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Faulty PIP breast implant fears deepen

After the scare that some French breast implants may be faulty and may need removal at the government's expense the national health insurance agency will file a criminal complaint. The implants, made by now-defunct French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), were pulled from the market last year in countries around Europe and South America amid fears they could rupture and leak silicone into the body.

28 Dec 2011

Celiac disease may increase risk of disordered eating, depression in women

Women with celiac disease -- an autoimmune disorder associated with a negative reaction to eating gluten -- are more likely than the general population to report symptoms of depression and disordered eating, even when they adhere to a gluten-free diet, according to researchers at Penn State, Syracuse University and Drexel University.

28 Dec 2011

Allergan seeks to reassure surgeons, patients about safety of breast implants

Allergan, Inc. seeks to reassure patients and surgeons around the world utilizing Allergan's breast implant devices that its products are not part of the recent investigation into breast implant devices manufactured by French manufacturer, Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) by regulatory authorities in Europe.

26 Dec 2011

Oncologists present results from studies on relapse of breast cancer

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center breast oncologist Dr. Suleiman Massarweh and his research team presented findings from their studies on relapse of breast cancer at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium this month.

26 Dec 2011

Roundup: HIV staff to be cut in Ga.; Abortion news in N.J., Mo.; Wis. Medicaid coverage in limbo

A loss of $3.7 million in federal funds is forcing Georgia to reduce its workforce for HIV prevention. After an inquiry by Georgia Health News, the Department of Public Health this week acknowledged that 20 people in state health districts have been notified they will probably lose their jobs in January, and that an unspecified number of staffers at the department level have received the same notification.

23 Dec 2011

Top-line results from Noven's LDMP Phase 3 clinical study on menopausal VMS

Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., today announced top-line results from the first of two planned Phase 3 clinical studies evaluating low-dose mesylate salt of paroxetine (LDMP, formerly referred to as Mesafem) for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause.

23 Dec 2011

Ohio law prohibits abortion coverage by insurers in state exchanges; Pa. measure would step up abortion clinic regulation

Ohio Governor John Kasich on Wednesday signed a law that would prohibit abortion coverage from the state insurance exchange Ohio must create under the federal health care law. ... The law bans Ohio citizens from being able to purchase insurance through the exchange that includes abortion coverage, even if they pay for it with their own money, said Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, who criticized the bill.

23 Dec 2011

Consistent evidence that HRT use associated with breast cancer

McMaster University researchers have found consistent evidence that use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with breast cancer globally.

22 Dec 2011

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center joins The Robertson Foundation

As an enduring tribute to a valued Board member and woman of incomparable grace, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has joined with The Robertson Foundation to undertake two high-profile initiatives in honor of Josephine "Josie" Robertson: the Josie Robertson Surgery Center and the Josie Robertson Investigators Program.

22 Dec 2011

Effects of allopregnanolone in women with severe pre-menstrual syndrome

Sensitivity to allopregnanolone, a hormone that occurs naturally in the body after ovulation and during pregnancy, changes during the course of the menstrual cycle and is different in women with severe pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) compared with women without PMS complaints. This has been shown by Erika Timby in her doctoral dissertation recently defended at Umeå University, Sweden.

22 Dec 2011

HPV vaccine support by GAVI example of 'equity in health'

Noting that human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 70 percent of cervical cancer cases worldwide, Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and former GAVI Alliance Board chair, writes in this BMJ Group Blogs post that the GAVI Alliance's decision to support the introduction of HPV vaccine among women in developing countries "is an important example of how we must continue to strive for equity in health. And it will help ensure that the world's less-privileged women remain the strength behind their children, their families, and their communities."

22 Dec 2011

Study hopes to explain premature births and failed inductions of labour

New research hopes to explain premature births and failed inductions of labour. The study by academics at the University of Bristol suggests a new mechanism by which the level of myosin phosphorylation is regulated in the pregnant uterus.

22 Dec 2011

Government, humanitarian agencies respond to flooding in Philippines, warn of disease threat

"Philippine authorities are warning of the spread of diseases in cramped evacuation centers, days after flash floods hit the southern Philippines and claimed more than a thousand lives," ABC/Asia Pacific News reports, noting that flooding also has affected the country's northern provinces, displacing at least 50,000 people.

22 Dec 2011

Scott & White gynecologist receives Honorary Fellowship from RANZCOG

Bob L. Shull, M.D., gynecologist and director of fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive pelvic surgery at Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, Texas, has received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

22 Dec 2011

Researchers evaluate Clade C HIV envelope protein in Phase I trial

In the first clinical trial of an injectable vaccine containing trimeric HIV envelope protein (gp140) relevant to the predominant strain of HIV in Africa, researchers from four UK academic centers (St George's University London, Imperial College, Hull York Medical School (HYMS; University of York) and the Medical Research Council Clinical Trial Unit) and from the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) have come together to evaluate whether the vaccine is safe for use in human volunteers.

22 Dec 2011

Truths and myths about pregnancy, obesity

Ironically, despite excessive caloric intake, many obese women are deficient in vitamins vital to a healthy pregnancy. This and other startling statistics abound when obesity and pregnancy collide. Together, they present a unique set of challenges that women and their doctors must tackle in order to achieve the best possible outcome for mom and baby.

22 Dec 2011

Sunless tanners could reduce sunbathing time: Study

Sunless tanners like creams and sprays that fake a tan may reduce their sunbathing time and tanning bed use, according to a new study. “Using the sunless tanners can change tanning behaviors,” says researcher Suephy C. Chen, associate professor of dermatology at Emory University School of Medicine. “People who used the sunless tanners decreased the number of times they laid out or went to tanning booths.”

21 Dec 2011

Breastfeeding should continue until 12 months urge experts

According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare women who are breastfeeding are steadily becoming a smaller number. The report notes that only 40 per cent of mothers still exclusively breastfeed their babies at three months and 15 per cent of mothers are still breastfeeding at five months. This is despite health guidelines that recommend breastfeeding for the first six months.

21 Dec 2011

Fear of cancer spurs breast implant recall

There are concerns regarding breast implants and the association with cancer. UP to 30,000 French women and perhaps tens of thousands more around the world may need to have defective breast implants removed after several suspicious cancer cases. The final decision on recall of the implants, produced by the Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) company will be made by the end of the week, after a report from France's National Cancer Institute on December 23.

21 Dec 2011

IPS profiles maternal shelter in Kenya's North Eastern province

Inter Press Service profiles the Garissa Maternal Shelter in North Eastern Province, Kenya, "the only such facility in an area with the country's highest maternal mortality rate."

21 Dec 2011