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Scientists identify signaling pathway and receptor for thymosin beta 4

RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. nnounced that scientists have identified a long sought-after extracellular signaling pathway and receptor for thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4). The observation that Tβ4 increases cell surface ATP (energy produced by cells), could explain its ability to protect and regenerate tissue after ischemic injury and hypoxia (oxygen deficiency).

30 Nov 2010

FDA approves Inspire to begin STAR clinical trial to evaluate UAS therapy for OSA

Inspire Medical Systems, a leading developer of neuro-stimulation therapies for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), announced today that the company has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin its STAR pivotal clinical trial. The STAR trial (Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction), is a multi-center study that will evaluate both the safety and effectiveness of Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) therapy in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

30 Nov 2010

Queensland allied health workers go on strike over pay issues

Nearly 10,000 allied health professionals of Queensland health have gone on strike for 24 hours from midnight (AEST) over a pay dispute with the government. The health workers include occupational therapists, social workers, radiographers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, theatre technicians and dental workers. They feel that the government’s proposed 7.5 per cent pay increase over three years is not enough.

30 Nov 2010

First Edition: November 30, 2010

Today's headlines include reports on congressional action on the Medicare doc 'pay fix' as well as results from a new poll related to how the public thinks Medicare should be addressed in the context of deficit reduction.

30 Nov 2010

Total Immersion adds Vantage Surgical Systems to North American AR Partner network

Total Immersion, the global leader in augmented reality (AR), today announced the addition of Vantage Surgical Systems as a Certified D'Fusion Value Added Reseller to its North American Partner network, the world's largest network dedicated to AR.

30 Nov 2010

Methodist to develop national training center for treatment of cardiovascular disease

The Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center recently received a generous gift to develop a national training center for surgical and interventional treatments for cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of Americans. The benefactor wishes to remain anonymous.

30 Nov 2010

University Hospitals receives $42 million for cancer care

Jane and Lee Seidman have donated $42 million to University Hospitals (UH) the largest gift in the Cleveland-based health system's history. In recognition of this unprecedented generosity, UH is naming the "Jane and Lee Seidman Cancer Center" in their honor.

30 Nov 2010

Vitala non-invasive continence control device demonstrates safety in Phase 2 clinical study

Vitala™ a novel, non-invasive continence control device, demonstrated safety and efficacy in providing up to 8 hours of temporary continence to people with an end colostomy, according to results of a study published in the journal Diseases of the Colon & Rectum.

30 Nov 2010

FG-2216 drug offers new treatment option for kidney disease-related anemia

A new drug called FG-2216 can stimulate production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) in dialysis patients—possibly offering a new approach to treatment of kidney disease-related anemia, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).

30 Nov 2010

New ultrasound-based treatment for varicose veins

Rowena Cheng, RN, has spent most of her 34-year career on her feet. Standing for long periods of time comes with the job of being a nurse. For Cheng, however, it exacted a physical toll: knotted, swollen blood vessels in the calf of her left leg.

30 Nov 2010

APP to launch Topotecan for Injection following FDA marketing approval

APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fresenius Kabi Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc., announced today that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Topotecan for Injection, and plans to launch immediately.

30 Nov 2010

Apricus announces publication of NexACT technology data in Pharmaceutics Journal

Apricus Biosciences, Inc., announced today that the International Journal of Pharmaceutics, a peer reviewed journal, has published new data on the NexACT technology in their November 2010 issue, based on research conducted by, and at, the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey in Piscataway, NJ.

30 Nov 2010

Birmingham Institute performs non-invasive skin tightening procedure

With the increasing demand for non-surgical aesthetic procedures, the FDA's recent clearance of an ultrasound device to tighten sagging skin has come as great news to consumers, especially those in Southeast Michigan, home to one of the first of these Ulthera Systems in the nation.

29 Nov 2010

IMRISneuro sold to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

IMRIS Inc. today announced the sale of IMRISneuro to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center ("DHMC") in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

29 Nov 2010

Common, overprescribed drugs lead to election dopiness and immaturity

As Bill Maher, New York Magazine, the Washington Post and countless cable news and Internet sources have pointed out, the 2010 midterm campaigns and elections seem to have brought to light an American electorate capable of shocking illogic, ignorance and even violence.

29 Nov 2010

Ziehm Imaging launches SmartVascular software solution for vascular surgery

Ziehm Imaging's intuitive SmartVascular software considerably simplifies imaging in vascular surgery. It introduces an entirely new workflow for fast results. This solution raises efficiency levels, eliminates interim C-arm operating steps and automates the imaging processes. SmartVascular is compatible with all Ziehm Vision C-arms and tailored to vascular procedures.

29 Nov 2010

Study finds association between DGKK gene and hypospadias

Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation of the male external genitalia, affecting 1 in 375 boys. In hypospadias patients, the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis, but somewhere halfway, at the base of the penis, or even in the scrotum.

29 Nov 2010

Researchers identify effects of endurance running

Using a mobile MRI unit, researchers followed runners for two months along a 4,500-kilometer course to study how their bodies responded to the high-stress conditions of an ultra-long-distance race, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

29 Nov 2010

Jefferson Hospital offers shortest wait times for patients seeking kidney transplant: SRTR

A recent listing of Philadelphia adult kidney transplant programs by The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) has listed the transplant program at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital as having the shortest wait times for patients seeking a transplant among programs that have a three-year survival rate of greater than 90 percent.

29 Nov 2010

Stem cell treatment may help treat low back pain

Lower back pain affects many people and may be caused by degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae. Treatment for the condition using stem cells may be an alternative to today's surgical procedures. This is the conclusion of a thesis presented at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

28 Nov 2010