those who engaged in the most unprotected sex acts) were mostly white males with mental health problems.
Study Reveals How ADHD Drugs Work In Brain - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Although millions depend on medications such as Ritalin to quell symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), scientists have struggled to pinpoint how the drugs work in the brain.
Key To Early Diagnosis Of Autism May Be In The Placenta - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered in the placenta what may be the earliest marker for autism, possibly helping physicians diagnose the condition at birth, rather than the standard age of two or older.
Ultrasound May Help Regrow Teeth - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Hockey players, rejoice! A team of University of Alberta researchers has created technology to regrow teeth--the first time scientists have been able to reform human dental tissue.
Women Surviving Cardiovascular Disease Treatment In Hospitals At Higher Rates: Healthgrades Study - Medical News Today 29/06/06
American hospitals improved women's survival rates for treatment of heart disease and stroke by an average of 9.54 percent from 2002 through 2004, according to the third annual HealthGrades Women's Health Outcomes in U.S. Hospitals study, released today.
New Website For The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) - Medical News Today 29/06/06
To make the good even better the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) has completely revamped its website, www.eufic.org. Reaching in excess of 350,000 visitors a month and voted one of the top 5 websites for credible, nutritional information by the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) Good Food magazine in March 2006, the previous site was an established reference. Today, thanks to valuable user insights, the new state-of-the-art site improves on this by offering over 4,000 pages of scientifically reviewed information that guides and informs audiences on food safety as well as health and nutrition in a smart and user-friendly way.
Hospitalists And Palliative Care: A Natural Alliance - Medical News Today 29/06/06
More than almost any other medical specialty, hospitalists play an active role in improving the hospital environment as a whole by participating in quality initiatives, protocol development and other leadership activities. In many hospitals they are the de-facto providers of pain and symptom management for seriously ill patients, and they frequently interact with the ER and ICU, as well.
Greystone Associates Analyzes Development-Stage Coated Stents Seeking Share Of Fast-Growing Market - Medical News Today 29/06/06
The introduction of the drug-eluting stent (DES) has been considered one of the most significant developments in cardiology - revolutionizing treatment protocols for CAD patients and improving outcomes dramatically. But as their use has grown, reports of adverse events and potential risk factors have dimmed the luster of first-generation DES and led to a debate within the cardiovascular community that is intense and ongoing.
Association Between Marijuana Use And The Incidence Of Transitional Cell Carcinoma Suggested - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Like tobacco smoking, marijuana smoking has been implicated as a causative factor in tumors of the head and neck and of the lung. The marijuana smokers in whom these tumors occur are usually much younger than the tobacco smokers who are the usual victims of these malignancies. A question remains as to whether transitional cell carcinoma (TCCA), highly linked to tobacco use, can also be linked to marijuana use and if the cancers seen in marijuana smokers are similar to those seen in tobacco users.
An Outsider's View Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome May Provide Clues To How We Perceive PBS/IC - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Lee Nyberg of the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) pointed out a very interesting manuscript by Mark Demitrack of Neuronetics, Inc. that recently appeared in the literature. In it, he looks at clinical methodology and its implications for the study of therapeutic interventions for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). His comments might just as easily apply to PBS/IC, and are worth noting.
Diabetes Mellitus And Hypertension Associated With Shock Wave Lithotripsy Of Renal And Proximal Ureteral Stones At 19 Years Of Follow-Up - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Beware! Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for renal calculi patients may increase the risk of hypertension and diabetes in long-term follow-up. This landmark paper is a fitting tribute to this icon in endourology, Joe Segura. The death, this month, of this venerable clinician, researcher, and educator, who has contributed a wealth of knowledge to stone disease management, will leave a huge void in the Endourologic community.
Chimerix Announces Initiation Of Phase I Clinical Trials Of CMX001, An Oral Treatment For Smallpox Infection - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Chimerix, Inc., a biotechnology company developing orally available antiviral therapeutics, announced today that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for its Investigational New Drug application for CMX001, the company's oral antiviral drug candidate for the treatment of smallpox infections and complications resulting from smallpox vaccine.
Budesonide Added To Formoterol And/or Short Acting Beta 2 Agonist Lowers Mortality Risk For Severe COPD Patients - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Important new data from the analysis of combined data from the two pivotal Symbicort® studies, announced today at the 5th International Multidisciplinary Conference on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD5), reveals that budesonide added to formoterol (Symbicort®) and/or terbutaline significantly reduces mortality in severe COPD over one year, compared to the bronchodilators formoterol and/or terbutaline alone.
NuVasive Announces IDE Approval To Begin NeoDisc(TM) Pivotal Trial - Medical News Today 29/06/06
NuVasive, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUVA), a medical device company focused on developing products for minimally disruptive surgical treatments for the spine, announced today it has received conditional approval of an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin clinical trial enrollment of its NeoDisc cervical disc replacement device.
Leading Urologist Expresses Interest In Traction Device For Peyronie's Patients - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Dr. Laurence A. Levine of Urology Specialists of Chicago, Ill is predicting wider availability of new Peyronie's Disease treatments from the medical profession following meetings at the annual American Urology Association last week.
Therion Reports Results Of Phase 3 PANVAC-VF Trial And Announces Plans For Company Sale - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Therion Biologics today announced the results of its Phase 3 randomized, controlled clinical trial of PANVAC-VF for the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The trial did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint of improving overall survival compared with palliative chemotherapy or best supportive care, and the company no longer plans to file a Biologics License Application (BLA) with the FDA.
Alexion Reports Phase III Preliminary Results For APEX-AMI Study - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALXN) today reported preliminary results from the Phase III APEX-AMI clinical trial with pexelizumab. As reported earlier, Alexion and its partner, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals (P&G), had determined in February 2006 to finalize the APEX-AMI trial with fewer patients than initially anticipated, following negative results in the clinical trial of pexelizumab in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients, known as PRIMO-CABG2. The results in the APEX-AMI trial reported today show that the drug did not achieve a statistically significant reduction in mortality at 30 days following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or angioplasty. The primary endpoint in the APEX-AMI trial is reduction in mortality at 30 days following PCI.
Surgeon General: 'Second Hand Smoke Kills' - Medical News Today 29/06/06
The U.S. government's top doctor says the debate is over, second hand smoke is not a mere annoyance but a serious health hazard that leads to disease and premature death in children and non-smoking adults. "Second hand smoke kills people," stated Surgeon General Richard Carmona, citing a report issued this week.
Sanofi adds new liver warning to antibiotic label - Reuters 30/06/06
Sanofi-Aventis put a stronger warning on its antibiotic Ketek following the deaths of four patients who took the drug and developed liver failure, U.S. regulators said on Thursday
Sanofi-aventis Announces Update To Ketek(R) (Telithromycin) U.S. Prescribing Information - Medical News Today 30/06/06
Diabetes heart risk "equivalent to 15 yrs aging" - Reuters 29/06/06
Diabetics are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, one of the world's biggest killers, 15 years earlier than other people, according to a scientist on Friday.
Magnetic stimulation helps with stroke rehab - Reuters 29/06/06
As a rehabilitation technique for stroke, repetitive magnetic stimulation of the brain, or "rTMS," can improve patient movement on the side of the body affected by the stroke.
Young girls should get cancer vaccine, panel says - Reuters 29/06/06
Girls as young as nine and young women up to age 26 should be able to get Merck and Co.'s Gardasil vaccine aimed at preventing a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cancer, a panel of U.S. experts said on Thursday.
CDC Panel Backs Cervical Cancer Vaccine For Pre-Teen Girls - Medical News Today 29/06/06
Depression boosts aggression in demented elderly - Reuters 29/06/06
Depression triples the likelihood that a nursing home resident with dementia will be physically aggressive, a new study shows.
Chronic job strain may raise blood pressure - Reuters 29/06/06
Workers who are under constant stress may start to show it in their blood pressure readings, researchers reported Thursday.
Immunologic tests detect hidden prostate cancer - Reuters 29/06/06
In patients with locally advanced prostate cancer and negative results on lymph node examination, immunochemical testing of the lymph node cells can spot the spread of cancer cells that are not detected at initial tissue examination, a study shows.
CORRECTION: Sexual orientation of men may be set before - Reuters 29/06/06
A man's sexual orientation appears to be determined in the womb, a new study suggests.
UN blames AIDS for southern Africa food shortages - Reuters 28/06/06
The relentless toll of HIV/AIDS means southern Africa faces more food shortages this year, with some 3 million people in need of aid despite improved harvests, the U.N. World Food Programme said on Wednesday.
Cheshire and Merseyside News
Four times your daily salt intake in one dish - Daily Post 30/06/06
LIVERPOOL'S takeaways were under fire last night after a survey revealed single meals with more than four times the recommended daily dose of salt.
Who pays up in the lottery of care costs? - Daily Post 30/06/06
CARE homes are locked in a funding crisis, but how does this affect the elderly people who have to pay for themselves? Jessica Shaughnessy reports
No stairlifts or trips out as homes cut costs - Daily Post 29/06/06
Cash squeeze that makes care owners decide to quit - Daily Post 29/06/06
Sadness as doctors vote against assisted suicide - Daily Post 30/06/06
TERMINALLY-ILL people from Merseyside and Cheshire last night said they were "saddened and disappointed" after doctors voted against legalising assisted suicide in Britain.
Yoko puts charity in the Pops - Liverpool Echo 29/06/06
YOKO Ono has helped Alder Hey children's hospital become the official charity of this year's Summer Pops.
Biotech site 'safe' - Liverpool Echo 29/06/06
DRUGS company Eli Lilly said the proposed closure of its Hampshire manufacturing plant will have no impact on its operations in Speke.
NHS trust quizzed over shake-up cash - Runcorn Weekly News 29/06/06
NORTH Cheshire Hospitals Trust has been challenged to prove it has enough cash to fund a massive shake-up in health provision.
Councillor airs foot surgery concerns - Ellesmere Port Pioneer 29/06/06
A BOROUGH councillor has slammed changes to a hospital's foot surgery and treatment services.
Change in law brings hope to cancer victims - Rucorn Weekly News 29/06/06
LEGISLATION will be in place next month to give full compensation to former Halton dock workers devastated by asbestos-related cancer.
Man died after hip operation - Ellesmere Port Pioneer 29/06/06
A RETIRED engineer died the same day his care home was told that he might be coming home.
They call me the Miracle Lady . . . - Liverpool Echo 29/06/06
A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER today told how her heart and lungs stopped working for four days as medics battled to save her life.
Cumbria and Lancashire News
MPs demand meeting over maternity care - Carlisle News & Star 29/06/06
WEST Cumbria’s MPs have called for a meeting with hospital chiefs to discuss the ongoing review of maternity services across the county.
Cancer patient wants new unit - Blackpool Citizen 29/06/06
A woman who is recovering from breast cancer surgery at Blackpool's Victoria Hospital is calling on Citizen readers to help her raise thousands of pounds toward a dedicated ward for patients with the disease.
Mortuary-delay family ‘in the dark’ - Lancashire Evening Telegraph 29/06/06
RELATIVES of a man whose body was left on a hospital ward for eight hours have not been told because bosses said it would "distress" them.
Cheap booze big part of problem - Lancashire Evning Telegraph 29/06/06
BOREDOM, cheap booze and poor examples set by parents are leading young children to get drunk, health experts and children's workers warned today.
Health message in a bottle - Preston Citizen 29/06/06
A charity is showing it has plenty of bottle when it comes to helping the vulnerable by distributing 10,000 plastic containers which they hope could save lives.
Greater Manchester News
Baby girl died in her mum's bed - Manchester Evening News 29/06/06
A HEALTHY baby girl died after spending the night in her mother's single bed, an inquest heard.
Misery for hayfever sufferers - Bolton Evening News 29/06/06
BOLTON is to be hit by a high pollen count over the next few days, causing misery for hayfever sufferers.
Nurses told: No jobs for you - Bolton Evening News 29/06/06
TRAINEE nurses who graduate this summer have been told there are no jobs for them at the Royal Bolton Hospital.
Student nurses in jobs crisis - Manchester Evening News 30/06/06
Get walking for better health - Leigh Journal 29/06/06
The short hikes which are mainly on flat ground, led by local leaders and about an hour long, are ideal for people who are not used to exercising or those who are returning to exercise.
