Health and Medical News Headlines for May 12, 2010

How bats could help lead to better treatments for hearing loss

Better cochlear implants may emerge from close study of the way that bats and dolphins use sound to sense their surroundings.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 12 May 2010 | 3:55 am

Female Genital Cutting: Will U.S. Doctors Approve Nicks? (Time.com)

Time.com - The American Academy of Pediatrics has changed its stance on female genital cutting. If doctors performed ritual nicks, would it prevent families from taking girls out of the country for full circumcision?
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 12 May 2010 | 1:55 am

Ospemifene May Be Safe, Effective for Vulvovaginal Atrophy

A study shows that ospemifene is well tolerated and effective for treatment of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, over and above the use of provided lubricants.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 12 May 2010 | 12:45 am

Engaging Public Health Insurance Consumers Through Social Media

MAXIMUS (NYSE:MMS), a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced today that the Company and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will co-present a case study on engaging public health insurance program participants using social media at the upcoming Medicaid Managed Care Congress...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 12 May 2010 | 12:00 am

AngioDynamics Launches Improved Centros(R) Self-Centering Hemodialysis Catheter

AngioDynamics (NASDAQ:ANGO) announced today it has achieved the national launch of the newly redesigned Centros self-centering, chronic hemodialysis access catheter. The Centros hemodialysis access catheter employs Curved Tip™ Catheter Technology that is designed to provide higher blood flow and lower recirculation. When it is placed in the lower portion of the superior vena cava, the Centros catheter's curved tips keep the ports of the catheter centered, away from the vein walls...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 11:00 pm

Food Allergies Less Common Than Believed, Study Says

Part of the confusion is over what is a food allergy and what is a food intolerance, a researcher says.

Source: NYT > Health | 11 May 2010 | 10:45 pm

Rachael Ray Lobbies Capitol for School Lunch Bill

Rachael Ray sounded off to lawmakers about what she considers to be the stingy reimbursement rates in the Child Nutrition Act.

Source: NYT > Health | 11 May 2010 | 10:10 pm

Tokyo's samurai women punish fat with sword workout

Japan's ancient samurai swords were once used to slice apart enemies, but in a new fitness craze they serve to slash away at extra pounds and cut down on modern-day stress instead. "Cut...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 10:08 pm

International Stem Cell And Absorption Systems Confirm Results Showing Stem Cell Derived Corneal Tissue As An Alternative To Animals For Drug Testing

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), the first company to perfect a method of creating human "parthenogenetic" stem cells from unfertilized eggs, announces the results of a second set of experiments confirming that its lab-grown corneal tissue closely mimics the drug absorption and drug metabolism characteristics found in normal corneal tissue. Other tests show that the stem cell derived corneal tissue refracts light, thus providing a further indication of its potential therapeutic value in treating corneal injury and disease...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 10:00 pm

Health Tip: Before the Babysitter Cares for Your Child (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Before you choose a new babysitter or leave the sitter alone with your child for the first time, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests you take the following precautions: Choose a sitter who has good references and has training in first aid and CPR. Make sure the sitter is mature, knows what to do in an emergency and is at least 13 years old. Give the sitter a tour of your home, and encourage the sitter to show up well before you need to leave. Provide instructions in the event of a fire, including offering detailed escape plans. ...
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 11 May 2010 | 9:48 pm

Clinical Trials Update: May 11, 2010 (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 11 May 2010 | 9:48 pm

New Alzheimer's Risk Genes Identified (HealthDay)

HealthDay - TUESDAY, May 11 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have pinpointed two genes that are linked to Alzheimer's disease and could become targets for new treatments for the neurodegenerative condition.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 11 May 2010 | 9:47 pm

Survey Finds 47% Of IT Security Professionals Believe Personal Healthcare Information Is Less Secure In 2010

Forty-seven percent of IT security professionals believe their personal healthcare information is less secure than it was 12 months ago according to a recent survey by nCircle, the leading provider of automated IT security and compliance auditing solutions. The online survey of 257 security professionals was conducted between February 4 and March 12, 2010, and covered a range of security topics including smartphones, healthcare, cloud computing and social media...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 9:00 pm

Meda: Onsolis Approved In Canada

The New Drug Submission (NDS) for Onsolis (fentanyl buccal soluble film) has been approved by the Canadian regulatory authority, Health Canada. Onsolis is a new and patented product indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain. Onsolis will be the first available fentanyl product with rapid onset of action approved in Canada and is expected to be available for patients during the third quarter 2010...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 8:00 pm

Houston Women Sought For New Breast Cancer Detection Technology

The Rose Imaging Specialists along with Memorial Hermann Bobetta Lindig Breast Center at Memorial City Hospital in Houston are among 18 medical groups nationally conducting clinical trials of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, announced Dr. Stephen Rose, a Houston-based breast imaging specialist. "Like digital Mammography, Tomosynthesis is a digital X-ray application, the main difference, however, is that the tube moves around in an arc taking multiple images of each breast from various angles instead of what has until now been a single projection...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 7:00 pm

Disney forms joint venture in South Korea

LOS ANGELES, May 11 (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co and South Korean telecommunications provider SK Telecom Co Ltd on Tuesday said they plan to form a joint venture to launch Korean-language Disney-branded...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 6:48 pm

"Avatar" fastest selling DVD after three weeks

LOS ANGELES, May 11 (Reuters) - "Avatar" has sold 19.7 million DVD and Blu-ray discs in three weeks, more than any other film has ever sold in that span, the studio 20th Century Fox said on Tuesday.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 6:37 pm

CABLESHOW-Cable warns programmers on rush to Web

* Distributors, programmers should work together - Cox CEO
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 6:28 pm

CABLESHOW-NBCU trying to sell TV station in LA

* NBC Universal trying to sell Los Angeles station-source
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 6:17 pm

UPDATE 3-Disney earnings beat Street, but shares slide

* Shares slide 3.5 percent (Adds bylines, conference call quotes, analyst details)
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 6:17 pm

Call from mother 'as good as hug'

A mother's voice on the phone can soothe a child as much as a hug, a study suggests.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 11 May 2010 | 6:05 pm

National Vaccine Information Center Calls On FDA To Raise Vaccine Safety Testing & Labeling Standards

During a special meeting of the FDA Vaccines & Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) held May 7th to discuss new information on contamination of rotavirus vaccines with DNA from two pig viruses, the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) called for the FDA to raise legal vaccine safety testing and labeling standards. "The contamination of rotavirus vaccines with animal virus DNA that was not detected pre or post-licensure is an important wake up call for industry and government," said NVIC co-founder & president Barbara Loe Fisher...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 6:00 pm

Overtime 'is bad for the heart'

People who regularly work 10 or 11-hour days increase their heart disease risk by nearly two-thirds, research suggests.
Source: BBC News | Health | World Edition | 11 May 2010 | 5:58 pm

JP Morgan ups stake in Gannett

NEW YORK, May 11 (Reuters) - JP Morgan Chase and Co increased its stake in Gannett Co Inc , according to a regulatory filing, making the bank the largest shareholder in the newspaper company.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 5:27 pm

Feeling stressed, kid? Hearing Mom speak as good as a hug to calm nerves: study

TORONTO - Whether it's a tough exam, long day at the office or a pile of dirty laundry that's left you frazzled, new research suggests there may be a quick fix that's as comforting as a...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 5:25 pm

Behaviour changes drive big drop in heart disease deaths in Ontario: study

TORONTO - A substantial drop in cardiovascular deaths in Ontario from 1994 to 2005 was driven at least as much by efforts to reduce the risk of heart disease as by improvements in...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 5:21 pm

FACTBOX-Halliburton, Transocean also lined Senate coffers

WASHINGTON, May 11 (Reuters) - Executives from Transocean Ltd and Halliburton Co joined BP Plc officials on Tuesday for a day of grilling before two U.S. Senate panels to explain how the Deep Horizon...
Source: RSS feed - channel BNewsHealth | 11 May 2010 | 5:07 pm

Aesculap Implant Systems Launches The S4 Element Pedicle Screw System At The American Association Of Neurological Surgeons

Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC is pleased to announce the launch of the S4® Element™ Pedicle Screw System. The S4 Element Pedicle Screw System was made available to a select group of surgeons since May of last year as part of the company's Market Preference Evaluation, and a full launch of the system is planned for the second quarter of 2010, at which time the system will be released to surgeons throughout the United States. It is estimated that over 450,000 thoracolumbar fusions are performed in the U.S. annually to treat spinal disorders...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 5:00 pm

Skin Deep: U.S. Approves Drug to Treat Varicose Veins

Asclera, a vein injection drug, has been approved by the F.D.A. for treating varicose veins.

Source: NYT > Health | 11 May 2010 | 4:52 pm

Obesity task force urges action (Reuters)

Reuters - First lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday unveiled a 70-point plan for reducing childhood obesity within a generation, including a call for marketing healthier food, but stopping short of recommending regulatory action or a federal tax on sugary sodas.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 11 May 2010 | 4:03 pm

AtriCure Announces Conditional Approval Of DEEP AF Feasibility Trial

AtriCure, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRC), a medical device company and a leader in cardiac surgical ablation systems, today announced that it has received conditional approval from the FDA to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a dual epicardial/ endocardial procedure (DEEP), or hybrid procedure, to treat patients with persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The trial will be conducted at five prominent U.S. medical centers and provides for the enrollment of thirty patients. Initial enrollment is expected to begin during the second half of 2010...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 4:00 pm

Glaxo settles hundreds of Avandia suits: lawyer (Reuters)

Reuters - GlaxoSmithKline Plc has settled with nearly 700 people who say they suffered harm because they took the diabetes drug Avandia, a lawyer involved with many of the cases told Reuters on Tuesday.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 11 May 2010 | 3:47 pm

CSF Biomarkers Signal a More Malignant Course in Alzheimer's Disease

The presence of extreme levels of CSF biomarkers signals faster progression of cognitive deficits, failure to respond to treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, and a higher mortality in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 3:28 pm

Beau Biden suffers apparent stroke, doctors say

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden -- the son of Vice President Joe Biden -- has suffered what doctors believe to be a mild stroke, according to the hospital.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 11 May 2010 | 3:16 pm

FDA urges docs to report misleading drug ads (AP)

AP - The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday it will begin asking doctors to keep an eye out for misleading drug advertisements as part of the agency's latest effort to police the pharmaceutical industry's multibillion-dollar marketing machine.
Source: Yahoo! News: Health News | 11 May 2010 | 3:04 pm

Whole Grain, Bran Intake Linked to Lower Mortality in Diabetic Women

A study shows that women with type 2 diabetes who eat the most bran have a 35% lower risk for cardiovascular death and a 28% reduction in all-cause mortality.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 3:02 pm

Data From Clinical Trial Examining Lubiprostone For The Treatment Of Opioid-induced Bowel Dysfunction Presented At Digestive Disease Week Conference

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the presentation of results from a phase 3 clinical trial investigating the use of lubiprostone in non-cancer pain patients with Opioid-induced Bowel Dysfunction (OBD). These results were the subject of an oral presentation at the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2010 conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 5, 2010. Byron Cryer, M.D., the John C...

Source: Health News from Medical News Today | 11 May 2010 | 3:00 pm

Avandia and FDA Both Subject of Severe Criticism at Congressional Hearing

The hearing, along with the recent Senate report, is seen as a building up of pressure on the FDA to take some action on Avandia at the forthcoming advisory committee meeting.
Heartwire
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 2:51 pm

Growing Evidence Linking Air Pollution With Cardiovascular Disease: AHA

The new report is an update to the 2004 scientific statement linking air pollution and cardiovascular disease, one that was needed because of numerous studies that expanded the "understanding of this association and further elucidated the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved," according to the AHA.
Heartwire
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 2:51 pm

Narcotics Inappropriately Prescribed for Patients With IBD

Narcotics are frequently used for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), even though they are inadvisable for this condition.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 2:45 pm

Real-Time PCR Assay Allows Rapid Detection of Eye Pathogens

Compared with standard culture methods, real-time polymerase chain reaction assay quickly and effectively detects pathogens that cause corneal ulcer, according to new research.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 2:44 pm

Physical Therapy, Cholecalciferol May Be Helpful After Hip Fracture

Extended physical therapy reduced falls but not hospital readmissions, and treatment with cholecalciferol 2000 IU/day reduced readmissions but not falls, so the 2 strategies may be useful together.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 2:42 pm

Food allergy diagnosis 'an inexact science'

A new study says there's no clear definition of what a "food allergy" actually is, despite the widespread concerns about allergies.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 11 May 2010 | 2:23 pm

Romaine lettuce recall expands

More romaine lettuce has been recalled amid an investigation into an outbreak of food-borne illness that has sickened at least 19 people in three states.

Source: CNN.com - Health | 11 May 2010 | 1:56 pm

ACIP Issues New Guidelines for Use of Combination Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella Vaccine

A MMWR report offers new recommendations for use of the MMRV vaccine adopted in June 2009 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 1:38 pm

Pramipexole Successfully Treats Depressive and Motor Symptoms

The drug may "kill two birds with one stone" says an editorial accompanying publication of a randomized trial showing treatment reduces both motor and depressive symptoms in PD patients.
Medscape Medical News
Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines | 11 May 2010 | 1:33 pm

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