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First Edition: March 17, 2011

Today's headlines include reports about a new GAO report showing success in health insurer appeals and a decision by Blue Shield of California to retreat from proposed rate increases.

17 Mar 2011

'Fetus To Fifth Grade' book provides updated research on pregnancy and childcare

Recent scientific studies have brought into sharp focus the importance of, and exactly what type of, mother/child interaction leads to an optimal outcome for the child.

17 Mar 2011

China-Biotics supplies additional 3 new strain formulas to Bright Dairy

China-Biotics, Inc., the leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of probiotics products in China, today announced that the Company has expanded its categories of strain formula supplied to Bright Dairy.

17 Mar 2011

Crowell Systems' Medformix XXV v3 earns Ambulatory Software Certification

Crowell Systems, Inc.'s Medformix XXV v3 received the Federal Government's "meaningful use" stamp of approval on March 8, 2011 by earning Ambulatory Software Certification.

17 Mar 2011

lululemon's fourth quarter net revenue increases 53% to $245.4 million

lululemon athletica inc. today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 30, 2011.

17 Mar 2011

APS ACTION brings experts together to improve patient outcomes

Motivated by the lack of treatment options for patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, rheumatology researchers convened an international committee to address the problem directly.

17 Mar 2011

Research on electrophysiological assessment of hearing in patients with acoustic neuromas

Manuel Don, Ph.D., is a principal investigator in the Division of Communication and Auditory Neuroscience at the House Ear Institute. Dr. Don joined the House Ear Institute in 1976 after working as an assistant research auditory physiologist at the University of California, Irvine.

17 Mar 2011

Special report takes critical look at debates about pediatric problematic moods, behaviors

Decisions about whether and how to diagnose children with emotional and behavioral disturbances, and whether and how to treat them, are sometimes not clear-cut. When decisions lie within a "zone of ambiguity," people who emphasize different value commitments can reach different but equally respectable conclusions.

17 Mar 2011

Expert says celebrity addiction stories can serve as warning about drug abuse effects

Stories about celebrities with alleged drug problems make entertaining fodder for the media. But to addiction expert Dr. Gregory Jantz, founder of The Center for Counseling and Health Resources and author of several books on addiction, these well-publicized stories of celebrity drug abuse and addiction can serve as a serious warning.

17 Mar 2011

MedPAC recommends patients help pay home health care costs

The advisory panel also urged that payments for physicians and hospitals be increased and that the home health care payment formula be reworked. In related news, a Ways & Means subcommittee hearing on Medicare payment issues quickly turned into an exploration of a GOP proposal to replace the program's current structure with a voucher system.

17 Mar 2011

TF3 consortium receives ECCH contract to provide RNTI

The TF3 consortium has been chosen to provide a Remote Telemonitoring Service to Northern Ireland which will support over 8,000 patients during the course of the contract.

17 Mar 2011

STAA introduces phase two of its Visian ICL direct-to-consumer ad campaign

STAAR Surgical Company, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of minimally invasive ophthalmic products, today announced the launch of phase two of its direct-to-consumer advertising campaign.

17 Mar 2011

Kentucky Governor signs license bill to practice diabetes education

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed a bill yesterday that requires a license to practice diabetes education, a move that the American Association of Diabetes Educators says will enhance consumer protection and increase professional recognition.

17 Mar 2011

Health law battle lines prominent as 1st anniversary approaches

Some Democrats say their party should embrace the law in the upcoming campaign season, just as some tea party lawmakers are questioning the GOP leadership's commitment to repeal it. In the background, "death panels" have again emerged as a topic of congressional investigation.

17 Mar 2011

Major breakthrough in thrombosis

Scientists from the University of Reading have announced a major breakthrough in understanding how to control blood clotting which could lead to the development of new treatments and save the lives of thousands of people each year.

17 Mar 2011

Astellas to acquire all Maxygen's equity interests in Perseid for $76.0 million

Maxygen, Inc. today announced that Astellas Pharma Inc. has exercised its option to purchase all of Maxygen's equity interests in Perseid Therapeutics LLC at the current exercise price of $76.0 million.

17 Mar 2011

Abortion funding limits may be at odds with GOP interest in tax benefits

Bloomberg reports that House Republican efforts to limit abortion funding "are colliding" with the GOP aversion to limiting tax benefits. Meanwhile, NPR takes a look at state abortion legislation and what may be motivating those who support these proposals.

17 Mar 2011

Highmark forces patients with PIDD to switch over to specific IgG therapy

Beginning April 1, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will force their insured patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases and other rare disorders to switch their prescription to a single brand of immunoglobulin, regardless of their current IgG therapy.

17 Mar 2011

CBAI to operate its own business strategies

Cord Blood America, Inc., the umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company focused on bringing the life saving potential of stem cells to families nationwide and internationally, said today the focus of the Company on a go forward basis is to operate entirely off its own cash flow.

17 Mar 2011

Passage of short-term budget bill reveals deepening intra-GOP differences

The House measure, which is now expected to gain Senate approval, would keep the government running unti April 8 and does not include controversial policy "riders" to defund the health law and Planned Parenthood — elements that have become a sticking point within the Republican caucus.

17 Mar 2011