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FDA advisory committee supports Advair 500/50 in reducing COPD exacerbations

An Advisory Committee to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unanimously agreed that GlaxoSmithKline's Advair Diskus 500/50 (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.

2 May 2007

Evidence of very early onset defective bone mineralization in the lumbar spine revealed in children with cystic fibrosis

In a study of children with cystic fibrosis, French researchers found evidence of very early onset defective bone mineralization in the lumbar spine that was not caused by either nutritional status or lung disease.

2 May 2007

Web-based disease management program improves outcomes for low-income black students

Low-income African-American high school students with asthma who participated in a specially-designed, web-based disease management program reported fewer days and nights with symptoms, fewer school days missed, fewer days of restricted activity, and less hospitalization for asthma during a 12-month follow-up period, as compared to non-participating asthmatic students.

2 May 2007

VivoMetrics receives US patent for cough identification system

VivoMetrics has announced that the United States Patent Office has granted the company a new patent for its cough identification system algorithm.

1 May 2007

Researcher aims for better understanding of human breathing disorders

If you gasp at Jon Kelty's research, the Central Michigan University professor likely will take note.

1 May 2007

Exercise helps patients regain the ability to swallow

Just thinking about swallowing makes it harder to do. Head and neck cancer, a stroke, brain tumor, brain injury or even a tracheostomy tube and mechanical ventilation needed to sustain life can make it impossible.

1 May 2007

Early-life exposure to indoor fungal molecules can help build stronger immune systems

Maybe being a fussy housekeeper isn't such a good thing after all.

1 May 2007

Schering-Plough announces European approval of new formulations of AERIUS (Desloratadine)

European Commission approves AERIUS Tablets (2.5 mg and 5 mg) and AERIUS Oral Solution (0.5 mg per 1ml).

30 Apr 2007

Respiratory control in insects: integration from the gene to the organism

Because of new imaging technology, researchers are getting a better understanding of a physiological paradox: how insects, which have a respiratory system built to provide quick access to a lot of oxygen, can survive for days without it.

30 Apr 2007

Heavy toll caused by indoor air pollution

In the 21 worst-affected countries, close to 5% of death and disease is caused by indoor air pollution, according to new estimates published by WHO.

30 Apr 2007

Antiquated plumbing causes six premmies to die

The deaths of six premature babies at a hospital in Canada three years ago has been attributed to bacteria found in the building's aging water pipes.

29 Apr 2007

Sandia decon formulation, best known as an anthrax killer, takes on household mold

A product based on a technology originally developed at Sandia National Laboratories is now available on the shelves of hardware stores across the country.

27 Apr 2007

Employers can blame hay fever for the loss of millions of hours of work productivity this spring

A new study of nearly 600 people with hay fever symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes and runny and itchy noses, found that workers missed an hour of work per week during peak hay fever season.

27 Apr 2007

New searchable influenza gene database

A Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Research Institute team in Milwaukee has created a free, searchable genetic database that will significantly improve diagnostic testing and genetic tracking of human and animal influenza viruses.

26 Apr 2007

Neuromed licenses chronic pain product from ALZA Corporation

Neuromed Pharmaceuticals has announced that it has licensed from ALZA Corporation the exclusive U.S. rights to develop and commercialize OROS(R) Hydromorphone, an extended release formulation of a potent opioid analgesic in Phase 3 clinical development.

25 Apr 2007

Researchers find way to kill cystic fibrosis superbug, Burkholderia cenocepacia

Researchers from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario , working with a group from Edinburgh, have discovered a way to kill the cystic fibrosis superbug, Burkholderia cenocepacia.

25 Apr 2007

Examination of execution by lethal injection

Execution by lethal injection may cause death by asphyxiation, and prisoners being executed may be conscious and may experience pain, claim the authors of a new study published this week in PLoS Medicine.

25 Apr 2007

Execution by lethal injection slow, cruel and a violation of the constitution

The authors of a new study are suggesting that executions carried out by lethal injections possibly cause death by asphyxiation, and the prisoners being executed may be conscious and may experience pain.

24 Apr 2007

Novel two-step mechanism ensures that all cilia beat in unison

Cilia, tiny hair-like structures that propel mucus out of airways, have to agree on the direction of the fluid flow to get things moving. Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies discovered a novel two-step mechanism that ensures that all cilia beat in unison.

24 Apr 2007

Baxter Healthcare presents phase I inhaled insulin study results

Baxter Healthcare Corporation announced results of a Phase I study that evaluated pulmonary insulin produced with Baxter's PROMAXX microsphere technology and administered using a small, standard dry powder inhaler.

24 Apr 2007