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Well-known protein plays central role in development of acute pancreatitis

There is now a clear target for the treatment of acute pancreatitis, according to researchers at Lund University in Sweden, who have discovered that a well-known protein plays a central role in the development of the disease. It is likely that the protein is also highly significant for other inflammatory diseases.

31 Aug 2012

Mauritian official warns of counterfeit medicine dangers

Speaking Wednesday at a seminar titled "Campaign Against Counterfeit Medicines," Mauritian Health and Quality of Life Minister Lormus Bundhoo "cautioned against the dangers posed by counterfeit drugs and their impact on human life" and "said that the authorities are determined to raise awareness on the dangers of the manufacture of and trade in counterfeit medicines, and the importance of combating counterfeit medicines in Mauritius," PANA/Afriquejet reports.

31 Aug 2012

VLST, Pfizer enter in-licensing agreement for anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody

VLST Corporation, a Seattle-based biotechnology company focused on the development of therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, today announced an in-licensing agreement with Pfizer Inc. for an anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody.

31 Aug 2012

First Edition: August 31, 2012

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations examine Mitt Romney's speech last night and the messages on health care at the Republican convention.

31 Aug 2012

Doubt cast on LABA withdrawal in combination asthma therapy

Researchers have urged doctors to be cautious over withdrawal of long-acting beta-2 agonist therapy in patients with asthma controlled by this type of bronchodilator in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid, after finding the approach often results in destabilization of their condition.

31 Aug 2012

Mammographic density 'unrelated to breast cancer death risk'

Although high-density breast cancer high breast density on mammography is an established risk factor for developing breast cancer, it is not associated with an increased risk for death, say US investigators who suggest different factors may affect risk at different times.

31 Aug 2012

Promising results with SLIT for childhood grass pollen allergy

High-dose sublingual immunotherapy effectively reduces allergic symptoms and medication use in children with grass pollen–allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, show study results.

31 Aug 2012

Global tobacco use remains high

Results from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey suggest that almost 50% of men worldwide consume tobacco in one form or another.

31 Aug 2012

French data highlight women under 60 at risk for heart disease

An analysis of four French registries has shown a dramatic drop in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction mortality from 1995 to 2010, accompanied by a significant change in patient characteristics.

31 Aug 2012

TNF inhibitors best cardiac option for psoriasis patients

Use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors is associated with a significantly reduced risk for myocardial infarction in psoriasis patients compared with use of other medications, report researchers.

31 Aug 2012

Smoking rates increased in relatives of schizophrenia patients

The unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia are more likely to be smokers than individuals without a family history of the disorder, researchers report.

31 Aug 2012

Subsyndromal symptoms hasten relapse in BD

The presence of subsyndromal affective symptoms is associated with a significantly shorter time to relapse among euthymic patients with bipolar disorder, Spanish research shows.

31 Aug 2012

Excessive daytime sleepiness during pregnancy should raise the alarm

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common occurrence in pregnant women, particularly during the third trimester, but researchers warn that it might not always be physiologically normal.

31 Aug 2012

Useful vision maintained long term after lens-sparing vitrectomy for ROP

Infants treated with lens-sparing vitrectomy for retinopathy of prematurity maintain a level of visual acuity necessary for useful vision into their eighth year of life, study results show.

31 Aug 2012

Quitting could cut SAH risk for some smokers

Stopping smoking may help to attenuate people’s risk for subarachnoid hemorrhage, say researchers.

31 Aug 2012

LCZ696 could be of PARAMOUNT importance in heart failure

The first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor LCZ696 could improve treatment of heart failure, report researchers who conducted a phase II trial of the drug and found it had superior results to an alternative therapy already in use.

31 Aug 2012

Tunes and T-shirts for cardiac rehabilitation

Two studies presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich, Germany, showed how researchers are developing innovative approaches to help patients get the most out of cardiac rehabilitation.

31 Aug 2012

Sleep apnea’s contribution to diabetic nephropathy needs attention

The effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on the development of diabetic nephropathy requires investigation, say researchers.

31 Aug 2012

Medicare issue reverberates during convention

As both parties press their views about revamping the program, a National Journal poll says both sides think they can win on the issue. Meanwhile, the New York Times reports that even as the Romney-Ryan ticket seems to be holding its own against Democratic attacks on the issue, some Republicans down the ballot are concerned.

31 Aug 2012

Prenatal exposures to polyfluoroalkyl compounds may lead to obesity in babies

Pregnant women who are highly exposed to common environmental chemicals - polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) - have babies that are smaller at birth and larger at 20 months of age, according to a study from Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health published online in the August 30 edition of Environmental Health Perspectives.

31 Aug 2012