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Study links developmental pattern of impulsivity with late-adolescent gambling

Results of a new study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health indicate that a developmental pattern of impulsiveness in young males is linked with gambling problems in late adolescence.

22 Nov 2012

Genetic study: Novel coronavirus most closely related to viruses in bats

The virus that is causing alarm among global public health authorities after it killed a man in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia earlier this year and is now linked to two other cases of disease is a novel type of coronavirus most closely related to viruses found in bats, according to a genetic analysis to be published in mBio-, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology, on November 20.

22 Nov 2012

Viewpoints: Protecting us from counterfeit medicines; Governors making excuses on insurance exchanges?; Simpson-Bowles and the health law

HHS has made it clear that after federally operated exchanges are up and running, states may eventually take over operations. This seems like wasted effort. States have the information they need to move on insurance exchanges. Governors who care about fiscal responsibility, strong state government and the basic welfare of their residents would do well to get with the program.

21 Nov 2012

Promising results for pneumococcal vaccine

Research published in The Lancet shows that the PHiD-CV10 vaccine is highly effective at protecting children against invasive pneumococcal disease.

21 Nov 2012

WHO DG Chan says media allegations of agency receiving food industry funding to fight NCDs 'wrong'

In a statement released on Monday, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said "[s]everal recent media articles are creating misinformation and confusion in the public health arena" by "erroneously suggesting that, in working to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, WHO receives funding from the food and beverage industry," the U.N. News Centre reports.

21 Nov 2012

HeartWare receives FDA approval for new left ventricular assist device

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the HeartWare Ventricular Assist System, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), to support heart function and blood flow in patients with end-stage heart failure who are awaiting a heart transplant.

21 Nov 2012

Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb receive EC approval for ELIQUIS to prevent NVAF-related stroke

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer announced today that the European Commission has approved ELIQUIS (apixaban) for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) with one or more risk factors.

21 Nov 2012

Computer-based simulation modeling to determine ED HIV screening costs

Introducing HIV screenings into the nation's emergency departments (EDs) leaves some doctors worrying about longer wait times, disrupted operations, and possible interference with necessary emergency services. Are their concerns unfounded? New research at the University of Cincinnati will use computer-based simulation modeling to determine how screening for HIV in the emergency department will affect how those departments operate.

21 Nov 2012

ER could be a good place to identify undiagnosed eating disorders among teens

Could the emergency room be a good place to spot undiagnosed eating disorders among teens, and help steer them to treatment? A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that could be the case.

20 Nov 2012

Injured patients with high blood alcohol levels less likely to die in hospitals

Injured patients were less likely to die in the hospital if they had alcohol in their blood, according to a study from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health -- and the more alcohol, the more likely they were to survive.

20 Nov 2012

Researchers discover new gene for susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease

A large-scale international study involving French researchers from the Inserm-Institut Pasteur Lille-Universit- Lille Nord de France "Public health and molecular epidemiology of ageing-related diseases" joint research unit led by Philippe Amouyel, has just discovered a gene for susceptibility to a rare disease that causes susceptibility to a common one, Alzheimer's disease, providing evidence of the heterogeneous aetiology of Alzheimer's disease.

20 Nov 2012

Smoking less a valid risk reduction strategy, says researcher

Countless studies demonstrate the virtues of complete smoking cessation, including a lowered risk of disease, increased life expectancy, and an improved quality of life. But health professionals acknowledge that quitting altogether can be a long and difficult road, and only a small percentage succeed.

20 Nov 2012

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals symposium to be held in Nevada

The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) announces its 2013 Symposium slated for March 21-24 at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa in Henderson, Nevada. The program is celebrating its 27th year with five keynote speakers as headliners addressing innovative approaches to eating disorder treatment as well as thirty-two workshop presenters and preconference training sessions.

20 Nov 2012

Ventus Medical introduces Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy in Canada

Ventus Medical is pleased to announce the introduction of its proprietary Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy into Canada. Provent Therapy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

20 Nov 2012

GSK receives FDA approval for PROMACTA to treat thrombocytopenia

GlaxoSmithKline plc announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PROMACTA for the treatment of thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet counts) in patients with chronic hepatitis C to allow them to initiate and maintain interferon-based therapy.

19 Nov 2012

Viewpoints: 'Bad idea' about repealing Medicare cost board; Conservatives say health law repeal fight is not over

House Republicans like to talk about the need to find common ground with President Obama to make progress on important national issues, especially after the election. Yet within days, they were setting an agenda to eliminate an important element of his signature domestic achievement, the Affordable Care Act.

19 Nov 2012

Exercise counters negative bone effects of sedentariness in girls

Participation in weight-bearing exercise such as running or football significantly counteracts the effects of sedentary behaviors in adolescent girls, say researchers.

19 Nov 2012

Decreased cognitive functioning associated with deterioration in kidney function

Decreased kidney function is associated with decreased cognitive functioning in areas such as global cognitive ability, abstract reasoning and verbal memory, according to a study led by Temple University. This is the first study describing change in multiple domains of cognitive functioning in order to determine which specific abilities are most affected in individuals with impaired renal function.

19 Nov 2012

Senators pledge regulation of compounding pharmacies

At a Capitol Hill hearing, senators from both parties promised to take action following a meningitis outbreak that killed 32 people.

17 Nov 2012

Summit looks at the growing problem of prescription drug abuse

Today, a not-for-profit organization presenting at the Delaware Prescription Drug Abuse Summit appealed to the event's host, Attorney General Beau Biden, for assistance in preventing medication overdoses.

17 Nov 2012