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Evidenced-based best practices can reduce healthcare associated infections

Healthcare associated infections, such as catheter related acute bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), significantly affect hospital morbidity and mortality but by developing evidenced-based, best practices, these occurrences can be minimized, according to research from surgeons at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

28 Oct 2011

DFG to equip nine universities with major instrumentation systems

In the life sciences, imaging methods such as microscopy play a central role. The technique of imaging mass spectrometry is a new and analytic method in this field that promises many benefits. This is the reason why in October 2011 the Joint Committee of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has decided, as part of the "Imaging Mass Spectrometry in the Life Sciences" initiative, to equip nine universities with appropriate major instrumentation systems.

28 Oct 2011

ACR supports Diagnostic Imaging Services Protection Act

The American College of Radiology supports the Diagnostic Imaging Services Protection Act (H.R. 3269), which would prohibit any multiple procedure payment reduction to the "professional component" of CT, MRI and ultrasound exams received by the same patient, on the same day, in the same setting in 2012.

28 Oct 2011

E-learning may not effectively improve dietary behaviors

With more people online and using smart phones, health applications or "apps" as they are popularly known are being promoted to help with everything from exercising to quitting smoking. A new review suggests that apps designed to change and improve eating habits may not make much of a difference.

28 Oct 2011

ORBIT 3D X-ray scanner can be integrated into operations

Having an operation always places strain on patients, and this is especially true of complicated operations. Surgeons use 3D X-rays to check the results before the patient has left the operating room. This does help to avoid possible complications, but it also means interrupting the surgery. Fraunhofer researchers are now developing a 3D X-ray system that can be integrated seamlessly into operating procedure - with no more forced interruptions.

28 Oct 2011

New rapid method for detection of BRAF V600E gene in thyroid tissue

During surgical removal of thyroid tissue suspicious for cancer, fast, reliable, and cost-effective techniques are needed to analyze the resected tissue for biomarkers—including BRAF V600E, is a molecular biomarker for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)—that can confirm the presence and type of cancer cells. Researchers have developed a new, rapid method for direct detection of the BRAF V600E gene in thyroid tissue without the need to purify DNA from tumor cells—high resolution melting analysis.

28 Oct 2011

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children receives Luminos Agile x-ray imaging technology

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is the first hospital in the United States to receive innovative new x-ray imaging technology that decreases radiation exposure to young patients and produces high-quality images.

28 Oct 2011

FDA's advisory panel votes against approval of Medtronic Phased RF Ablation System

Medtronic, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Circulatory Systems Devices advisory panel voted against the Medtronic Phased RF Ablation System, the first atrial fibrillation ablation therapy under investigation for the treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.

28 Oct 2011

ZEISS launches PhotoFusion lenses for people of all ages

Up to 40 percent of eyeglass wearers are interested in self-tinting lenses, according to an international Carl Zeiss Vision study of 5,800 eyeglass wearers. Yet despite high consumer interest, only about 20 percent of eyeglass wearers purchase self-tinting lenses. Many consumers hold back because they want lenses that darken and clear faster. To meet this need, ZEISS, a leader in precision optics for over 160 years, has introduced a new self-tinting lens called PhotoFusion.

28 Oct 2011

Apnex Medical's HGNS System receives CE Mark approval for treatment of OSA

Apnex Medical, Inc., has received CE Mark approval for its Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation System for use by people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.

28 Oct 2011

TU/e researcher develops smart eye-surgery robot

Researcher Thijs Meenink at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has developed a smart eye-surgery robot that allows eye surgeons to operate with increased ease and greater precision on the retina and the vitreous humor of the eye.

28 Oct 2011

Novel scarless surgery effectively removes skull base tumors

A technique developed by Johns Hopkins surgeons is providing a new route to get to and remove tumors buried at the base of the skull: through the natural hole behind the molars, above the jawbone and beneath the cheekbone.

27 Oct 2011

Innovative trial project of MD-Logic Artificial Pancreas takes place in Israel

At the initiative, and under the leadership of specialists in the Jesse Z and Sara Lea Shaffer Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, National Center of Childhood Diabetes, Schneider Children's Medical Center, an innovative trial project of the MD-Logic Artificial Pancreas (MDLAP) has successfully taken place in Israel.

27 Oct 2011

Annual chest radiographic screening does not reduce lung cancer mortality

In a trial that included more than 150,000 participants, those who underwent annual chest radiographic screening for up to 4 years did not have a significantly lower rate of death from lung cancer compared to participants who were not screened, according to a study in the November 2 issue of JAMA.

27 Oct 2011

Medtronic initiates Symplicity System clinical study in treatment-resistant hypertension

Medtronic Inc. announced today the start of SYMPLICITY HTN-3, the company's U.S. clinical trial of the Symplicity Renal Denervation System for treatment-resistant hypertension.

From Medtronic 27 Oct 2011

Venture capitalists focus on medical device rules

As Congress considers reauthorizing a law that sets the fees for medical device makers, venture capitalists are emerging as a rich and influential ally of device companies eager to remove what they say are regulatory roadblocks in the approval process.

27 Oct 2011

International diabetes researchers to engineer artificial pancreas system

The National Institutes for Health (NIH) have awarded $4.5 million to a group of international diabetes researchers to engineer an artificial pancreas system that will monitor and adapt to the body's complex real-time changes in behavior and physiology.

27 Oct 2011

Abortion: Federal court blocks N.C. ultrasound requirement

Federal court's injunction affects new N.C. law which takes effect today. In addition, the New York Times examines state "personhood" amendments.

27 Oct 2011

UCB, Emerald BioStructures extend structure-based drug discovery collaboration

Emerald BioStructures today announced a three-year extension of its ongoing collaboration with UCB. The strategic aspects of this renewed relationship will provide Emerald with research funding over the three-year period and the opportunity to receive milestones and royalties on future drug product revenues.

27 Oct 2011