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First evidence of H5N1 transmission between domestic farms and wild birds

Wild migratory birds may indeed play a role in the spread of bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1.

25 Mar 2011

New studies demonstrate advantages of Masimo noninvasive and continuous measurements in ICUs

Masimo announced today that three new studies presented at the International Symposium of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (ISICEM) Annual Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, demonstrate the accuracy, reliability, and clinical impact of Masimo noninvasive and continuous measurements—noninvasive hemoglobin (SpHb®), Pleth Variability Index (PVI®), and Perfusion Index (PI)—in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients.

25 Mar 2011

Study explains how genetic mutations lead to development of Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a way that mutations in a gene called LRRK2 may cause the most common inherited form of Parkinson's disease. The study, published online this month in the journal Public Library of Science, shows that upon specific modification called phosphorylation, LRRK2 protein binds to a family of proteins called 14-3-3, which has a regulatory function inside cells.

25 Mar 2011

U.N. Secretary-General Ban receives preliminary support for second term

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "has received preliminary pledges of support for a second five-year term … from the United States and other key members of the Security Council, U.N. diplomats said," Reuters reports in an article that examines Ban's first term at the U.N., set to end on Dec. 31. Although Ban has yet to officially announce his candidacy for re-election, diplomats say Ban has expressed interest in doing so.

25 Mar 2011

Kenya requests emergency order of 45M condoms from PEPFAR

A condom shortage in Kenya caused by high demand and procurement bottlenecks has forced the country to request an emergency order of 45 million condoms from PEPFAR, Kenyan health officials said Wednesday, Agence France-Presse reports. According to the news service, a January order of 19 million condoms was exhausted in about six weeks (3/23).

25 Mar 2011

Study finds malaria as a serious problem for patients with landmine injuries

Malaria can complicate the course of disease in poor farmers with landmine injuries in underdeveloped countries, where both malaria and war injuries are frequent causes of illness and death. Tove Heger's doctoral research has charted the extent and effect of malaria on war-injured people and studied the potential for preventing them contracting the disease.

25 Mar 2011

Teleflex to distribute Perouse line of POLYSITE intravenous implantable infusion ports

Teleflex Incorporated, a global provider of medical technology products, announced a global distribution agreement with Perouse Medical under which Teleflex will distribute the Perouse line of POLYSITE® intravenous implantable infusion ports.

25 Mar 2011

Swallowed button battery can generate electrical current and cause serious tissue damage

To mark National Poison Prevention week, Trauma specialists at The Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH) of the McGill University Health Centre are urging parents to seek immediate medical attention if their child has swallowed a button battery. Parents should not assume the tiny battery will harmlessly pass through their child's system.

25 Mar 2011

Tengion 2010 adjusted net loss decreases to $25.8 million

Tengion, Inc. today provided a business update and reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2010.

25 Mar 2011

US District Court rules against Watson in generic Fentora patent suit

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., today confirmed that the United States District Court for the District of Delaware has ruled that Watson's generic version of Fentora® (fentanyl buccal tablets C-II) infringes United States Patent No. 6,264,981 (the '981 Patent). The Company said that it was reviewing the court's decision and would evaluate all available options, including an appeal.

25 Mar 2011

Emory plays key role in bringing advanced proton cancer therapy to Georgia

Emory Healthcare is a key player in plans to bring the world's most advanced radiation treatment for cancer patients to Georgia. In furtherance of that role, Emory Healthcare has signed a letter of intent with Advanced Particle Therapy, LLC, of Minden, Nevada, opening the door to a final exploratory phase for development of The Georgia Proton Treatment Center - Georgia's first proton therapy facility.

25 Mar 2011

Moving quickly across slippery surfaces reduces chances of falling

Biomechanics researchers Timothy Higham of Clemson University and Andrew Clark of the College of Charleston conclude that moving quickly in a forward, firm-footed stance across a slippery surface is less likely to lead to a fall than if you move slowly. Approaching a slippery surface slowly hinders the necessary task of shifting the center of mass forward once foot contact is made.

25 Mar 2011

Countries ban imports of Japanese food as radiation leak continues

Countries worldwide on Thursday banned or limited food imports from Japan, as radioactive steam continued to leak from the Fukushima nuclear plant damaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Agence France-Presse reports.

25 Mar 2011

New Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has established a Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, led by Dr. Heakyung Kim. In this role, Dr. Kim will provide specialized care for children with neuromuscular disorders and other special needs at the Hospital's two major centers for pediatric care: Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and the Komansky Center for Children's Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

25 Mar 2011

Covaris launches Bench-top SF220 Formulation Processing System

Covaris Incorporated today announced the introduction of the Bench-top SF220 High Performance Formulation Processing System.

25 Mar 2011

POET-COPD study looks at controlling 'lung attacks' which can lead to increased ER visits

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause for hospital stays and emergency room visits across Canada and researchers say minimizing exacerbations or flare-ups of the disease can go a long way to reducing hospitalizations.

25 Mar 2011

Polls showcase national divisions, opinions about health law

A year has passed and polls still highlight the steadiness in the public rift on the health law.

25 Mar 2011

AssureRx closes $11 million Series B financing

AssureRx Health, Inc. today announced the closing of an $11 million Series B financing. The personalized medicine company, which provides clinically-relevant information to help physicians select the right drug and the right dose for individual neuropsychiatric patients, will use the funds to expand direct sales and marketing for its first product, GeneSightRx®, and for second generation product development activities.

25 Mar 2011

Merck to return rights for betrixaban to Portola

Portola Pharmaceuticals and Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced that Merck plans to return to Portola all rights for betrixaban, an investigational oral Factor Xa inhibitor anticoagulant being evaluated for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (SPAF). This decision was made following a review of Merck's investigational portfolio.

25 Mar 2011

IOM offers standards to develop clinical practice guidelines

Modern Healthcare reports that the Institute of Medicine has issued eight recommended standards to develop clinical practice guidelines. Meanwhile, it also reports on the findings of a national survey regarding medical mistakes.

25 Mar 2011