Health and Medical News Headlines for August 15, 2009

Obama visit puts focus on senator for rural state (AP)

AP - The president's Friday town hall in a conservative suburb of Bozeman allowed him to speak directly to Baucus' constituents the same people who are already giving the senator an angry earful during the congressional August recess.

Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 15 Aug 2009 | 3:52 am

Dana Gas Q2 profit surges on Kurdish Iraq ops

DUBAI, Aug 15 (Reuters) - United Arab Emirates firm Dana Gas posted a second-quarter net profit of 392 million dirhams ($106.7 million), a more than eleven-fold increase on the year-earlier period.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 15 Aug 2009 | 2:18 am

Mango Seeds May Protect Against Deadly Food Bacteria

Life in the fruit bowl is no longer the pits, thanks to a University of Alberta researcher. Christina Engels has found a way to turn the throwaway kernels in mangos into a natural food preservative that could help prevent Listeriosis outbreaks like the one that killed 21 Canadians last year.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

K-State Lab Gives Researchers The Tools To Study Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases

Porcine circovirus associated diseases cost pig producers around the world hundreds of millions of dollars each year. That's why Kansas State University virologists Dick Hesse and Bob Rowland have been working to create new vaccines to tackle such complex diseases. "Circovirus and its associated diseases continue to emerge around the world," Hesse said.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

New Technique Enables Efficient Gene Splicing In Human Embryonic Stem Cells

A novel technique allows researchers to efficiently and precisely modify or introduce genes into the genomes of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, according to Whitehead scientists. The method uses proteins called zinc finger nucleases and is described in Nature Biotechnology.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

Racial Barriers In Facial Expressions

People from East Asia tend to have a tougher time than those from European countries telling the difference between a face that looks fearful versus surprised, disgusted versus angry, and now a new report published online in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, explains why. Rather than scanning evenly across a face as Westerners do, Easterners fixate their attention on the eyes.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

Potential Value Of Cannabis In The Fight Against Osteoporosis

Scientists investigating the effects of cannabis on bone health have found that its impact varies dramatically with age. The study has found that although cannabis could reduce bone strength in young people, it may protect against osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones, in later life.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

Safe Haven Lacking For Sexually Assaulted LGBTQ Victims

Being a victim of sexual assault and seeking help is difficult for anyone, but when the victim is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) the thought of reporting a crime may well be laced with added layers of uncertainty and mistrust, according to a study in Oregon.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

Why GPs Won't Take Part In Research

A group of researchers whose planned leg ulceration study was hamstrung by a physician recruitment rate of 2% have published the reasons why so many doctors turned them down. The qualitative information, featured in the open access journal BMC Medical Research Methodology, should be of use to those designing trials of their own. Dr.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

Raising The Alarm When DNA Goes Bad

Our genome is constantly under attack from things like UV light and toxins, which can damage or even break DNA strands and ultimately lead to cancer and other diseases.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

Primary Care Needs Of Those Living With HIV Highlighted By Updated Guidelines

With HIV patients living longer thanks to advances in treatment, the primary care needs of those living with HIV have never been more important. Updated, evidence-based guidelines from the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) are designed to help providers manage the care of those living with this complex chronic infection.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

Molecules Wrestle For Supremacy In Creation Of Superstructures

Research at the University of Liverpool has found how mirror-image molecules gain control over each other and dictate the physical state of superstructures. The research team studied 'chiral' or 'different-handed' molecules which are distinguishable by their inability to be superimposed onto their mirror image.
Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 15 Aug 2009 | 1:00 am

Scientists find rare gene behind short sleepers (AP)

AP - Scientists have discovered a gene that helps a mother and daughter stay alert on about six hours sleep a night, two hours less than the rest of their family needs.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:33 am

Glaxo starts testing its swine flu vaccine (AP)

AP - Drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline PLC said Friday it has started testing its swine flu vaccine in humans.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:31 am

Obama Says Insurers Are Trying to Block Change

The president accused some insurance companies of trying to undermine his plans for overhauling health care.

Source: NYT > Health | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:25 am

Drug Firms Cost Lobbyist His Position

Dick Armey, a former Republican House leader, resigned from his lobbying firm after drug company clients complained about his opposition to the Obama health plan.

Source: NYT > Health | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:25 am

Vital Signs: Patterns: Do Real Men Go to the Doctor?

Men who endorsed old-school notions of masculinity were far less likely to seek preventive health services than other men.

Source: NYT > Health | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:23 am

Patient Money: The Expense of Eating With Celiac Disease

An intolerance to gluten requires a special wheat-free diet that can be costly. But some patients are finding less expensive ways to stay healthy.

Source: NYT > Health | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:18 am

Britain Responds to Criticism of Its Universal Health System

The British love to mock their National Health Service, but they have been incensed by its being used as a punching bag in the fight over President Obama’s proposed reforms.

Source: NYT > Health | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:13 am

Beliefs: In Debate Over Health Policy, Some Words Are Seldom Spoken

The philosopher Daniel Callahan talked about the role that bioethics should play in the current debate on overhauling the health care system.

Source: NYT > Health | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:04 am

Health Debate Fails to Ignite Obama’s Web

The grass-roots enthusiasm of the campaign has not carried over to efforts to overhaul the health care system.

Source: NYT > Health | 15 Aug 2009 | 12:00 am

Gays, Bisexuals Seek More Psych Services (HealthDay)

HealthDay - THURSDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Gays, lesbians and bisexuals are about twice as likely as heterosexuals to seek treatment for mental health issues or substance abuse, a U.S. study finds.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 14 Aug 2009 | 9:49 pm

Health Tip: Debunking Diabetes Myths (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- If you've just been diagnosed with diabetes, it may be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 14 Aug 2009 | 9:49 pm

Restrictive Diet for Kids May Backfire (HealthDay)

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Aug. 14 (HealthDay News) -- Parents who try to battle the childhood obesity epidemic by forbidding their kids to eat certain foods are not going to keep them from gaining weight and may actually be making the situation worse, researchers say.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 14 Aug 2009 | 9:49 pm

Low Choline Level in Pregnancy Tied to Birth Defects (HealthDay)

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Aug. 14 (HealthDay News) -- Low blood levels of the nutrient choline during pregnancy increases the risk of brain and spinal-cord defects in newborns, U.S. researchers report.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 14 Aug 2009 | 9:49 pm

Rich, Poor See Similar Declines in Old Age (HealthDay)

HealthDay - FRIDAY, Aug. 14 (HealthDay News) -- Socioeconomic status seems to make no difference in mental decline after the age of 70, according to new research.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 14 Aug 2009 | 9:49 pm

Terra Firma working to avoid EMI default-report

NEW YORK, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Guy Hands' private equity firm Terra Firma Capital Partners, the owner of EMI Group [LNDONE.UL], is working to prevent a loan agreement default at the company's recorded music...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 9:27 pm

NDP says health care cuts show B.C. Liberals lied about protecting health

VANCOUVER, B.C. - Former B.C. health minister George Abbott is lashing back at NDP accusations that the government has broken its election promise to protect health care. New Democrat...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 9:23 pm

Alberta's largest psychiatric hospital to move patients to community-based supports

EDMONTON - Alberta's biggest psychiatric hospital is being downsized and up to one-third of its 410 patients may be moved to group homes or other community services over the next three...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 9:23 pm

False ‘Death Panel’ Rumor Has Some Familiar Roots

Rumors that President Obama’s health care plans would create “death panels” began with some of the same media outlets that helped defeat President Clinton’s health care plan.

Source: NYT > Health | 14 Aug 2009 | 8:28 pm

Prescriptions: Obama Hosts a Town Hall in Montana

At the town hall meeting, the president said the country is closer than ever to health care reform.

Source: NYT > Health | 14 Aug 2009 | 8:13 pm

LifeCare Holdings, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Results

Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 8:03 pm

UPDATE 5-Regulators close Colonial Bank; assets sold to BB&T

* Biggest bank failure this year (Adds FDIC statement, details, share price)
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 6:53 pm

Obama criticizes media emphasis on health care protests, says 'TV loves a ruckus'

care fight, President Barack Obama on Friday denounced news media emphasis on angry protesters at town hall meetings. Obama ventured west for the latest of his own town hall-style...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 6:43 pm

US swine flu patients on immunosuppressant drugs develop Tamiflu resistance

Two cases of Tamiflu-resistant swine flu have been found in the United States, in leukemia patients who were highly immunosuppressed, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported Friday.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 5:55 pm

Unit run by Legg Mason's Miller sold banks in 2Q

BOSTON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - The Legg Mason Inc unit run by star fund manager Bill Miller sold off a number of financial stocks in the second quarter, filings on Friday showed.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 5:24 pm

Pioneering op

'I didn't expect him to survive as long after liver cancer'
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 14 Aug 2009 | 5:17 pm

UPDATE 3-Brazil Petrobras Q2 profit down 20 pct on lower oil

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras' second-quarter net profit fell 20 percent from the year earlier on lower global oil prices and higher finance costs, the company...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 14 Aug 2009 | 5:16 pm

FDA Approves Morphine/Naltrexone to Treat Moderate to Severe Pain

The FDA has approved morphine sulfate and naltrexone HCl extended-release capsules for once- or twice-daily use in the management of moderate to severe pain for an extended period of time.The FDA has approved morphine sulfate and naltrexone HCl extended-release capsules for once- or twice-daily use in the management of moderate to severe pain for an extended period of time.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 14 Aug 2009 | 3:00 pm

Britons pour love on 'evil' healthcare system

Britons including Prime Minister Gordon Brown have leapt to the defense of their creaking healthcare service after President Barack Obama's plans for a similar system in the United States were branded "evil" by Republicans.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 14 Aug 2009 | 1:34 pm

Obama Proposal to Create Medicare Panel Meets With Resistance

Some lawmakers question whether Congress should delegate power to a new group that is not politically accountable.

Source: NYT > Health | 14 Aug 2009 | 1:02 pm

Amazonian Tribe Has High CRP But No PAD

For the Tsimane, a remote Amazonian tribe, life truly is nasty, brutish, and short. But at least they don't get peripheral arterial disease.
Heartwire
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 14 Aug 2009 | 11:45 am

T-Waves Prognostic in the General Population

T-wave morphologic features, but not corrected QT interval, independently forecast CV mortality in a broad population in Finland that included younger adults.
Heartwire
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 14 Aug 2009 | 11:45 am

Insulin Glargine and Cancer: Existing Evidence Does Not Warrant Alarm

A comment in the Lancet concurs with other editorialists: five recent studies in diabetic patients do not present convincing evidence of cancer risk with insulin glargine.
Heartwire
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 14 Aug 2009 | 11:45 am

NHS attack by MEP 'unpatriotic'

Labour steps up its attacks on a Tory MEP who criticised the NHS on US television, with the health secretary calling it unpatriotic.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 14 Aug 2009 | 11:44 am

Commentary: 'Death panel' fears are false

The heated national debate on health care reform has taken an unusual turn, with many eyes focused on a minor provision regarding end-of-life care embedded in the House bill.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 14 Aug 2009 | 11:35 am

Seizures Associated With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Epilepsy

A new report suggests that seizures in women who are pregnant can increase risk for low birth weight, preterm birth, or infants who are small for their gestational age.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 14 Aug 2009 | 11:18 am

Naturopathic Treatment Improves Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Naturopathic treatment combining dietary counseling, acupuncture, and hydrolytic enzymes was more effective than physical exercise plus placebo for treating rotator cuff tendinitis, in a study reported August 15th in Arthritis Care & Research.
Reuters Health Information
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 14 Aug 2009 | 11:12 am

Risk Factors Identified for Falls, Fall-Related Injuries in Stroke Survivors

Poor general health, past frequency of falls, and motor impairment are among the risk factors associated with both falls and injuries from falls for elderly individuals with a history of stroke.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 14 Aug 2009 | 11:09 am

Primary Care Guidelines Updated for Management of HIV

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America has issued updated, evidence-based guidelines for management of HIV.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 14 Aug 2009 | 10:39 am

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