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New York Times examines efforts to stop spread of dengue in Asia

"While emerging diseases like influenza A(H1N1), also known as swine flu, continue to dominate the headlines, experts say dengue is not only thriving in many endemic areas, it is also spreading to countries previously unaffected by the disease," New York Times writes.

3 Sep 2009

Increase in Rifampicin dosage shortens tuberculosis treatment duration

According to Dutch researcher Hanneke Later-Nijland, it may be possible to shorten the duration of treatment for tuberculosis. Due to the long duration of treatment, not every patient sees it through. Partly because of this, tuberculosis is one of the most lethal diseases in developing countries.

3 Sep 2009

Molecular pathology laboratories gear up for swift swine flu detection

Dr. Jan Nowak, President of the Association for Molecular Pathology presented public comments today at the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee meeting.

3 Sep 2009

Obama urges Americans to take precautions to protect themselves from H1N1

After a day of meetings with senior White House officials to discuss the U.S. preparations for H1N1 (swine) flu Tuesday, President Obama urged Americans to take the proper precautions to protect themselves from infection, the Associated Press/Boston Herald reports (9/1).

3 Sep 2009

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus causes more severe disease than human seasonal influenza viruses

Preliminary findings in ferrets suggest that the novel 2009 H1N1 influenza virus may outcompete human seasonal influenza viruses, researchers say. Tests in animals showed that levels of the 2009 H1N1 virus rose more quickly than levels of the seasonal virus strains, and the new virus caused more severe disease. In line with previous findings by other research groups, the University of Maryland researchers also observed that the novel H1N1 virus was transmitted more easily from infected to uninfected ferrets than either of the two seasonal influenza viruses.

2 Sep 2009

Linkwell concerned with misunderstanding of prevention and control measures of H1N1

Linkwell Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: LWLL), a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of healthcare-related disinfectants in China, put forward its worries about the trend of the misunderstanding concerning dealing with the spread of H1N1.

2 Sep 2009

Government, medical and community experts to discuss about prevention and detection of viral hepatitis

To address this public health challenge, government, medical and community experts will meet September 10-11 in Washington, D.C. to plan an improved national response to viral hepatitis. The conference "The Dawn of a New Era: Transforming our Domestic Response to Hepatitis B & C" will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and scientific poster sessions focused on enhancing the prevention and detection of viral hepatitis and improving care for people who are already living with the disease.

2 Sep 2009

NPMA warns homeowners of mosquito infestations during the fall months

As summer begins to fade, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners of the ongoing caution necessary when dealing with increased mosquito populations across the United States. Although the itchy welts of mosquitoes are associated with summer, these pests flourish well into the fall months and can transmit a multitude of diseases, notably West Nile virus (WNV).

2 Sep 2009

Pathogenic microbes can suppress immune system in newborns

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterial pathogen that causes sepsis and meningitis in newborn infants, is able to shut down immune cell function in order to promote its own survival, according to researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

2 Sep 2009

Alpha Pro Tech to triple N-95 respirator mask production

Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd. (NYSE Amex: APT), a leading manufacturer of products designed to protect people, products and environments, including disposable protective apparel and building products, today announced that it will be tripling the average output of N-95 respirator masks that it has been producing since May, which will help accommodate Alpha Pro Tech’s current backlog and increase availability for the upcoming flu season/swine flu season.

2 Sep 2009

Single-dose H1N1 vaccine wins approval in China

The Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech Ltd. on Monday announced its H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine won the approval of a panel of experts from China's State Food and Drug Administration, the Associated Press/Forbes reports. The company expects to obtain a production license later this week. According to the company, clinical trials of the H1N1 vaccine showed a single shot produced an immune response capable of protecting against H1N1 (8/31).

2 Sep 2009

Condoms reduce risk of herpes simplex virus 2

Condom use is associated with a reduced risk of contracting herpes simplex virus 2, according to a report based on pooled analysis of data from previous studies in the July 13 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

2 Sep 2009

TeleForum to discuss H1N1 precautions on campus

In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's expectation of increased cases of H1N1 flu as students return to school this fall, Colorado-based Broadnet is offering a unique package of its virtual town hall service, TeleForum, to colleges and universities in an effort to aid communication with parents, communities and students.

2 Sep 2009

Gates Foundation appoints new HIV program head

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently announced that Stefano Bertozzi will head up its HIV programs starting August 31, the Puget Sound Business Journal reports (8/27).

1 Sep 2009

Rite Aid pharmacies to offer regular seasonal flu shots throughout the flu season

Many Rite Aid pharmacists have already been giving regular seasonal flu shots following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advice that anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of getting the regular seasonal flu get a flu shot as soon as they are available.

31 Aug 2009

Fernando Pisani and 24 hockey players helped raise funds and awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

The spirit of giving back was as strong as ever this weekend at the first ever Score for Colitis & Crohn's event, which raised $20,000 for four gastrointestinal and digestive disease patient organizations from across the country. The Score for Colitis & Crohn's initiative, which took place at the West Edmonton Mall's Ice Palace on Saturday, August 29th, featured Fernando Pisani of the Edmonton Oilers and 24 aspiring young hockey enthusiasts who were all on hand to help raise funds and awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the latter of which Pisani was diagnosed with in 2007.

31 Aug 2009

FDA approves the usage of Valcyte for preventing CMV disease in pediatric patients

Roche announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Valcyte(R) (valganciclovir hydrochloride) for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in pediatric kidney and heart transplant patients (4 months to 16 years of age) at high risk of developing CMV disease.

31 Aug 2009

Researchers develop an index scale to help physicians predict a patient's risk of dying from COPD

Researchers have developed an index scale to help physicians predict a patient's risk of dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The ADO index can help physicians assess the severity of a patient's illness to determine the appropriate level of treatment. COPD, which comprises emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a major public health problem and it is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. The study of the ADO index is published in the August 29 edition of the Lancet.

29 Aug 2009

Antibiotic functioning as an off switch being developed for gene therapy of Parkinson's disease

A common antibiotic can function as an "off switch" for a gene therapy being developed for Parkinson's disease, according to University of Florida researchers writing online in advance of September's Molecular Therapy.

29 Aug 2009

Scientists study the impact of nerve growth factors for treating Parkinson's disease

Scientists in the Academy of Finland's Neuroscience Research Programme have reported promising new results with potential implications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. They have been studying the impacts of nerve growth factors in the treatment of PD, and their latest results show that a certain growth factor can be used to halt the progress of damage brought on by a nerve poison and possibly even restore the function of damaged cells.

28 Aug 2009

Disease/Infection News

New York Times examines efforts to stop spread of dengue in Asia

Increase in Rifampicin dosage shortens tuberculosis treatment duration

Molecular pathology laboratories gear up for swift swine flu detection

Obama urges Americans to take precautions to protect themselves from H1N1

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus causes more severe disease than human seasonal influenza viruses

Linkwell concerned with misunderstanding of prevention and control measures of H1N1

Government, medical and community experts to discuss about prevention and detection of viral hepatitis

NPMA warns homeowners of mosquito infestations during the fall months

Pathogenic microbes can suppress immune system in newborns

Alpha Pro Tech to triple N-95 respirator mask production

Single-dose H1N1 vaccine wins approval in China

Condoms reduce risk of herpes simplex virus 2

TeleForum to discuss H1N1 precautions on campus

Gates Foundation appoints new HIV program head

Rite Aid pharmacies to offer regular seasonal flu shots throughout the flu season

Fernando Pisani and 24 hockey players helped raise funds and awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

FDA approves the usage of Valcyte for preventing CMV disease in pediatric patients

Researchers develop an index scale to help physicians predict a patient's risk of dying from COPD

Antibiotic functioning as an off switch being developed for gene therapy of Parkinson's disease

Scientists study the impact of nerve growth factors for treating Parkinson's disease

Advancing benzodiazepine detection

The Surgeon-Scientist Pioneering Regenerative Engineering

Leveraging the Radian ASAP in standard casework

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