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Preoperative chemotherapy reduces chemo-related infections

Giving chemotherapy to women with operable breast cancer before they have surgery 'not after' helps physicians pin down the best treatment regimen and can reduce the extent of surgery, according to a new systematic review.

11 May 2007

Researchers discover genetic 'shut down' trigger in healthy immune cells

A fundamental genetic mechanism that shuts down an important gene in healthy immune system cells has been discovered that could one day lead to new therapies against infections, leukemia and other cancers.

10 May 2007

Whole grain foods lower risk of heart disease

A diet high in whole grain foods is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, according to an analysis conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

10 May 2007

Raynaud's disease review by Mayo Clinic Health Letter

There's a medical reason behind cold fingers and toes, when a chill seems to instantly turn extremities white.

10 May 2007

People with diabetes need more than sunglasses to protect their eyes

The crack of the bat on Opening Day at Fenway Park is a sure sign that summer is on its way.

10 May 2007

Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis treatment in women

A class of drugs called bisphosphonates has become the new mainstay treatment for postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis in the post-hormone-replacement era.

10 May 2007

New Cordis device granted Humanitarian Exemption to treat intracranial aneurysms

Cordis Neurovascular, Inc. has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) approval for the CORDIS ENTERPRISE Vascular Reconstruction Device and Delivery System for use with embolic coils in the treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms.

10 May 2007

One-third to nearly one-half of all children and adolescents should be tested for cholesterol levels

According to the AHA, the physicians who care for these at-risk youth face an unexpected obstacle -- their parents. The AHA finds "low levels of parental compliance with both cholesterol screening and intervention."

10 May 2007

Omega-3 fatty acids may lower risk of Alzheimer's

Nutritionists have long endorsed fish as part of a heart-healthy diet, and now some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in the oil of certain fish may also benefit the brain by lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

10 May 2007

Human papillomavirus linked to throat cancers

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have conclusive evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes some throat cancers in both men and women.

10 May 2007

Frequent urination often indicates an underlying medical condition

An increase in the number of trips to the bathroom - day or night - is a signal it's time to see a physician.

10 May 2007

FDA approves skin patch designed to treat symptoms of early Parkinson's disease

Rotigotine is a drug not previously approved in the United States. Neupro is the first transdermal patch approved for the treatment of symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

10 May 2007

Origins of modern medicine lie in ancient Egypt not Greece

Scientists examining documents dating back 3,500 years say they have found proof that the origins of modern medicine lie in ancient Egypt and not with Hippocrates and the Greeks.

From The University of Manchester 10 May 2007

Review of six large-scale clinical trials of aliskiren

Hypertension is a serious condition affecting millions.Currently there are seven classes of drugs used to reduce blood pressure. Aliskiren (Tekturna , Rasilez) is the first of a new class of orally active antihypertensive drugs that works by inhibiting renin.

10 May 2007

Heart failure patients should be thoroughly evaluated for the presence of diabetes

New research from UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) shows that the effect of diabetes on the severity of illness and risk of death for patients with heart failure is much worse in women than men.

10 May 2007

Coarse particulate matter in outdoor air raises bad cholesterol

Breathing air containing coarse particulate matter such as road or construction dust may cause heart problems for asthma sufferers and other vulnerable populations, according to a new study led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health.

10 May 2007

Recent developments for drug-eluting stents

Drug-eluting stents -- small metal tubes used to prop open clogged arteries -- have been garnering headlines.

10 May 2007

Hydrogel to tackle H5N1

Influenza virus H5N1, which caused the recent outbreak of avian flu, may have a new enemy.

9 May 2007

Off-label and untested use of drug-coated stents is common in U.S. practice

The off-label and untested use of drug-coated stents in the treatment of coronary artery blockage is common in U.S. practice, and ischemic complication rates are higher among patients receiving drug-coated stents for off-label indications, according to two studies in the May 9 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association.

9 May 2007

Hepatitis C infection is associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Hepatitis C infection is associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (malignancy involving lymphatic tissue) of 20 percent to 30 percent, and a three-fold increase in the risk of another type of lymphoma, according to a study in the May 9 issue of JAMA.

9 May 2007