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Threshold for when to choose surgery over medical therapy for recurrent acute rhinosinusitis

A study in the May 2012 issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery suggests a threshold for when to choose surgery over medical therapy for recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) based on the patients' lost productivity in response to RARS and each treatment strategy.

11 May 2012

Algeria, UNAIDS to build first HIV/AIDS research center in MENA region

"Algeria will partner with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to build the first HIV/AIDS research center in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)," Nature Middle East reports.

11 May 2012

Less invasive procedure for heart disease

Doctors at Regions Hospital have begun performing a less invasive procedure for heart disease. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was approved last November by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for elderly patients who are too frail or too old for open heart surgery. The device is not approved for patients who are eligible for open heart surgery.

11 May 2012

Detailing presidential politics, policies and fundraising

In this pair of stories, The Associated Press offers "clarity" on some of the issues in play in the presidential campaign as well as a report from the campaign trail.

11 May 2012

Mylan introduces Atorvastatin Calcium in France, Belgium, UK, Ireland and the Netherlands

Mylan Inc. today announced that it has launched Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg in France, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and Ireland.

11 May 2012

Positive results from Cytochroma CTAP101 Phase 2b clinical trial for CKD

Cytochroma today announced positive clinical trial results for its lead product, CTAP101 Capsules. In a recently completed Phase 2b trial, CTAP101 Capsules effectively and safely lowered elevated plasma intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in patients with Stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and vitamin D insufficiency.

11 May 2012

N.J. Gov. vetoes bill creating health insurance exchange

Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican who is often rumored as a possible running mate for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, said the state should wait to see how the Supreme Court rules on the federal health law.

11 May 2012

Decrease in preterm births leads to decrease in US infant mortality rate

More than 1,000 fewer babies died before celebrating their first birthday between 2007 and 2008, and many of them had the benefit of a full-term pregnancy, according to data released today by the National Center for Health Statistics.

11 May 2012

IASIS Healthcare second quarter net revenue up 3.8% to $647.6M

IASIS Healthcare LLC today announced financial and operating results for the fiscal second quarter and six months ended March 31, 2012. In the first quarter of 2012, IASIS adopted accounting guidance that results in the classification of the provision for bad debts as a revenue deduction rather than an operating expense, and such guidance has been applied to the financial statements of both the current and prior year periods.

11 May 2012

Study supports catheter ablation as first-line treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Patients with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation (AFib) who received first-line catheter ablation treatment had a longer arrhythmia-free interval than patients receiving antiarrhythmic drugs, the standard first-line treatment.

11 May 2012

Research roundup: Health providers' growing clout; The surprising bargain in Part D costs

The Growing Power Of Some Providers To Win Steep Payment Increases From Insurers Suggests Policy Remedies May Be Needed -- Concerns have grown that the consolidation of hospitals and physician groups has increased their ability to raise prices, which increases costs for insurers and patients.

11 May 2012

Osiris Therapeutics first quarter total revenues decrease to $4.6M

Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., the leading stem cell company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat medical conditions in inflammatory, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and wound healing markets, announced today its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

11 May 2012

CTI receives EU conditional marketing authorization for Pixuvri to treat non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas

CellTherapeutics today announced that it has received conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission for Pixuvri (pixantrone) as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with multiply relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. Pixuvri is the first approved treatment in the European Union in this patient setting.

11 May 2012

GOP lawmakers doubt co-op loan program's ability to promote competition, lower health costs

They outlined their concerns in a letter sent this week to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Meanwhile, Marilyn Tavenner, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acting administrator, provided details about the innovation center's staffing and funding to Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

11 May 2012

New discovery platform for antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies

Cell Signaling Technology, Inc. of Danvers, MA is pleased to announce the development of a new discovery platform for antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies.

From Cell Signaling Technology 11 May 2012

HIV prevention drug receives FDA panel's backing

The drug has already been approved as a treatment for HIV/AIDS. The FDA is expected to decide about approval by June 15.

11 May 2012

Hooper Holmes first quarter consolidated revenues decline 4% to $38.8M

Hooper Holmes today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

11 May 2012

Political cartoon: 'Fancy Footwear?'

Kaiser Health News provides a fresh take on health policy developments with "Fancy Footwear?" by Steve Kelley.

11 May 2012

BIOTRONIK launches new Reocor external pacemaker

BIOTRONIK, Inc., announced today the U.S. launch of its new Reocor external pacemaker. The device is available in two models, for dual- and single-chamber pacing therapy, and offers individualized patient therapy, easy handling and flexibility in every detail. Reocor enriches BIOTRONIK's portfolio of high quality cardiovascular devices and sets a new standard of quality for external pacing therapy.

11 May 2012

Accretive readies response after query about latest business practices from Sen. Franken

Health care consultant group Accretive plans to answer questions from the Minnesota senator and respond to the state's attorney general in a report to be released today.

11 May 2012