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Mechanical force switches T cell from disease-scanning to disease-fighting mode

The immune system's T cells have the unique responsibilities of being both jury and executioner. They examine other cells for signs of disease, including cancers or infections, and, if such evidence is found, rid them from the body. Precisely how T cells shift so swiftly from one role to another, however, has been a mystery.

3 Nov 2009

U.S. PTO grants third patent for Kane Biotech's Competence Stimulating Peptide technology

Kane Biotech Inc., a biotechnology company engaged in the development of products that prevent and disperse microbial biofilms, is pleased to announce the issuance of Patent No. 7,597,895 entitled "Signal peptides, nucleic acid molecules and methods for treatment of caries" by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This is the third patent to issue protecting Kane Biotech's CSP (Competence Stimulating Peptide) technology.

3 Nov 2009

$New drug may help bone fractures heal more quickly after radiation exposure$

New drug may help bone fractures heal more quickly after radiation exposure

A drug currently under development by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine may help bone fractures heal more quickly after radiation exposure, according to a study by Pitt researchers. The study's results will be presented at 1 p.m. today during the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting in Chicago.

3 Nov 2009

NuPathe and SurModics sign a drug delivery technology license agreement

SurModics, Inc., a leading provider of drug delivery and surface modification technologies to the healthcare industry, and NuPathe Inc., a neuroscience-focused specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that the companies have entered into a license agreement for drug delivery technology.

3 Nov 2009

Hormone deficiency may be the cause for chronic diarrhoea

A common type of chronic diarrhoea may be caused by a hormone deficiency, according to new research published in the November issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

3 Nov 2009

IMC-RT does not benefit breast cancer patients

After mastectomy, breast cancer patients who receive radiation treatment to the lymph nodes located behind the breast bone do not live longer than those who do not receive radiation to this hard-to-treat area, according to a randomized 10-year study presented at the plenary session, November 2, 2009, at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

3 Nov 2009

NUVIGIL improves wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with shift work disorder

Cephalon, Inc. today announced that the November issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings has published data from a pivotal Phase III trial demonstrating that NUVIGIL® (armodafinil) Tablets [C-IV] significantly improved wakefulness throughout the shift in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with shift work disorder (SWD).

3 Nov 2009

High prevalence of nocturnal teeth grinding in patients with OSA

There is a high prevalence of nocturnal teeth grinding, or bruxism, in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly in Caucasians. New research presented at CHEST 2009, the 75th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), found that nearly 1 in 4 patients with OSA suffers from nighttime teeth grinding; this seems to be especially more prevalent in men and in Caucasians compared with other ethnic groups.

3 Nov 2009

FDA updates Byetta prescribing information following reports of kidney problems

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today acted on new safety information about possible kidney function problems, including kidney failure, in patients taking Byetta (exenatide), a drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes.

3 Nov 2009

ASTRO commends CMS for limiting payment reductions proposed for radiation oncology

ASTRO, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, today praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for limiting the payment reductions initially proposed for radiation oncology and spreading the remaining cuts over four years.

3 Nov 2009

Seasonal Vitamin D supplement launched by USANA Health Sciences

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. today launched its seasonal Vitamin D supplement. The supplement will be available every year from November to March, the months when many people do not get enough vitamin D.

3 Nov 2009

AST develops two new holiday season tip sheets for families of children with autism

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), an agency providing behavior therapy and other autism services throughout Southern California, has developed two new holiday season tip sheets especially for families of children with autism: Stress-Free Holidays and Top Toy Recommendations.

3 Nov 2009

Public option might be only a minor player in changing health care

Kaiser Health News staff writers Eric Pianin, Mary Agnes Carey and Julie Appleby combine efforts to provide this analysis of the reach of the public option in terms of its potential impact on the health care system.

3 Nov 2009

Mortal combination of health problems that can double the risk of heart attack identified

Researchers at the University of Warwick have identified a particular combination of health problems that can double the risk of heart attack and cause a three-fold increase in the risk of mortality.

3 Nov 2009

Pregnant women tolerate the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine, mount strong immune response

Healthy pregnant women mount a robust immune response following just one dose of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, according to initial results from an ongoing clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health.

3 Nov 2009

With state budgets tight, services are cut; Kansas looks to avoid mandates

California cut program budgets aimed at providing care for the poor while in Wyoming, the programs themselves are forced to close their doors because of a funding shortfall. In Kansas, lawmakers are examining — ahead of final consideration of health care reform in Congress — how they can shield themselves from health care mandates to carry insurance.

3 Nov 2009

NHLBI survey results reveal COPD awareness continues to grow in the United States

Awareness of COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-continues to grow in the United States, according to national survey results released today by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.

3 Nov 2009

The Advisory Board Company announces fiscal 2010 second-quarter results

The Advisory Board Company today announced financial results for the second quarter of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. Revenue for the quarter increased 1.2% to $58.3 million, from $57.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Contract value grew 3.0% to $237.6 million as of September 30, 2009, up from $230.6 million as of September 30, 2008.

3 Nov 2009

Brain disorder that causes early dementia is highly hereditary: Study

New research shows that a rare brain disorder that causes early dementia is highly hereditary. The study is published in the November 3, 2009, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

3 Nov 2009

Cipher Pharmaceuticals to defend alleged patent infringement of CIP-TRAMADOL ER

Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. today announced that Purdue Pharma Products L.P. and Napp Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. have filed a complaint against Cipher in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, for alleged infringement of two U.S. patents. The action relates to Cipher's New Drug Application ("NDA") filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for CIP TRAMADOL ER, the Company's extended-release tramadol product.

3 Nov 2009