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New agreement gives CIGNA customers in-network access to medical center

CIGNA HealthCare and the University of Illinois Medical Center today announced a new agreement now in effect that gives CIGNA customers in-network access to the medical center and its 707 multi-specialty employed physicians.

2 Dec 2010

Early autism diagnostic test on the horizon

Soon scientists may have a test to diagnose autism spectrum disorders using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. As of now this dreaded developmental disorder is typically diagnosed through observations, along with educational and psychological testing.

2 Dec 2010

Weighty issues

A new study shows that the ideal body mass index or BMI is between 20 and 24.9. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in Kilograms by the square of height in meters. The study authors examined nearly 1.5 million adults and found that even being slightly overweight but not obese, are enough to raise the risk of an early death.

2 Dec 2010

ROCHE, Baylor Research Institute partner in human immunology research

Baylor Research Institute (BRI), the research arm of Baylor Health Care System, announced today that it has formed a three-year partnership with Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) to jointly develop programs emerging from the human immunology platforms developed at the Baylor Institute for Immunology Research (BIIR), a component of BRI.

2 Dec 2010

Type 2 diabetics who consume alcohol at increased risk for blurry vision

A new study published in the journal Diabetic Medicine reveals that among patients with type 2 diabetes, alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of deterioration of visual acuity.

2 Dec 2010

New clue in leukemia mystery

There is new hope for people with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Research led by Weill Cornell Medical College and published today in the online edition of the journal Cancer Cell reveals a surprising and unexpected cancer-causing mechanism. The investigators discovered that newly identified mutant enzymes in AML create a chemical poison to cause leukemia. Their findings should prove useful in treating patients by providing a molecular target against which to develop new drugs against one subset of AML as well as other cancers.

2 Dec 2010

ASH honors Sen. Sherrod Brown and Erik Fatemi

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) will honor Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) with the 2010 ASH Award for Public Service and Erik Fatemi, Majority Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), with the Award for Outstanding Service in recognition of their dedication to championing health care and research issues. These awards will be officially announced at the 52nd ASH Annual Meeting taking place December 4-7 in Orlando, FL.

2 Dec 2010

Freedom to Breathe Act improves health without imposing economic burden on hospitality

New research released in the December 2010 supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM) concludes that Minnesota's statewide smoke-free law has not adversely affected bar and restaurant employment. The research adds to the growing body of evidence on the Freedom to Breathe Act's success and offers the first analysis of independent data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

2 Dec 2010

JAMA: OTC medications' dosing instructions for children adhere poorly to FDA guidelines

A recent Journal of the American Medical Association study indicates dosing instructions and dose delivery devices of over-the-counter medications for children poorly adhere to FDA guidelines.

2 Dec 2010

IOF commends IOM's new vitamin D and calcium intake recommendations

On November 30, 2010, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (IOM) in the US released new recommendations on daily reference intakes for vitamin D and calcium across all ages. The report is based on available evidence in the literature, with higher quality studies, supporting the role of these nutrients on bone health. Vitamin D deficiency is an important health issue to address as it has been linked to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and hip fractures as well as other skeletal and non-skeletal disorders.

2 Dec 2010

Study finds inconsistency in OTC medications for children

Instructions on boxes and bottles of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for children in the United States are confusing and hard for parents to understand and follow, according to a study in the December 1 issue of JAMA.

2 Dec 2010

PreCision Dermatology formed as a result of spin-out of Onset Therapeutics

PreCision Dermatology Inc., a company focused on developing, manufacturing, acquiring and marketing a broad portfolio of innovative dermatology products, today announced it was formed as the result of the spin-out of Onset Therapeutics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. PreCision Dermatology also announced the close of a Series A financing led by life science private equity investor Essex Woodlands.

2 Dec 2010

Soy bean derived compound could treat Sanfilippo genetic disease in children

Scientists from The University of Manchester say a naturally occurring chemical found in soy could prove to be an effective new treatment for a fatal genetic disease that affects children.

2 Dec 2010

M*Modal partners with RadNet to provide advanced documentation capabilities

M*Modal and RadNet, Inc. announced today a partnership to integrate M*Modal's Speech Understanding technology into RadNet's radiology Information technology solutions.

2 Dec 2010

Patients with chronic constipation prefer Kristalose oral solution

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. today announced the publication of a patient preference study evaluating Kristalose (lactulose) for Oral Solution, a prescription laxative packaged as a crystalline powder, compared to liquid lactulose products.

2 Dec 2010

Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory for 2010 December focusses on tackling norovirus outbreaks

In early 2010, Pennsylvania nursing homes and hospitals reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal illness which are consistent with recurring outbreaks of the highly contagious norovirus and norovirus-like illnesses nationwide. With a new norovirus season approaching, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority issues its 2010 December Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory with data analysis, guidance and success stories provided by Pennsylvania nursing homes for preventing and controlling the illness.

2 Dec 2010

New pilot program to honor registered organ donors

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the New York Organ Donation Network today announced the launch of a new pilot program to honor the wishes of registered organ donors and help save lives.

2 Dec 2010

Mount Sinai’s instructor receives Liz Tilberis Grant from OCRF

AnaLisa DiFeo, PhD, Instructor in the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, has been honored by the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) with the Liz Tilberis Grant.

2 Dec 2010

NHS to develop new treatment options for patients with lung disease

Scientists and clinicians in Nottingham are to work more closely with industry to develop new ways of diagnosing and treating lung disease.

2 Dec 2010

AACN data: Enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing program increases by 6.1%

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has released preliminary survey data showing that enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs increased by 6.1% from 2009 to 2010, which marks the 10th consecutive year of enrollment growth in professional registered nurse (RN) programs.

2 Dec 2010