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Novel Cornelia de Lange syndrome gene discovered

Scientists have discovered that mutations in the histone deacetylase 8 gene can cause the rare genetic disorder known as Cornelia de Lange syndrome, which is characterized by intellectual disability, limb deformity, and other disabilities resulting from problems in early development.

13 Aug 2012

High-cost imaging increasingly used for stage IV cancer patients

High-cost diagnostic imaging was increasingly used for elderly patients with stage IV cancer of the breast, lung, and prostate, and colorectal cancer in the USA, research demonstrates.

13 Aug 2012

Low platelet count not associated with patent ductus arteriosus

Thrombocytopenia in the first 24 hours after birth is not linked to patent ductus arteriosus in low birthweight infants, research shows.

13 Aug 2012

Women with chronic PVT should be informed, not discouraged, about pregnancy

Maternal and fetal outcomes are favorable for most pregnancies that reach 20 weeks’ in women with chronic portal vein thrombosis, a study shows.

13 Aug 2012

Tofacitinib efficacy suggested for rheumatoid arthritis

The novel oral Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib significantly reduces signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, report two phase III trials published in TheNew England Journal of Medicine.

13 Aug 2012

Smoking is bad for your sperm

In men with varicocele, smoking alters semen quality and sperm function as well as inducing seminal oxidative stress, report researchers.

13 Aug 2012

Streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis recurrence linked to vitamin D deficiency

There is a significant association between recurrent group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis and vitamin D deficiency, say Israeli researchers who call for research into whether supplementation could prevent the condition.

13 Aug 2012

Mercury exposure hypertension concerns ‘unfounded’

Mercury exposure is not associated with an increased risk for hypertension, US research shows.

13 Aug 2012

Reduce nurses’ burden, reduce in-hospital infections

The rate of “burnout” felt by nurses could be directly related to the rate of hospital-acquired infections via staffing rates, indicate US study results.

13 Aug 2012

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass ‘acceptable long term’

Obese patients who undergo laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass retain a fair quality of life 9 years later, research suggests.

13 Aug 2012

‘Low’ toxicity for phase I cancer trials

Advanced cancer patients participating in phase I clinical trials at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center experienced a low rate of toxicity, researchers say.

13 Aug 2012

FDA approves Intelliject's Auvi-Q for anaphylaxis

Intelliject, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Auvi-Q (epinephrine injection, USP) for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions in people who are at risk or have a history of anaphylaxis. This is the first-and-only compact auto-injector with audio and visual cues that guide patients and caregivers step-by-step through the injection process.

13 Aug 2012

State roundup: Fla. groups ask Gov. for essential benefits hearings

In a reversal of a law passed 4 years ago, physicians in Massachusetts will now be allowed to accept "modest" meals and refreshments provided by pharmaceutical or medical device companies.

13 Aug 2012

Ingredient for butter flavor in microwave popcorn is a respiratory hazard

The ingredient 2,3-pentanedione (PD), used to impart the flavor and aroma of butter in microwave popcorn, is a respiratory hazard that can also alter gene expression in the brain of rats. Manufacturers started using PD when another butter flavoring, diacetyl, was found to cause bronchiolitis obliterans, a life-threatening and nonreversible lung disease in workers who inhaled the substance.

13 Aug 2012

Carnegie Mellon University awarded CURE grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Health

Pennsylvania Department of Health Executive Deputy Secretary Michael Wolf today presented a Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement Program, or CURE, grant to Carnegie Mellon University. The $983,783 grant will be used for a two-year research project focused on cancer treatment technologies.

13 Aug 2012

Global alliance aims to protect those at risk from toxic pollutants

"A global alliance to protect the world's people from toxic lead, chromium, mercury, pesticides and other pollution has been formed by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, U.N. agencies, donor countries, foundations and non-government experts in July," freelance journalist Ben Barber reports in this post in Huffington Post's "Green" blog.

13 Aug 2012

CBIS initiates CS-TATI-1 GMP development plan

Cannabis Science (CBIS), a pioneering U.S. Biotech Company developing pharmaceutical to meet global public health challenges is pleased to announce the initiation of GMP development plan for CS-TATI-1 with the initial production of CS-TATI-1 to be performed in Colorado under C-GMP conditions evaluated by the FDA for initial human studies to treat HIV associated Kaposi Sarcoma.

13 Aug 2012

Quintiles acquires premier provider of genomics testing and analysis

To help biopharmaceutical companies dramatically improve drug development productivity and deliver greater value, Quintiles today announced the acquisition of Expression Analysis, Inc. (EA), a premier provider of genomics testing and analysis to biopharma, academic, government and non-profit customers.

13 Aug 2012

Researchers identify new gene in Cornelia deLange syndrome

Genetics researchers have identified a key gene that, when mutated, causes the rare multisystem disorder Cornelia deLange syndrome (CdLS). By revealing how mutations in the HDAC8 gene disrupt the biology of proteins that control both gene expression and cell division, the research sheds light on this disease, which causes intellectual disability, limb deformations and other disabilities resulting from impairments in early development.

13 Aug 2012

Blogs address hunger summit held in London on Sunday

The following blog posts address a hunger summit hosted by U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron at the conclusion of the Olympic Games in London on Sunday.

13 Aug 2012